Ranking the Best Female College Basketball Players: A Comprehensive Overview

The world of women's college basketball is constantly evolving, with new stars emerging and established players continuing to impress. The 2024-2025 NCAA women’s college basketball regular season, ending this week, was marked by increased parity and numerous upsets, making rankings more challenging than ever. This article delves into the top players, considering their performance, impact on their teams, and overall contribution to the sport. This analysis includes a look back at some of the all-time greats and a forward-looking perspective on current standouts.

The Everlasting Greats

Before diving into the current rankings, it's essential to acknowledge the legends who paved the way for today's stars. These players not only excelled on the court but also left a lasting impact on the sport.

Lynette Woodard: A Pioneer (Kansas, 1978-81)

Before Caitlin Clark, Lynette Woodard held the unofficial title of the top scorer in women's college basketball history. During her four years at Kansas, she amassed 3,649 points and earned All-American honors each season. Woodard was a true pioneer, helping elevate the sport's profile.

A'ja Wilson: A Dominant Force (South Carolina, 2015-18)

A'ja Wilson dominated during her time at South Carolina, finishing with 2,389 career points. Recognized as a consensus All-American in her final three seasons, she led the Gamecocks to a national title in 2016-17. In her final year, she averaged 22.6 points and led the SEC with 3.2 blocks per game, earning her Player of the Year honors.

Candace Parker: A Household Name (Tennessee, 2006-08)

Candace Parker was a star during her college career at Tennessee. A two-time Wooden Award winner and three-time All-American, she also earned the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player award in her last two years. Parker led her team to back-to-back national titles, solidifying her legacy.

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Brittney Griner: A Towering Presence (Baylor, 2010-13)

Brittney Griner was a dominant force in the paint for Baylor, winning two Wooden Awards and being named Big 12 Player of the Year three times. A four-time All-American and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, she finished her career with 3,283 points, ranking sixth all-time in NCAA scoring.

Maya Moore: A UConn Legend (2008-11)

Maya Moore, a UConn star, played four years and helped lead the Huskies to two national titles. She earned two Player of the Year awards, was a four-time All-American, and a two-time Wooden Award winner. By her senior year, she averaged a career-high 22.8 points per game.

Chamique Holdsclaw: A Scoring Machine (Tennessee, 1996-99)

Chamique Holdsclaw consistently scored over 20 points per game in her sophomore, junior, and senior seasons at Tennessee. She also averaged at least eight rebounds in those seasons. Holdsclaw won two straight Player of the Year awards, underscoring her impact.

Cheryl Miller: A Versatile Threat (USC, 1983-86)

Cheryl Miller was a prolific scorer and rebounder for USC. She averaged over 20 points in each of her four seasons, including over 25 points in her final two. She also averaged 10 or more rebounds in three seasons, with a career-high 15.8 per game in her junior year, paired with 26.8 points per game.

Diana Taurasi: A UConn Icon (2001-04)

Diana Taurasi, a notable UConn player, won three championships. She was a three-time All-American and two-time NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player. Her leadership led UConn to back-to-back titles in her final two years.

Caitlin Clark: The Record-Breaker (Iowa, 2021-24)

Caitlin Clark, a prominent name, is the leading scorer in NCAA history and led Iowa to the brink of a national title. She accumulated nearly 4,000 points and earned three Big Ten Player of the Year awards, two Naismith Awards, and four All-American selections.

Breanna Stewart: The Ultimate Winner (UConn, 2013-16)

Breanna Stewart, a top player, led UConn to four national titles, earning Most Outstanding Player in each. She won Player of the Year in three consecutive seasons and averaged 8.7 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game in her senior year.

Honorable Mentions: Kelsey Plum (Washington), Sabrina Ionescu (Oregon), Elena Delle Donne (Delaware), Sheryl Swoopes (Texas Tech), and Rebecca Lobo (UConn) have also significantly contributed to women's college basketball.

Current Standouts: ESPN's Preseason Top 25 Player Rankings

ESPN's preseason top 25 player rankings offer a glimpse into the current landscape of women's college basketball. These rankings, compiled by experts, highlight the players expected to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.

1. JuJu Watkins (USC Trojans)

Stats: 27.1 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 3.3 APG
As the No. 1 recruit, Watkins surpassed expectations in her freshman season, scoring more points than any other freshman in Division I history (920). She is the nation's top returning scorer and is expected to lead USC to the Final Four.

2. Paige Bueckers (UConn Huskies)

Stats: 21.9 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.8 APG
After returning from injury, Bueckers propelled the Huskies to the Final Four. Her defensive improvement and versatility were notable, averaging 3.6 stocks per game. She aims to lead UConn to a national championship.

3. Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame Fighting Irish)

Stats: 22.6 PPG, 5.5 APG, 4.6 SPG
Hidalgo surprised the basketball world with her outstanding freshman season, leading Notre Dame to an ACC tournament title and a Sweet 16 appearance. She scored in double figures in all 35 games and led the country in steals.

