The Associated Press revealed its NCAA preseason All-America team on Tuesday, featuring USC’s JuJu Watkins and KiKi Iriafen. Watkins and UConn’s Paige Bueckers received unanimous selections among the five players named.
New-look USC faces high NCAA expectations
Watkins had an outstanding freshman season, averaging over 27 points per game and setting a national freshman scoring record. Iriafen, a grad student, joins USC as a top transfer after a successful season averaging a double-double.
Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb sees Watkins as the X-factor in Iriafen’s decision to transfer to USC. The two players have formed a strong bond and are aiming to improve on the team’s Elite Eight performance last season.
Underclassmen lead the charge in NCAA preseason All-America team
Watkins, Booker, and Hidalgo represent the underclassmen leading the 2024/25 NCAA season. Hidalgo led Notre Dame to success last season, while Booker’s breakout performance for Texas was unexpected but impressive.
South Carolina snubbed?
Surprisingly, the reigning NCAA champion South Carolina players were not included in the preseason All-America team despite their undefeated season last year.
Head coach Dawn Staley remains focused on her team’s hard work and development, rather than external rankings.
The NCAA preseason All-America team has been a tradition since the 1994/95 season.
