USC’s very own JuJu Watkins has achieved yet another mind-blowing milestone, reaching the 1,000-point mark faster than Iowa’s Caitlin Clark—by a whole two games. For context, Clark isn’t just any scorer; she’s basically the human flamethrower of NCAA women’s basketball. But JuJu? She just laced up her sneakers, said, “Hold my Gatorade,” and blazed past that record like it was nothing.
Watkins secured her 1,000th point during USC’s demolition of Santa Clara (81-50), hitting a sweet jumper in the third quarter with 6:47 left on the clock. You could almost hear the collective sigh of Santa Clara fans who realized they were just extras in JuJu’s highlight reel.
Two Games Quicker, But Who’s Counting? (Oh Right, Everyone)
Let’s break it down: JuJu got to 1,000 points in 38 games, while Clark, the reigning queen of scoreboards and buzzer-beaters, did it in 40. Now, before any Clark fans cry foul, remember that JuJu didn’t just outpace Caitlin—she tied two all-time greats in Weber State’s Kathy Miller and Delaware’s Elena Delle Donne. She’s also breathing down the necks of the three quickest to ever do it: LSU’s Maree Jackson, Oregon State’s Carol Menken-Schaudt, and New Orleans’ Sandra Hodge, who hit the milestone in 37 games. No pressure, right?
JuJu’s 26.5 points per game so far? That’s a spicy number, higher than Clark’s 25.7 at the same stage. Maybe Caitlin needs to take a few notes—or JuJu could just send her a signed copy of her stats.
“Blessed to Be in This Position,” Says JuJu, While Everyone Else is Stuck in Awe
Postgame, Watkins was humble, flashing that All-American charm. “I’m not taking anything for granted. Very blessed to be in this position,” she said, probably thinking about which milestone to crush next. Her accomplishment is all the more impressive considering she did it faster than USC legend Cheryl Miller, who only had 20 more games to her name before hitting 1,000 points.
And here’s a fun tidbit: JuJu has her eyes set on more than just points. She’s a defensive menace too, averaging 3.8 steals and 3.0 blocks per game. Is there anything she can’t do? Maybe. But we haven’t found it yet.
USC Trojans Are Running Wild in the Big Ten
The Trojans have burst into the expanded Big Ten like a team with something to prove—and a chip the size of California on their shoulder. Their 4-0 start has included blowout wins over Cal Poly, Cal State Northridge, and now Santa Clara, by an average margin of 43.3 points. Yes, that’s right, 43.3. You’d think they were auditioning for a Fast and Furious sequel.
Despite all the fireworks, there’s one area where they still need work: three-point shooting. With a shaky 29.1% from downtown, including a cringeworthy 6-of-28 against Santa Clara, the Trojans are lucky their defense and JuJu’s scoring rampage have kept them afloat. But don’t worry—head coach Lindsay Gottlieb is confident they’ll find their range. Or, as she might say, “We’re saving the threes for when it really matters.”
Next up? A showdown with ACC powerhouse Notre Dame. The Trojans will face the dynamic duo of Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles, but if history tells us anything, JuJu Watkins loves the big stage. So Notre Dame better pack an extra lunch because JuJu’s coming, and she’s hungry for more than just points.
Conclusion: JuJu’s World, and We’re All Just Living in It
At just 19 years old, JuJu Watkins is rewriting record books faster than USC can print them. If her current pace continues, it’s only a matter of time before she’s not just a star of the Big Ten but the entire NCAA. For now, sit back and enjoy the show—because it’s JuJu’s world, and everyone else is just trying to keep up.
