The Race for NCAA Women’s Basketball Player of the Year: Who’s Leading the Pack?
Table of Contents
- The Race for NCAA Women’s Basketball Player of the Year: Who’s Leading the Pack?
- Rising Stars in Women’s College Basketball: juju Watkins, Paige Bueckers, and Lauren Betts
- The Rising Stars of Women’s College Basketball: A Deep Dive into the Season’s Standouts
- Ta’Niya Latson: The Scoring Sensation
- Aneesah Morrow: The Double-Double Machine
- The Efficient Bigs: ayoka Lee and Raegan Beers
- South Carolina’s Balanced Attack
- Key Players to Watch
- upcoming Challenges and Opportunities
- Summary Table: Key Player Stats and Highlights
- Final Thoughts
- JuJu Watkins: The Freshman Phenom
The NCAA women’s basketball season is in full swing, and the race for the coveted Player of the Year award is heating up. With two-time winner Caitlin Clark now in the WNBA, the competition is wide open. this year’s contenders are showcasing exceptional talent, making it one of the most exciting races in recent memory.
Let’s dive into the top players vying for the title and analyze their standout performances.
1.Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame
Standing at just 5-foot-6, Hannah Hidalgo has emerged as a dominant force for Notre Dame.The sophomore guard has been instrumental in leading her team to national championship contention under head coach Niele Ivey.
Hidalgo’s two-way game is nothing short of spectacular.She ranks second in scoring and steals, showcasing her ability to impact both ends of the floor. Her shooting efficiency is equally notable, with 2.6 three-pointers made per game at a 45.7% clip.
What sets Hidalgo apart is her performance against top-ranked opponents. In five games against elite teams, she averaged 26.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, six assists, and 3.4 steals. Her 30-point explosion against Texas and near-triple-double against UConn are testaments to her clutch play.
2. Olivia Miles, Notre Dame
While Hidalgo shines, her backcourt mate Olivia Miles is also making a strong case for Player of the Year. The redshirt junior is the only player in the nation averaging 16.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game.
miles’ versatility is unmatched. She ranks fourth in assists and has added a reliable three-point shot to her arsenal, making her a dual threat on the court. Her ability to control the game’s tempo and create opportunities for her teammates makes her indispensable to Notre Dame’s success.
3. Cameron Brink, Stanford
Stanford’s Cameron Brink has been a defensive powerhouse, earning the Naismith Women’s Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2024. Brink’s averages of 17.4 points, 11.9 rebounds,and 3.7 blocks per game highlight her dominance in the paint.
Brink’s ability to anchor Stanford’s defense while contributing substantially on offense makes her a top contender. Her historic achievement as the first Stanford player to win the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award underscores her impact on the game.
4. Paige Bueckers, UConn
After missing the 2022-23 season due to injury, Paige Bueckers has returned to form,reminding everyone why she was once the nation’s top recruit. The UConn star is averaging 20.3 points, 5.1 rebounds,and 4.7 assists per game, showcasing her all-around brilliance.
Bueckers’ ability to elevate her game in critical moments has been pivotal for UConn. Her leadership and poise under pressure make her a strong candidate for Player of the Year honors.
Key Contenders at a Glance
| Player | Team | PPG | RPG | APG | Notable Achievements |
|——————-|————-|——|——|——|———————————————–|
| Hannah Hidalgo | Notre Dame | 26.8 | 7.2 | 6.0 | 45.7% 3PT, 3.4 SPG |
| Olivia Miles | Notre Dame | 16.7 | 6.8 | 7.2 | Only player averaging 16/6/7 |
| Cameron Brink | Stanford | 17.4 | 11.9 | 1.2 | Naismith Defensive Player of the Year (2024) |
| Paige Bueckers | UConn | 20.3 | 5.1 | 4.7 | Returned from injury with elite performance |
Who Will Take Home the Crown?
The race for the NCAA Women’s Basketball Player of the Year is as competitive as ever. Whether it’s Hidalgo’s explosive scoring, Miles’ all-around brilliance, Brink’s defensive dominance, or Bueckers’ leadership, each contender brings something unique to the table.
