It’s mid-February, and the race for Player of the Year is shaping up to be as competitive as always. But this time, it’s going to be unique, as we have star players like Lauren Betts and JuJu Watkins going up against a veteran, Paige Bueckers.
Well, it’s the same freshman phenom who was the first-ever freshman to win AP Player of the Year and the generational talent head coach Geno Auriemma has called “one of the most special players” he’s ever coached. But sadly, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft isn’t even in the conversation.
According to Hoops HQ’s Eden Laase, the POY conversation revolves around Lauren Betts (UCLA), Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame), and JuJu Watkins (USC)—each bringing a unique dominance to the court. And honestly, she’s got a point. At 6-foot-7, UCLA’s Betts is a force inside.
A riveting race for Player of the Year is unfolding in women’s college basketball. @eden_laase has the breakdown of the top three candidates at Hoops HQ @hhqsports https://t.co/gn2FJC81TK
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) February 10, 2025
Her efficiency is absurd, as she shoots 63% from the field. As of now, she’s averaging 27.4 points per 40 minutes. Not just that—she’s also an underrated passer who even broke Brittney Griner’s record for most assists in a game by a player 6-foot-7 or taller, with 11 dimes.
But she isn’t alone on the list of best players. She’s followed by Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo, who brings relentless energy on both ends. Averaging 26 points per game, she leads the nation in both scoring and steals, with four per contest. In case you don’t know, she ranks in three of the top five statistical factors, while Bueckers is nowhere to be seen. Her finishing ability is elite—she converts 66.1% of her shots at the rim, despite standing just 5-foot-6. That’s better than most bigs.
Next up, we have Watkins, a 6-foot-2 USC star. Well, she’s got the highest usage rate of any player in this discussion—and for good reason. She’s the best pure scorer in the nation, averaging 28.6 points per 40 minutes. While her shooting percentages aren’t as high as Betts’ or Hidalgo’s, her ability to get to the free-throw line is unmatched. She draws fouls on 44.2% of her shot attempts and knocks down 83.8% of her free throws. So… where’s Paige Bueckers?
Despite being sidelined, Paige Bueckers still stand as potential threat
While the national discussion centers on Betts, Hidalgo, and Watkins, UConn’s Paige Bueckers has been busy reminding the world why she’s still one of the best players in the game. The 2021 AP Player of the Year reached 2,000 career points just last month—an achievement that puts her in elite company in UConn history.
And let’s not forget about her injury setbacks. While she has a history of injuries, the most recent one happened last month—a sprain in her left knee that cost her two games. But still, she remains a strong competitor, averaging 18.7 points per game.
Even Geno Auriemma notes it isn’t all about individual growth for her.
“I know what she’s been through, how many times she’s been dealt a bad hand… She had a lot of adversity during her whole college career, starting with, you know, COVID her freshman year.” Geno shared. “So I know the points are a source of accomplishment for her, but I think I think us winning and us moving on, and us having a magical year, probably more important to her than anything else.”
Feb 25, 2022; Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma talks with guard Paige Bueckers (5) from the sideline as they take on the St. John’s Red Storm in the second half at XL Center. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
With Bueckers projected as the No. 1 pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft, it’s clear she’s still an elite talent. But the national POY race is about the best player this season, and right now, Betts, Hidalgo, and Watkins have put together résumés that are simply too strong to ignore.
But make no mistake—Paige Bueckers is still one of the best in the country. She may not be in the POY conversation, but come WNBA Draft night, she’ll be the first name off the board. And that, in itself, speaks volumes.
The post National Reporter Reveals WCBB’s 3 Best Players & Paige Bueckers is Nowhere to be Found appeared first on EssentiallySports.