JuJu Watkins Biography: Age, Height, Boyfriend, Injury, Net Worth & Career
Judea Skies “JuJu” Watkins is an American college basketball sensation, widely regarded as one of the brightest young stars in women’s basketball. Known for her explosive scoring, leadership on the court, and charismatic personality off it, Watkins has transformed USC’s women’s basketball program into a national powerhouse.
In 2025, JuJu made headlines not just for her record-breaking performances but also for her resilience following an ACL injury and her rumored relationship with NFL quarterback Jayden Daniels. Her journey from Los Angeles prodigy to collegiate icon is a story of raw talent, dedication, and growing global influence.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Judea Skies Watkins |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | JuJu Watkins |
| Profession | College Basketball Player |
| Birth Date | July 15, 2005 |
| Age (2025) | 20 years old |
| Birth Place | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Star guard for USC Trojans; 2024 Naismith Trophy Winner |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight | 165 lbs (75 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Qualification | Student, University of Southern California |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Boyfriend (Rumored) | Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders QB) |
| Children | None |
| Family | Parents: Robert Neal-Watkins & Sari Watkins Siblings: Mali, Dami, Mar Watkins |
| Hobbies | Traveling, fashion, music, fitness |
| Current Work | Guard for USC Trojans Women’s Basketball |
| Years Active | High school prominence by 2020–2024, college from 2023 onward |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $1.5 million (from NIL deals) |
🏫 Early Life & Education
JuJu Watkins was born on July 15, 2005, in Los Angeles, California, into a supportive and sports-loving family. Her parents recognized her athletic potential early — by age 8, JuJu was already dominating local youth leagues.
She first attended Windward School (2017–2021), where she built her foundation as a promising basketball player. Later, she transferred to Sierra Canyon School (2021–2023), a program known for producing elite athletes. There, she gained national attention as the No. 1 high school recruit in the class of 2023 and earned multiple All-American honors.
Her strong academic focus, combined with family discipline, made her one of the most well-rounded young athletes of her generation.
Career Journey
JuJu’s journey began long before she joined USC. She represented the USA at youth levels, earning gold medals at the FIBA Under-17 Women’s World Cup and the FIBA Americas U16 Championship. Her dynamic playstyle — marked by versatility, power, and composure — drew comparisons to legends like Candace Parker and A’ja Wilson.
High School Stardom
JuJu’s high school career turned heads. At Windward, she earned Los Angeles Times Player of the Year honors. At Sierra Canyon, she further elevated her game:
- Averaged ~25 points, double-digit rebounds, and a few assists during her junior year; named California Gatorade Player of the Year and Ms. Basketball among other honors.
- In her senior season, she averaged ~27.3 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, leading Sierra Canyon to a 31–1 record.
- On senior night, she scored 60 points in a single game—one of the highest totals in area history.
- She played in marquee events like the McDonald’s All-American Game (earning MVP honors) and the Nike Hoop Summit.
During her high school years, she also signed with Klutch Sports Group, becoming the first female athlete in their representation. She also secured Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals with major brands like Nike, AT&T, Gatorade, and more.
College Breakout at USC
JuJu committed to USC (University of Southern California) and made an immediate impact.
Freshman Season (2023-24)
- She averaged 27.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, along with steals and blocks, ranking among the top freshmen nationally.
- She broke the NCAA Division I women’s record for most points by a freshman with 920 points.
- Her scoring included a 51-point game against Stanford, which stands as a high benchmark.
- She earned unanimous First-Team All-American, Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, and multiple All-Defensive and All-Conference honors.
- She helped lead USC to the Elite Eight, the program’s deepest NCAA Tournament run in decades.
Sophomore Season (2024-25) & Injury
- In the 2024–25 season, she played 33 games and averaged 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, with shooting splits of ~42.6% FG, ~32.5% from three, and ~82% free throws.
- Her season was distinguished by multiple awards: AP Player of the Year, Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year, Wooden Award, USBWA National Player of the Year, Big Ten Player of the Year, and Ann Meyers Drysdale Award.
- Unfortunately, during the NCAA Tournament in March 2025, she tore the ACL in her right knee against Mississippi State, cutting her season and tournament short.
