In a world where college basketball hype seems to have a direct correlation with triple-doubles, TikTok dances, and celebrity fans courtside, the post-Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese era is already delivering a crop of fresh, bold faces ready to shake things up. It’s almost as if we didn’t have time to catch our breath after last season’s blockbuster battles before the spotlight shifted to a group of new stars like Paige Bueckers, JuJu Watkins, Deja Kelly, and Hannah Hidalgo. The game might just need extra security for the stardom about to hit this season.
Let’s be honest: Clark and Reese might be tough acts to follow, but who doesn’t love a little drama and talent turnover? South Carolina’s coaching powerhouse, Dawn Staley, isn’t worried. “I know we lost some great ones in Angel and Caitlin, but we gained so much more,” Staley said, with the confidence of someone who’s seen it all. “Talent, skill set, and marketability,” she added, as if she were talking about scouting for a basketball-themed reality show. Staley’s optimism isn’t unfounded—this year’s roster of emerging talents is anything but a lineup of rookies. They’re polished, fierce, and they’ve got the fan engagement (and social media followings) to match.
Enter JuJu Watkins, the sophomore phenom out of Southern California, whose star quality has had fans flocking to games like she’s a headliner. With USC’s Galen Center consistently packed to the rafters and even attracting a celeb here and there, Watkins is serving up a little Hollywood sparkle every time she steps on the court. Even her coach, Lindsay Gottlieb, can’t ignore the unique factor here. “I don’t know that there’s been a young African-American superstar in women’s basketball at this age with this platform,” Gottlieb said. “I wouldn’t bet against her to be able to handle anything.” Translation: Watkins could probably multitask a championship run while breaking the internet.
And in the “Big Sister Energy” department, Caitlin Clark herself offered some advice to Watkins on handling the spotlight. When they met, Clark was reportedly more than happy to pass down her wisdom to JuJu, offering tips on navigating the pressure of being the face of women’s basketball. Watkins, who may or may not have secretly been planning her own signature move to rival Clark’s, took it all in. “She’s great. Goes to show how good a person she is outside of basketball,” Watkins said, practically sounding like a press conference veteran. And who knows? In a couple of years, Watkins might just be mentoring the next big thing herself.
Meanwhile, there’s Hannah Hidalgo—another All-American sophomore whose style of play is less about frills and more about fierce determination. “I never thought I would be the face of something,” Hidalgo admits, already sounding like she’s on the verge of stealing hearts with her down-to-earth vibe and intense court presence.
Then there’s Deja Kelly, the savvy veteran who’s practically the bridge between the Clark-Reese class and this new generation. Kelly, now at Oregon, comes from the 2020 class, arguably one of the strongest in recent memory. With most of her contemporaries having already made the jump to the pros, Kelly’s decision to leverage her final year in college speaks to her own strategic mindset—and perhaps, her love of the collegiate spotlight just a little bit longer. “I think we had one of the best classes,” she said, reminding us that just because some big names have moved on, it doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of talent left in the tank.
What’s different this year? The distribution of talent is almost as widespread as the national TV coverage. Gone are the days when powerhouse programs monopolized the headlines. Now, fans across the country have more chances to root for local stars making a name for themselves, thanks to the wide reach of televised games and the explosion of NIL opportunities. “There’s a whole lot of stars that are just waiting to explode,” says N.C. State’s Wes Moore, who sounds both excited and possibly a little terrified at the thought of the sheer potential on display.
So, with Bueckers, Watkins, Hidalgo, and Kelly setting the stage, women’s college basketball looks set for another season packed with suspense, skill, and yes, a few viral moments. As fans, all we have to do is sit back, grab the popcorn, and enjoy the ride—while keeping a close eye on our social feeds, of course.