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Originally Published: December 26, 2024 at 8:08 AM PST

Ever since Caitlin Clark left the NCAA to set records in the WNBA, the hunt for the next generational basketball talent has intensified. Among the emerging stars, JuJu Watkins stands out with her electrifying performances for USC and record-breaking milestones. But while her game dazzles on the court, her California roots and unique circumstances create hurdles that may hinder her quest to rival Clark’s legendary NCAA career.

On the latest episode of Fearless with Jason Whitlock, Whitlock tackled the issue, highlighting the contrasting environments between Clark’s Iowa and Watkins’ Los Angeles.

“Well, Caitlin Clark was in Iowa in the middle of nowhere. She wasn’t in the entertainment capital of the world. She wasn’t in a city that had 75-degree weather year-round and open beaches. She went off or she grew up in and continued to play in a little isolated area of the country where people are starved for entertainment. And so she built a huge following right there in the state of Iowa, her home state,” he said.

The deeper issue, according to Whitlock, is the cultural and entertainment saturation of Los Angeles, where sports often compete with numerous distractions for attention. In contrast, Clark thrived in a basketball-centric environment, with little competition for local and statewide support. While Watkins’ environment may pose unique challenges, her talent remains undeniable.

She recently made history as the fastest Power Five player in women’s college basketball to reach 1,000 career points, accomplishing the feat in just 38 games—two fewer than Clark’s record. With season averages of 24.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists on 46.2% shooting, Watkins is unquestionably a dominant force. Yet, as Jason Whitlock put it, the question persists: Can she cultivate the same level of national adoration that Clark commanded?

Balancing brilliance: Can JuJu Watkins thrive amid criticism and California’s spotlight?

Adding to the debate, Rachel DeMita voiced concerns over how USC is managing Watkins’ playing time on her own podcast. “I don’t think that’s what JuJu needs for the development of her game,” DeMita said, suggesting that keeping Watkins on the court for extended minutes might be more about stat-padding than fostering her growth as a player.

Such a strategy could also increase her risk of injury, a significant concern given Watkins’ pivotal role for USC.

Despite these challenges, Watkins has demonstrated resilience and poise. Her performance this season reflects her ability to adapt and excel under pressure. However, her journey to rival Caitlin Clark’s legacy will require more than individual brilliance. Watkins must navigate the complexities of playing in a city where attention is fragmented, balancing her development with the need to draw a larger following.

Whether she can carve out her own path and emerge as a player of Clark’s stature remains uncertain. For now, her record-breaking performances and undeniable talent keep her firmly in the conversation, as the basketball world watches to see if she can overcome the challenges of her California roots and fulfill her potential as the next NCAA superstar.