- Following the injury, she announced she would sit out the 2025–26 season to focus entirely on recovery.
Off-court & Business Ventures
- JuJu has made intelligent moves in NIL branding and endorsements. She signed major deals with Nike (including a multi-year shoe extension in 2024), Gatorade, AT&T, Celsius, State Farm, among others.
- She also became an investor in Unrivaled, a women’s 3×3 basketball league, becoming the youngest investor in the group.
- Her involvement off the court includes philanthropy and community efforts, especially tied to her roots in Watts, Los Angeles. She has expressed that branding and partnerships should connect back to her community.
❤️ Personal Life
Off the court, JuJu is charismatic, confident, and media-savvy. She has over 1.2 million followers on Instagram (@jujubballin) and is admired for her style, humor, and authenticity.
In 2025, she made headlines for her rumored relationship with Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels. The two were spotted together at Commanders games and shared a now-viral handshake moment after a win — fueling speculation among fans. Neither has confirmed the relationship, maintaining a friendly public image.
She remains close to her mother, Sari Watkins, who is heavily involved in her career and media appearances.
🏆 Awards & Achievements
- Naismith Trophy Winner (2024)
- Pac-12 Freshman of the Year (2024)
- Gatorade National Player of the Year (2023)
- McDonald’s All-American (2023)
- FIBA U17 World Cup Gold Medalist
- USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year (2022)
- USC All-Time Freshman Scoring Record Holder
📏 Physical Statistics
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight | 165 lbs (75 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Body Type | Athletic |
| Shoe Size | 11 (US) |
| Wingspan | 6 ft 4 in (approx.) |
💬 Quotes
“I’m not just here to play basketball — I’m here to inspire the next generation of girls who dream big.”
“Every challenge I face makes me stronger. The comeback will be greater than the setback.”
⚡ Controversies
JuJu Watkins has maintained a largely positive public image. The only notable attention has come from dating rumors with Jayden Daniels and the ACL injury speculation, both handled professionally without controversy.
⭐ Favorites
| Category | Favorite |
|---|---|
| Athlete | LeBron James |
| Movie | Creed III |
| Food | Tacos & Acai Bowls |
| Music Artist | Drake |
| Color | Purple |
| City | Los Angeles |
| Hobby | Fashion, Fitness, Social Media |
💰 Salary & Net Worth (2025)
JuJu Watkins’ estimated net worth is $1.5 million, primarily from NIL endorsements and brand sponsorships.
Estimated annual NIL income:
- Nike: $500,000
- NYX Cosmetics: $150,000
- Gatorade & Beats: $300,000 combined
- Social media collaborations: $100,000+
As she transitions into the professional WNBA in coming years, her valuation is expected to triple.
Interesting Facts
- JuJu started dribbling at age 6.
- She once scored 60 points in a high school game.
- She’s represented by Klutch Sports, the same agency as LeBron James.
- Her nickname “JuJu” comes from her middle name “Skies.”
- She was featured in GQ Sports for her signature hair bun.
Social Media Links
- Instagram: @jujubballin
- Twitter/X: @Jujubballin
- TikTok: @jujubballin
- YouTube: Official Channel – JuJu Watkins
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How old is JuJu Watkins in 2025?
She is 20 years old, born on July 15, 2005.
Q2. What happened to JuJu Watkins?
She suffered an ACL injury in 2025 and is currently undergoing rehab.
Q3. Is JuJu Watkins dating Jayden Daniels?
They’ve been seen together, but neither has publicly confirmed their relationship.
Q4. What is JuJu Watkins’ height?
She stands 6 feet 2 inches tall (1.88 m).
Q5. What is JuJu Watkins’ net worth in 2025?
Her estimated net worth is around $1.5 million, largely from NIL deals.
Q6. What school does JuJu Watkins attend?
She plays for the University of Southern California (USC) women’s basketball team.
Conclusion
JuJu Watkins isn’t just a basketball player — she’s a movement. At only 20, she’s redefining what’s possible for women in college sports, blending athletic excellence with global influence. Her resilience after injury, humility, and ambition continue to inspire millions.
If you found this biography helpful, share it with fellow basketball fans and follow CelebsWiki.info for more inspiring athlete stories.
