JuJu Watkins, USC star, won the 2025 Wooden Award for the most outstanding player in women's basketball, joining an elite group as just the third underclassman recipient. Prior to her season-ending ACL injury, Watkins finished fourth in national scoring, leading her team to a 31-4 record and their first regular-season championship in over 30 years. Despite the injury, her impactful season earned her accolades such as Associated Press Player of the Year and recognition from the Naismith foundation. USC looks forward to her recovery as a pivotal moment in the program's future.
Before Watkins' season-ending ACL tear in the second round of the NCAA tournament, she had dominated women's basketball this year.
Watkins won the award over fellow finalists Paige Bueckers of UConn, Lauren Betts of UCLA, Hannah Hidalgo of Notre Dame and Madison Booker of Texas.
USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb told ESPN that she doesn't know Watkins' recovery timeline -- if she will redshirt next season or try to come back.
Watkins, a sophomore, becomes just the third underclassman to win the honor, which was first handed out in women's college basketball in the 2003-04 season.
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