Top Prospects to Watch in Women’s College Basketball Ahead of NCAA Tournament
By Eric Moody | March 17, 2025, 11:30 AM ET
As March progresses, the excitement surrounding women’s college basketball intensifies with the NCAA Tournament on the horizon. This year’s tournament not only provides thrilling matchups but also showcases several standout players destined for success in the WNBA. Here are some key players to monitor closely as fantasy managers gear up for the upcoming women’s basketball season.
Key Prospects
Paige Bueckers, Guard, UConn
Paige Bueckers currently stands out as the premier player in women’s college basketball and is anticipated to be the top pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Averaging 18.8 points per game with shooting percentages of 54% from the field and 40% from three-point range, Bueckers excels as a three-level scorer and playmaker. Her capability to uplift her teammates positions her as a transformative asset for any team, with current forecasts suggesting a potential selection by the Dallas Wings, where she would partner effectively with Arike Ogunbowale.
Olivia Miles, Guard, Notre Dame
Although Olivia Miles missed the previous season due to injury, she has made a remarkable comeback, averaging 16.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. Her improvement in three-point shooting, now at 40.9%, enhances her value as a facilitator of Notre Dame’s offense. As a finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Award, which honors the top point guards in the nation, her playing style and abilities have placed her high in mock drafts, with the Seattle Storm and the Washington Mystics showing strong interest due to their guard needs.
Sonia Citron, Guard, Notre Dame
Sonia Citron demonstrates a well-rounded game, contributing 13.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and nearly 2.0 steals per game, while also showcasing her defensive prowess. Her shooting accuracy from beyond the arc stands at 36.7%, making her a viable “3-and-D” prospect. Expected to be picked by the Washington Mystics, Citron combines offensive efficiency with defensive versatility to be a highly sought-after player in this draft class.
Te-Hina Paopao, Guard, South Carolina
Bringing a wealth of experience, Te-Hina Paopao rounds out the Gamecocks’ depth chart as a fifth-year player, providing steady contributions of 10.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. Known for her deep shooting range and ability to play in various roles, Paopao’s skill set is well-suited for a team that requires a balance of playmaking and scoring, especially as South Carolina has established a reputation for nurturing WNBA-ready talent.
Kiki Iriafen, Forward, USC
As a key player for USC, Kiki Iriafen ranks as one of the top scorers with an average of 18.5 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Her physical presence in the post and ability to shoot effectively from the mid-range make her a desirable prospect. Projected to be a high draft pick, Iriafen’s combination of athleticism and defensive versatility could see her selected by the Golden State Valkyries.
Aneesah Morrow, Forward, LSU
In her final season, Aneesah Morrow has garnered First-Team All-SEC accolades while demonstrating exceptional prowess on both ends of the court. Averaging 18.5 points and 13.6 rebounds along with 2.6 steals, her presence is felt significantly in the paint. Despite concerns regarding a recent injury, Morrow is expected to be ready for the tournament and could be a strong addition to the Dallas Wings, especially if they also secure Paige Bueckers.