Women’s NCAA Basketball: Stars Set to Shine in March Madness
As March Madness approaches in women’s college basketball, excitement builds around the athletes who have the opportunity to make their mark on NCAA history. Icons such as Cheryl Miller, Sheryl Swoopes, and Breanna Stewart have cemented their legacies through remarkable performances during this intense tournament period.
Star Potential Beyond Championship Victories
Even players who do not walk away with the national title can etch unforgettable memories into the tournament’s narrative. Caitlin Clark, for instance, showcased her talent over the last two seasons with Iowa, advancing to the championship game and capturing nationwide attention.
Introducing the Contenders for 2025
This year, a new wave of talent is set to take center stage, particularly among front-runners for the National Player of the Year award. Key players include:
- JuJu Watkins (USC)
- Paige Bueckers (UConn)
- Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame)
- Lauren Betts (UCLA)
Each of these athletes has the chance to lead their teams to victory while making their own history in the NCAA tournament.
Player Rankings: Top Talent Entering the Tournament
ESPN experts Michael Voepel, Charlie Creme, Alexa Philippou, and Kendra Andrews have compiled a list of the top women’s college basketball players heading into March Madness. While JuJu Watkins maintains her position at the top, three freshmen have burst onto the scene, solidifying their spots in the rankings.
Here’s a closer look at some of these top players:
Highlights of Leading Players
JuJu Watkins, USC
Position: Guard | Height: 6-foot-2 | Stats: 24.6 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 3.5 APG
Watkins has been a powerhouse for the Trojans, clinching their first Big Ten regular-season title, which also earned them a No. 1 seed in the tournament. Her remarkable performance of 38 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and 8 blocks against rival UCLA showcased her dominant capabilities.
Paige Bueckers, UConn
Position: Guard | Height: 6-foot | Stats: 19.0 PPG, 4.9 APG, 2.0 SPG
In her final NCAA tournament, Bueckers aims to secure a national championship. Although this season has presented challenges for UConn, she has remained efficient in her stats and played an influential role in the Big East tournament.
Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame
Position: Guard | Height: 5-foot-6 | Stats: 24.2 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.7 SPG
Following a standout freshman year, Hidalgo has continued her strong performance into her sophomore season, establishing herself as a top contender for national honors. Her journey in last year’s tournament was impacted by unexpected challenges.
Lauren Betts, UCLA
Position: Center | Height: 6-foot-7 | Stats: 19.7 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 2.9 BPG
Betts has established herself as a formidable post player, successfully navigating double-teams and maintaining a high block rate which sets a foundation for UCLA’s defensive strategies.
Setting the Stage for an Epic Tournament
This year’s tournament promises excitement as various players eye not just victory but also personal milestones. Beyond individual accolades, upcoming matchups will further define the teams’ legacies, with many programs vying for historic achievements like making it to the Final Four for the first time.
As we prepare for the tournament’s opening rounds this Friday, basketball fans can look forward to exceptional talent and thrilling matchups as each contender strives to extend their journey through March Madness.