University of Southern California guards JuJu Watkins and Jazzy Davidson have been named to the 2026-27 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Women’s College Player of the Year preseason watch list, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced on October 29, 2026.
The 50-player list includes two TROJANS, making USC one of 12 programs nationally with multiple honorees. USC is one of five Big Ten Conference teams with two selections, joining Iowa, Michigan, UCLA and Washington. The Big Ten leads all conferences with 14 candidates.
Watkins, a senior guard who won the Naismith Trophy following the 2024-25 season, returns after missing the 2025-26 campaign due to injury. In her most recent season, she averaged 24.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.8 blocks per game, leading USC to the Big Ten regular-season championship and a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. She previously earned the John R. Wooden Award, USBWA Ann Meyers Drysdale Player of the Year, Wade Trophy and was a unanimous Associated Press First Team All-American.
Davidson, entering her sophomore season, was honored as the USBWA Tamika Catchings National Freshman of the Year, WBCA NCAA Division I Freshman of the Year, The Athletic National Freshman of the Year and Big Ten Freshman of the Year. She earned All-Big Ten First Team, Big Ten All-Defensive Team and honorable mention All-America recognition from the Associated Press and USBWA after starting all 32 games as a freshman.
The USC women’s basketball team opens the 2026-27 season on November 2 against UNLV at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with the game airing on CBS Sports Network at 1 p.m. PT.
CSB Take
The selection of JuJu Watkins and Jazzy Davidson to the Naismith Trophy preseason watch list highlights the strength and talent returning to the University of Southern California’s women’s basketball program. Watkins’ return from injury along with Davidson’s impressive freshman campaign presents USC as a formidable contender in the Big Ten and nationally. Their inclusion sets high expectations as the Trojans commence the new season.
Source: Original report
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