CHATSWORTH, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — USC basketball star JuJu Watkins achieved a historic milestone Friday night, becoming the first athlete at Sierra Canyon High School to have her jersey retired.
“It’s a full circle moment, and I’m just happy to be here,” Watkins shared during her return to the Chatsworth school.
The Watts native was honored with a framed No. 12 jersey at halftime of a boys basketball game between Sierra Canyon and Sherman Oaks’ Notre Dame High. This recognition isn’t just about athletic prowess; it’s a testament to Watkins’ character and impact.
A Legacy Beyond the Scoreboard
Watkins’ time at Sierra Canyon, though only two years, left an indelible mark. “I only spent two years here, but they welcomed me with open arms, from an education standpoint and also basketball,” she said. “I don’t know where I’d be without them.” During her tenure, she earned the title of Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year and famously scored 60 points on senior night, showcasing her exceptional talent.
Former coaches emphasized that the decision to retire her jersey was rooted in more than just her athletic achievements. “Everything about her is absolutely amazing, which took part in the decision for her to be the first person (to have their jersey retired),” Watkins’ former coach Alicia Komaki explained. “It wasn’t just athletic based. It was character driven, it was how she was as a student here. But her resume as an athlete is pretty exceptional that it was hard to deny any of the above.”
Watkins is currently sidelined as she recovers from a torn ACL sustained last March, but her future remains bright.
A Trailblazer Among Stars
Sierra Canyon has a history of producing elite basketball players, including NBA players Bronny James and Scotty Pippen Jr., and WNBA star Kennedy Burke, but Watkins is the first to receive this particular honor. Her jersey retirement sets a new precedent for the school’s athletic program.
ESPN contributed to this report.
