College basketball is abuzz with JuJu Watkins fever, and the USC Trojans star is serving up more jaw-dropping moments than a plot twist in a bad rom-com. Everyone’s got a take—analysts, former players, fans, and probably even your neighbor’s dog. But when Jeff Teague, a former NBA All-Star, decided to toss his opinion into the ring, things got interesting.
On the Dec. 22 episode of the Club 520 podcast, Teague dissected Watkins‘ sensational performance in USC’s 72-70 nail-biter against UConn. It’s a win that’ll probably haunt the Huskies for a while (sorry, Paige Bueckers). But it wasn’t just Watkins’ stellar game that had Teague and his co-hosts, DJ Wells and Brandon Hendricks, buzzing—it was the growing comparisons to basketball royalty like Maya Moore.
“She Ain’t Maya, But…”
When Hendricks called Watkins the best women’s basketball player he’s ever seen, Wells hit the brakes faster than a car in LA traffic. He threw down Maya Moore’s name as the undisputed GOAT, prompting Teague to jump into the debate with his signature nonchalant candor.
“She ain’t more athletic than Maya Moore, but her movements are a little more fluid than Maya,” Teague mused. It’s a statement that might make Maya fans clutch their pearls, but hey, he said “a little,” so breathe easy.
And then came the spicy part: comparisons. Hendricks likened Maya Moore to the late Kobe Bryant, a sentiment Teague agreed with faster than a slam dunk highlight reel. But when it came to Watkins, Teague pivoted to a $42-million-dollar man: Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards.
“[She’s] kind of like Anthony Edwards—just kinda be flowing with it,” Teague quipped. If you’re scratching your head, think of Edwards’ silky-smooth moves paired with Watkins’ killer instinct. It’s a high compliment wrapped in casual delivery.
The Paige Bueckers Factor
Teague wasn’t done stirring the pot. While Paige Bueckers remains a darling of college hoops, Teague wasn’t about to place her on the same pedestal as Watkins or Caitlin Clark. “She’s good, but nah,” was the gist. That might sting a bit for UConn fans still reeling from that loss, but hey, truth hurts—or at least, Teague’s version of it does.
JuJu’s Growing Fan Club of NBA Legends
Jeff Teague isn’t the only former NBA star to sing JuJu’s praises. Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes, the unfiltered duo from All the Smoke Unplugged, also gushed about the Trojans standout.
“She’s ready for the WNBA right now,” Jackson declared, his voice dripping with certainty. Barnes chimed in with excitement, predicting that Watkins is just getting started. Somewhere in the basketball ether, future WNBA defenders collectively shuddered.
Even Kevin Garnett, the ultimate hype man, had something to say earlier this year. “She’s a walking bucket,” KG roared, adding a few expletives because, well, it’s KG. “Her name should be ‘Walking Bucket.’” If Garnett’s fired-up endorsement doesn’t cement her status as the next big thing, what will?
What’s Next for JuJu Watkins?
Watkins is only in her sophomore season, yet she’s already rewriting narratives, torching defenses, and earning high-profile comparisons that most players can only dream of. If she keeps this up, the WNBA might just start drafting straight out of her highlight reel.
So, is JuJu Watkins the next Maya Moore, Anthony Edwards, or something else entirely? That’s a debate that’ll keep barbershop discussions alive for years. One thing’s for sure: JuJu isn’t just flowing with it—she’s leading a full-blown hoops revolution.
And if you’re not on board yet, grab some popcorn and settle in. The JuJu show is just getting started.
