My Top 7 Most Exciting Players To Watch In Women’s College Basketball
Women’s College basketball is Back! The women’s game has so much star power that deserves to be recognized on a larger scale. These women are extremely talented and gifted in their abilities on the court and are bringing possibly the largest social draw that the women’s game has ever seen. Now with that being said I would like to highlight my 6 favorite players to watch for the 2023-2024 Women’s college basketball season along with a fun NBA comparison.
7. Alissa Pili
After not having a great start to her career at USC, Alissa Pili has had a spectacular season averaging 22.7 ppg and 5.6 rebounds on 59% shooting. She is an incredible inside force that can dominate within the paint and initiate an offense for her team. On defense, she is no slouch either by pretty much having a block a game. Pili is known for her impressive skills and versatility on the court. She has been recognized for her scoring ability, rebounding, and overall athleticism. Her style of play often involves a combination of strength, agility, and basketball IQ, making her a dynamic player.
Player Comparison: Zion Williamson
Pili like Zion has a strong physical presence, both players are physically strong and use their bodies effectively to gain position, finish at the rim, and compete for rebounds. They are known for their power and ability to dominate in the paint. Despite their strong build, both Pili and Williamson showcase impressive agility and quickness. They can navigate through defenders, execute spin moves, and drive to the basket with speed and precision. Pili and Williamson are versatile players who can contribute in multiple facets of the game. This includes scoring, rebounding, and playing solid defense. Their well-rounded skills make them impactful on both ends of the court.
6. Cameron Brink
Can you imagine in your wildest dreams a 6’4 1/2 woman who can Rebound, shoot threes, and average 2 blocks per game? Well luckily in this case you don’t have to imagine because Cameron Brink exists. She is an absolute beast and a unicorn for her size. She is extremely fun to watch because you usually don’t find many women of her size who can do what she can do on the court. Her defensive presence is really fun to observe while also being a great safety blanket inside and outside the arc offensively for her team.
Player Comparison: Kristaps Porzingis
Both Kristaps and Cameron are known for their versatility as frontcourt players. Both Brink and Porzingis have showcased the ability to impact the game on both ends of the court. They share qualities such as shot-blocking prowess, the capability to stretch the floor with their shooting, and solid defensive skills. Additionally, both players have the height and athleticism to alter shots in the paint and contribute as scoring threats from various areas on the floor.
5. Hailey Van Lith
Among some of my favorite players to watch is no other than LSU Guard Hailey Van Lith. Hailey has a flashy but also extremely technically sound game. Her bag runs “Grand Canyon” deep as far as finding crafty ways to get to her spot and score or create for her teammates. Hailey also has a hell of a Basketball IQ to go along with having great defensive instincts. I love the grit and moxie that she plays with and it always seems to be contagious by sparking a fire in attitude amongst her teammates.
Player comparison: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has showcased the ability to handle the ball effectively, make plays for teammates, and score from various positions on the floor. Hailey Van Lith possesses strong ball-handling skills, the ability to create her shot and a well-rounded offensive game. Additionally, both players may exhibit basketball IQ, vision, and the capability to impact the game beyond scoring, contributing to their team’s success.
4. JuJu Watkins
USC Freshman Juju Watkins is genuinely one of my favorite players in the country. Her game is just so silky smooth and effortless. The other night she scored 50 points and it reminded me of a big game by Luka Doncic where he had 73. Scoring on the court is just so easy and simple for her. She can effectively get to her spot and also score easily in transition. Even as a freshman she seems to be the initiator of that offense and the oil to the machine that USC runs. With that being said she is very young and has a lot to learn and improve on, especially on the defensive end. All in all, Juju is going to be very dangerous for years to come, to say the least.
Yes, play the theme music! No one in the league has a smoother game than Paul George right now. So why not compare the young Juju Watkins to the man who makes the game look as effortless as possible? These two play with great size and seem to have a knack for knowing pace and space. They’re great off-ball and on-ball creators. While being fully capable of holding their own on the defensive end, they hold most of their value to their team by being a scoring threat on offense.
