Meet the 5 Biggest Women’s College Basketball Stars Dominating the Big Ten in 2024
The Big Ten Conference is gearing up for an exhilarating 2024-25 college basketball season.
With the recent additions of USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington, the competition is fiercer than ever. This realignment promises to bring fresh rivalries and renewed energy to the court.
Among the players to watch out for are several stars poised to make a significant impact.
Fans and analysts are excited to see who will rise to the occasion in this newly competitive landscape.
Key Takeaways
Table of Contents
- 1 5 Biggest Women’s College Basketball Stars in the Big Ten to Look Out For
- 2 Frequently Asked Questions
- 2.1 Top Candidates for Big Ten Player of the Year in 2024
- 2.2 Juju Watkins’ College Basketball Impact
- 2.3 Projected First-Round WNBA Draft Picks from the Big Ten
- 2.4 Influence of Big Ten Women’s Basketball Teams on National Rankings
- 2.5 Defining Statistics of Top Big Ten Female Basketball Players
- 2.6 Women’s Big Ten Freshman of the Year
- The Big Ten has become more competitive with new team additions.
- Several standout players are set to shine in the 2024-25 season.
- The upcoming season is anticipated to be filled with exciting new rivalries.
5 Biggest Women’s College Basketball Stars in the Big Ten to Look Out For
Caitlin Clark (Iowa)
Caitlin Clark’s rise to fame has been nothing short of meteoric.
Leading the Iowa Hawkeyes, she became a household name with her impressive scoring ability and court vision.
Last season, Clark averaged 27.0 points, 8.0 assists, and 7.5 rebounds per game, showcasing her all-around skills.
Her ability to hit long-range shots and facilitate plays makes her a key player to watch.
Clark’s presence on the court has not only boosted her team’s performance but has also drawn significant attention to women’s college basketball.
Indiana’s Mackenzie Holmes has proven herself to be a dominant force in the paint.
Last season, she averaged 20.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.
Her skills in scoring around the rim and her defensive prowess make her a vital player for Indiana.
Holmes’ ability to control the boards and alter opponents’ shots has made her one of the premier bigs in the conference.
Watch for Holmes to continue her impactful play as Indiana aims for a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
Juju Watkins is set for another standout season after leading USC to the Elite Eight last year.
She posted impressive stats, including 27.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.
With the Trojans adding talented recruits like Kennedy Smith and Kayleigh Heckel, Watkins could lead her team to new heights.
Her versatility and scoring ability make her a star to follow this season.
Jacy Sheldon from Ohio State is another guard making waves in the Big Ten.
She has consistently delivered strong performances on both ends of the floor.
Last season, Sheldon averaged 17.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game.
Her defensive skills and ability to drive to the basket make her a standout player.
Ohio State will rely heavily on her leadership and experience as they aim for another successful season.
Nebraska’s Alexis Markowski had a breakout season last year, establishing herself as a key player for the Huskers.
She averaged 15.3 points and 9.5 rebounds per game.
Known for her solid post play and rebounding abilities, Markowski has become a central figure in Nebraska’s game plan.
Her presence in the paint and ability to score efficiently make her a player to watch.
While not in the Big Ten, Paige Bueckers from UConn is worth mentioning due to her significant impact on college basketball.
Averaging 21.2 points, 5.5 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game last season, Bueckers is an all-around star.
Her skillset and basketball IQ make her one of the top players in the nation.
Her games against Big Ten teams will be highlights of the season.
Hannah Hidalgo from Notre Dame is another rising star.
With her quickness and scoring ability, she averaged 18.4 points and 4.2 assists per game last season.
Her defensive skills and ability to create plays make her a valuable player on the court.
Player Comparison Table
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caitlin Clark | Iowa | 27.0 | 7.5 | 8.0 |
| Mackenzie Holmes | Indiana | 20.3 | 7.8 | 1.2 |
| Juju Watkins | USC | 27.1 | 7.3 | 3.3 |
| Jacy Sheldon | Ohio State | 17.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Alexis Markowski | Nebraska | 15.3 | 9.5 | 1.5 |
| Paige Bueckers | UConn | 21.2 | 5.0 | 5.5 |
| Hannah Hidalgo | Notre Dame | 18.4 | 4.0 | 4.2 |
These standout players bring diverse skills to their teams and will be key figures in their respective conferences.
Their performances this season could greatly influence the success of their teams on the national stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Top Candidates for Big Ten Player of the Year in 2024
This season, some standout players are leading the race for the Big Ten Player of the Year.
Caitlin Clark from Iowa remains a top contender, known for her scoring prowess and ability to control the game.
Juju Watkins, a rising star, also makes a compelling case with her versatility and impact on both ends of the court.
Juju Watkins’ College Basketball Impact
Juju Watkins has quickly made a significant mark in college basketball.
Her scoring ability, combined with her defensive skills, has made her an invaluable asset to her team.
Her presence on the court not only boosts the morale of her teammates but also draws significant attention from opponents.
Projected First-Round WNBA Draft Picks from the Big Ten
A few Big Ten players are expected to be high picks in the upcoming WNBA draft.
Caitlin Clark is among the top prospects, attracting a lot of attention from scouts.
Other names include Mackenzie Holmes, whose performance has been consistently strong, making her a likely candidate for the first-round selection.
Influence of Big Ten Women’s Basketball Teams on National Rankings
The performance of Big Ten women’s basketball teams has significantly shaped national rankings.
Teams like Iowa and Maryland have held strong positions due to their impressive records and the standout performances of their key players.
This influence demonstrates the competitive nature and high skill level present in the Big Ten conference.
Defining Statistics of Top Big Ten Female Basketball Players
Table summarizing key statistics for top Big Ten players:
| Player | Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game | Assists Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caitlin Clark | 27.1 | 7.2 | 8.5 |
| Juju Watkins | 22.5 | 6.0 | 4.8 |
| Mackenzie Holmes | 18.7 | 9.5 | 1.8 |
These statistics highlight the dominant performances by these players this season.
Women’s Big Ten Freshman of the Year
Juju Watkins is a frontrunner for the Women’s Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Her exceptional performance, including scoring, rebounds, and assists, sets her apart from other first-year players. This showcases her as a future star in college basketball.
By breaking down these frequently asked questions into clear, concise sections, readers can easily find the information they are seeking. This includes details about the standout stars and the impact they are making in the Big Ten women’s basketball scene for the 2024 season.