“Potential to have legit Caitlin Clark level impact”: Hoop fans feast on JuJu Watkins’ masterclass as USC scratches close win in season-opener

A new college basketball season is underway, and JuJu Watkins picked right up where she left off last campaign. She dropped 27 points to power USC, ranked no. 3, to a 68-66 victory over Ole Miss, ranked no. 20, in the season opener on Monday.

ESPNW shared a X/Twitter post referring to the start of a new era this season. The post displayed players such as Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, Kamilla Cardoso and Aaliyah Edwards, who have moved on to the WNBA, alongside rising college basketball talents like JuJu Watkins, Paige Bueckers and MiLaysia Fulwiley.

"The torch has been passed. A new era of women's college basketball begins TODAY‼️" the caption read.

Fans piled in the comments to hype Watkins, with some even comparing her to former Iowa superstar Clark's level.

"Juju Watkins has the potential to have legit Caitlin Clark level impact on this game. That girl is special," one fan wrote, proclaiming Watkins as the "next big thing."

"Juju was cooking them all last year 😭," another praised JuJu's freshman season.

"This is huge 🔥 👏!! Beginning of New era 🙌," a fan commented.

"Waiting for juju," one user said.

"Juju 🔥," another fan added.

"I wonder when a certain USC players breaks the scoring record, will she get same amount of media coverage?" one fan commented.

Meanwhile, some fans were not happy with the graphic as it did not include national champion, Flau'jae Johnson.

"Not having Flau’ Jae on this is kinda crazy," one fan wrote.

"How you don’t have Flau the biggest 4 on here a natty champ lol be fr," another chimed in.

JuJu Watkins' stats vs. Ole Miss

USC pulled off a tight victory in the season tipoff, defeating Ole Miss 68-66 at the Aflac Oui-Play event in Paris. JuJu Watkins had an impressive game, delivering 27 points, 10 rebounds and four assists, while going 8-for-19 FG, 1-for-4 3PT and 10-for-12 FT.

JuJu Watkins' game by numbers

• 27 points
• 10 rebounds
• 5 blocks
• 4 assists
• 3 steals
• 9 turnovers

USC senior transfer Kiki Iriafen made her debut and fared well with a 22-point, 13-rebound performance.

After the narrow win, Watkins discussed why it was so tough to beat the Rebels.

"I think length is one of their advantages," she said. "They are a very tall team. They are also very experienced. To play against that our first game, you know, it's challenging."