The 2024-25 women’s college basketball season has started, and it’s going to be a highly watched season. With so much talent is going to be on the court, and the increase in attention on women’s basketball as a whole, thanks to the rise in popularity and visibility and the “Caitlin Clark effect”, fans are going to undoubtedly get excited over a number of other players who are rising through the ranks and making the sport even bigger.
Bueckers is the name on everyone’s lips, but there’s a ferocious sophomore class looking to make a name for itself. JuJu Watkins and his fellow impressive group of players are leading this way.
It’s a season full of outstanding plays and great performances from young talent all over the country.
Paige Bueckers, UConn
Since her college debut, Paige Bueckers has been a standout, grabbing attention for winning major awards in her freshman year.
Her talent shines bright, but maybe she didn’t get this far because of injuries. After sitting out the 2022–23 season with a torn ACL, she made a hugely impressive return – displaying not just her scoring skills but her defensive skills as well.
She averaged 21.9 points per game last season, 53 percent overall, 41.6 percent from long range. Bueckers is far more than a scorer, with 5.2 rebounds, 150 assists, 86 steals, and 53 blocks.
She led UConn to the Final Four in the 2024 NCAA Tournament with only a seven-player rotation. She is all the more determined this season to pick up that final victory.
JuJu Watkins, USC
JuJu Watkins hit the college basketball scene with sky-high expectations and exceeded every one of them. Last season, she made waves by smashing the all-time freshman scoring record with an astounding 290 points.
Averaging an incredible 27.1 points per game, Watkins delivered a jaw-dropping 51-point, 11-rebound performance against Stanford, ranked No. 4 at the time. Her efforts helped USC reach the Elite Eight, a feat that was last accomplished in 1994.
As the Trojans enter the Big Ten, Watkins stands out as the preseason player of the year, ensuring that USC remains a formidable force in the NCAAB.
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Aneesah Morrow, LSU
After Angel Reese jumps to the WNBA, Aneesah Morrow is ready to be the next big star at LSU. Rising to the occasion is Morrow, who is known as the “double-double queen” and is, as you might imagine, more than up to filling those big, abandoned shoes.
Two strong years later at DePaul, Morrow moved on to LSU, establishing herself as a big-time player there. Yet had she given it all, scoring 16.4 points per game and grabbing ten boards a night, she helped the Tigers make it to the Elite Eight.
She scored, rebounded, and led her team in steals and blocks, so she was invaluable to her team on both sides of the court. Morrow, of course, is this season’s hottest property as she looks to have one more big MVP season in her.
Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame
Hannah Hidalgo left an indelible mark in her first season at Notre Dame. One of the more versatile talents among its freshmen class last year, she shined in bright fashion. She also averaged 22.6 points per game and led the nation in steals with 160.
The Fighting Irish, though, were without star point guard Olivia Miles, out with a knee injury, and the team still had to overcome injuries to struggle to the Sweet 16 for the third straight year under Hidalgo.
She won the Dawn Staley Award – the best point guard in women’s college basketball. Hidalgo should continue playing the way she has all season, as fans can expect to see her play this season.
Madison Booker, Texas
Texas has been buoyed by, and surprisingly, Madison Booker has been a shining light after the Rori Harmon setback. In spite of doubts about whether the team would show well, Booker showed up and took them to the Elite Eight.
A true wing player in high school, she easily moved into point guard. She became conference history by earning Big 12 Freshman of the Year and Player of the Year honors.
Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year award went to Booker as well. The one standout game was against Oklahoma, scoring 29 points and grabbing 6 rebounds, proving she can still put up points, but not without firing competition from other warriors around her.
The Takeaway
With its amazing players, the 2024-25 women’s college basketball season is one to be excited about.
These athletes are all talented and determined; Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins are two examples. Every player is prepared to stand up and be the person who takes their team to the win.
These stars will come with thrills and memorable moments for fans as they look to leave their mark on college basketball history.
