Women’s college basketball superstars emerged during the exciting events last March. Iowa’s Caitlin Clark and the Hawkeyes made a strong impression during the Final Four, while LSU and Angel Reese displayed their dominance by claiming the national championship.
Since the impactful victory for the Lady Tigers, the sport’s popularity has been steadily rising, as indicated by ratings and merchandise sales surges.
A remarkable group of freshman players left their mark on the regular season and are poised to become the future stars with remarkable performances in the postseason.
Enthusiastic fans gearing up for the 2024 NCAA Tournament can explore the standout players during the conference tournament week. Field Level Media presents an overview of Clark and other key figures to keep an eye on this week.
Stanford’s Cameron Brink
Named the Pac-12 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year for the third consecutive season, Brink led in blocks (3.6 per game) and ranked fifth in rebounds (11.9 per game) in college basketball. With 16 double-doubles and stellar performances in her home state of Oregon, Brink concluded the regular season with authority. Her standout game against then-No. 11 Oregon State saw her secure 24 rebounds and score 25 points on February 29th.
UConn’s Paige Bueckers
The reigning 2021 National Player of the Year made a triumphant return to the court after missing the previous season. Despite facing challenges due to injuries to key teammates, Bueckers keeps the Huskies in contention. Averaging 20.8 points per game, Bueckers excels in numerous statistical categories. Look to her to play a crucial role if UConn aims to secure their fourth consecutive conference tournament win and pursue a national title, supported by senior forward Aaliyah Edwards.
Iowa’s Caitlin Clark
Known for her scoring abilities, Clark is recognized as one of the most talented players in women’s basketball. Leading the nation with 32.3 points and 8.7 assists per game, Clark’s exceptional performance should attract a wider audience to the Big Ten tournament in Minneapolis. In the 2023 tournament title game, Clark delivered an incredible display, scoring 30 points, 17 assists, and 10 rebounds against Ohio State.
South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso
A highly decorated player, Cardoso, the former ACC co-Defensive Player of the Year, transitioned to the SEC where she was named the Defensive Player of the Year. Standing tall at 6-foot-7 with 133 blocks in two seasons, Cardoso is a dominant force in the paint for unbeaten South Carolina.
Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo
A thorn in the side of opponents, the 5-6 Hidalgo leads the season in steals with an average of 4.6 per game. Described as a game-changer by Notre Dame coach Niele Ivey, Hidalgo’s defensive prowess sets the tone for her team, making her a vital asset. Her standout performance against UConn showcased her skills with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists.
Virginia Tech’s Elizabeth Kitley
The three-time ACC Player of the Year faces uncertainty for the conference tournament quarterfinals due to a leg injury. As Virginia Tech’s all-time leader in points and rebounds, Kitley’s presence is crucial for their Final Four aspirations. Despite recent setbacks, Kitley’s performance has been exceptional, with eight 30-point games in the regular season.
LSU’s Angel Reese
Despite a slight decrease in playing time, Reese maintains her championship-level intensity. Ranking second in the nation for rebounding with 13 per game and averaging 19.4 points, Reese’s unwavering competitive spirit and skill earn her accolades such as All-SEC first team and All-SEC defensive team.
USC’s JuJu Watkins
The Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, Watkins dominated the season, finishing second in scoring behind Clark with 27.8 points per game. Watkins led USC to victory in key games, showcasing her talent with standout performances, including a 42-point game against Colorado and a 51-point game against Stanford.
