JuJu Watkins Named 2024-25 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Player of the Year
In a thrilling announcement made live on the Big Ten Network’s “B1G Today” show, the Big Ten Conference unveiled its 2024-25 women’s basketball all-conference teams and individual award winners. Among the standout athletes celebrated in this exciting reveal was USC’s sophomore guard JuJu Watkins, who clinched the prestigious title of Big Ten Player of the Year. The accolades didn’t stop there, as Ohio State’s guard Jaloni Cambridge earned the honor of Big Ten Freshman of the Year by a select panel of Big Ten media members.
Recognition and Achievements
Watkins, a rising star in collegiate basketball, has been a force to be reckoned with throughout this season. Her remarkable talent on the court has not only secured her a spot on every major national player of the year watch list but has also earned her the unanimous title of National Player of the Year by The Athletic. Watkins’ impressive sophomore campaign has been marked by leading USC to victory in the Big Ten regular-season championship and an astounding eight consecutive wins against AP-ranked opponents. Her standout performance in a single game, where she recorded 38 points, 11 rebounds, eight blocks, and five assists, made her the first player across Division I collegiate, WNBA, and NBA levels since 2000 to achieve such a feat.
On the other end of the spectrum, Cambridge’s exceptional skills and undeniable talent have catapulted her to the forefront of the Big Ten Freshman of the Year race. Her remarkable season culminated in leading the conference’s freshmen in scoring, with an average of 16.0 points per game. Joining her in this year’s outstanding lineup of award recipients were Olivia Olson from Michigan, who shares the title of Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Year with Cambridge, and UCLA’s Lauren Betts, who clinched the title of Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
Coaching Excellence and Team Triumph
The coaching prowess of Lindsay Gottlieb, head coach of USC, was also given due recognition as she was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year. Gottlieb’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding her team to its first-ever regular-season title and a remarkable 26-2 overall record. Under her mentorship, the Trojans secured the No. 1 seed in the upcoming 2025 TIAA Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament. Additionally, UCLA’s standout player Janiah Barker was voted the Big Ten’s Sixth Player of the Year, a testament to her invaluable contributions off the bench this season.
The Big Ten Conference also highlighted the exceptional sportsmanship displayed by 18 student-athletes in women’s basketball, with each recipient embodying the values of good citizenship and ethical behavior both on and off the court. These individuals, from various conference institutions, were recognized for their outstanding sportsmanship and academic excellence.
As the anticipation builds for the 2025 TIAA Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament scheduled for March 5-9 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the stage is set for these remarkable athletes and coaches to showcase their skills and determination in pursuit of further accolades and victories. The future looks bright for women’s basketball in the Big Ten, with a new generation of stars emerging to carry the torch of excellence in the sport.
