1. Paige Bueckers (UConn)
Senior Guard, 19 ppg, 2 spg, 53 FG%
As a fifth-year senior on the historic UConn basketball team, Bueckers will be appearing in her last NCAA tournament with her sights set on finally clinching a national championship. Bueckers has been very efficient this season, joining the coveted 50/40/90 club. Bueckers stands alone in Division I basketball, being the only player shooting over 50 percent on pull-up jumpers. When Buecker and her partner in crime, Azzi Fudd, are both playing well, they are almost impossible to guard. Bueckers also showed an aggressive mentality of putting the team on her back offensively during the Big East tournament, the sort of mindset coach Geno Auriemma wants her to embrace for the rest of the tournament.
2. JuJu Watkins (USC)
Sophomore Guard, 24.6 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 3.5 apg
Watkins is the front-runner for national player of the year and has led her team to their first Big Ten regular-season title and No. 1 seed in the tournament. Watkin’s size, speed, and scoring ability make her seemingly unstoppable on the court as she seems to always find a mismatch on the court. Known for her explosive first step and deadly jump shot, Watkins can score from anywhere on the court, whether it’s driving to the rim or pulling up from deep. Watkins is most known for her impressive offensive ability however, her defensive contributions and abilities on the wing are the reason that USC is ranked fourth in the nation in defense. For USC to be successful in the tournament, JuJu and her counterpart Kiki Iriafen need to both play well.
3. Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame)
Sophomore Guard, 24.2 ppg, 3.7 apg, 3.7 spg
Although one of the smallest players on the court, Hidalgo’s game is anything but small. Hidalgo is most known for her quick speed, crafty ball handling, and impressive finishing skills around the rim. Averaging 3.7 steals per game, she consistently sets the tempo and disrupts opposing offenses with her relentless defensive pressure. Hidalgo’s impressive skills on both sides of the ball allow Notre Dame to play an up-tempo, high-energy style. Before entering the tournament, Notre Dame had lost 3 of its last 5 games, causing them to slip from a No. 1 seed down to a No. 3 seed. However, if Notre Dame, led by Hannah Hidalgo, can play like they had earlier this season, the Irish have the potential to become only the fourth No. 3 seed to win a national championship.
4. Madison Booker (Texas)
Sophomore Forward, 16.2 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.8 apg
Madison Booker leads the Texas Longhorns as one of the premier point forwards in the country. She is most known for her smooth midrange game, her ability to hand the ball, increased passing ability, and being able to play multiple positions. Booker uses her large frame and quickness to be able to guard multiple positions effectively. Booker’s ability to play on both sides of the ball makes her a nightmare matchup for opposing teams. With Rori Harmon back in the lineup for the Longhorns, Booker can shift back to her normal position, and after an adjustment period, the Texas Longhorns are looking to make a run in the tournament. To make it to the final four, Texas needs to shoot the ball well and Booker will be front and center.
5. Lauren Betts (UCLA)
Junior Center, 19.6 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 63.4 FG%
UCLA earned the No. 1 seed overall in the tournament, and Betts’ dominance in the paint is the foundation of the Bruins’ success. 6-foot-7 Betts’ aggression on both ends of the floor has led her to become one of the most dominant post players in the country. Her mobility, combined with an ability to seemingly catch every pass thrown her way, allows her to fight through and over almost any double-team thrown her way. On the defensive end, she makes the opposing teams scared to step foot in the lane because of her impressive shot-blocking ability. To be successful in the tournament, UCLA needs to make sure that Lauren gets enough touches in the paint so she can lead the Bruins to their first Final Four in school history.
6. Flau’jae Johnson (LSU)
Junior Guard, 19.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.4 appg
Out of the above-listed players, Johnson is the only player with a national championship. Johnson was a part of the 2023 National Championship team at LSU, however, Johnson has stepped into a new primary option this season. Johnson combines her physicality with a smooth touch around the rim and a relentless defensive mindset, normally getting the top match-up every game. Going into the tournament, Johnson has not played since Feb. 27 because of shin inflammation. She is available to play during the tournament. Johnson’s return is much-needed, especially with the potential of a second-round matchup against Florida State
Anticipated Matchups to Look Forward to in the Tournament
UConn v USC
| An elite eight match-up for the media. Will Bueckers’ elite playmaking and scoring lead the Huskies to victory, or will Watkins’ clutch shooting power the Trojans to the next round? |
UCLA v LSU
| Big vs. bigger in an elite eight match-up between UCLA’s Lauren Betts and LSU’s Anessah Morrow. Who’s gonna dominate the boards and own the rim leading their team to the Final Four. |
Duke v UNC
| A sweet sixteen battle for bragging rights as Duke’s sharpshooting assassins go head-to-head with UNC’s lightning-quick playmakers. At their third meeting of the season, who will come out ahead? |
South Carolina v Texas
| A legendary final-four rematch of the SEC championship game. It’s a clash of rising legends as Texas’s versatile phenom Madison Booker takes on South Carolina’s explosive scorer Milyasia Fulwilly! |
Who will compete and rise to the occasion, and who will crumble under the pressure and fall short?
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