UConn's Paige Bueckers, USC's JuJu Watkins, and Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo headline the list of top women players nominated for the prestigious John R. Wooden Award, announced on ESPN's "College GameDay" on March 9, 2025. This elite group features fifteen standout athletes recognized for their impressive performances throughout the season and their significant contributions to their teams.
Bueckers, who previously earned the Wooden Award as a freshman in 2021, is once again making waves. The junior guard recently clinched the Big East Player of the Year title for the third consecutive time, leading the UConn Huskies to an undefeated conference record. With remarkable statistics of 18.6 points and 5.0 assists per game, all played within 29.4 minutes, she has showcased her efficiency with a shooting split of 50-40-90. Bueckers exemplifies the skill and determination necessary to stand out among the best players.
Watkins is also enjoying a stellar season, having been named Big Ten Player of the Year. This marks her as the first player from USC to receive the recognition since Cherie Nelson became the Pac-10 Player of the Year back in 1988. Propelled by her remarkable scoring average of 24.7 points per game, the Trojans achieved their first regular-season conference title since 1994, validating Watkins' hard work and contributions to the program. She is currently showcasing her talents as her team prepares for the Big Ten tournament final against UCLA.
Meanwhile, Hidalgo has faced some challenges, as her recent performances have seen some decline after she initially emerged as a front-runner for the award. Despite Notre Dame's exit against Duke during the ACC tournament semifinals, Hidalgo's campaign remains commendable. Notably, she secured both ACC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards, making her only the third player in conference history to achieve both titles within the same season. Hidalgo's impressive averages include 24.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 3.6 steals, leading the ACC and ranking fourth nationally.
Joining Bueckers, Watkins, and Hidalgo on the ballot are Texas' Madison Booker, who secured the SEC Player of the Year title, and TCU's Hailey Van Lith, the Big 12 Player of the Year. UConn's Sarah Strong is the only freshman included among the top 15 on the ballot, providing representation for the next generation of talent.
These nominations don’t just highlight individual achievements; they also reflect the overall growth and competitive spirit within women's college basketball. Fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming tournament games, with all eyes on these talented players who have made significant impacts on their teams and the sport as a whole.
With such stellar performances, the race for the John R. Wooden Award is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, with Bueckers, Watkins, and Hidalgo leading the charge. Basketball enthusiasts are now left to wonder which of these phenomenal athletes will take home the coveted prize, and how their unique journeys through the season will culminate on the national stage.
The John R. Wooden Award remains one of the highest honors a college basketball player can achieve, symbolizing excellence both on and off the court. With these exceptional women at the forefront, this year’s nominees promise to uphold the legacy of the award, inspiring the next generation of female athletes everywhere.