This year’s freshman class has surprised many by how quickly they have adjusted to the collegiate game, with record-breaking, dominant performances from the first bounce of the ball three weeks ago. Five athletes, in particular, have not only shone brightly, but they have lead their team to strong season starts. We take a look:
JuJu Watkins, USC
Juju Watkins came in the college basketball season as the No.1 player in the 2023 class, and so far, she has lived up to that standard. As a senior at Sierra Canyon High School, the guard averaged 27.3 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, leading her team to the CIF Southern Section Open Division title. She did a little of everything at the high school level.
To start the season with the Trojans, who were unranked at the time, Watkins burst onto the scene with a 32-point game against then-No. 7 Ohio State, which USC won 84-74. A week later she scored 35 points against Le Monye. So far she is averaging 26.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and three assists per contest. Watkins is playing efficiently, shooting 50 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point land.
Though a newcomer, Watkins is the Trojans’ go-to player and No.1 scorer. She is multi-skilled and can score from anywhere on the floor, which makes her unique. USC is off to a 5-0 start this season and is currently ranked No. 6 – their highest in the top 25 since 1994. As Watkins has on-court poise and maturity beyond her years, the Trojans could surprise many people come tournament time.
MiLaysia Fulwiley, South Carolina
Coming into the season, MiLaysia Fulwiley was a relative unknown. But the South Carolina guard wasted no time stepping into the spotlight on the first day of the season, finishing the day with 17 points, six assists and six steals. Her sometimes-improbable drives to the basket were not only fun to watch, but jaw-dropping, and drew attention from NBA legend Magic Johnson, among many others.
Fulwiley is an athletic player who likes to push the tempo, get her teammates involved and hit shots from the outside. So far this season, she is averaging 15 points, four rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. At Keenan High School, Fulwiley averaged 24.8 points, seven rebounds, and six assists per game.
Besides her offensive acumen, Fulwiley is also a great defender, and is a perfect fit for the Gamecocks. She also fills a void at the point that has been…
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