Juju Watkins, a 19-year-old basketball player, is the woman of the day in the world of women’s basketball. On April 9, 2025, USC Women’s Basketball announced that Juju Watkins had been named a finalist for the prestigious Honda Basketball Award.
It is a well-deserved recognition for this rising star who has established herself as a world-class player in the sport. A big plus to her 2024-25 season is her nomination as a finalist for the award.
Juju Watkins – The USC Sensation Becomes Finalist For Honada Award
Hard work and ambition thus pay off; Juju is a living example of that. Juju didn’t just fly into the nomination as the nation’s top women’s college basketball player. Her undeniable impact on the court is second to none. Over the years, she has displayed relentless ambition.
Up for another prestigious honor.
JuJu Watkins has been named a Honda Basketball Award finalist! ✌️ pic.twitter.com/aarn1kpbqt
— USC Women’s Basketball (@USCWBB) April 8, 2025
In 2023, she was the No. 1-ranked recruit in the 2023 high school class. This season, with sensational players like Kiki Rice on her team, Juju Watkins had to adapt to less ball-dominant role. Coach Dawn Stanley described her as a tenacious player with a great basketball IQ.
She is named the Associated Press Player of the Year this week, the Ann Meyers Drysdale National Player of the Year by the USBWA, and the National Player of the Year by The Athletic and Sporting News. She is one of four finalists for the Wade Trophy and a finalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year.
The Collegiate Women’s Sports Awards (CWSA) annually present the Honda Basketball Award to recognize the best player in the NCAA Division in women’s basketball. Past winners of this award include A’ja Willson and Breanna Stewart.
This year, those who make the finalist list include Madison Booker, Paige Bueckers, and Hannah Hildalgo. Watkins’ making the list reflects her status as one of the brightest stars in the game at present.
Although Watkins’ 2024-25 season was cut short due to injury, she does have her finalist status to celebrate. Many fans are concerned about her recovery. When will she be back on the court?
KEEP READING: USC Superstar JuJu Watkins Shares Heartfelt Message After Trojans Fall to Paige Bueckers
As Juju writes her story, this is an inspiring legacy for the new generation. She is on the finalist list, which is a win for her. The award will be an incredible achievement to cherish if she wins. If she does not win, it will be something she can build on.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
