JuJu Watkins calls for WNBA rule change over draft delay - 'we should have option'

USC women's basketball phenom Juju Watkins has headlined the debate over the WNBAs draft eligibility restrictions , saying that players should have the choice to declare for the league before turning 22 years old.

The sophomore star, widely regarded as one of the brightest talents in college hoops, believes women athletes should have the same early-entry opportunities as their male counterparts in the NBA .

At just 19 years old, Watkins is third in the nation in points per game [24.7] behind Florida St's Ta'Niya Latson [28.9] and Notre Dame star Hannah Hidalgo [25.2.], who is also 19.

Watkins, the class of 2023's No.

1 overall recruit, instantly became a household name by dominating high school, AAU, and the collegiate landscape.

She was backed by NBA legends and current players such as Gilbert Arenas, Steph Curry , Charles Barkley, and DeMar DeRozan .

Her rapid rise, popularity, and skillset continue to spark conversation about her readiness for professional basketball and whether the WNBA should lower its draft eligibility age.

Shaquille O'Neal strikes historic WNBA agreement after Angel Reese contract WNBA icon Sue Bird among Basketball Hall of Fame nominees as longlist emerges In an interview with Sports Illustrated , Watkins shared her perspective on the topic.

"I want to say personally, I am enjoying my experience [at USC]," she said, crediting her coach, Lindsay Gottlieb .

"I definitely think we should have the option [to leave early].

There's just been such a growth in college basketball where its like, 'Why would you want to leave?' Because you're able to have that experience and build your brand here in college as well." Watkins added, "I would definitely say we should have the option, but I think college is a way to prepare us for the pros as well.

So, I dont know.

Its a touchy subject, but Im for it.

Under the WNBA's current rules , USA players have to be at least 22 years old during the year of the draft to be draft eligible.

They must either give up their college eligibility or formally renounce it before entering the draft pool.

For international players, the age requirement is slightly lower, allowing them to enter the draft if they are 20 years old during the draft's calendar year.

The disparity in age requirements has led to notable examples of young international talent entering the league before their U.S.

counterparts.

Last season, Australia's Nyadiew Puoch and Isobel Borlase were both drafted at 19.

Puoch was selected with the No.

12 overall pick by the Atlanta Dream but continued to develop in Australia's WNBL while Atlanta retains her exclusive negotiating rights.

Borlase was also drafted by the Dream in 2024 and likewise chose to remain in the WNBL, where she played for the 1-4 Adelaide Lightning, who finished at the bottom of the league.

France's highly regarded Carla Leite was drafted at 20 years old.

After following suit and choosing to remain to play overseas, the Golden State Valkyries took the Tony Parker prodigy as their expansion draft pick .

All signs point to a key role for the new franchise.

Watkins averaged 27.1 points on 40 percent shooting, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3.

assists per game as an 18-year-old last season.

To compare, Leite averaged 11.8 points and 2.9 assists in France's top-flight Ligue Feminine de Basketball [LFB], taking home the league's best young player honors..

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