The Associated Press released its NCAA preseason All-America team on Tuesday, featuring USC’s guard JuJu Watkins and forward KiKi Iriafen.
Among the five-player squad were UConn’s Paige Bueckers, Texas’ Madison Booker, and Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo, with Watkins and Bueckers receiving unanimous selections.
New-look USC faces high NCAA expectations
Watkins had a remarkable freshman season last year, setting records for points per game. Along with being named to the preseason team, she also earned the Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year.
Iriafen, a graduate student transfer from Stanford, completed an impressive season last year with high stats in points and rebounds. USC is aiming for a successful season with Watkins and Iriafen leading the team.
USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb praised Watkins for her influence on Iriafen’s decision to transfer, highlighting their strong chemistry on the court.
Underclassmen lead the charge in NCAA preseason All-America team
Sophomore players like Watkins, Booker, and Hidalgo are making a significant impact on the upcoming NCAA season even before it begins in November.
>Gottlieb praised the young players for their past accomplishments and leadership on their respective teams. Hildago led Notre Dame to success last season, while Booker stepped up for Texas after a teammate’s injury.
South Carolina snubbed?
The preseason All-America team did not include any players from South Carolina, the reigning NCAA champions who had an undefeated season in 2023/24. Despite this, South Carolina coach Dawn Staley remains focused on her team’s progress and development.
The NCAA preseason All-America team has been compiled since the 1994/95 season.
