JuJu Watkins and Hannah Hidalgo are two stars of the modern game. The elite scorers have immense talent and the ability to change any basketball game single-handedly. The guards have already proven their worth in their careers. Watkins and Hidalgo have a similar playing style, influence on the game, ability to drive with the ball, scoring from mid-range and layups, as well as defensive involvement.
Both belong to the same class. However, Watkins was sidelined for the entirety of this season due to an ACL injury. Hidalgo obviously played this season, and in fact dominated. She ended up being the second-highest scorer in the country behind Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes. She then led Notre Dame to a victory over Vanderbilt in the round of 16 with an impressive triple-double.
JuJu Watkins, in her two seasons so far, has been one of the best players. She won the John R Wooden Award as the top player in the nation over Paige Bueckers, Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy, the AP Women’s College Basketball Player of the Year, the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award, the Dawn Staley Award for being the best guard in the nation, and the ESPYs, all in 2025. Hidalgo is a two-time ACC Player of the Year and a 4x ACC Defensive Player of the Year.
Comparing the career stats, there is not a lot to separate them. JuJu Watkins, in her two years, has averaged 25.5 points, 7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.2 steals per game with 41.2 FG%. Hannah Hidalgo, on the other hand, has played three seasons now. She has averaged 23.9 points, 6 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 4.7 steals per game with 46.3 FG%.
It is difficult to choose one over the other. However, they do have some traits that might make one better than the other. Watkins is 6’2, and at the guard position, her movement, quickness, and agility are unmatched. She is almost effortless in all her actions, and she is a scoring machine.
Hidalgo, a scoring machine herself, makes up for her intensity what she misses in her height. Her 5’6 height might become a factor come the WNBA Draft when teams see the other options. However, she has often used that to her advantage. She is relentless in defense and extremely creative in dribbling. Her intensity never drops, and she has elite stamina.
Fans Take Their Pick Between JuJu Watkins and Hannah Hidalgo
Both these players will be a value addition to any team they go to. The question is what the team prefers and wants to build around. For a team that needs an elite scorer with flair, height, range of shots, and ability to change games effortlessly, JuJu Watkins is the right choice. But for a team that values defense, energy, and persistence from a player who can score at will, Hannah Hidalgo is the right choice.
Fans online were truly on the fence and divided between the two superstars.
“JuJu because of her size. She is so good, it looks like she is not even trying. But you can’t teach heart which Hidalgo has. So, she is gonna have that chip on her shoulder to prove everyone wrong,” one fan explained.
“Hidalgo complete player played both sides of the ball it’s not even close,” one fan claimed.
“I think HH is going to surprise a lot of people once she gets to the W. Ppl saying “A 5’6 player can’t be drafted #1″. She’s only 2 inches shorter than Kelsey Plum who was drafted #1 & dominates. This girl thrives off of challenges. Her drive won’t allow her to fail individually,” another stated.
“JuJu and it’s not close. What are we doing here?” one fan commented.
“I’ve been saying Hannah Hidalgo is better than Juju Watkins ever since she competed against her when Olivia Miles is on the team. I think it took her to go all the way to the Elite 8 with inferior teammates against a UConn super team for folks to figure that out,” one fan said.
“JuJu is a ball-handling guard and is the same height as Angel Reese lol, she will be the best ever,” one fan claimed.
Read more:
Hannah Hidalgo Warns Geno Auriemma After UConn HC Inquires About WNBA Eligibility
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