Drawing 4x WNBA champ parallel, Carmelo Anthony highlights key difference between Caitlin Clark and JuJu Watkins

Notre Dame v USC - Source: Getty
Carmelo Anthony highlights key difference between Caitlin Clark and JuJu Watkins (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

With Caitlin Clark in the pros now, JuJu Watkins is projected to be the next face of women's college basketball. One NBA legend compared her to a former WNBA MVP.

During a recent episode of his "7 PM in Brooklyn" podcast, Carmelo Anthony had on ESPN's Monica McNutt to talk about the landscape of women's basketball. When asked about a prediction for the upcoming year, the longtime analyst opened up on who could follow in the Indiana Fever star's footsteps.

McNutt started off by praising Caitlin Clark and her ability to exceed expectations in her rookie season. She followed off by saying Watkins has the potential to be the next college star to break into the mainstream. Anthony agreed, saying that the sophomore guard reminds him of Maya Moore.

"She's Maya Moore, Anthony said. "She got a different type of game. She has a killer game. Like it is no you're in front of me, I'm gonna eat."

Anthony then shared his thoughts on the difference in playstyle between Clark and Watkins.

"Caitlin had a different type of killer," Anthony continued. "She'll pick you apart, shoot the lights out from half court, she can pass."

Watkins burst on the scene as a freshman and continues to be nothing short of dominant in her second college season. She is currently leading women's college basketball in points (22.0) and steals (3.4) per game. Still, a few years away from entering the pro ranks, Watkins certainly has the potential to be a future No.1 pick.


Caitlin Clark has been a mentor to JuJu Watkins

If there is anyone who understands the hype JuJu Watkins has around her, it's Caitlin Clark. Because of this, the WNBA star seems to be taking a mentorship role with the young guard.

During her time at Iowa, Clark cited multiple people who helped her handle the constant noise and attention around her. Sue Bird is someone the former No. 1 pick has talked about on multiple occasions in terms of her support system.

Now a pro herself, Caitlin Clark seems to be making herself available for the next generation. In her new documentary, Watkins talked about how the Fever guard has reached out to her.

"Caitlin is a great player, she's also a really good person," Watkins said. "I think when I first met her, she just kind of made herself available. Exchanged numbers and was just like, whatever you need."

In the midst of her sophomore season, Watkins is on pace to match one of Clark's most historic feats. She passed the 1,000 career point mark in two fewer games than the Iowa star. As most know, Clark became the all-time leading scorer in Division 1 history in her final college season.

As Watkins continues to emerge as a future star, it looks like she'll have Clark to fall back on while navigating this journey.

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Edited by Kevin McCormick
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