As NCAA women's college basketball continues to captivate fans with its fierce competition and unrivaled talent, this season's freshman class has brought an exceptional level of excitement to the game. In this blog post, we shine a spotlight on some of the top freshmen who have burst onto the scene, leaving us in awe with their remarkable skills and contributions to their respective teams. JuJu Watkins - University of Southern California (USC) - Guard From being highly touted as the No. 1 overall recruit in the class of 2023 to her exceptional performances on the court, JuJu Watkins has lived up to the hype at USC. Beyond her impressive scoring ability, including multiple 30-point games, Watkins stands out with her unique blend of athleticism, versatility, and poise. Her contributions have propelled the Trojans to national prominence, securing their highest ranking in the AP poll since 1994 and positioning them as a No. 2 seed in Bracketology. Hannah Hidalgo - University of Notre Dame - Guard Hidalgo's fearless approach on the court has made an impact for Notre Dame, even in her first collegiate game against South Carolina. Apart from her impressive stat line in that opener, her fearlessness and mindset have played a crucial role for the Fighting Irish, particularly as the team navigates through injuries to key players. Hidalgo's scoring ability and defensive prowess have garnered attention, with her averaging 23.8 points per game and an impressive 6.0 steals per game. Notably, she achieved her first triple-double recently, showcasing her all-around skills. Mikaylah Williams - Louisiana State University (LSU) - Guard Williams, the No. 2 player in the class of 2023, has made an immediate impact for the LSU Tigers. With her steadiness amidst the team's early ups and downs, Williams has showcased her scoring ability and efficiency, including a standout 42-point performance against Kent State. Her shooting percentages, particularly from beyond the arc, have been instrumental for LSU. Notably, she is on track to achieve an impressive 50/40/90 season. Jersey Wolfenbarger - University of Arkansas - Guard | 5-9 Wolfenbarger's scoring prowess has been a game-changer for the Arkansas Razorbacks, leading the SEC in scoring and earning multiple Freshman of the Week honors. With a high usage rate, Wolfenbarger has displayed her offensive versatility and ability to draw fouls, consistently getting to the free-throw line. Her offensive firepower has made her a key contributor for the Razorbacks. Addy Brown - Iowa State University - Forward Brown has provided a glimmer of hope for an Iowa State team in the midst of rebuilding. With her all-around brilliance, she has been a standout performer, displaying scoring, rebounding, and play-making abilities. Brown's contributions were particularly on display during a close rivalry game against No. 4 Iowa, where she showcased her promise alongside her fellow freshmen teammates. Brown is the only player in the entire country averaging a remarkable 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, all while maintaining an impressive shooting percentage of 51.2%. Milaysia Fulwiley - University of South Carolina - Guard Fulwiley's play-making skills have drawn attention from the very beginning of the season, thanks to her breakout performance against Notre Dame. Her electric presence on the court has added another dimension to South Carolina's offense, contributing to their success. While not yet shouldering a heavy load, Fulwiley's impact on the game is undeniable. As these talented freshmen continue to make waves in the college basketball landscape, their performances serve as a testament to their incredible skills and potential. With their contributions, they have elevated their teams and added even more excitement to an already thrilling season of NCAA women's college basketball. The future looks incredibly bright for these rising stars, and we eagerly await their continued growth and achievements on the court.
