Stephen A. Smith Declares JuJu Watkins “The Package” — Is the USC Star the Next Caitlin Clark?

In a moment that sent shockwaves across the college basketball world, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith did what he does best—he delivered bold, unapologetic commentary.

But this time, it wasn’t just another hot take. It was a declaration with teeth.

“JuJu Watkins isn’t just a rising star—she’s THE PACKAGE,” Smith proclaimed on First Take.

“We should absolutely be talking about her like we talked about Caitlin Clark last year. HECK YES!”

With that statement, Smith reignited a debate that has been simmering under the surface all season:

Is JuJu Watkins the new face of women’s college basketball? Is it time to give the USC freshman the same level of national spotlight and admiration Caitlin Clark received during her dominant junior year at Iowa?

Let’s break it down—why Watkins is quickly becoming the centerpiece of not just the USC Trojans, but the future of women’s basketball.

JuJu Watkins: The Meteoric Rise of a Freshman Phenom

JuJu Watkins, a 6-foot-2 freshman guard from Los Angeles, arrived at the University of Southern California with enormous expectations.

Ranked the No. 1 recruit in the 2024 class by ESPN, she entered her freshman campaign with all eyes on her—and she’s more than delivered.

Through her first NCAA season, Watkins has averaged over 27 points per game, placing her among the top scorers in the country.

Her scoring ability isn’t just about volume—it’s about how she scores.

She can hit deep threes with the confidence of a seasoned pro, slash to the rim with lightning speed, and pull up from midrange with poise under pressure.

Her stats speak volumes, but it’s her impact that truly separates her from the pack.

Watkins has carried USC into national relevance again, leading the Trojans to one of their best seasons in recent memory and a deep run in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.

Caitlin Clark: The Gold Standard of Modern Women’s Hoops

In order to assess JuJu Watkins’ place in the women’s college basketball landscape, it’s impossible to avoid the comparison to Caitlin Clark.

Clark, the Iowa Hawkeyes sensation, captivated fans across the nation during the 2023–24 season with her Steph Curry-like range, unmatched court vision, and fierce competitiveness.

She became the face of college hoops, gracing magazine covers, landing national commercials, and filling arenas coast to coast.

Clark’s 2023–24 season will go down as one of the greatest in NCAA history.

She led the nation in scoring and assists, shattered records, and took the Hawkeyes to the national championship game.

Her visibility extended far beyond basketball circles—Clark was a cultural icon.

But here’s where it gets interesting: JuJu Watkins is following that same path, and arguably, she’s ahead of schedule.

What Makes JuJu Watkins “The Package”?

When Stephen A. Smith used the phrase “the package,” he wasn’t exaggerating. Watkins brings everything to the table—talent, charisma, leadership, and marketability.

1. Scoring Versatility

Watkins’ offensive game is already elite. She’s a three-level scorer who can shoot from beyond the arc, finish through contact, and create her own shot off the dribble.

Her ability to score in transition and in the half-court sets her apart from other freshmen.

While most first-year players struggle to adapt to the college pace and physicality, Watkins has dominated from day one.

2. Defensive Tenacity

She isn’t just an offensive juggernaut. Watkins takes pride in her defense—something rare for young scorers.

Her length and lateral quickness make her a nightmare for opposing guards, and her basketball IQ allows her to anticipate plays before they happen.

3. Basketball IQ

Her feel for the game is well beyond her years. Watkins doesn’t force the game; she reads defenses like a veteran.

She knows when to take over, when to facilitate, and when to defer—traits that usually take years to develop.

4. Composure Under Pressure

Perhaps the most underrated part of Watkins’ game is her poise. She has ice in her veins.

Whether it’s a game-winner or a crucial defensive stop, Watkins rises to the moment.

A Star in the Making—On and Off the Court

Watkins’ influence goes beyond her stat line. Like Caitlin Clark, JuJu Watkins is becoming a brand.

She’s already attracting NIL deals from major brands—Nike, Beats by Dre, and Gatorade have reportedly expressed interest.

Watkins has also emerged as a role model for young athletes, especially in Los Angeles, where she grew up and where she now stars at a revitalized USC program.

Her social media following is exploding, and her interviews are sharp, humble, and authentic.

She carries herself like a professional while staying grounded in her roots. This is the same formula that elevated Clark from college star to national icon.

National Spotlight: The Trojans’ March Madness Run

If Watkins hadn’t already captured the nation’s attention during the regular season, the NCAA Tournament has been her stage to do so.

Through the opening rounds, she’s been the engine behind USC’s offense, logging 30+ point performances while also pulling down rebounds and making clutch defensive plays.

Her performances have sparked a nationwide conversation—much like Clark’s last year—about whether Watkins can lead her team to a Final Four, or even a national title.

TV ratings for USC’s tournament games have seen a sharp increase, and social media is ablaze with fans and pundits comparing Watkins’ run to Clark’s magical 2023–24 season.

The Caitlin Clark vs. JuJu Watkins Debate

While some may see the comparison as premature, it’s important to note that JuJu Watkins is only a freshman.

What she’s doing now mirrors what Caitlin Clark accomplished in her sophomore and junior years.

That begs the question: If Watkins is this good now, what will she become by the time she’s a junior?

Stephen A. Smith’s comments have sparked heated debates on sports talk shows and social media platforms alike.

Should we be giving JuJu the “Caitlin Clark treatment”? According to Smith—and many others—the answer is a resounding “yes.”

Industry Voices Join the Chorus

Stephen A. Smith isn’t alone in his praise.

Dawn Staley, head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks and a vocal advocate for women’s hoops, recently said, “JuJu Watkins has it. Whatever that ‘it’ factor is—we’re watching a superstar in real-time.”

ESPN analyst Andraya Carter called Watkins “the most impactful freshman in the country,” while WNBA legend Lisa Leslie—herself a USC alum—called Watkins “the next face of the league.”

Media Visibility and the Role of Exposure

One key difference between Clark and Watkins so far has been exposure.

Caitlin Clark benefited from a media narrative that grew with every game-winning shot and highlight-reel assist. Her story was amplified by ESPN, CBS, and even late-night television appearances.

Now, the media tide is turning toward Watkins.

Following Smith’s explosive endorsement, ESPN has increased its coverage of Watkins.

She’s appeared in multiple SportsCenter segments, and her highlights have dominated TikTok and Instagram Reels.

If this trend continues, Watkins could be on a similar national trajectory, with major endorsement deals, magazine covers, and talk show interviews soon to follow.