Angel Reese was not among the finalists for the Women’s College Player of the Year award.
Caitlin Clark of Iowa stands out among the contenders for the Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year award.
Cameron Brink of Stanford, Paige Bueckers of UConn, and JuJu Watkins of USC are all in contention. Clark’s victory, however, appears to be almost certain given her incredible season.
As a senior, she leads Division I in both points (31.8) and assists (8.9), firmly establishing her position in NCAA history. In February, she surpassed Kelsey Plum to become the all-time leading scorer in Division I women’s basketball, and shortly after, she eclipsed Pete Maravich to take the career scoring record for both men’s and women’s games.
While the final appraisal of Clark’s accomplishments will be made after the 2024 NCAA tournament, there is no doubt about her electric impact on collegiate basketball. Clark is on track to sweep major player of the year categories thanks to her outstanding individual performance and key role in Iowa’s success, which includes 29 wins and a Big Ten tournament triumph.
Who is Clark up against?
If Clark wins the crown, focus may quickly go to Watkins. The rookie sensation made an immediate impact during the 2023-24 season, impressing viewers with her outstanding performances.
Setting records at USC and maintaining an incredible scoring streak, Watkins has established herself as a front-runner for future honors, giving Trojans supporters hope for a return to the Final Four.
Angel Reese was initially in the race for the award after a strong start to the season, but her popularity has waned, and she did not even make the top-10 shortlist.
Paige Bueckers, the 2021 Naismith Trophy winner, returned to form after overcoming injuries, demonstrating her scoring skill for UConn in the 2023-24 season. Despite her injury setbacks, she continues to excel, making substantial contributions to her team’s success.
Meanwhile, Cameron Brink of Stanford has displayed exceptional skill and consistency, receiving accolades for both her offensive and defensive efforts. With her remarkable stats and impact on Stanford’s performance, Brink established herself as a Pac-12 conference star.
As the rivalry heats up among these outstanding athletes, the Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year award remains widely anticipated, showcasing the quality and passion of these top competitors.
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