NCAA Women’s Final Four 2025: Top 15 Players to Watch in Tampa – Bueckers, Betts & Rising Stars

Elite Performers Ready to Shine in Tampa

The 2025 NCAA Women’s Final Four brings together the best talent in college basketball, with UConn, UCLA, South Carolina, and Texas battling for the championship. Here’s a closer look at the 15 standout players set to dominate in Tampa.

1. Paige Bueckers, UConn (G | 6’0” | Redshirt Senior)

• Stats: 20.1 PPG, 4.8 APG, 2.1 SPG
  Bueckers is on a historic run, scoring 105 points over her last three games—the most in UConn history. A projected No. 1 WNBA draft pick, she’s determined to cap her college career with a title.

2. Lauren Betts, UCLA (C | 6’7” | Junior)

• Stats: 20.0 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 3.0 BPG
  Betts has been unstoppable, becoming the first player in 20 years with back-to-back 30-point, 10-rebound games on 80% shooting. Her defensive presence is just as dominant.

3. Sarah Strong, UConn (F | 6’2” | Freshman)

• Stats: 16.1 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2.3 SPG
  A rising star, Strong’s Elite Eight performance (17 rebounds, 4 assists) proved she thrives under pressure.

4. Madison Booker, Texas (G/F | 6’1” | Sophomore)

• Stats: 16.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.8 APG
  The SEC Player of the Year excels in all facets, from scoring to lockdown defense. Texas leans on her leadership against South Carolina.

5. Chloe Kitts, South Carolina (G | 6’2” | Junior)

• Stats: 10.4 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 52.5% FG
  Kitts has been the Gamecocks’ most consistent force, posting five double-doubles in nine games.

6. Kiki Rice, UCLA (F | 5’11” | Junior)

• Stats: 12.9 PPG, 5.1 APG, 49.0% FG
  Rice’s playmaking (69% shooting off her passes) fuels UCLA’s offensive efficiency.

7. Azzi Fudd, UConn (G | 5’11” | Graduate)

• Stats: 13.1 PPG, 44.1 3P%, 1.3 SPG
  After battling injuries, Fudd’s clutch fourth quarters prove she’s peaking at the right time.

8. Rori Harmon, Texas (G | 5’6” | Senior)

• Stats: 9.3 PPG, 5.9 APG, 2.2 SPG
  The defensive anchor’s return from an ACL tear has been inspirational—and critical for Texas.

9. Gabriela Jaquez, UCLA (G | 6’0” | Junior)

• Stats: 9.9 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 53.5% FG
  Her Elite Eight dagger (five threes) sealed UCLA’s Final Four berth in iconic fashion.

10. Taylor Jones, Texas (F | 6’4” | Senior)

• Stats: 12.1 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.9 BPG
  A defensive stopper, Jones shut down Sedona Prince (4 points) to key Texas’ regional run.

11. MiLaysia Fulwiley, South Carolina (G | 5’10” | Sophomore)

• Stats: 11.9 PPG, 1.9 APG, 42.0% FG
  A walking highlight reel, her 23-point explosion saved the Gamecocks vs. Maryland.

12. Sania Feagin, South Carolina (F | 6’3” | Senior)

• Stats: 8.1 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 60.5% FG
  Feagin’s late-season surge (10.4 PPG in tournaments) gives SC a vital inside presence.

13. Timea Gardiner, UCLA (F | 6’3” | Junior)

• Stats: 7.7 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 42.3% FG
  Her Elite Eight four-threes barrage bailed out UCLA when Betts was in foul trouble.

14. Kaitlyn Chen, UConn (G | 5’9” | Senior)

• Stats: 7.1 PPG, 3.3 APG, 1.2 SPG
  The Ivy League transfer’s 15-point Elite Eight effort showcased her clutch gene.

15. Te-Hina Paopao, South Carolina (G | 5’9” | Senior)

• Stats: 9.5 PPG, 2.9 APG, 36.1% 3P
  Despite slump, her 56 threes this season make her SC’s X-factor for a repeat title.

Final Four X-Factors

• UConn’s Depth: Four ranked players, led by Bueckers, make them versatile.
• UCLA’s Twin Towers: Betts and Gardiner’s inside-out game is unmatched.
• South Carolina’s Rotation: Even with Joyce Edwards struggling, Fulwiley and Feagin provide sparks.
• Texas’ Defense: Harmon and Booker’s two-way play could upset South Carolina.

Don’t miss the action: Semifinals air Friday (ESPN), with the title game Sunday (ABC).