Caitlin Clark gave her phone number to JuJu Watkins at the John R. Wood Awards in Los Angeles in April.
“She was very self-sufficient and was like, ‘Whatever you need,'” Watkins recalled. “I was grateful for her kindness.”
Watkins, a sophomore at USC who starred at the University of Iowa and was an admirer of Clark from afar on and off the court before being selected No. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
“Caitlin is a great player,” Watkins said. “But she’s also a really good person.”
Two of women’s basketball’s brightest stars continue to cross paths.
Clark was the second recipient of the Wood Award, which is given annually to the top women’s college basketball player, and Watkins was a freshman finalist.
Watkins reached his 1,000th career point on Nov. 15 in his 38th college game, two games ahead of Clark, who holds the Division I career scoring record.
And now Watkins becomes State Farm’s second NIL contractee after the company signed Clark last year.
“State Farm is a great brand and Caitlin is a great player,” Watkins said. “So it means so much to me to be able to share that honor with her and be a part of the State Farm family.”
Watkins has yet to take advantage of having Clark’s number.
“I’m sure she’s adapted to the environment.” [WNBA]So I don’t want to bother her too much,” Watkins said. “But if I really need anything, I’ll definitely contact you.”
Here are five things to know about USC Trojans college basketball player JuJu Watkins.
Watkins is the star of Peacock’s original documentary series “On the Rise: JuJu Watkins.” She became the first college women’s basketball player to star in and executive produce her own show.
“This is just a glimpse into my life, and it’s something that a lot of people don’t get to see,” she said. “People will get a glimpse of what women’s basketball is all about and how exciting it can be.”
Watkins is most looking forward to introducing viewers to her mother, Sari Watkins.
“She’s a person of character,” the younger Watkins said. “I think this series will really show that and show her off.”
How to watch “On the Rise: JuJu Watkins” documentary series
Saturday, November 23rd, 3pm ET: The first two episodes of “On the Rise” premiere on NBC and Peacock
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