JuJu Watkins is making headlines both on and off the court. The USC Trojans sophomore guard, already dominating college basketball, now has a larger-than-life tribute in downtown Los Angeles. As she continues to stack up achievements, a mural celebrating her impact is being painted near LA Live.
JuJu Watkins Mural Unveiled in Los Angeles
JuJu Watkins has been named Big Ten Women’s Basketball Player of the Week five times this season already. She’s also played a key role in USC’s recent victories.
One of her most recent standout performances came in a 71-58 win over No. 1 UCLA, a game that further solidified her reputation as one of the best players in college basketball. Following that game, a social media post highlighted another milestone for the rising star.
— USC Women’s Basketball (@USCWBB) February 17, 2025
An X page shared a video of her mural with a caption reading, “There’s currently a JuJu Watkins mural being built in Downtown Los Angeles near LA Live @USCWBB.” The Trojans’ women’s basketball account quoted the post with a “✌️” emoji, symbolizing the team’s “Fight On” motto.
Watkins’ fame has skyrocketed this season. She has been featured on Nike billboards across Los Angeles and has appeared in national TV commercials, including a State Farm ad.
With superstars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese now in the WNBA, Watkins has taken center stage as the most talked-about name in college basketball. Her resume is already impressive, boasting honors such as Gatorade National Player of the Year, McDonald’s All-American Game MVP, and WBCA Freshman of the Year.
When Watkins, a native of Watts in South Los Angeles, committed to USC in 2022, it marked a turning point for the program. The Trojans had not been a major recruiting destination since their back-to-back national championships in the 1980s.
Before Watkins arrived, the team hadn’t made the Sweet Sixteen since 1994. However, her decision to join USC changed everything.
Watkins’ Record-Breaking Season
Watkins wasted no time making an impact in her freshman year. She averaged 27.1 points per game, ranking second nationally behind Iowa Hawkeye Clark. Her dominance led USC to a Pac-12 tournament title and its first Elite Eight appearance in 30 years.
Overnight, the Trojans had regained their status as a powerhouse program.
One of her most impressive performances came in USC’s victory over the cross-town rival Bruins of UCLA. She became the first basketball player at the Division I, WNBA, or NBA level since 2000 to record 38 points, 11 rebounds, eight blocks, and five assists in a single game.
Throughout this game and a win over Washington, Watkins averaged 27.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 4.0 blocks while shooting 60% from three-point range, 42.5% overall, and 80% from the free-throw line. She continues to be USC’s most reliable scorer, hitting double figures in all 25 games this season.
During the UCLA game, Watkins reached her 1,500th career point, moving to No. 13 on USC’s all-time scoring list with 1,524 points. That night, she also notched her 19th career 30-point game and recorded her sixth double-double of the season.
Her career-high eight blocks against UCLA were the third-most in a game by a Trojan, and her six three-pointers tied for the third-most in a single game by a USC player.
TAKE A DEEPER DIVE: JUJU’S PERFORMANCE AGAINST UCLA
USC’s 71-58 victory over No. 1 UCLA was historic. It marked the Trojans’ first win against an AP top-ranked team since 1983 and only the second in program history. With a 23-2 record, USC has now recorded back-to-back 23-win regular seasons for the first time since 1983-84.
With the regular season winding down, Watkins and the Trojans are preparing for two more big matchups at home. The No. 4-ranked USC squad will host No. 22 Michigan State on Feb. 19 and will celebrate Senior Day on Feb. 23 against No. 25 Illinois.
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