Ah, Caitlin Clark. She’s gone from breaking hearts (and ankles) in college to breaking records in the WNBA. Rookie of the Year? Please, that was written in the stars. But as the Caitlin Clark era of college hoops fades into the rearview mirror of our nostalgia, a fresh crop of talent is stepping up, ready to put their own stamp on the game. Let’s meet the next generation of stars who will undoubtedly make you rethink your life choices as you watch them dominate the 2024-25 college basketball season.
1. Paige Bueckers, UConn
Let’s start with Paige Bueckers, who’s basically the basketball equivalent of a phoenix. Tore her ACL? No biggie, she just sat out a season, then helped UConn march straight to the Final Four in 2024. Now, after being bubble-wrapped and ready to unleash her talents again, Bueckers is set to remind us all why she was the first freshman to win the Wooden Award. She’s a walking highlight reel and masterclass in passing, but don’t get too attached — she’s likely headed to the WNBA after leading the Huskies on one last, epic title chase.
2. Juju Watkins, USC
Remember when Juju Watkins was just the top recruit? Well, she’s now the future. After scoring like she had a personal vendetta against every rim in America (27.1 points per game, anyone?), Juju’s sophomore year is all about solidifying her legacy. She dropped 920 points as a freshman, no biggie. Now, with USC moving to the Big Ten, the rest of the country will get a front-row seat to this certified bucket-getter. Oh, and there’s this tiny little detail — she might even chase Caitlin Clark’s all-time scoring record. Yeah, that.
3. Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame
If your idea of fun is getting stripped at midcourt, then go ahead and challenge Hannah Hidalgo. The Notre Dame dynamo led the country in steals (4.6 per game) while also averaging 22.6 points, because who says defense has to come at the expense of offense? Not Hannah. A finalist for Naismith Defensive Player of the Year, Hidalgo might as well have a PhD in disrupting opposing offenses. She’s like a one-person security system that also happens to have a flamethrower on offense. Expect more of the same this season, and maybe even an upgrade in her offensive arsenal.
4. Flau’jae Johnson, LSU
Flau’jae Johnson is what you get when you mix basketball and music stardom into one unstoppable force of nature. She’s already helped LSU snag a national title, dropped bars in her rap career, and, oh yeah, she averaged 20.5 points per game in the NCAA tournament. No big deal. With another deep run on the horizon for LSU, Johnson’s dual-threat stardom is only getting bigger. She’s got the game and the swag, and in case you forgot — her rap career is still in full swing. Mic drop? No, dunk drop.
5. Georgia Amoore, Kentucky
Georgia Amoore’s 3-point shooting is the stuff of legend. She already holds the NCAA tournament record for most 3s made (24) because apparently, step-back threes are just part of her DNA. After transferring from Virginia Tech to Kentucky, Amoore’s set to light up the SEC with her deep shooting and court vision. With 6.8 assists per game, she’s not just a sniper — she’s also a playmaker, basically an assist machine that comes with a side of buckets. Kentucky fans, buckle up, it’s going to be a show.
Honorable Mentions (Because Yes, the Talent Pool is That Deep):
- MiLaysia Fulwiley (South Carolina): A blur in sneakers who’s ready to take on a bigger role for the reigning champs.
- Madison Booker (Texas): She’s got breakout season vibes, especially alongside All-American guard Rori Harmon.
- Audi Crooks (Iowa State): The name might say “Crooks,” but she’s no thief — unless we’re talking about stealing your confidence in the paint. She’s efficient, deadly, and ready for more.
- Lauren Betts (UCLA) & Ayoka Lee (Kansas State): If you thought you could drive into the paint against these two giants (6-7 and 6-6, respectively), think again.
The 2024-25 season is poised to be one for the books. These stars aren’t just taking the torch from Caitlin Clark — they’re grabbing it, dunking with it, and adding a no-look assist for good measure.