4. Kiki Iriafen (USC Trojans)

Stats: 19.4 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 2.3 APG
Iriafen blossomed in her third year at Stanford and is expected to be a 2025 WNBA draft lottery pick. She will play her final college season at USC.

5. Madison Booker (Texas Longhorns)

Stats: 16.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 5.0 APG
Booker assumed a larger role after Rori Harmon's injury, leading Texas to the Big 12 tournament title and the Elite Eight.

6. Lauren Betts (UCLA Bruins)

Stats: 14.9 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2.0 BPG
Betts, a former No. 1 recruit, played like she belonged in Los Angeles. Her defense and rim protection are elite, and her offensive role is expected to grow.

7. Aneesah Morrow (LSU Tigers)

Stats: 16.4 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 2.5 SPG
Morrow adjusted well to her role on a talented LSU team, finishing the season with 22 double-doubles.

8. Flau'jae Johnson (LSU Tigers)

Stats: 14.9 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.1 SPG
Johnson's energy and fundamental game make her a standout player. She improved throughout the season and is poised for a big year.

9. Rori Harmon (Texas Longhorns)

Stats: 14.1 PPG, 7.8 APG, 3.1 SPG (12 games)
Harmon, arguably the best two-way guard in the country, was in the player of the year conversation before her injury. Her return is highly anticipated.

10. Ayoka Lee (Kansas State Wildcats)

Stats: 19.7 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 61.9% FG
Lee, in her seventh year of college, is one of the most productive centers in the country and led K-State back to the NCAA tournament.

11. Georgia Amoore (Kentucky Wildcats)

Stats: 18.8 PPG, 6.8 APG, 2.6 RPG (at Virginia Tech)
Amoore, formerly at Virginia Tech, joined Kentucky and will be one of the bigger storylines to monitor this season.

12. Audi Crooks (Iowa State Cyclones)

Stats: 19.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 57.7% FG
Crooks was one of the top scorers and rebounders for Iowa State, reaching the Big 12 tournament final and the NCAA tournament second round.

13. Olivia Miles (Notre Dame Fighting Irish)

Stats: 14.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 6.9 APG, 2.1 SPG (in 2022-23; injured last season)
Miles is returning from a knee injury and is expected to form a dynamic guard pairing with Hannah Hidalgo.

14. Sonia Citron (Notre Dame Fighting Irish)

Stats: 17.3 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 91.2% FT
Citron has been a steadying force for Notre Dame, making three Sweet 16 appearances and winning an ACC regular-season and tournament title.

15. Ta'Niya Latson (Florida State Seminoles)

Stats: 21.4 PPG, 4.1 APG, 1.5 SPG
Latson is an explosive player who likes to get to the rim and has been a consistent scorer for Florida State.

16. Te-Hina Paopao (South Carolina Gamecocks)

Stats: 11.0 PPG, 3.7 APG, 46.8% 3FG
Paopao led Division I in 3-point percentage in her first season with South Carolina and is returning for a fifth college season.

17. Mikaylah Williams (LSU Tigers)

Stats: 14.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 38% 3FG
Williams carved out her place on a talented LSU team, earning SEC freshman of the year honors.

18. Cotie McMahon (Ohio State Buckeyes)

Stats: 14.4 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.1 APG
McMahon is expected to take on a larger role as an upperclassman for Ohio State.

19. MiLaysia Fulwiley (South Carolina Gamecocks)

Stats: 11.7 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 2.2 APG
Fulwiley was a highlight reel player for South Carolina, contributing to their national championship season.

20. Saniya Rivers (NC State Wolfpack)

Stats: 12.5 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 3.7 APG
Rivers does it all for NC State, shining as a scorer, playmaker, and defender.

21. Zoe Brooks (NC State Wolfpack)

Entering her third season with the Wolfpack after starting her career at South Carolina, Rivers does it all for coach Wes Moore, particularly shining as a scorer, playmaker and impactful defender. NC State will need her to be consistent and efficient if it wants to win the ACC and make another trip to the Final Four.

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22. Shyanne Sellers (Maryland Terrapins)

Stats: 15.6 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 5.5 APG
Sellers is the Big Ten's most versatile point guard and leads Maryland in multiple statistical categories.

23. Kiki Rice (UCLA Bruins)

Stats: 13.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 4.5 APG
Rice faces high expectations as UCLA aims for its first NCAA Final Four appearance.

24. Raegan Beers (Oklahoma Sooners)

Stats: 17.5 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 66.4% FG
Beers, a transfer from Oregon State, is a low-block power and is expected to thrive at Oklahoma.

25. JJ Quinerly (West Virginia Mountaineers)

Stats: 19.8 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.9 SPG
Quinerly was the Big 12 defensive player of the year and led the league in steals, showcasing her all-around abilities.

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