NCAA Women's Basketball 2024-25: JuJu Watkins Leads All-America Team as Player of the Year

Player of the Year: JuJu Watkins, USC Trojans

JuJu Watkins has been a revelation for the USC Trojans, solidifying her position as the national player of the year. After a stellar freshman season, Watkins elevated her game even further, leading USC to their first regular-season conference crown since 1994. Her ability to perform in crucial moments, such as her 38-point, 11-rebound, 8-block, and 5-assist game against UCLA, has set her apart from the competition.

Coach of the Year: Cori Close, UCLA Bruins

Cori Close guided the UCLA Bruins to a historic 30-2 record, marking the first 30-win season in the program's history. Despite two losses to crosstown rival USC, the Bruins bounced back to win the Big Ten tournament championship. Close's leadership has been instrumental in UCLA's success, including a 15-point victory over defending champion South Carolina.

Freshman of the Year: Sarah Strong, UConn Huskies

Sarah Strong, the No. 1 recruit in the nation, has lived up to the hype at UConn. Averaging 16.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, Strong has been a key player for the Huskies. Her versatility and ability to perform against top competition have drawn comparisons to UConn legends Maya Moore and Breanna Stewart.

Transfer of the Year: Georgia Amoore, Kentucky Wildcats

Georgia Amoore's transfer from Virginia Tech to Kentucky has been transformative for the Wildcats. Leading the team to a fourth-place finish in the SEC, Amoore averaged 19.1 points and 6.9 assists per game. Her impact has been pivotal in Kentucky's resurgence this season.

Biggest Surprise: TCU Horned Frogs

TCU's remarkable turnaround has been one of the season's biggest surprises. After finishing 6-12 in the Big 12 last season, the Horned Frogs won both the regular-season and tournament titles this year. Led by Hailey Van Lith and Sedona Prince, TCU will make their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2010.

Biggest Disappointment: Iowa State Cyclones

Despite high expectations, Iowa State finished seventh in the Big 12. Although they had the league's scoring leader, Audi Crooks, the Cyclones fell short of their projected success. Their six losses in conference play were all to NCAA tournament-bound teams.

All-Americans

First Team

• Lauren Betts, UCLA: Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and tournament Most Outstanding Player.
• Paige Bueckers, UConn: First player to be named Most Outstanding Player of the Big East tournament three times.
• Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame: One of the most explosive scorers this season.
• Aneesah Morrow, LSU: Leads Division I in rebounding and double-doubles.
• JuJu Watkins, USC: Front-runner for national player of the year.

Second Team

• Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt: Notable for her 50-point games.
• Madison Booker, Texas: SEC Player of the Year.
• Ta'Niya Latson, Florida State: Division I leader in scoring average.
• Olivia Miles, Notre Dame: Led the ACC in assists.
• Sarah Strong, UConn: Key player for UConn's title hopes.

All-Freshman Team

• Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt
• Jaloni Cambridge, Ohio State: Key piece in Ohio State's press.
• Joyce Edwards, South Carolina: Led South Carolina in scoring as a freshman.
• Sarah Strong, UConn
• Syla Swords, Michigan: Made a strong impact in her first college game.