Both Robert Neal-Watkins & Sari Watkins have been an amazing support system for their daughter Juju Watkins for many years.
The Female Athlete and Basketball player is currently a massive name being tipped to make so much happen in the WNBA.
The young player has a lot of phases to pass through for now as she is still building what could become a masterpiece for the future.
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Juju Watkins Biography
She was born July 15, 2005, in Los Angeles, California, United States. Juju Watkins is a highly celebrated young basketball player.
Raised in the Watts neighborhood, Juju is the daughter of Sari and Robert Neal-Watkins in the United States.
Her parents, both former basketball players, initially encouraged her to pursue tennis, but Juju insisted on playing.
Her passion and hard work paid off, and her parents began to coach her at home to sharpen her skills.
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Juju Watkins grew up in a family with three older siblings, and her grandfather, Ted Watkins Sr., was a well-known civil rights activist in Watts.
He founded the Watts Labor Community Action Committee, which provided jobs and social services to the community after the 1965 Watts riots.
Her family’s involvement in social activism and sports significantly influenced her upbringing.
For her education, Juju attended Windward School in Los Angeles, where she excelled in basketball and was named SportsKid of the Year by Sports Illustrated in 2020.
Later, she transferred to Sierra Canyon School, where she continued to dominate the sport.
Juju earned numerous accolades, including being ranked the number one recruit by ESPN and winning the Gatorade National Player of the Year award.
She also went on to represent the United States in international tournaments which gave her so much experience.
In 2022, she committed to playing for the USC Trojans, continuing her journey in basketball with a promising collegiate career.
Juju Watkins is a big name that many are already familiar with despite still being in the early beginnings of her journey.
Robert Neal-Watkins Juju Watkins Father
Robert Neal-Watkins is Juju Watkins’s father, who has played a considerable role in his daughter’s career.
A former college football player, Robert transitioned his coaching skills into basketball when Juju showed an interest in the sport.
He began by training her in their backyard, focusing on building her foundational skills and instilling a strong work ethic.
His hands-on approach was crucial in Juju’s early development as a player, helping her build the discipline and resilience needed for success in competitive sports.
Robert’s athletic background and his commitment as a father created a solid support system for Juju.
Along with Juju’s mother, Sari Watkins—who also has an athletic history in track and field—Robert has been deeply involved in his daughter’s journey.
Together, they provided the physical and emotional backing necessary for Juju’s growth in basketball.
The Watkins family’s support and Juju’s dedication have propelled her to become one of the top prospects in women’s basketball today.
Robert Neal-Watkins has also continued doing all in his power to make sure the path for Juju Watkins is made as easy as possible.
Sari Watkins Juju Watkins Mother
Sari Watkins is Juju Watkins’s mother, who has been instrumental in her daughter’s development as an athlete and a person.
Coming from an athletic background, Sari was a college track and field athlete which was part of her best side to her daughter.
Her experiences in athletics have influenced her parenting style, particularly in how she approaches supporting Juju’s basketball career.
Initially, Sari and her husband, Robert Neal-Watkins, hoped that Juju would pursue tennis, taking inspiration from the success of the Williams sisters.
However, Juju’s passion for basketball became undeniable, and Sari quickly pivoted to support her daughter’s dream.
Sari’s involvement in Juju’s basketball journey extended beyond mere encouragement and being a mother.
She actively participated in her training, which was crucial during Juju’s early struggles in competitive basketball.
Her support helped Juju transition from a young athlete with raw talent to a nationally recognized basketball star.
She encouraged Juju to explore other passions and interests beyond basketball, contributing to her well-rounded development as an athlete and an individual.
In addition to Sari’s direct involvement in Juju’s basketball training, she made significant sacrifices for her daughter’s career.
She and her family relocated from Watts to northern Los Angeles to provide Juju with better opportunities.
Part of the opportunity was transferring her to Sierra Canyon, a prestigious high school known for its strong basketball program.
The move reflected Sari’s commitment to ensuring Juju had access to the best environment for her athletic and personal growth.
The Watkins family also carries a legacy of activism, as Juju’s great-grandfather, Ted Watkins Sr., was a prominent civil rights activist in the Watts community.
The family heritage of activism and community service is deeply rooted in their values, influencing Juju’s sense of responsibility and purpose.
Sari Watkins has done so much, which Juju Watkins and other family members have benefited from.
Juju Basketball Career
Juju Watkins has quickly become one of the most promising stars in women’s basketball since making it as a teen.
Watkins gained national attention for her performances at Sierra Canyon High School, where she dominated the competition.
She earned accolades, including the Gatorade National and the Naismith Prep best player for the year.
In 2022, Watkins made a significant decision by committing to the University of Southern California (USC).
She turned down offers from prestigious programs such as Stanford and South Carolina. Her freshman season with the USC Trojans in 2023-2024 was extraordinary.
She averaged 27.1 points per game, placing her as the second-highest scorer in the nation, only behind Caitlin Clark.
Watkins led her team to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament, marking USC’s deepest run in 30 years.
Despite a tough loss to UConn in the quarterfinals, Watkins’ performance, including 29 points in the final game, solidified her as a future leader in the sport.
Her first year also broke multiple USC records, including the single-season scoring record previously held by Hall of Famer Cheryl Miller.
She also made the most 30-point games by a freshman in school history. These achievements earned Watkins numerous honors, including first-team All-American and ESPN National Freshman of the Year.
In addition to her collegiate success, Watkins has also shined internationally. She played a pivotal role for Team USA in the FIBA Under-16 and Under-17 competitions, winning gold medals and MVP honors in both tournaments.
Her strong presence on both the national and international levels has made her a standout figure in women’s basketball, with many seeing her as the future of the sport.
She enters her sophomore season in 2024 and continues to garner attention, with expectations that she will fill the void left by Caitlin Clark, who moved on to the WNBA.
Now playing in the Big Ten Conference, Watkins is poised to elevate her profile and women’s basketball further.
She signed endorsement deals with brands like Nike and appeared alongside sports superstars like Joel Embiid in national commercials.
Juju Watinks parents duo of Robert & Sari Watkins, have always been in the picture and ensured every move was done.
