NCAAW: USC star JuJu Watkins headlines stacked sophomore class

Last year’s NCAAW freshmen class was a thrilling one, headlined by USC superstar JuJu Watkins, who scored a freshman-record 920 points. She also had a 51-point performance against Stanford, led USC to the Elite Eight and was named the national Freshman of the Year.

Watkins undoubtedly shined, but other freshmen also made waves and are ready for more this year. Here are the five sophomores one should keep an eye on this season:

JuJu Watkins (USC)

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How will the star of her class take things to the next level during the 2024-25 season? By winning the national title. That’s the plan anyway. With reinforcements like Stanford transfer Kiki Iriafen in the fold, the objective for the Trojans is to get further this time—and win it all.

Individually, Watkins proved what an unstoppable offensive power she is, but there is still room for improvement. Her scoring was often inefficient, with a shooting percentage of 40.1 percent. 3-point shooting could also improve from the 31.9 percent she averaged in her first year. If she can improve those averages and her assist numbers, then the best college moments from Watkins are still to come.

Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame)

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Hidalgo was a thrill to watch at Notre Dame last year, averaging 22.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.5 assists for the Fighting Irish.

What separates her from her peers is her defensive prowess. Hidalgo is an elite defender on the ball. She averaged 4.6 steals per game, more than any other player in the NCAA. Last season, people were impressed with how quickly she impacted the game. This year, she will be in the running for national Player of the Year.

Madison Booker (Texas)

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When the moments got bigger, Booker shined brightest. She had 21 points in the second round of the NCAA Tournament against Alabama and 17 in Texas’ Elite Eight loss to NC State. With Rori Harmon returning, the Longhorns will be one of the most talented teams in the country.

Mikaylah Williams (LSU)

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As if the Tigers needed more talented players, they have another one in Williams.

Last year, she was the future of LSU basketball. Now, it’s her time. Williams averaged 14.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists last season; you can expect all those numbers to increase. She’s already flirting with being a 40 percent shooter from beyond the arc. With her speed and ability to drive to the basket, she’s becoming unstoppable at the collegiate level.

If LSU wins it all this year, Williams will undoubtedly be a big reason why.

MiLaysia Fulwiley (South Carolina)

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Fulwiley is an interesting player to add to this list. Is she a top-five sophomore right now? Maybe not. Will she be one by the end of the season? Maybe. It’ll depend on playing time. Being a Gamecock, the standard is perfection, and there is no room for grace or growth on the court during games. If she reduces mistakes, she can force head coach Dawn Staley’s hand and earn more time.

Last year, she looked good during her moments on the floor, averaging 11.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists in her 18.7 minutes of play.

There were plenty of other players worthy of being mentioned. Audi Crooks is an exciting center from Iowa State. Auburn guard Taliah Scott and Kansas guard S’Mya Nichols both could make noise.

Not to mention the players no one sees coming and could take an unexpected jump after a tough first year. The future of women’s college basketball is in good hands, and now we get to see what this top class does to one-up their freshman performances.