In a stunning display of skill and dominance, USC basketball phenom JuJu Watkins led her team to a remarkable upset over the previously undefeated UCLA, firmly planting her name in the annals of NCAA Women’s Basketball history. This impressive feat did not go unnoticed as tennis sensation Coco Gauff, currently ranked number three in the world, praised Watkins for her “all-time performance for the ages.”
JuJu Watkins Shines in High-Stakes Game
During the highly anticipated matchup on February 14, Watkins showcased her extraordinary talent, achieving a rare stat line that has not been seen in the last 20 seasons of Division I basketball. ESPN journalist Alexa Philippou highlighted Watkins’ standout performance, noting her “first player with 35 points, 5 blocks, and 5 assists in a game” achievement. Watkins also added 6 three-pointers, 11 rebounds, and a total of 8 blocks, an astounding accomplishment against the top-ranked team in the nation.
Gauff’s Endorsement Highlights a Stellar Career Moment
Coco Gauff, fresh from her 2023 US Open victory, took to social media to share her admiration for Watkins’ performance. Gauff posted a screenshot of Philippou’s tweet on her Instagram story, accompanying it with an image of Watkins celebrating the significant win. This endorsement from Gauff is not just a nod to Watkins’ prowess on the court but also underscores a deeper connection between the two athletes, both of whom are investors in Unrivaled Basketball, a burgeoning women’s pro basketball league.
The Business Connection: Unrivaled Basketball
Unrivaled Basketball represents a new chapter in women’s sports, co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. The league aims to revolutionize the women’s game by introducing a 3-on-3 format. Gauff expressed her enthusiasm about joining the league as an investor, stating, “Basketball is one of my favorite sports and the chance to support a league that’s redefining the game is exciting.” Her investment goes beyond mere financial support; it’s about lifting women’s sports to unprecedented levels.
Coco Gauff’s 2025: A Mixed Bag of Triumphs and Challenges
On the tennis front, Coco Gauff has experienced a year of ups and downs. She kicked off 2025 by leading the USA to victory at the United Cup and reaching the quarterfinals at the Australian Open. However, her journey at the 2025 Qatar TotalEnergies Open met an unexpected end with a second-round defeat to Marta Kostyuk. Gauff is scheduled to return to action at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, where she aims to reclaim her form and push further up the rankings.
JuJu Watkins’ remarkable game and Coco Gauff’s endorsement underscore the rising prominence of women athletes in sports, marking a significant moment in NCAA basketball and beyond. This intersection of talent and recognition highlights a broader narrative of empowerment and excellence in women’s sports, setting the stage for future generations of female athletes to shine on the global stage.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.