USC sophomore JuJu Watkins reached a significant milestone by scoring her 1,000th career point in just 38 games. This surpassed the pace at which Caitlin Clark achieved the same mark.
Watkins eclipsed the number during a contest on Friday in which the Trojans defeated Santa Clara 81-50. Watkins poured in 22 points in the effort.
Her scoring prowess has drawn comparisons to Clark, who needed two more games to achieve the feat. Clark would later become the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer in men’s and women’s basketball, the first overall draft pick in 2024, and the WNBA Rookie of the Year.
Watkins, who set the national record for scoring by a freshman last season, has now become the 31st player in USC history to reach 1,000 points.
Three other players have hit the 1,000-point mark quicker – LSU’s Maree Jackson, Oregon State’s Carol Menken, and New Orleans’ Sandra Hodge all reached the mark in 37 games.
USC star JuJu Watkins reaches 1,000-point mark faster than Caitlin Clark https://t.co/fTypQaLTB7
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) November 15, 2024
JuJu Watkins The Next Caitlin Clark?
Watkins has been recognized for her exceptional scoring ability. She broke the NCAA Division I freshman scoring record with 920 points in her first season at USC.
She’s known for her versatility on the court, capable of scoring from beyond the arc, mid-range, and driving to the basket, often drawing fouls due to her ability to create space.
Could she be the next Caitlin Clark? Or better?
Watkins is a remarkable talent but not on Clark’s level just yet, especially considering Clark’s achievements over a longer college career.
Can she continue to develop her game and get better and better as a scorer? No doubt about it.
RELATED: The WNBA Had To Be Fact-Checked After Botching Caitlin Clark’s Assists Record
Some High Praise
Watkins was a first-team All-American as a freshman and star for the Elite Eight Lady Trojans last season. There are big things on the horizon.
And she’s caught the eye of NBA Hall of Fame center Shaquille O’Neal who admitted to watching women’s basketball because, “Well, the boys suck.”
“It was kind of like an epiphany. Last week was the first time I watched all girls’ games, like I’ve never done it before, ever,” O’Neal said just a few short months ago.
“But last week, Juju Watkins, Caitlin, my girl Angel Reese, like they’re just killing it,” he added.
Now, Watkins is killing it at a faster pace than Clark. How long until she hits 2,000 points? Only time will tell!
More about:College Basketball News
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