Caitlin Clark’s remarkable journey through women’s college basketball and her stellar debut in the WNBA has reshaped the landscape for women’s sports. As a four-year star at Iowa and now with the Indiana Fever, Clark has set numerous records, not only in her scoring ability but also in her on-court playmaking, making her one of the most influential figures in basketball today. Her achievements have elevated the visibility of both women’s college basketball and the WNBA, with record-breaking viewership and attendance numbers to match.
USC’s JuJu Watkins, who is rapidly becoming one of college basketball’s brightest stars, has acknowledged Clark’s impact in the game. In a tribute video aired by Fox Sports, Watkins, along with other key figures in women’s basketball, shared her admiration for Clark. “Great player, good person as well,” Watkins commented. “She’s been great, and I’m really excited for her at this next stage in her career.” Watkins, whose freshman year at USC was nothing short of spectacular, has already carved out her own legacy, averaging 27.1 points per game and showcasing a well-rounded game with impressive stats across rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.
Watkins is on a fast track to becoming a major name in the sport, and her record-breaking pace in college basketball has already placed her in the same conversation as Clark. In just her sophomore season, Watkins surpassed a significant milestone by becoming the fastest Power Five player to reach 1,000 career points, doing so in just 38 games, beating Clark’s previous record of 40 games. If Watkins continues on this trajectory, she could very well challenge Clark’s career scoring record in college, though that would require her to complete a full four years, as Clark did.
Though Watkins won’t be eligible for the WNBA draft until 2027, her early achievements have placed her firmly in the spotlight, with many anticipating her future in the league. As Clark’s legacy continues to unfold, young players like Watkins are poised to follow in her footsteps, further growing the profile of women’s basketball. The shared respect between these two stars is clear, and with Watkins already breaking Clark’s records, the next few years in women’s college basketball promise to be just as exciting.