Women’s College Basketball 2025: JuJu Watkins Takes Center Stage as Player of the Year
If you’ve been following women’s college basketball this season, you probably already know that JuJu Watkins from USC is the talk of the town. She’s just been named the Player of the Year, and honestly, it’s about time! Last season, she was already making waves as a freshman, but this year she truly stepped up her game and showcased what an incredible force she can be on the court.
The Standout Performance
Watkins had an impressive season, and when it mattered most, she delivered some jaw-dropping performances. For example, check out that game against UCLA: 38 points, 11 rebounds, 8 blocks, and 5 assists. I mean, come on! That kind of stat line doesn’t just happen every day—she was playing like she had something to prove.
What’s particularly cool is that she not only led her team to a regular-season conference championship for the first time since 1994, but she’s also looking to bring home a national title—a feat USC hasn’t achieved since the days of Cheryl Miller.
Who’s Who in the Awards
Now, let’s talk about the rest of the standout players and coaches this season. Here are some of the other big winners:
- Coach of the Year: Cori Close from UCLA really made her mark this season, leading the Bruins to their first-ever 30-win season. Her team played phenomenally, and their Big Ten tournament title truly highlighted their journey.
- Freshman of the Year: Sarah Strong from UConn has been a revelation! Already compared to legends like Maya Moore, she’s proving she can more than hold her own among the elite.
- Transfer of the Year: Georgia Amoore’s move to Kentucky has transformed the Wildcats, leading them to a much-improved season with a notable fourth-place finish in the SEC.
- Biggest Surprise: The TCU Horned Frogs stunned everyone by clinching both the league regular-season and tournament titles, moving from a struggling two years to powerhouse contenders in no time.
- Biggest Disappointment: Iowa State had a tough season despite high expectations, finishing lower than many projected, even with standout players like Audi Crooks leading the way.
All-Americans and Other Notables
The All-America team was stacked this season, too. Some names you should keep an eye on include:
- Lauren Betts and Paige Bueckers from UCLA and UConn, respectively, who both had stellar seasons.
- Aneesah Morrow from LSU has been killing it on the boards, leading Division I in rebounding.
- Hannah Hidalgo from Notre Dame, one of the most explosive scorers this year.
With Selection Sunday just around the corner, fans can expect intense competition as teams strive for that coveted NCAA title.
So there you have it! Women’s college basketball is heating up, and it’s clear that players like JuJu Watkins and teams like UCLA and TCU have bright futures ahead. Can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!
