Cooper Flagg, JuJu Watkins Win 2025 Wooden Awards \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Duke’s Cooper Flagg and USC’s JuJu Watkins captured the prestigious 2025 John R. Wooden Awards. Flagg led Duke to the Final Four, while Watkins dominated the season before an ACL injury. Both were also named AP Players of the Year.
Quick Looks
- Duke’s Cooper Flagg wins men’s Wooden Award over Auburn’s Johni Broome
- Flagg averaged 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists
- USC’s JuJu Watkins named women’s Wooden Award winner
- Watkins beat out 2021 winner Paige Bueckers by 46 votes
- Finalists included top players from Alabama, Florida, UCLA, and more
- Flagg and Watkins also earned AP Player of the Year honors
- Watkins averaged 24.6 PPG before ACL injury ended her season
- Wooden Award winners to be honored April 11 in Los Angeles
- Voting was conducted March 11–24 by media and past winners
Deep Look
Two of college basketball’s brightest stars have added another milestone to their already headline-grabbing seasons. Cooper Flagg, a dominant freshman for Duke University, and JuJu Watkins, a sophomore standout for USC, have been named the 2025 John R. Wooden Award winners, an honor bestowed annually upon the top men’s and women’s players in NCAA Division I basketball.
Both players have not only delivered exceptional statistics and game-changing performances but also captured the imagination of fans and scouts with their competitive drive, basketball IQ, and poise under pressure. Their names now join an elite lineage of Wooden Award recipients, and their seasons—though different in circumstances—will be remembered as defining moments in recent NCAA history.
Cooper Flagg: Historic Freshman Campaign at Duke
Cooper Flagg’s arrival in Durham was surrounded by intense anticipation, and he didn’t disappoint. As one of the most hyped recruits in recent memory, the 6’9” forward lived up to the billing and then some, becoming the first freshman since Zion Williamson (also of Duke) to win the Wooden Award.
Flagg led the Blue Devils with 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, showcasing his versatility as a scorer, rebounder, playmaker, and defender. He played with a maturity and composure beyond his years, guiding Duke to the Final Four and establishing himself as a leader on a team loaded with veteran talent.
What separated Flagg from other elite players was his ability to rise in big moments. In high-pressure games throughout the regular season and tournament, he delivered clutch performances that cemented his status as a generational talent. Whether it was hitting a game-winner, orchestrating an offense, or guarding the opponent’s best player, Flagg repeatedly proved why he was the nation’s best.
Flagg earned 178 more votes than runner-up Johni Broome of Auburn, a testament to how definitively he stood out. The rest of the talented finalist group included Walter Clayton Jr. of Florida, Mark Sears of Alabama, and Braden Smith of Purdue, all of whom had standout seasons, but none matched Flagg’s overall impact.
This award also marks a major milestone for Duke, giving the university its eighth Wooden Award winner, the most of any school in the country. Legends like Christian Laettner, Shane Battier, and J.J. Redick are now joined by a freshman phenom whose journey is just beginning.
JuJu Watkins: A Season of Brilliance and Grit
On the women’s side, JuJu Watkins of the USC Trojans captured the Wooden Award in what may be remembered as one of the most bittersweet and inspiring campaigns in recent NCAA women’s basketball history. Averaging 24.6 points per game, Watkins led USC with undeniable star power and scoring prowess, positioning the program as a national powerhouse once again.
Her season was abruptly cut short in the second round of the NCAA Tournament due to a devastating ACL injury suffered during a win over Mississippi State. Despite the injury, Watkins’ body of work throughout the season made her impossible to overlook. She dominated on the court, electrifying fans with her sharp handles, deep shooting range, and fearless attacks at the rim. Her presence brought an infectious energy to the Trojans and reignited national attention on the program.
Watkins edged out Paige Bueckers of UConn, a previous Wooden Award winner in 2021, by just 46 votes. It was one of the closest races in recent memory. Bueckers had an incredible season herself, returning from injury and leading the Huskies deep into the postseason. But it was Watkins’ overall influence on the court and her statistical dominance that ultimately pushed her over the edge.
Also nominated were Lauren Betts (UCLA), Madison Booker (Texas), and Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame)—all of whom had exceptional seasons and represent the depth and quality of talent in women’s college basketball today.
Beyond her scoring, Watkins consistently demonstrated leadership and emotional maturity, helping to reshape the narrative of USC women’s basketball. Her ability to elevate those around her and thrive under the pressure of national attention made her a fan favorite and a deserving Wooden Award winner.
Recognition Beyond the Wooden Award
In addition to receiving the Wooden Award, both Flagg and Watkins were also named the Associated Press Players of the Year, further validating their dominance this season. The dual honors place them firmly in the national spotlight and elevate their respective profiles as potential future stars at the professional level.
For Flagg, this could be the beginning of a one-and-done journey to the NBA, where he’s already projected as a future lottery pick. For Watkins, her road to recovery from injury will be watched closely, but if her past performance is any indication, she’ll return stronger and more determined than ever.
The Voting Process and Ceremony
Voting for the Wooden Award took place from March 11 to March 24, with ballots cast by a national panel of sportswriters, sportscasters, and former Wooden Award recipients. This blend of current analysts and past legends ensures a comprehensive and credible evaluation process.
The trophy presentation is scheduled for April 11 at the Los Angeles Athletic Club, the official host of the John R. Wooden Award. The event honors not just individual excellence but also celebrates character, teamwork, and sportsmanship—qualities long associated with the award’s namesake, legendary UCLA coach John Wooden.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
The significance of this year’s winners extends beyond individual stats. Flagg and Watkins represent a new generation of collegiate athletes—highly skilled, media-savvy, and deeply aware of their platforms. In a rapidly evolving college sports landscape shaped by NIL deals, social media, and shifting conference alignments, their stories embody both tradition and transformation.
Flagg’s award continues Duke’s storied legacy and showcases the program’s enduring ability to develop elite talent. Meanwhile, Watkins’ recognition highlights the resurgence of West Coast women’s basketball and USC’s reemergence as a contender on the national stage.
Their performances this season—and the accolades they’ve earned—will influence how fans, media, and scouts view the college basketball pipeline for years to come.
What’s Next?
For Flagg, the remainder of the NCAA Tournament offers a chance to add to his legacy with a national title. Should Duke go all the way, he’ll become one of the few players to win the Wooden Award and NCAA championship in the same year.
Watkins, though sidelined, will begin her recovery and prepare for a highly anticipated return in 2026. Her leadership and spirit remain integral to the Trojans, and she is expected to be a top WNBA prospect when eligible.
Regardless of where their paths lead, Cooper Flagg and JuJu Watkins have already secured their places in college basketball history as the defining players of the 2024–2025 season.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.