Huge Caitlin Clark milestone surpassed by teen phenom JuJu Watkins amid quest to steal all-time scoring crown

JuJu Watkins: A Rising Star Breaking Records in Women’s Basketball

JuJu Watkins, the standout forward for USC women’s basketball, continues to make history in the world of college hoops. On Sunday night, in a hard-fought 72-67 loss to UCLA during the Big 10 championship game, Watkins reached a remarkable milestone. With her 29-point performance, she officially surpassed Caitlin Clark’s record for the most points scored by a player in their first two college seasons. Clark, a legendary figure in women’s basketball, had set the bar high with 1,662 points, but Watkins has now taken it a step further, accumulating 1,684 points. This achievement not only solidifies Watkins’ place among the greats but also brings her closer to overtaking another record holder, Kelsey Mitchell, who currently holds the top spot with 1,762 points. With the NCAA Tournament still ahead, Watkins has ample opportunity to continue rewriting the record books.

A New Era in Women’s Basketball: Watkins Chasing History

Watkins’ journey to stardom has been nothing short of sensational. As she progresses through her college career, she is not only breaking records but also redefining expectations for young players in the sport. One of the most significant targets in her sights is Caitlin Clark’s all-time NCAA scoring record. Clark, who concluded her collegiate career in the 2023-24 season with an incredible 3,951 points, set a benchmark that seemed almost untouchable. However, Watkins is on pace to challenge this record, thanks in part to the potential for more games played in her college career compared to Clark. Watkins has openly admitted that while she keeps this goal in the back of her mind, her primary focus remains on consistent performance and efficiency on the court. "Naturally, being on pace, it’s always in the back of my mind," Watkins shared in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital. "The goal is to continue to produce at this level, and do it as efficiently as I can."

Watkins’ Admiration for Clark and the Weight of Expectations

Despite her meteoric rise, Watkins harbors a deep respect for the player she is now being compared to. Caitlin Clark, who has transitioned to the WNBA, left an indelible mark on college basketball, not only through her scoring prowess but also through her ability to captivate audiences and elevate the sport’s visibility. Watkins has often expressed her admiration for Clark’s game, even going so far as to say, "I wish I played like her." This sentiment speaks volumes about the reverence Watkins holds for Clark, particularly in regard to Clark’s exceptional three-point shooting abilities—a skill where Clark far outshines her. Watkins’ humility and acknowledgment of Clark’s talent highlight her own maturity and understanding of the legacy she is chasing.

The Growing Spotlight on Women’s Basketball

JuJu Watkins’ rise to prominence coincides with a pivotal moment in women’s basketball history. The sport has garnered unprecedented attention, thanks in large part to the trailblazing efforts of players like Caitlin Clark. Last year, the NCAA women’s championship game saw a historic milestone, drawing more viewers than the men’s championship game for the first time. This shift in attention has brought new eyes to the sport, a trend that Watkins embraces wholeheartedly. "The attention wasn’t always there, so to just see the eyes on it and people respecting the sport more, and young girls getting into the sport more, it’s a dream come true," Watkins remarked. While she acknowledges the challenges that come with increased scrutiny, Watkins views the broader exposure as a significant step forward for women’s basketball.

Navigating the Double-Edged Sword of New Fans

As women’s basketball continues to gain traction, it has also attracted a wave of new fans, some of whom may not fully understand the nuances of the game. This influx of attention has been met with mixed feelings by players and figures within the sport. While the increased viewership and interest are undeniably beneficial, they also bring challenges. Watkins, for her part, has chosen to approach the situation with grace and pragmatism. When asked about the challenges posed by new fans, Watkins noted, "So many new fans being in the sport sometimes can be, not necessarily challenging, but can just kind of give you a headache a bit. Not a lot of people know what they’re talking about sometimes. But it’s great for the sport. The fact that people are watching is enough in itself." Her response reflects a mature understanding of the broader picture—while not all feedback may be constructive, the increased visibility is a net positive for the sport.

Embracing Both Supporters and Critics

Watkins’ mindset toward her audience is one of acceptance and resilience. She has made it clear that she values both supporters and critics alike, recognizing that both are integral parts of the sports landscape. "I love supporters and I also love haters," Watkins said. "I think that’s just a part of the game. There’s so many sides to it. So it’s the nature of the game and there’s always going to be negative and positive aspects of it." This philosophical approach allows her to stay focused on her goals, whether it’s breaking records or inspiring the next generation of basketball players. As Watkins continues her journey, she hopes that even those who may not initially support her will come to appreciate her talent and dedication. For now, she remains committed to her craft, embracing the sanctity of the game as much as the spotlight that comes with it.