JuJu Watkins, Paige Bueckers Lead Naismith Award Semifinalists

Paige Bueckers of UConn, Hailey Van Lith of TCU, and JuJu Watkins of USC are among the semifinalists for the 2025 Naismith Women's College Basketball Player of the Year Award. Bueckers, who previously won the award in 2021 as a freshman, is averaging 19.0 points and 4.9 assists per game, showcasing her continued dominance despite past injuries. Van Lith has led TCU to a historic Big 12 regular-season championship, averaging 17.9 points and being pivotal in their success. Watkins, considered a favorite, has propelled USC to a 28-3 record with her impressive scoring average of 24.6 points per game. The Naismith Trophy recognizes outstanding player performance, character, and contribution to college basketball. The winner will be announced during the Final Four weekend, and the list of semifinalists will be narrowed down to four by late March.