USC: "Female of Michael Jordan": College hoops fans hail JuJu Watkins as USC achieves highest AP poll ranking in 39 years

"Female of Michael Jordan": College hoops fans hail JuJu Watkins as USC achieves highest AP poll ranking in 39 years

Modified Mar 04, 2025 20:27 GMT

NCAA Womens Basketball: Michigan St. at Southern California - Source: Imagn

The Week 18 AP Poll is out, and JuJu Watkins' USC team has taken the No. 2 spot, its highest ranking since the 1985-86 season. ESPNW posted the news on Instagram on Monday.

College hoops fans flooded the comments with their reactions to the Trojans' historic ranking. Many praised Watkins' skill:

"Female of Michael Jordan," a fan wrote.

"JuJu is such a joy to watch play. The woman's game is straight fire🔥. You can't deny it!!!," another fan said.

Fans hype up JuJu Watkins in the comments of ESPNW's IG post

"Juuuuuujuuuuuu!🔥🔥🔥," one fan posted.

Others argued that the current rankings mean nothing compared to a national championship or that USC won't be able to pull off wins when it matters.

"None of that matters without a ring. Bring March Madness," a fan commented.

An IG user argues that current rankings don't matter without a national championship title

"Love it but won't beat UConn again😂," another fan said.

A comment says USC won't beat UConn again

Some ignored the USC stat completely and instead took to the comments to discuss the rankings of other teams:

"Does UConn really deserve that #3 spot🤔," a fan said.

"So ND is now #6 and they have beaten #1 Texas, #2 USC and #3 UConn. Why even have these rankings," another fan wrote.

"South Carolina is too low," one fan added.

A comment argues that South Carolina is ranked too low

JuJu Watkins' POTY season at USC

USC star guard JuJu Watkins was named the unanimous National Player of the Year by The Athletic. This isn't her first time getting praise from The Athletic. Last season, Watkins was named the USBWA and The Athletic's National Freshman of the Year.

The sophomore has started every game for the No. 2 ranked Trojans this season, averaging 34.6 minutes. Her 24.4 ppg is second in the NCAA, and she has increased her assists to 3.6 apg compared to 3.3 last season.

Watkins has seen her shooting improve as a sophomore. She is shooting 42.9%, up from 40.1% as a freshman. From the 3-point line, the guard is 33.9% compared to 31.9% last season.

The Trojans star finished the regular season strong with a 30-point performance against rival UCLA, who was ranked No. 2 at the time but has since fallen to fourth. In her last five regular season games, the guard recorded 30-plus points twice, both against the Bruins.

With Watkins' help, USC has secured the Big Ten regular season title and achieved its highest ranking in nearly 40 years.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

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Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos