The Associated Press released its NCAA preseason All-America team on Tuesday, featuring Trojan guard JuJu Watkins and forward KiKi Iriafen from USC.
The panel also selected UConn star Paige Bueckers, Texas player Madison Booker, and Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo as part of the elite five-player squad, with Watkins and Bueckers receiving unanimous nods.
New-look USC faces high NCAA expectations
Last season, Watkins had a standout freshman year, breaking scoring records and earning the Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year for 2024/25.
Transfer player Iriafen, who joined USC from Stanford, also had an impressive season averaging a double-double. Both aim to build on USC’s Elite Eight performance from last season.
Coach Lindsay Gottlieb highlighted Watkins as a key influencer in Iriafen’s decision to transfer to USC.
Underclassmen lead the charge in NCAA preseason All-America team
Youth players like Watkins, Booker, and Hidalgo are standing out this season even before the games begin in November.
Players like Hildago and Booker made significant impacts for their teams last season, showcasing their skills and leading their teams to success.
South Carolina snubbed?
The preseason All-America team did not include any players from reigning champion South Carolina, who had a perfect season last year. This news comes after South Carolina was ranked preseason No. 1 by the AP.
Coach Dawn Staley emphasized that the team is focused on improving individually and as a team rather than external rankings.
The NCAA preseason All-America team has been compiled since the 1994/95 season.