As the season progresses, keep an eye on these standout players. Their performances will not only shape their teams’ fortunes but also determine who takes home the ultimate individual honor.
Who do you think deserves the title? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
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For more updates on the NCAA women’s basketball season, stay tuned to our blog and follow the latest news on USA TODAY and CBS Sports.
Rising Stars in Women’s College Basketball: juju Watkins, Paige Bueckers, and Lauren Betts
women’s college basketball is witnessing a golden era of talent, with players like JuJu Watkins, Paige Bueckers, and Lauren Betts leading the charge. these athletes are not only redefining their respective programs but also setting new standards for excellence on the court. Let’s dive into their performances, strengths, and what makes them stand out in the 2023-2024 season.
JuJu Watkins: The Elite playmaker
JuJu Watkins, the 6-2 shooting guard for Southern Cal, is a force to be reckoned with. After a record-setting freshman campaign, Watkins continues to dominate, averaging 25.1 points per game, which ranks third in Division I.While her scoring is slightly down from her freshman year,her game has evolved. With more weapons on the USC roster, Watkins has shifted her focus to playmaking, increasing her assists to 4.1 per game (up from 3.3).
Watkins’ size and length make her a defensive nightmare, ranking in the 98th percentile or better in steals and blocks. Opponents are starting to scheme against her, but her 51.1 effective field-goal percentage and improved ball security (2.9 turnovers per game) show her growth. She’s already logged three 30-point games this season, including a standout 40-point performance against California Baptist.
Paige Bueckers: The Efficiency Queen
Paige Bueckers of UConn is the epitome of efficiency. Despite not being a volume shooter, Bueckers boasts a career-high 62.8 effective field-goal percentage, one of the best among Division I guards. Her ability to make smart shot choices and limit turnovers (just 1.3 per game) sets her apart.
Health remains a concern for Bueckers, who is currently sidelined with a knee sprain.Though, her impact on the court is undeniable. She’s just 18 points away from reaching 2,000 career points, a milestone she’s on track to achieve faster than any player in UConn history. Bueckers’ accolades speak for themselves—she’s the only freshman to win major national player of the year awards, including the AP, Wooden, Naismith, and USBWA.
Lauren Betts: The Dominant Force
At 6-7, Lauren Betts is the cornerstone of UCLA’s top-ranked offense. The junior centre is averaging a career-high 19.8 points per game on an impressive 61.5 field-goal percentage, ranking 11th among centers. Betts is also averaging a double-double and has become a dominant rim protector.
Despite missing two games with a leg injury, Betts has shown important improvement in her passing, more than doubling her assist rate. Her size makes her nearly unstoppable in the post, and she’s proven her versatility in big games.In UCLA’s upset victory over South Carolina, Betts contributed 14 rebounds, four assists, and four blocks, even on a season-low scoring night.
Key Comparisons: Watkins, Bueckers, and Betts
| Player | Points Per Game | Field-Goal Percentage | Assists Per Game | Notable Strength |
|———————|———————|—————————|———————–|————————————|
| JuJu Watkins | 25.1 | 51.1% | 4.1 | Elite playmaking, defensive stats |
| Paige Bueckers | 18.5 | 62.8% | 3.8 | Efficiency, low turnover rate |
| Lauren Betts | 19.8 | 61.5% | 2.5 | Dominant post presence, rim protection |
what’s Next for These Stars?
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on these three players. Watkins has the potential to elevate her game further, especially in high-stakes matchups. Bueckers will aim to return from injury stronger than ever, while Betts will look to maintain her dominance as UCLA eyes a deep postseason run.
For fans of women’s college basketball, this is a thrilling time. These athletes are not just playing the game—they’re redefining it.
Call to Action: Who do you think will have the biggest impact this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below and follow us for more updates on women’s college basketball!
The Rising Stars of Women’s College Basketball: A Deep Dive into the Season’s Standouts
The 2023-2024 women’s college basketball season has been nothing short of electrifying, with standout players lighting up the court and redefining what it means to dominate the game. from record-breaking scorers to versatile all-around performers,this season has showcased a new generation of talent ready to take the sport to new heights. Let’s dive into the players and teams making waves this year.
