Women’s Basketball’s Top 16 Returning Players for the 2024–25 Season

The 2024-25 women’s college basketball season is set to showcase some of the game’s brightest stars returning to the court. From record-breaking scorers to leading defenders, this year’s lineup of returning players promises a season filled with breakthrough plays and powerful performances.

Here are the must-watch names who are ready to lead their teams on the biggest stage.

JuJu Watkins, Southern California

JuJu Watkins redefined the freshmen’s dominance last season, becoming USC’s leading scorer and leading the Trojans to their first Elite Eight in three decades. Known for her smooth three-point scoring and unmatched versatility, Watkins set the NCAA freshman scoring record with 920 points, including a 51-point performance against Stanford. Already a national star, Watkins is bringing his hometown pride and unstoppable game back to USC with even bigger goals in mind.

Paige Bueckers, UConn

In her final season, Paige Bueckers has one goal: return UConn to the top. The former Naismith Player of the Year is known for her incredible play and scoring ability, and her basketball IQ has made her a strength for the Huskies from day one. After overcoming injury setbacks, Bueckers is ready for her final ride as she looks to bring UConn another championship with her signature clutch play and leadership on the court.

Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame

As a freshman, Hannah Hidalgo was a force on both ends of the floor, averaging 23.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 4.6 steals. A defensive back and ACC Rookie of the Year, Hidalgo led the league in scoring and led the nation with 147 interceptions. Her dynamic play sparked Notre Dame’s ACC title, and her energetic style, especially on defense, continues to improve the Fighting Irish’s backcourt heading into her sophomore season.

Audi Crooks, Iowa

Audi Crooks burst onto the college basketball scene as a freshman at Iowa State, averaging 19.2 points and 7.8 rebounds. She made headlines with a historic 40 points and 18-of-20 shooting performance against Maryland in the NCAA Tournament, setting a new standard for freshmen. A dominant force in the paint, Crooks’ physical presence and skill make her a rising star who is poised to take the Big 12 by storm again this season.

Milaisia ​​Fulwiley, South Carolina

Milaisia ​​Fulwiley brings fiery energy and a flair for big moments to the South Carolina court. As the first freshman since Candace Parker to win SEC Tournament MVP, Fulwili found success with no-look passes, bold moves and defensive stops. Her eye-popping ability coupled with her ability to play well has already made her a Gamecocks fan favorite.

Rory Harmon, Texas

Returning with two more years of eligibility, Texas point guard Rory Harmon is poised to make a huge impact after recovering from her ACL. A two-time honorable mention All-American and former Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Harmon is poised to elevate the Longhorns as they move into SEC play. With a stronger backcourt and its leadership, Texas is looking to build on last year’s run to the Elite Eight.

Madison Booker, Texas

Texas forward Madison Booker is ready to shine after a stellar freshman year in which she set UT records and won Big 12 Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors. Known for her versatility and incredible skill set, Booker was instrumental in Texas’ 33-win season, scoring in double figures 32 times. With a year of experience and Rory Harmon back in the lineup, Booker is looking to take Texas deeper than last year’s Elite Eight finish.

Olivia Miles, Notre Dame

After a year and a half away from the court, Olivia Miles is looking to make her mark again as one of the game’s elite defenders. Known for her dazzling passing and versatility, Miles averaged a near triple-double in the NCAA Tournament as a freshman. Fully recovered and ready to lead the team alongside teammate Hannah Hidalgo, Miles is eager to remind everyone why she plays a key role in Notre Dame’s championship hopes.

Anisa Morrow, LSU

After a stellar debut season at LSU, Aneesa Morrow is preparing for an even bigger role. Known for her double-double prowess, Morrow averaged 16.4 points and 10 rebounds last season, ranking among the best in the country with 21 double-doubles. With her tenacity on defense and versatility on offense, Morrow’s leadership will be key for LSU as they look for another title shot. Expect NeesThaBeast to dominate the forums and continue to rise as an SEC star.

Flower’je Johnson, LSU

A two-way player, Flower’Jay Johnson has emerged as a major asset for LSU, averaging 14.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game in his second season. Known for her clutch performances, she improved her play in the NCAA Tournament, including a 24-point, 12-rebound performance against UCLA. With her elite scoring and defensive versatility, Johnson’s ability to step up in big moments will be key to LSU’s championship aspirations this season.

Lauren Betts, UCLA

Lauren Betts established herself as one of the country’s top stars last season, leading UCLA with 14.9 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting 67% from the field. Her presence on both ends made her invaluable, especially during UCLA’s postseason play. Known for her defensive prowess and 13 double-doubles, Betts’ dominance in the paint and defensive versatility make her a player to watch as the Bruins look to make a deep run in the tournament.

Kiki Rice, UCLA

Entering her junior season, Kiki Rice has become the heart of UCLA’s backcourt. After averaging 13.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists last year, she led the team defensively and showed off her all-around skills with a triple-double against CSUN. Known for her performances, such as her 24-point, 11-rebound performance that dethroned then-No. 6 UConn, Rice’s growth on both ends of the floor gives UCLA the opportunity to make another deep tournament run.

Iyoka Lee, Kansas

Kansas State star center Ayoka Lee returns for his final season after a standout 2023-24 campaign, averaging 19.7 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.8 blocks. Known for her NCAA single-game scoring record of 61 points, Lee cemented her name in K-State history by setting school records for scoring, rebounding and blocks.

Te Hina Paopao, South Carolina

After transferring from Oregon, Te-Hina Paopao made an immediate impact on South Carolina’s historic championship run, helping the Gamecocks to a perfect 38-0 season. Known for her stunning shooting, Paopao led the nation in three-point percentage (46.8%) and was a consistent force in key moments, especially against top-ranked opponents. She is set to return to South Carolina for one final season as the Gamecocks look to defend their title in 2024-25.

Raven Johnson, South Carolina

Raven Johnson, known as “The Comeback Kid,” turned challenges into triumph, capping off her “Revenge Tour” with a standout 2024 season. After Caitlin Clark bowed out in 2023, Johnson responded by leading South Carolina to a perfect season and a national title, with big moments like her game-tying 3-pointer against Indiana. She averaged 8.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2 steals per game, earning All-SEC and NCAA Regional All-Tournament honors while providing defense against Clark in the title game.

Saniya Rivers, North Carolina

Sania Rivers shined in her junior season, earning First Team All-ACC, All-Defensive Team and AP All-American Honorable Mention honors. Known for her two-way play, Rivers averaged 12.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.1 steals per game while leading NC State to the Final Four. Her defensive impact was on full display with a career-high 33 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and three steals against UConn, the first 30/10/5 game in recent NC State history.