The 2024-25 women’s college basketball season is set to feature some of the game’s brightest stars as they return to the court. This year’s lineup of returning players, from record scorers to defensive anchors, promises a season full of game-changing plays and strong performances.
Here are the names to watch ready to lead their teams on the biggest stage.
JuJu Watkins, Southern California
JuJu Watkins redefined freshman dominance last season, becoming USC’s leading scorer and leading the Trojans to their first Elite Eight in three decades. Known for her three-level scoring and unmatched versatility, Watkins set an NCAA freshman scoring record with 920 points, including a 51-point reel against Stanford. Already a national star, Watkins brings his hometown pride and unstoppable game back to USC with even bigger goals in mind.
Paige Bueckers, UConn
In her final season, Paige Bueckers has one goal: lead UConn back to the top. The former Naismith Player of the Year is known for her electrifying game and scoring touch, with a basketball IQ that has made her a force for the Huskies since day one. After overcoming injury setbacks, Bueckers is ready for her final ride, looking to give UConn another championship with her clutch performances and leadership on the court.
Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame
Freshman Hannah Hidalgo was a force on both ends of the floor, averaging 23.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 4.6 steals. The ACC Defensive Player and Rookie of the Year, Hidalgo led the league in scoring and led the nation with 147 steals. Her dynamic play sparked Notre Dame’s ACC title run, and her high-energy style, especially on defense, continues to elevate the Fighting Irish’s backcourt going into her second season.
Audi Crooks, Iowa State
Audi Crooks burst onto the college basketball scene his freshman year at Iowa State, averaging 19.2 points and 7.8 rebounds. She made headlines with a historic 40-point, 18-of-20 shooting performance against Maryland in the NCAA Tournament, setting a new standard for freshmen. A dominant force in the paint, Crooks’ physical presence and skill make her a rising star who is poised to take the Big 12 by storm again this season.
MiLaysia Fulwiley, South Carolina
MiLaysia Fulwiley brings electrifying energy and flair to the big moments at the South Carolina court. As the first freshman since Candace Parker to win SEC Tournament MVP, Fulwiley made her mark with no-look passes, daring drives and defensive stops. Her knowledge of show plays combined with a knack for clutch performances has already positioned her as a Gamecocks fan favorite.
Harmon Road, Texas
Back and granted two more years of eligibility, Texans guard Rori Harmon is poised to make a huge impact after recovering from her ACL. A two-time honorable mention All-American and former Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Harmon is ready to lift the Longhorns as they move into SEC play. With a stronger backcourt and her leadership, Texas aims to build on last year’s Elite Eight run.
Madison Booker, Texas
Texans forward Madison Booker is ready to shine after a stellar freshman year in which she set UT records and earned Big 12 Player and Freshman of the Year honors. Known for her versatility and unguardable skill set, Booker was instrumental in Texas’ 33-win season, scoring in double figures 32 times. With a year of experience and Rori Harmon back in the lineup, Booker aims to lead Texas deeper than last year’s Elite Eight berth.
Olivia Miles, Notre Dame
After a year and a half away from the court, Olivia Miles is ready to make her mark once again as one of the game’s elite guards. Known for her amazing passing and versatility, Miles was a standout, averaging a near triple-double in the NCAA Tournament as a freshman. Fully recovered and ready to lead alongside teammate Hannah Hidalgo, Miles aims to remind everyone why she is the key to Notre Dame’s championship hopes.
Aneesah Morrow, LSU
Aneesah Morrow is poised for an even bigger role coming off a breakout season with LSU. Known for her double-double prowess, Morrow averaged 16.4 points and 10 rebounds last season, ranking among the best in the nation with 21 double-doubles. With her defensive tenacity and offensive versatility, Morrow’s leadership will be essential for LSU as they chase another title. Expect “NeesThaBeast” to dominate the boards and continue to rise as an SEC star.
Flau’jae Johnson, LSU
Flau’jae Johnson turned into a crucial asset for LSU with a sophomore season averaging 14.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game. Known for her clutch performances, she stepped up her game in the NCAA Tournament, including a 24-point, 12-rebound performance against UCLA. With his elite scoring and defensive versatility, Johnson’s ability to step up in big moments will be key to LSU’s championship aspirations this season.
Lauren Betts, UCLA
Lauren Betts established herself as one of the nation’s top bigs last season, leading UCLA with 14.9 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting 67 percent from the field. Her presence on both ends made her invaluable, especially during UCLA’s postseason run. Known for her defensive prowess and 13 double-doubles, Betts’ dominance in the paint and versatility on defense make her a player to watch as the Bruins pursue a deep tournament push.
Kiki Rice, UCLA
Entering her junior season, Kiki Rice has become the heart of UCLA’s backcourt. Averaging 13.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists last year, she led the team in defensive boards and showed off her overall skills with a triple-double against CSUN. Known for her clutch performances, such as her 24-point, 11-rebound game to upset then-No. 6 UConn, Rice’s growth on both ends of the floor positions UCLA for another deep run.
Ayoka Lee, Kansas State
Kansas State star center Ayoka Lee returns for one final season after a standout 2023-24 campaign, averaging 19.7 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.8 blocks. Known for her NCAA record 61 points, Lee cemented her name in K-State history by holding school records in scoring, rebounding and blocks.
Te-Hina Papaao, South Carolina
After transferring from Oregon, Te-Hina Paopao made an immediate impact on South Carolina’s historic championship run, helping the Gamecocks to a perfect 38-0 season. Known for her flashy shooting, Paopao led the nation in 3-point percentage (46.8%) and was a constant force in key moments, especially against top opponents. She is set to return to South Carolina for one final season as the Gamecocks aim to defend their title in 2024-25.
Raven Johnson, South Carolina
Raven Johnson, known as “The Comeback Kid,” turned challenges into triumphs, culminating the “Revenge Tour” with an outstanding 2024 season. After being snubbed by Caitlin Clark in 2023, Johnson responded by leading South Carolina to a perfect season and to a national title, delivering highlights like her 3-pointer against Indiana. She averaged 8.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2 steals per game, earning All-SEC and NCAA Regional All-Tournament honors while anchoring the defense against Clark in the game for title.
Saniya Rivers, NC State
Saniya Rivers shined in her junior season, earning First Team All-ACC, All-Defensive Team and AP All-America Honorable Mention honors. Known for her two-way game, Rivers averaged 12.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.1 steals per game, leading NC State to the Final Four. Her defensive impact was on full display with 33 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and three steals against UConn, the first 10/30/5 game in recent NC State history.
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