Naismith Watch List Highlights Key Players

The 2024-25 basketball season sees Alabama's Mark Sears on the Naismith Trophy watch list, contributing to their historic No. 2 AP preseason ranking. In women's basketball, Iowa's Hannah Stuelke and Villanova transfer Lucy Olsen, along with LSU's Flau'Jae Johnson, Aneesah Morrow, and Mikaylah Williams, were also named to the watch list. South Carolina, following a perfect 38-0 season, leads the preseason AP poll and aims for another national championship despite losing key players. UConn, with Paige Bueckers returning, is a contender for the national title, alongside teams like USC and Texas. The season kicks off on November 4, promising intense competition and exciting matchups. The landscape of college basketball is set for a thrilling year with strong teams across the board.