The 2024-25 women’s college basketball season is set to showcase some of the game’s brightest stars as they return to the court. This year’s lineup of returning players, from record-breaking scorers to defensive anchors, promises a season filled with game-changing plays and powerhouse performances.
Here are the must-watch names primed to lead their teams on the biggest stage.
JuJu Watkins redefined freshman dominance last season, becoming USC’s leading scorer and taking the Trojans to their first Elite Eight in three decades. Known for her smooth three-level scoring and unmatched versatility, Watkins set an NCAA freshman scoring record with 920 points, including a 51-point highlight reel against Stanford. Already a national star, Watkins brings her hometown pride and unstoppable game back to USC with even bigger goals in sight.
In her final season, Paige Bueckers has one goal: leading UConn back to the top. The former Naismith Player of the Year is known for her electrifying playmaking and scoring touch, with the basketball IQ that’s made her a force for the Huskies since day one. After overcoming injury setbacks, Bueckers is ready for her last ride, aiming to deliver UConn another championship with her signature clutch performances and court leadership.
In her freshman year, 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’s Defensive Player and Rookie of the Year, Hidalgo led the league in scoring and topped 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 game heading into her second season.
Audi Crooks burst onto the college basketball scene in her 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’s ready to take the Big 12 by storm again this season.
MiLaysia Fulwiley brings electrifying energy and a flair for big moments to South Carolina’s 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 knack for show-stopping plays, combined with a knack for clutch performances, has already positioned her as a Gamecocks fan favorite.
Back and granted two more years of eligibility, Texas point guard Rori Harmon is primed to make a huge impact after her ACL recovery. A two-time All-American honorable mention and former Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Harmon is ready to elevate 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.
Texas forward Madison Booker is ready to shine after a stellar freshman year where she set UT records and claimed Big 12 Player and Freshman of the Year. Known for her versatility and unguardable skillset, Booker was instrumental in Texas’ 33-win season, scoring in double digits 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 finish.
After a year and a half off the court, Olivia Miles is set to make her mark again as one of the game’s elite guards. Known for her dazzling passes and versatility, Miles was a standout with a near triple-double average in her freshman NCAA Tournament. Fully recovered and ready to lead alongside teammate Hannah Hidalgo, Miles aims to remind everyone why she’s key to Notre Dame’s championship hopes.
Coming off a stellar debut season with LSU, Aneesah Morrow is primed for an even bigger role. 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 versatility on offense, Morrow’s leadership will be key for LSU as they aim for another title run. Expect “NeesThaBeast” to dominate the boards and continue rising as an SEC star.
A two-way powerhouse, Flau’jae Johnson has developed 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 elevated her game in the NCAA Tournament, including a 24-point, 12-rebound showcase against UCLA. With her elite scoring and defensive versatility, Johnson’s ability to step up in big moments will be key to LSU’s championship ambitions this season.
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 an efficient 67% 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 aim for a deep tournament push.
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 showcased her all-around skill with a triple-double against CSUN. Known for her clutch performances, like her 24-point, 11-rebound game to topple then-No. 6 UConn, Rice’s growth on both ends of the floor positions UCLA for another deep tournament run.
Kansas State’s star center, Ayoka Lee, returns for a final season after a standout 2023-24 campaign, averaging 19.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks. Known for her NCAA single-game scoring record of 61 points, Lee has cemented her name in K-State history, holding school records in scoring, rebounds, and blocks.
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 lights-out shooting, Paopao led the nation in 3-point percentage (46.8%) and was a steady force in key moments, especially against top-ranked opponents. She’s set to return to South Carolina for a final season as the Gamecocks aim to defend their title in 2024-25.
Raven Johnson, known as “The Comeback Kid,” turned challenges into triumphs, capping off her “Revenge Tour” with a standout 2024 season. After being waved off by Caitlin Clark in 2023, Johnson responded by leading South Carolina to a perfect season and national title, delivering clutch moments like her game-sealing 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 title game.
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 play, Rivers averaged 12.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.1 steals per game, leading NC State to a Final Four run. Her defensive impact was on full display with a career-high 33 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and three steals against UConn—the first 30/10/5 game in NC State’s recent history.