3. Angel Reese
Reese possesses an impressive combination of size, athleticism, and skill. Her physical attributes make her a versatile threat on both ends of the court, allowing her to impact the game in various ways. Whether it’s scoring in the post, driving to the basket, or defending against opponents, Reese’s athleticism stands out. Her scoring versatility is effective both in the paint and on the perimeter. She can finish with finesse around the rim and has demonstrated the capability to knock down shots from mid-range or beyond the arc, making her a dynamic offensive player. She plays with energy, hustle, and a passion for the game, which resonates with fans and adds an exciting element to her performances.
Player Comparison: Anthony Davis
Angel Reese compares smoothly to Anthony Davis because she possesses a very versatile skill set with the ability to impact the game at both ends of the court. Like Davis, Reese has a combination of size, athleticism, and agility that allows her to be effective in scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking. The hypothetical comparison could extend to offensive versatility, with Reese potentially displaying the capability to score in the post, face up, and even contribute as a threat from mid-range or beyond the arc.
2. Paige Bueckers
This may be quite a hot take but I truly believe that if it wasn’t for the woman at #1, Paige would be the best women’s player we have seen in a while. Paige is an outstanding player who truly contributes to winning in every facet that you can impact the game in. To put it lightly Paige is awesome and deserves to be recognized for what she does on the court. Bueckers’ competitiveness, leadership, and poise at a young age add to her appeal. Her ability to control the tempo of the game and make impactful plays in high-pressure situations make her a captivating player for fans. Overall, Paige Bueckers’ well-rounded skill set, creativity on the court, and ability to make big plays make her an exceptionally fun and dynamic player to watch in the world of basketball.
Player Comparison: Cade Cunningham
The core of this comparison is their similarities in ball-handling skills and court vision. Paige Bueckers, as a guard, can navigate through defenses with a variety of dribble moves, while Cade Cunningham, a guard/forward, possesses a similar handle that allows him to initiate plays and create scoring opportunities. Additionally, both players exhibit a certain level of versatility in their scoring, with Bueckers showcasing an impressive shooting range, and Cunningham displaying a combination of scoring in isolation, playmaking, and three-point shooting. Moreover, both Bueckers and Cunningham have demonstrated a calm and composed demeanor on the court, especially in high-pressure situations, contributing to their effectiveness and making them captivating players to watch.
1. Caitlin Clark
To no surprise, the most exciting player to watch is none other than Caitlin Clark. In my opinion, Caitlin Clark is the greatest Women’s Player I have ever witnessed and I truly believe that we are witnessing history. I am just always in pure awe of what she can do on a basketball court. Clark’s electrifying style of play makes her an incredibly entertaining player to watch in the world of basketball. As a standout guard, Clark possesses an exceptional combination of scoring prowess, court vision, and flair. Her deep shooting range, confident ball-handling, and ability to create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates set her apart. Clark’s passing skills are particularly dazzling, as she delivers precise and creative assists that often leave spectators in awe. Her fearless and high-energy approach to the game, coupled with a penchant for making clutch shots, adds an extra layer of excitement. Whether it’s a no-look pass, a step-back three-pointer, or a dazzling drive to the basket, Caitlin Clark’s dynamic and versatile playing style makes her a must-watch player, capturing the attention of basketball fans with every game.
Player Comparison: Steph Curry
Like Curry, Clark boasts an impressive shooting range, displaying a knack for hitting three-pointers from well beyond the arc. Her off-the-dribble shooting, quick release, and accuracy make her a constant perimeter threat. Additionally, both players exhibit exceptional ball-handling skills, enabling them to create their own shots and navigate through defenses with ease. Clark, like Curry, is a dynamic playmaker, capable of delivering precise and imaginative passes that elevate her teammates’ scoring opportunities. The combination of scoring proficiency, deep shooting range, and playmaking abilities makes Clark reminiscent of Curry, bringing a captivating and entertaining style to the game, and capturing the excitement of basketball enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The main purpose of my writing of this article is to bring more attention to the women’s game from viewers who may not care to watch. These wonderful athletes put in countless hours of hard work to put out a great product for us that is enjoyable to watch. I have had the pleasure of watching it so I am happy to share it to you!
