There’s a new name echoing through the halls of USC, and it’s not one that blends into the crowd. Electric on the court and enigmatic off it, JuJu Watkins is quickly becoming the face of something bigger than just basketball.
The buzz isn’t just about her stats—though there are plenty. It’s about the way she moves and the way she leads. Behind the highlights lies a story that stretches from family roots to the spotlight of national attention.
But nothing about her journey has been handed over easily. Setbacks have come, both physical and personal, and yet the rise continues. As one chapter closes and another opens, the question isn’t if she’ll leave a mark—but how deep it’ll run.
How old is JuJu Watkins?
Born in 2005, JuJu Watkins is currently 20 years old in 2025. Despite her young age, she has already made a significant impact in women’s basketball, quickly becoming one of the most promising talents in the sport.
JuJu Watkins smiles after a play during the second half against the Baylor Lady Bears in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament on March 30, 2024. (Source: Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Her age positions her at the perfect moment to develop her skills further in college basketball, as she transitions from a high school phenom to a serious contender on the collegiate stage. She has years ahead to build her legacy.
How tall is JuJu Watkins?
One of JuJu Watkins’ most notable physical attributes is her height. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch (approximately 185 cm), she possesses the ideal stature for a guard, blending size with agility.
Her wingspan and athleticism complement her height, contributing to her ability to shoot over defenders and disrupt opponents’ plays. Coaches and analysts have often highlighted how her physical tools, paired with her skillset, make her a matchup nightmare.
JuJu Watkins’ family and love life
JuJu Watkins comes from a supportive family background that has played a pivotal role in her development as an athlete and person. While details about her personal love life remain private, her family ties are well-documented as a key foundation of her success.
Raised in a household that values hard work and dedication, she credits her parents and siblings for instilling the discipline and resilience she exhibits on the court. She often speaks about the balance between family encouragement and personal ambition, emphasizing how her close-knit family keeps her grounded.
JuJu Watkins’ injury
In the midst of her rising career, JuJu Watkins faced a significant setback with a notable injury that challenged her perseverance. Early in her college career, she suffered an ankle injury that sidelined her for several weeks, testing both her physical limits and mental toughness.
JuJu Watkins #12 of the USC Trojans warms up prior to the game against the Penn State Lady Lions at Galen Center on January 12, 2025. (Source: Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)
Despite the injury, her approach to recovery has been praised by coaches and medical staff alike. Her commitment to rehabilitation, coupled with a positive mindset, has allowed her to return stronger and more determined.
JuJu Watkins’ career highlights
- High School Dominance at Mater Dei: She quickly established herself as a top talent at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California. Leading the team to multiple CIF Southern Section titles, she averaged impressive stats that caught the attention of college recruiters nationwide. Her ability to take over games with scoring bursts and lockdown defense made her one of the most sought-after recruits in her class.
- Gatorade National Player of the Year Finalist: During her senior year, she was named a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade National Player of the Year award. This accolade recognizes not only athletic excellence but also academic achievement and character. Being a finalist highlighted her well-rounded profile as an elite student-athlete.
- Committed to USC Trojans: In a highly publicized recruiting process, she committed to play for USC, choosing the Trojans over other top programs. This decision marked a major milestone, aligning her with a storied basketball program and setting the stage for her next chapter in NCAA competition.
- Immediate Impact as a Freshman: She made her mark early in her college career, earning significant minutes as a freshman and showcasing a smooth transition from high school to the faster, more physical college game. She averaged double-digit points and displayed versatility by contributing defensively and facilitating teammates.
- All-Pac-12 Conference Honors: Her sophomore season brought recognition as she earned All-Pac-12 honors, cementing her status as one of the conference’s premier players. This was a testament to her consistent performance against some of the toughest competition in women’s college basketball.
- Overcoming Injury and Returning Stronger: Despite a setback with an ankle injury early in her college career, her rehabilitation and return to form showed her resilience.
- National Attention and WNBA Draft Projection: Her combination of skill, size, and basketball IQ has attracted national media attention, placing her among the top prospects for the upcoming WNBA drafts. Analysts praise her as a player with both immediate impact potential and long-term star quality.