Brief Introduction of Juju Watkins
Judea “Juju” Skies Watkins is a prominent American college basketball player who has rapidly become one of the most recognizable figures in women’s sports. As a guard for the USC Trojans, she has shattered records and garnered national attention for her exceptional scoring ability, on-court leadership, and transformative impact on the USC women’s basketball program. From her early days as a highly-touted high school recruit to her record-breaking freshman season at USC, Watkins has consistently demonstrated a level of talent and maturity that sets her apart. Her decision to stay in her hometown of Los Angeles for her collegiate career has been credited with revitalizing the university’s women’s basketball program and drawing significant new interest to the sport. Watkins is not only celebrated for her athletic prowess but also for her significant influence off the court, boasting numerous high-value NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and a growing legacy as a role model for aspiring athletes.
Juju Watkins Overview
| Full Name | Judea Skies Watkins |
| Date of Birth | July 15, 2005 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 20 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Profession | College Basketball Player |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Robert Neal-Watkins (Father), Sari Watkins (Mother), Mali (Brother), Dami (Brother), Mar (Sister) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Rumored to be dating DJ Wagner |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $750,000 and $1 million |
Early Life and Education of Juju Watkins
Juju Watkins was born on July 15, 2005, in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, to Robert Neal-Watkins and Sari Watkins. Athletics were a significant part of her family background, with her father having played college football and her mother being a former track and field athlete. This environment fostered a competitive spirit in Watkins from a young age. She is the youngest of four children, with two older brothers, Dami and Mali, and an older sister, Mar. Growing up, she often played basketball in the backyard with her brothers, who she credits with helping to develop her toughness on the court. Watkins’ great-grandfather, Ted Watkins, was a prominent civil rights activist and the founder of the Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC), a social service organization that has had a lasting impact on the community. This legacy of community involvement has been a significant influence in her life. Watkins began her high school education at Windward School in Los Angeles before transferring to Sierra Canyon School for her junior and senior years. A standout student, she also excelled on the basketball court throughout her high school career. After graduating, Watkins made the significant decision to commit to the University of Southern California (USC), choosing to stay close to home over other top programs like South Carolina and Stanford. She is currently a student at USC, majoring in Communication.
Juju Watkins’s Career
Juju Watkins’ basketball career has been marked by exceptional achievements at every level. She first gained significant attention at Windward School, where as a freshman she averaged 21 points and nine rebounds per game. After transferring to the nationally recognized Sierra Canyon School, she continued to dominate, leading the team to a state championship. Her high school career was decorated with numerous accolades, including being named the Gatorade National Player of the Year and the Naismith Prep Player of the Year. She was ranked as the number one recruit in her class by ESPN.
Before even stepping onto a college court, Watkins had made a name for herself on the international stage, winning two gold medals with USA Basketball at the FIBA Under-16 Americas Championship in 2021 and the FIBA Under-17 World Cup in 2022. She was named the MVP of both tournaments, showcasing her skills against global competition.
Her transition to college basketball at USC was nothing short of phenomenal. In her freshman season, Watkins immediately became the centerpiece of the team, leading them to national prominence. She set the NCAA Division I freshman scoring record, amassing an incredible 920 points. Her scoring prowess was on full display throughout the season, with a USC record 14 games of 30 or more points. One of her most memorable performances came when she scored a USC record 51 points in a single game. Her incredible freshman campaign earned her a consensus first-team All-American selection and the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award for the nation’s top shooting guard.
Watkins’ sophomore season began with similarly high expectations, as she was named a preseason All-American. She continued to be a dominant force for the Trojans, becoming the fastest player in USC history to reach 1,000 career points, achieving the milestone in just 38 games. Her outstanding play earned her numerous accolades, including the Big Ten Player of the Year award. However, her spectacular sophomore season was cut short by a torn ACL suffered during the NCAA Tournament. Despite the injury, her impact was so profound that she was still awarded the John R. Wooden Award, the Naismith College Player of the Year, and the AP Player of the Year for the 2024-25 season.
Juju Watkins Personal Life & Family
Juju Watkins maintains a close relationship with her family, who have been a constant source of support throughout her career. Her parents, Robert Neal-Watkins and Sari Watkins, both have athletic backgrounds and have played a significant role in her development as a player and as a person. She has three older siblings, two brothers named Dami and Mali, and a sister named Mar. Watkins has often spoken about the positive influence of her family, particularly how playing against her older brothers helped to shape her competitive nature.
While Watkins is largely private about her personal life, she has been rumored to be in a relationship with fellow basketball player DJ Wagner. The two attended each other’s high school proms, which sparked speculation among fans and media. They have also appeared in a Nike campaign together. However, neither Watkins nor Wagner have publicly confirmed their relationship status. Watkins is also a proud dog mom to a French Bulldog named Deuce. Her connection to her community in Watts remains a significant part of her identity, and she has expressed a desire to use her platform to give back.
Awards and Achievements of Juju Watkins
- John R. Wooden Award (2025)
- Naismith College Player of the Year (2025)
- AP Player of the Year (2025)
- USBWA National Player of the Year (2025)
- Dawn Staley Award (2025)
- 2x Consensus first-team All-American (2024, 2025)
- 2x Ann Meyers Drysdale Award (2024, 2025)
- USBWA National Freshman of the Year (2024)
- WBCA Freshman of the Year (2024)
- Big Ten Player of the Year (2025)
- Pac-12 Freshman of the Year (2024)
- Gatorade National Player of the Year (2023)
- Naismith Prep Player of the Year (2023)
- McDonald’s All-American Game Co-MVP (2023)
- 2x California Ms. Basketball (2022, 2023)
- FIBA Under-17 World Cup MVP (2022)
- FIBA Under-16 Americas Championship MVP (2021)
- 2x Gold Medalist with USA Basketball
Juju Watkins Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Juju Watkins’ net worth is estimated to be between $750,000 and $1 million. Her primary source of income is through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, which have become a significant aspect of collegiate athletics. Watkins has secured numerous lucrative partnerships with major national and international brands. Her portfolio of endorsements includes prominent companies such as Nike, Gatorade, State Farm, United Airlines, and Estée Lauder. She was notably the first female collegiate athlete to sign an exclusive, multi-year NIL deal with Fanatics Collectibles. Her NIL valuation is reported to be around $765,000, placing her among the top earners in women’s college basketball. These endorsements, combined with her immense popularity and marketability, have established her as a financially successful athlete even before the start of a professional career.
Legacy and Influence
Juju Watkins has already cultivated a significant legacy and influence in the world of women’s basketball. Her decision to attend USC has been widely credited with the revitalization of the university’s women’s basketball program, bringing it back to national relevance. The increase in attendance at USC games and the heightened media attention surrounding the team are often referred to as “The JuJu Effect.” Beyond her impact on USC, Watkins is seen as a transformative figure for women’s basketball as a whole. Her exciting style of play, combined with her engaging personality, has drawn in a new generation of fans. She has been recognized as one of the most influential figures in sports by Sports Illustrated, a testament to her widespread impact. Watkins is also a role model for many young athletes, particularly young Black girls who see her as an inspiration. She has embraced this role, speaking about the importance of using her platform to advocate for issues that are bigger than basketball. Her influence extends to the business side of sports as well, as she became the first college athlete to invest in a professional women’s sports team, joining the ownership group of the NWSL’s Boston Legacy FC.
Interesting Facts about Juju Watkins
- Her great-grandfather, Ted Watkins, founded the Watts Labor Community Action Committee, and the gym where she honed her skills is named after him.
- As a high school junior, she became the first female athlete to be represented by Klutch Sports Agency for NIL matters.
- She was named SportsKid of the Year by Sports Illustrated Kids in 2020.
- Watkins has started her own nonprofit organization called “Good Juju” to give back to her community.
- She and fellow USC basketball player Bronny James were classmates at Sierra Canyon High School.
- On her senior night in high school, she scored a remarkable 60 points in a single game.
- She became the fastest USC player, male or female, to score 1,000 career points.
- Watkins is an executive producer of her own docuseries, “On the Rise Juju Watkins,” produced by LeBron James‘ production company.
Controversies
Juju Watkins’ career has been remarkably free of any significant controversies. She has maintained a positive public image, focusing on her athletic performance and her contributions to her team and community. Her public statements and social media presence have been consistently professional and uplifting.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Over 1 million followers
- Twitter – Over 21,700 followers
- TikTok – Over 197,400 followers
Final Words about Juju Watkins
Juju Watkins has firmly established herself as one of the brightest stars in sports, with a career trajectory that points toward continued greatness. Her combination of exceptional talent, strong work ethic, and charismatic personality has made her a fan favorite and a marketing powerhouse. Despite a significant knee injury, the future remains incredibly bright for Watkins. Her focus is currently on rehabilitation, with the goal of returning to the court even stronger. Beyond her eventual return to basketball, Watkins is already building a multifaceted career that includes business ventures and philanthropy. Her impact on women’s basketball is undeniable, and she is poised to be a leading figure in the sport for many years to come. Whether on or off the court, Juju Watkins continues to inspire and redefine what it means to be a student-athlete in the modern era.
