The NCAA provides a platform for young and vibrant athletes to launch themselves into the world of stardom. These college basketball players have the opportunity to use the tournament as a ladder to enter professional leagues. If we talk about women’s basketball, there are a lot of potential players who have the credentials to be the top picks in the WNBA.
Paige Bueckers standing tall in NCAA
The Uconn Huskies No.5 Paige Bueckers won the national player of the year in 2021. Moreover, she is the first freshman to get the major national Women’s College Player of the Year award to her name. Furthermore, Bueckers scripted her name in the record books by securing the most assists by a freshman. As a result, she led the Huskies to the Final Four in the 2021 NCAA tournament. Unfortunately, she had to sit out most of her sophomore campaign due to an injury in her left knee. Nonetheless, she managed to lead the team in the national championship game.
On the national front, Bueckers has won 3 gold medals representing the United States at the youth international level. In addition to this, she was also the MVP in the FIBA Under-19 World Cup held in 2019. Bueckers is also a gold medalist in 3×3 basketball at the Youth Olympics. Furthermore, she was the USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year back in 2019.
The Most Outstanding Player
The NCAA champion Angel Reese initially joined Maryland Terrapins as a freshman. Apparently, she was the program’s highest-ranked recruit. Unfortunately, a fracture in her right foot cut her season short. Following this, the Bayou Barbie was the unanimous first-team All-American pick by the Tigers in her junior season. The Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA set the record for the most double-doubles in a single season. Additionally, Reese also has the SEC record of highest single-season rebounds to her name. As a result, the Lady Tigers won their first-ever national championships in franchise history.
Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers have the ability to make headlines every time they step onto the court. Both of them are a part of the AP Pre-season All-American Women’s basketball team. Moreover, they are worthy inclusions in the preseason list for the John R. Wooden Award.
Since both these players are superstars for their teams, it will be an interesting battle between them in the draft this season.
