With the NCAA basketball tournament on the horizon, the excitement is palpable across college campuses, especially for the women's basketball community. On March 19, 2025, the Associated Press unveiled its women's All-America selections, and three exceptional athletes shone bright: Paige Bueckers of UConn, JuJu Watkins of USC, and Lauren Betts of UCLA, all of whom were named to the First Team in a unanimous vote.
Paige Bueckers, now a senior, has built a remarkable legacy at UConn, making history as only the third player in the program to earn First Team All-American honors three times. Joining the ranks of legends like Maya Moore and Breanna Stewart, Bueckers has consistently showcased her talent, averaging 19 points per game and an impressive 4.9 assists this season.
Teammate Sarah Strong also made headlines, being recognized on the AP's Second Team and the USBWA Third Team, marking her as the first Husky freshman All-American since Bueckers herself in 2021. Strong, who has averaged 16 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.4 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game, is living up to expectations and quickly establishing herself as a force in the league.
The full AP women's All-America team lists a total of 15 players across three teams. The First Team included Bueckers, Watkins, Betts, Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo, and Texas’ Madison Booker. Meanwhile, the Second Team showcased athletes from LSU, Florida State, Notre Dame, and Kentucky, with notable mentions like Aneesah Morrow, Ta'Niya Latson, Olivia Miles, Sarah Strong, and Georgia Amoore.
Watkins, who was a unanimous selection, led USC to a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament this year, elevating her average to an outstanding 24.6 points per game. She has quickly made a name for herself alongside Bueckers, further fueling the competitive fire between their teams as they head into the tournament.
This weekend, Bueckers’ UConn team will face 15-seed Arkansas State in the first round of the NCAA tournament on March 22, 2025. The Huskies come in with a stellar 31-3 record and a No. 2 seed, showcasing their strength as perennial contenders. However, securing a championship title has eluded Bueckers thus far. In her previous three appearances, the guard has reached the Final Four but has fallen short of the ultimate goal.
In 2021, her freshman year, UConn lost to Arizona in the Final Four. The following season, Bueckers led the team to another championship game, but they fell to South Carolina. After suffering an ACL injury, she redshirted the 2022 season, returning for her junior year only to face defeat again in the Final Four. Now, as she approaches the end of her college career, her sights are set firmly on clinching a national championship.
Watkins, who has been pivotal in the Trojans’ success, matches Bueckers' competitive spirit. With her USC squad also making strides in the tournament, the potential showdown between UConn and USC could be a highlight of March Madness.
Not only are the triumphs of Bueckers and Strong significant for UConn, but they also symbolize broader trends in women's basketball. Their performances have resonated throughout the season, as evidenced by the number of accolades they have garnered. Bueckers has not only claimed the title of Big East Player of the Year, but she has also consistently ranked among the top in assists and scoring throughout the season.
Strong's impressive debut season at UConn has set her apart as one of the rising stars in college basketball. Her statistics place her among the best in various categories within the program. As she continues her career at UConn, fans and analysts alike eagerly await her future performances.
As both players gear up for the impending tournament, they are also being recognized for their potential at the next level. Bueckers is favored to be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft later this April. Her unique abilities on the court have garnered attention not only for her on-field prowess but also for her off-the-court leadership qualities. Strong is not far behind, also being considered for awards and eventual drafts as she displays remarkable skill and tenacity.
With UConn poised for an intense tournament run, all eyes will be on Bueckers, Strong, and their teammates as they aim for national glory. The high-stakes environment of the NCAA tournament tends to weave stories of triumph and resilience, and expectations are set high for this formidable Huskies team, especially given how they have faced challenges head-on in recent years.
As the pressure mounts and the competition heats up, it remains to be seen whether Bueckers can secure the elusive championship title she has yearned for since her freshman year. Regardless of the outcome, both she and Strong are making a significant impact in collegiate sports, and their stories will be ones to follow as they shape the future of women's basketball.
