JuJu Watkins disregards “media plays out race” opinion in support of Caitlin Clark’s 2024 honor

USC star JuJu Watkins in an interview published Thursday dismissed criticism from Washington Mystics owner Sheila Johnson, who claimed during a CNN interview last year that Caitlin Clark’s Time Magazine Athlete of the Year award was influenced by racial bias. Johnson argued that the decision was based on race.

"It’s the way media plays out race," she said about the award going to Clark.

In an interview with Fox News, Watkins, who is Black, chose to focus on the achievements of Clark, who is white, rather than the debate about race.

"I’m all for it. I honestly think she deserves it," Watkins said. "I don’t think anyone has changed the trajectory of the sport so much, so I honestly think she deserves every bit of it."

Clark also sparked controversy during her Time Magazine interview by addressing privilege.

"As a white person, there is privilege," she said.

While some criticized her for the comment, Watkins supported her honesty.

"It’s super dope," she said. "For her to kind of bring that to light was cool."

JuJu Watkins talks to Fox News about fans and haters

When asked about the growing fanbase in women's basketball, even new fans who might be controversial, JuJu Watkins embraced the attention.

"Oh, yeah. I love supporters, and I also love haters," Watkins said. "I think that’s just a part of the game. There’s so many sides to it. So, it’s the nature of the game, and there’s always going to be negative and positive aspects of it."

For her part, Clark, who has faced both praise and backlash, shares Watkins’ view of embracing the spotlight.

"With the way things are going and where the WNBA is going, you want that attention, and you embrace it, and that’s what makes this so fun," she said at the 'A Year in TIME' event in New York on Dec. 11.

In the same interview with Fox, JuJu Watkins continued to heap praise on Clark, the former Iowa Hawkeyes star.

"I wish I played like her," Watkins said.

Watkins has a realistic chance to be like Clark and maybe even surpass her as she eyes Clark's NCAA scoring record.

"Naturally, being on pace, it’s always in the back of my mind," Watkins said. "The goal is to continue to produce at this level, and do it as efficiently as I can."

Currently averaging 26.4 points per game in her career, Watkins (1,318 points) will need to maintain a phenomenal scoring rate to surpass Clark (3,951).