College basketball has long been shaped by standout names, and with Paige Bueckers heading to the pros, the question becomes: who’s next? JuJu Watkins had taken the reins until a torn ACL sidelined her before March Madness and could affect her availability for next season.
That injury opens the door for a rising star to claim the spotlight. Enter Sarah Strong, a UConn freshman who’s been turning heads with her play. Though Watkins had been the presumed heir, averaging 23.9 points and 6.8 rebounds during USC’s dominant 31-4 campaign, Strong’s postseason explosion has changed the conversation.
Watkins’ injury timeline remains uncertain, but if she chooses to sit out next year and use her final two years of eligibility, both she and Strong could be headed for the 2028 WNBA Draft setting up a head-to-head showdown for the top pick.
Watkins is known for her relentless drive and consistency across regular and postseason. She’s a scorer through and through, already delivering elite numbers early in her college career. But Sarah Strong? She might be the most complete freshman we’ve seen in a while.
A key contributor to UConn’s deep tournament run, Strong upped her averages to 22 points and 13 rebounds over her final three games. In the championship, she became the first college player—male or female—to record 20 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists. And she does more than just fill the box score: she sets screens, defends all over the court, and shoots with incredible efficiency.
There’s a world where JuJu Watkins decides to sit out the upcoming season, using both of her final years of eligibility, and enters the 2028 WNBA Draft that features Sarah Strong.
If you were a GM with the No. 1 overall pick, who would you choose? pic.twitter.com/AUixhKz3oc
— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) April 11, 2025
If both players hit the 2028 Draft, GMs will face a tough decision. One fan captured the debate perfectly: “Sarah is Tim Duncan smart, efficient, steady. JuJu is T-Mac flashy, explosive, a pure scorer.” It’s a contrast of styles, but both bring elite potential.
Strong, the WBCA National Freshman of the Year, made history with 114 points in the NCAA tournament the most ever by a freshman. Her all-around game stands out: she averaged 19 points, nearly 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and strong defensive numbers in the postseason, all while sharing the floor with top-tier talent like Azzi Fudd and Bueckers.
Efficiency? She’s elite: 58.4% shooting overall, and 37.9% from deep for the season. In contrast, Watkins posted lower shooting numbers (41.2% FG, 32.2% 3PT), but her scoring firepower and will to win can’t be denied.
If Watkins returns mid-season in 2025–26, she’ll face a tough road: regaining form, rebuilding chemistry, and managing pressure. A redshirt season could make more sense, allowing her to heal fully and chase a legacy without compromise.
As fans and analysts weigh the options, one truth holds: there’s no wrong answer only different paths to greatness. Strong might be the next UConn legend, while Watkins already plays with the heart of a champion. Come 2028, the basketball world will be watching closely: Who would you draft first?
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