Young Talent Takes Center Stage in Women’s College Basketball
The 2024-25 women’s college basketball season is shaping up to be one for the ages, with a talented crop of young players leading the charge. The Associated Press preseason All-America team, released on Tuesday, features three sophomores, including USC star JuJu Watkins and UConn’s Paige Bueckers.
A New Era of Excellence
Watkins and Bueckers were unanimous choices by the 30-member national media panel, marking the third appearance on the team for Bueckers. They are joined by Hannah Hidalgo of Notre Dame, Madison Booker of Texas, and Kiki Iriafen of USC. This talented group of players is expected to make waves in the sport, which is coming off a record year of fan interest.
Coach’s Corner
USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb is thrilled to see her stars, Watkins and Iriafen, making headlines. “It’s unbelievable. Those players excelled as freshmen, and their teams won. They did it in multiple ways,” she said. “It’s really exciting for the game and the future of it.” Gottlieb’s team is ranked third in the preseason poll, behind No. 1 South Carolina and No. 2 UConn.
Rising Stars
Watkins, Hidalgo, and Booker are all second-year players who made a significant impact in their freshman seasons. Watkins averaged 27.1 points per game, setting the national record for a freshman with 920 points. Hidalgo averaged 22.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game for the Fighting Irish, helping them win the ACC tournament and advance to the Sweet 16. Booker stepped up her play for the Longhorns after Rori Harmon went down with an ACL injury, averaging 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game.
A Bright Future Ahead
The NCAA tournament attendance was the highest it has ever been last season, and the championship game featured a record TV audience of 18.7 million. With players like Watkins, Bueckers, and Hidalgo leading the way, the future of women’s college basketball looks brighter than ever. As Gottlieb said, “It’s exciting to see their personalities mesh.” Fans can expect an exciting season ahead, with these talented young players taking center stage.
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