Ta’Niya Latson: The Scoring Sensation
Florida State guard Ta’Niya Latson has emerged as the nation’s leading scorer, averaging an impressive 27.9 points per game. Her ability to take over games has been nothing short of spectacular, with three performances of at least 38 points this season. Latson’s shooting efficiency has also reached career highs, with a 51.1% field goal percentage and a 45.5% success rate from beyond the arc.
Latson’s dominance has propelled the Seminoles back into the conversation for ranked status. Their upcoming matchup against cal on Sunday will be a crucial test, as it marks their first game against a ranked opponent since their December loss to Tennessee.
Aneesah Morrow: The Double-Double Machine
LSU’s Aneesah Morrow has been the steadying force for her team, averaging a double-double with 18.1 points and 14 rebounds per game.Morrow’s rebounding prowess has made her the nation’s leader in that category, and her improved shooting during the non-conference schedule has added another dimension to her game.
Morrow’s consistency and versatility have been instrumental in LSU’s success, making her one of the most impactful players in the country.
The Efficient Bigs: ayoka Lee and Raegan Beers
Kansas State’s Ayoka Lee and Oklahoma’s Raegan Beers have been two of the most efficient post players in Division I this season. Lee, who leads the nation in player efficiency rating, has been a force in the paint, while Beers has showcased her ability to dominate on both ends of the floor.
Despite their impressive performances, neither player has fully separated themselves from the pack, leaving room for them to make a statement in the coming weeks.
South Carolina’s Balanced Attack
South Carolina continues to thrive with its signature 10-player rotation, relying on depth and balance rather than a single star. Chloe Kitts began the season as a potential Player of the Year candidate but has seen her minutes limited due to the team’s depth. With Ashlyn Watkins out for the year due to an ACL injury, Kitts is expected to see increased playing time.
Simultaneously occurring, Te-Hina Paopao has been a standout for the Gamecocks, averaging 11.6 points per game and shooting 42.6% from three-point range. Her leadership and sharpshooting have been key to South Carolina’s success.
Key Players to Watch
- Kaylene Smikle (Maryland): The MVP of Maryland’s transformative offseason, Smikle has been a catalyst for her team’s resurgence.
- Madison Booker (Texas): The All-American sophomore has shown flashes of brilliance but needs to elevate her game to break into the top tier of players.
upcoming Challenges and Opportunities
The season’s final stretch promises plenty of excitement, with six of UCLA’s last 10 games coming against ranked opponents. These matchups will provide players like Lauren Betts—who recently posted a stat line of 10 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks—with opportunities to solidify their standing as elite talents.
Summary Table: Key Player Stats and Highlights
| Player | Team | PPG | RPG | APG | Notable Achievements |
|——————-|—————|——|——|——|———————————————–|
| Ta’Niya Latson | florida state | 27.9 | 4.5 | 3.2 | Nation’s leading scorer, 45.5% 3PT shooting |
| Aneesah Morrow | LSU | 18.1 | 14.0 | 2.3 | Leads nation in rebounding, double-double avg |
| Ayoka Lee | Kansas State | 19.4 | 10.2 | 1.8 | Nation’s top player efficiency rating |
| Raegan Beers | Oklahoma | 17.8 | 9.5 | 1.6 | Efficient post presence, strong defensively |
| Te-Hina Paopao | South Carolina| 11.6 | 3.1 | 3.4 | 42.6% 3PT shooting, team leader |
Final Thoughts
This season has been a showcase of individual brilliance and team depth, with players like Ta’Niya Latson and Aneesah Morrow setting new standards for excellence. As the season progresses, the competition will only intensify, offering fans more thrilling moments and unforgettable performances.
Stay tuned as these rising stars continue to shine and redefine the landscape of women’s college basketball.
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For more updates on the latest in women’s college basketball, check out ESPN’s coverage or follow your favorite teams and players on NCAA’s official site.
Aving room for others to challenge their dominance. However,their consistency and efficiency make them key players to watch as teh season progresses.
