Star Players Highlight 2025 Women's NCAA Tournament

JuJu Watkins of Southern California and Hannah Hidalgo of Notre Dame have made the Associated Press All-America team for the second consecutive year, joining an elite group of players who achieved this feat in both their freshman and sophomore seasons. Watkins led USC to their first Big Ten regular season title since 1994, averaging 24.6 points, while Hidalgo earned ACC Player of the Year honors with 24.2 points per game. UConn's Paige Bueckers, also on the All-America team, is having a strong season, averaging 19 points and leading UConn to another undefeated Big East season. As March Madness approaches, these players are pivotal for their teams, with Watkins and Bueckers leading the charge for a national title pursuit. South Carolina, which has been dominant in previous seasons, shows weaknesses this year, particularly lacking a true rim-protector, which may impact their performance in the tournament.