The Associated Press unveiled its NCAA preseason All-America team on Tuesday, highlighting Trojan guard JuJu Watkins and forward KiKi Iriafen as representatives of a revamped USC lineup.
Joining them on the prestigious five-player squad are UConn superstar Paige Bueckers, Texas sophomore Madison Booker, and Notre Dame guard Hannah Hidalgo. Watkins and Bueckers both received unanimous selections.
USC Prepares for NCAA Expectations
Watkins had an exceptional freshman year, averaging over 27 points per game and breaking the national freshman scoring record with 920 points. She was also voted the 2024/25 Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year.
Iriafen, a graduate student, transferred to USC after a standout season at Stanford where she averaged a double-double. Now part of the preseason No. 3 team, she aims to build on USC’s Elite Eight performance from last year.
Coach Lindsay Gottlieb credits Watkins as the reason for Iriafen’s transfer, highlighting their chemistry on and off the court.
Underclassmen Shine in All-America Selections
Sophomores Watkins, Booker, and Hidalgo lead the way in the upcoming NCAA season, showcasing their talent as underclassmen.
Last season, Hidalgo led Notre Dame to success while Booker excelled at Texas. Both players made significant impacts on their teams and look to continue their success in the new season.
South Carolina Excluded?
The preseason All-America team did not feature any players from reigning NCAA champions South Carolina, despite their undefeated season in 2023/24. This news follows their recent top ranking in the AP women’s college basketball poll.
Coach Dawn Staley expressed gratitude for the recognition but emphasized the team’s focus on improvement and hard work.
The AP started compiling the NCAA preseason All-America team in 1994/95.
