Breaking: ‘It’s been a process’ – College basketball’s $576K supernova JuJu Watkins is following in the footsteps of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese to …

Breaking: ‘It’s been a process’ – College basketball’s $576K supernova JuJu Watkins is following in the footsteps of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese to …

 

In the world of college basketball, few players have experienced the meteoric rise of JuJu Watkins. At just 19 years old, the Los Angeles-based powerhouse has already amassed an incredible $576K in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, solidifying her position as one of the brightest young stars in the sport. As a standout player at Sierra Canyon High School, Watkins was highly sought after by numerous colleges, but it wasn’t just her on-court skills that made her a coveted recruit. It was also her marketability and her potential to continue building the path paved by college basketball icons like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.

 

For the last few years, college basketball has seen an evolution in how players are compensated and celebrated, especially through NIL opportunities. While Clark and Reese have made headlines for their performances and their ability to capitalize on their brand, Watkins’ rise is positioning her to become the next major name in women’s basketball, both in the NCAA and on the broader global stage.

 

“It’s been a process,” Watkins said, reflecting on her journey in an exclusive interview. “I’m very proud of how far I’ve come, but I know there’s a lot more work to do. Caitlin and Angel have paved the way, and I want to follow in their footsteps, not just in basketball, but in how we carry ourselves as athletes.”

 

Watkins’ journey to superstardom hasn’t been easy. After her remarkable high school career, she chose to attend USC, where she quickly made an impression. In her freshman season, Watkins led the Trojans to numerous victories, showcasing an impressive all-around game that features scoring, passing, and defense. Her relentless work ethic and leadership on and off the court have earned her respect from her peers and coaches alike.

 

Off the court, however, is where Watkins has truly excelled. Her presence on social media, coupled with her partnership with major brands, has helped her eclipse even the most seasoned NCAA athletes in terms of NIL earnings. In fact, her $576K haul from sponsorships and endorsements places her among the highest-earning female college athletes, a group that includes Caitlin Clark, who is known for her sharpshooting abilities at Iowa, and Angel Reese, who led LSU to a national title in 2023.

 

Watkins credits much of her success to the guidance of mentors like Clark and Reese, who have both built expansive brands while breaking barriers in women’s college sports. “They’ve shown us that it’s about more than just the game. It’s about knowing your worth, pushing boundaries, and using your platform to inspire,” Watkins explained.

 

Like Clark and Reese, Watkins understands that her legacy extends beyond basketball. She sees herself as a role model for young athletes, particularly women of color, who aspire to achieve greatness both on and off the court. “It’s important to show that it’s not just about what you do during the game,” she said. “It’s about using your voice, your platform, and your success to empower others.”

 

While it’s clear Watkins has set her sights on the future, her present is already filled with accolades and opportunities. As she continues to make waves in college basketball, it’s not just her basketball skills that draw attention – it’s her determination to push for change in a sport that has historically been underfunded and overlooked.

 

With her eyes on both national championships and long-term career success, JuJu Watkins is primed to follow in the footsteps of her predecessors, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, while carving out her own place in history. As the NIL era continues to reshape the landscape of college athletics, JuJu Watkins is undoubtedly one of the players to watch.