As the world of basketball continues to evolve, it is essential to recognize and celebrate the female trailblazers who have made significant contributions to the game. This article highlights the achievements of Carolyn Peck and Judea “Juju” Watkins, two women who have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Carolyn Peck: A Pioneer for Black Coaches
Carolyn Peck is being inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame as a pioneer for Black coaches. A standout basketball player in high school and college, Peck became the first Black coach to win a national championship in women’s basketball as the head coach of Purdue in 1999. She took on the challenge of coaching Purdue when the team was at a tipping point, with the team’s third coach in three seasons. Peck sought advice from Pat Summitt, who encouraged her to take the job and get ready on the job. Implementing lessons learned under Summitt, Peck found solutions instead of mulling over problems and ensured her players were always prepared. She also enlisted the help of legendary coach Billie Moore for feedback on her coaching style. Peck’s first wins as a head coach were celebrated like national championships by the team.
Judea “Juju” Watkins: A Rising Star in Women’s Basketball
Judea “Juju” Watkins, the top-ranked player in girls’ high school basketball, will play for the USA select team in the first women’s Nike Hoop Summit on April 8 in Portland, Oregon. Created in 1995, the Nike Hoop Summit was an all-star game in which the USA Basketball Men’s Junior Select Team faced off against a World Select Team of international teens. In 2023, women are finally participating in this classic against a women’s World Select team. Watkins was recently named the 2023 Jersey Mike’s Naismith High School Girls’ Player of the Year. The Sierra Canyon High (California) star averaged 27.3 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game this season.
Watkins: A Transcendent Talent and USC Commitment
USC women’s basketball coach Lindsay Gottlieb called Watkins a “transcendent talent” and “special.” Watkins chose to play college basketball at USC to represent her community and where she comes from. She is familiar with the history of Trojans women’s basketball and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame likes of Cheryl Miller, Cynthia Cooper, Lisa Leslie, and Tina Thompson.
Nike Hoop Summit: A New Era for Women’s Basketball
The 2023 Nike Hoop Summit marks a new era for women’s basketball, with the inaugural women’s game featuring the sons of NBA players like Bronny James, Andrej Stojakovic, Sean Stewart, and D.J. Wagner. The event, which pits a USA Basketball team of high school senior stars against the world’s top young international players, will be attended by NBA stars like LeBron James and Draymond Green. As women continue to break barriers in the sport, the Nike Hoop Summit serves as a testament to their progress and the bright future ahead.