Top 5 Women’s Basketball March Madness Stars to Watch
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Women’s College Basketball has surged in popularity, breaking viewership records in consecutive years. Recent seasons have showcased incredible talent on TV.
Stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese thrilled audiences with their fierce rivalry. Paige Bueckers made a comeback into the limelight, while Juju Watkins emerged as the next heir to the throne following Clark’s departure to the WNBA.
The game is overflowing with exceptional players. From a Big Ten Player of the Year to a three-time Big East Player of the Year, the talent pool continues to expand. As the sport grows, competition rises, and this March promises another thrilling NCAA tournament. After discussing my top five men’s players, let’s explore the top five women’s college basketball players to watch heading into March Madness.
5. Olivia Miles, Notre Dame
2024-25 stats: 16.4 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 5.9 APG, 50.0 FG%, 41.0 3PT% (29 games)
Miles returned with a vengeance after missing the 2023-24 season due to a torn ACL. Instantly, she rejoined one of the nation’s best backcourts, showcasing her elite talent.
Her comeback featured a 20-point triple-double, proving she hadn’t missed a beat. She followed this with back-to-back triple-doubles against Loyola and Virginia, becoming the first player in ACC history to achieve this feat.
Moreover, Miles is the only women’s college basketball player this season to average 16+ points, six rebounds, and 5.5+ assists (5.9 assists led the ACC), while shooting over 50% from the field. Her versatility and consistency make her a must-watch heading into March Madness.
4. Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame
2024-25 stats: 24.2 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.7 APG, 3.6 SPG, 46.4 FG%, 41.0 3PT%
Aggressive on both ends of the floor and fearless in competition, Hidalgo has cemented herself as a top prospect, arguably second only to Juju Watkins in her class. The ACC Player of the Year forms the other half of the Fighting Irish’s dominant half-court. Hidalgo has been phenomenal this season, leading the team with relentless energy.
She ranks fourth in the nation in scoring and second in the ACC. On defense, Hidalgo poses a significant threat to opponents, averaging a league-leading 3.6 steals per game. Her efforts earned her the ACC Defensive Player of the Year honor.
According to StatHead, Hidalgo is one of five players in history (Sheryl Swoopes, Pam Hudson, Allison Feaster, Kim Knuth) to average 24+ points, five rebounds, and three steals while shooting 50% or better from the field and 40% from three.
She’s the only one to do that this century.
3. Lauren Betts, UCLA
2024-25 stats: 20.0 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 2.8 APG, 3.0 BPG, 62.8 FG%
Standing as the goliath of the group is UCLA phenom Lauren Betts. The 6-foot-7 center was unanimously named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year after setting the single-season UCLA record for blocks (73). Betts added to her defensive dominance by setting the single-game university record for blocks (9) in UCLA’s win against Baylor on Jan 20.
She’s a go-to scorer down low who’s a headache for opposing frontcourts. The Bruins will need Betts to be just that to reach their ultimate goal. Betts is one of four players (Eugenia Rycraw, Courtney Paris, Dolores Bootz) in history to average 20+ points, 10+ rebounds, and three blocks on at least 60% shooting from the field.
No one else has done it since 2005.
2. Paige Bueckers, UConn
2024-25 stats: 18.6 PPG, 5.0 APG, 4.5 RPG, 53.4 FG%, 40.8 3PT%
Buecker’s reign over the Big East is among the best in college basketball history. She was named the Big East Player of the Year for the second consecutive season and third overall. The Huskies have gone undefeated (18-0) in conference play. Her three Player of the Year awards are tied for the most in league history. She’s one of four (Maya Moore, Shelly Pennefeather, and Kerry Bascom) to win three times.
This is Buecker’s last chance to stamp her name amongst the true greats in UConn history with a national championship. She’s the sixth leading all-time scorer in program history, projected to be the No.1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft.
1. Juju Watkins, USC
2024-25 stats: 24.7 PPG, RPG, 3.6 APG, 41.2 FG%, 33.9 3PT%
In a crowded, talented crop, Watkins stands out among the pack. Generational. The reigning Big Ten Player of the Year has taken the reins as the face of Women’s College Basketball from her predecessor, Caitlin Clark.
Watkins hasn’t disappointed, solidifying her position as the undisputed top player in women’s college basketball, possibly even in all of college basketball.
Her performances against UCLA gave the Bruins their only two losses of the season. Ultimately, Trojans are title contenders because of her composure in big moments, innovative shot-making ability, and the pressure she puts on defenses.
Since 1981-82, Watkins is the only underclassman player to average 24+ points, six rebounds, two steals, and two blocks per game.
She’s the only one to do so this century.