The race for college basketball’s most prestigious individual honor is heating up as the John R. Wooden Award Preseason Top 50 Watchlist was unveiled on Thursday. Headlining the star-studded list are two of the sport’s brightest young stars: UConn’s Paige Bueckers and USC’s JuJu Watkins.
Bueckers Ready to Shine After Injury-Plagued Season
Paige Bueckers, the 2021 Wooden Award winner, is poised for a triumphant return after missing significant time last season due to injury. The junior guard spent the offseason honing her skills and making high-profile appearances, including at NFL games. Now fully healthy, Bueckers is determined to lead the Huskies back to the top of the women’s basketball world.
“I used my first injury-free offseason to really work on my game and improve in all aspects,” Bueckers revealed to a close source. “I’m excited to get back out there and compete at the highest level.”
Watkins Aims to Build on Sensational Freshman Campaign
Meanwhile, JuJu Watkins is coming off a remarkable freshman season at USC, where she averaged a staggering 27.0 points per game en route to earning First Team All-American honors. The dynamic guard’s explosive scoring ability and unmatched athleticism have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s all-time greats.
According to a source close to the USC program, Watkins has been relentless in her pursuit of improvement during the offseason. “JuJu is a special talent, but what sets her apart is her work ethic and competitive drive,” the source revealed. “She’s not content with just being great; she wants to be the best.”
Clash of the Titans: UConn vs. USC
Basketball fans won’t have to wait long for a potential preview of the Wooden Award race, as UConn and USC are set to square off on December 21st in Hartford, Connecticut. The highly-anticipated matchup has been sold out for months, with fans eager to witness Bueckers and Watkins go head-to-head.
“It’s going to be a battle,” an anonymous coach familiar with both teams predicted. “Paige and JuJu are two of the most talented players in the country, and they’ll both be looking to make a statement. It could be a defining moment in the Wooden Award race.”
Other Contenders Aim to Crash the Party
While Bueckers and Watkins are the early frontrunners, the Wooden Award Watchlist is filled with other talented players who could make a run at the prestigious honor. Notable contenders include:
- Flau’jae Johnson, LSU
- Te-Hina Paopao, South Carolina
- Hailey Van Lith, TCU (transfer)
The Watchlist also highlights the next generation of women’s basketball stars, with Florida State’s Ta’Niya Latson and Iowa State’s Audi Crooks being the only freshmen to make the cut.
A New Era Dawns
With the departure of two-time Wooden Award winner Caitlin Clark to the WNBA, the stage is set for a new era in women’s college basketball. Bueckers and Watkins appear more than ready to carry the torch and lead their respective teams to glory.
As the season unfolds, the Wooden Award race will undoubtedly take twists and turns, with dark horse candidates emerging and early favorites facing adversity. But one thing is certain: the future of women’s basketball is in good hands with stars like Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins leading the charge.
