10 most impactful players for 2025 NCAA women鈥檚 basketball tournament
1. JuJu Watkins, G, USC
Watkins was recently named Big Ten Player of the Year and is also a favorite for national player of the year honors. Her all-around skill set arguably makes her the most talented player in women鈥檚 college basketball, and if she plays up to her potential, it鈥檚 hard to imagine USC getting bounced before the Final Four in Tampa. After being named national freshman of the year and a unanimous first-team All-American last season, Watkins has been just as good as a sophomore despite a slight downtick in some of her numbers, averaging 24.6 points 鈥� the second-most in the country 鈥� 6.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.9 blocks while shooting over 42% from the field and 33% from 3-point range. She鈥檒l form one of the tournament鈥檚 top duos alongside Kiki Iriafen and could help the Trojans win their first national title in over 40 years.
