The 2025 Naismith National Player of the Year (NPOY) award was a major topic of discussion when Juju Watkins, the USC standout, was named the recipient. This honor, awarded annually to the top women’s college basketball player, is highly coveted and represents the pinnacle of individual achievement in the sport. While Watkins certainly had an impressive season, her selection sparked a conversation about whether it was truly based on her on-court performance or if other factors played a role in her being chosen. Some have even compared her win to A’ja Wilson’s 2024 WNBA MVP, raising questions about whether the award was “legit” or if it was appointed to elevate a star player in the spotlight.

Juju Watkins’ Stellar Season

First and foremost, Juju Watkins had a season that any player would envy. As a dominant force for USC, she averaged over 25 points per game, contributing significantly to the Trojans’ success. Her scoring ability, court vision, and leadership were on full display throughout the season, and she led USC to a deep run in the NCAA tournament. She became one of the most talked-about players in college basketball, known for her explosive scoring and clutch performances in crucial games.

Her stats alone made her a top contender for the Naismith NPOY. Watkins had a remarkable ability to take over games, and her performances on both ends of the floor were a big reason for USC’s success. However, the question remains: did she truly outperform all the other contenders, or was her selection influenced by factors beyond her performance?

The A’ja Wilson WNBA MVP Comparison

The comparison to A’ja Wilson’s WNBA MVP win in 2024 is unavoidable. Wilson, one of the most dominant players in the WNBA, won the MVP that season, even though some argued that other players had better statistical seasons. While Wilson’s talent is undeniable, some critics felt that her MVP was not entirely earned through numbers alone. Instead, there was a perception that the award was partly influenced by Wilson’s off-court presence, her role in promoting the WNBA, and the league’s desire to highlight a recognizable star.

Similarly, Juju Watkins’ selection as the Naismith NPOY has raised similar concerns. While she had a standout season, there are those who argue that the award may have been influenced by factors such as her marketability, the media’s focus on her as a rising star, and her ability to generate excitement for the game. These factors can sometimes play a role in awards decisions, even if a player’s on-court performance doesn’t always tell the full story.

Other Naismith NPOY Contenders

The field of players vying for the Naismith NPOY award in 2025 was stacked with talent. Caitlin Clark of Iowa, for example, had another exceptional season, averaging 28 points per game and leading Iowa to a potential national title. Clark’s performances in big games, particularly in the NCAA tournament, made her one of the top contenders for the award.

Aliyah Boston, the reigning NPOY and one of the best post players in college basketball, also had a fantastic season. Boston’s defensive presence, rebounding, and scoring made her an invaluable asset to South Carolina, and many believed she deserved a second consecutive NPOY award.

Both Clark and Boston, along with others like Azzi Fudd of UConn, had seasons that rivaled Watkins. While Watkins’ performances were certainly impressive, some felt that Clark or Boston might have been more deserving of the Naismith award based on their overall contributions to their respective teams.

Marketability and Media Influence

A significant factor to consider in discussions about awards like the Naismith NPOY is the role of media influence and marketability. Juju Watkins is not only a phenomenal player but also one of the most marketable players in college basketball. Her potential to help grow the game of women’s basketball, along with her on-court talent, made her a fan favorite and a media sensation.

As women’s basketball continues to grow in popularity, there is an increasing focus on promoting young stars like Watkins. Her selection as NPOY could be seen as a way to boost visibility and continue the trend of making the sport more mainstream. Just as A’ja Wilson’s MVP win helped elevate the WNBA’s profile, Watkins’ Naismith win could be viewed as part of a broader effort to promote women’s sports.

Was It Legit?

At the end of the day, Juju Watkins’ Naismith NPOY award was not without merit. She had a remarkable season, and her impact on the court was undeniable. However, the timing of her win—coming during a year when other players, such as Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, had equally outstanding seasons—leaves room for debate. Whether or not her win was truly “earned” or strategically appointed to highlight a star player in women’s college basketball remains up for discussion.

In a perfect world, the Naismith NPOY would be solely based on a player’s on-court performance, but as we have seen with A’ja Wilson’s WNBA MVP and other similar awards, the bigger picture sometimes comes into play. The media’s influence, a player’s marketability, and the growth of women’s basketball all factor into these decisions.

Conclusion:

Juju Watkins’ Naismith NPOY award was undoubtedly a significant achievement, and there is little doubt about her talent and potential. Whether her win was truly “legit” or influenced by other factors, the fact remains that she is a rising star in women’s basketball, and her future is bright. However, the comparisons to A’ja Wilson’s WNBA MVP show that sometimes the conversation around awards goes beyond just stats and performances. The question of whether this NPOY was earned or appointed will likely continue to linger, but it doesn’t take away from the incredible journey that Juju Watkins is on as one of the most exciting players in college basketball today.