NCAAW: Watch for a star leap from these three players

Every college basketball season brings fresh opportunities for players to elevate their games and establish themselves as elite talents.

The 2025-2026 season could be the launching pad that transforms these three players from promising prospects into household names in women’s college basketball. Here’s more on Michigan’s Syla Swords, Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes and Maryland’s Oluchi Okananwa:

As a freshman, Syla Swords showed flashes of brilliance last year, and the pieces are in place for a breakout sophomore campaign for the Michigan guard. Swords averaged 16 points, but it was her analytically-friendly shot selection and efficiency that suggests she has untapped potential.

The most encouraging aspect of Swords’ freshman season was her shot distribution. She attempted 88 percent of her field goals from 3-point range or at the rim, showing an advanced understanding as a first-year player. However, Swords’ modest 24.5 percent usage rate indicated she was still finding her footing within Michigan’s offense, which is expected of a freshman. Her ball handling and driving could be better as she posted an extremely low free throw rate and high turnover percentage, given her usage.

The opportunity for growth is there. Assuming Michigan expands her role and allows her to create more off the dribble, those efficiency numbers have a chance to translate to increased production. I don’t expect her efficiency to actually get better with larger role and diversified shot diet, but improved playmaking could go a long ways towards her growth as an offensive player

Defensively, Swords is sketchy. As it pertains to being a WNBA prospect, she’ll likely never be a good defender. She posted a very low steal rate and didn’t record a single block, which is crazy for a 6-foot-0 guard and could be a signal of below average athletic indicators. Nevertheless, there’s still plenty to be excited about.

The key for Swords this season will be maintaining her excellent shot selection while improving her rim finishing and playing through physicality. If she can improve her playmaking while protecting the ball, she’ll transform from a rising star into a legitimate WNBA prospect.

Mikayla Blakes (Vanderbilt)

Perhaps no player in this group has a higher ceiling than Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes. 23 points per game is elite territory for any player, let alone a first-year floor general. Vanderbilt basically gave her the keys right away, trusting her with significant responsibility immediately, and she rewarded that faith with impressive returns.

Blakes’ shot profile also is pretty modern with lots of 3s and layups. She attempted 34.7 percent of her shots at the rim and converted at a blistering 67.4 percent clip, which is exceptional efficiency for a guard attacking against SEC defenses.

The pathway to superstardom for Blakes runs through her perimeter shooter and playmaking development.

While her rim efficiency was outstanding, her pull-up shooting is extremely questionable. Point guards who can threaten defenses both as scorers and distributors become virtually unguardable, and Blakes already has the driving ability and finishing touch to keep defenders honest. If she can refine her pull-up shooting, while enhancing her playmaking and shot selection, plus maintaining her high free throw rate, she could take an astronomical leap.

Oluchi Okananwa (Maryland)

After two impressive seasons at Duke, Oluchi Okananwa’s transfer to Maryland presents a golden opportunity for reinvention. The Terps have a squad again, and her development arc from freshman to sophomore year at Duke was encouraging. Now with a change of scenery, she’s positioned to become a focal point in Maryland’s attack.

Okananwa’s sophomore season showed meaningful growth across the board. Her offensive impact jumped mightily, as did her plus-minus numbers. Most impressively, her 3-point shooting improved to 35 percent after shooting 30 percent as a freshman. While the volume is still extremely low, a reliable 3-point shot is a massive complement to what is otherwise a fairly complete defensive game.

The real story with Okananwa is her rebounding prowess and defensive versatility. She posted an absurd .661 points per play defending pick-and-rolls. These aren’t just good numbers—they’re difference-maker statistics that can transform a defense. Duke was competitive for the last two years because of their defense alone and Okananwa was the biggest part of that.

At Maryland, she will have the opportunity to operate with more offensive freedom than she had at Duke. The key will be improving her 3-point shooting with volume. If she can continue developing offensively while maintaining her elite defensive traits, she’ll be one of the Big Ten’s most complete players. The transition to Maryland’s system should suit her perfectly. Her physical, aggressive style pairs well with high-tempo basketball, and her defensive instincts will immediately make her a team leader.