All throughout the buildup to March Madness we hear about seeding, resumes, quads, good wins, bad losses … the list goes on and on.
Teams earn their places in the Big Dance. Players separate those teams in the moments that matter most, whether with big shots, defensive stands or vocal leadership in crunch time.
Every matchup, every game and every upset brings the opportunity for a player to shine through.
Legends are going to be made at the Spokane and Birmingham regionals. Who are some of the most intriguing players to know about as the NCAA Tournament begins?
Lauren Betts, UCLA
Junior center, key stats: 19.6 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 63.4 FG%
UCLA earned the No. 1 seed overall in March, and Betts’ dominance in the paint is the foundation of the Bruins’ success. It’s one thing to be tall. It’s another to use that height and length, and Betts does that to perfection. She plays with the necessary aggression on either end of the floor to consistently make her presence felt. It’s why you see guards timidly driving into the lane when she’s there. It’s why you see three defenders with a foot in the paint and arms up to disrupt interior passes when she’s on the block.
Betts has an undeniable gravitational pull that alters the game. Collapse on her in the post, and she’s more than capable as a facilitator. Leave her without a double team, and you’re leaving an isolated defender to guard a 6-foot-7 center who shoots better than 70 percent at the rim. She is a consistent game-changer without even touching the ball, but UCLA needs to make sure she touches it enough to make its first Final Four in school history.
Madison Booker, Texas
Sophomore forward, key stats: 16.2 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.8 apg
The premier point forward in the game, Booker leads Texas with one of the more complete skill sets an underclassman possesses. While known for her supreme midrange game, Booker has continued to round out as a passer. Few players 6 feet or taller can handle the ball with the confidence and control she does, and her subtle tweaks and improvements in her second season have only made her more difficult to contain. Rangy on the defensive end, and an impactor on the glass, Booker can thrive and influence the game in a multitude of ways.
MADISON BOOKER. IMPACT PLAYER.#HookEm | @MaddiewitdaB_ pic.twitter.com/9JpCkySgN6
— Texas Women’s Basketball (@TexasWBB) March 9, 2025
Paige Bueckers, UConn
Senior guard, key stats: 19 ppg, 2.0 spg, 53 FG %
It simultaneously feels like it was just last week that Bueckers won National Player of the Year as a freshman but also as though she’s been in the national spotlight for far longer. She’s an engaged, active and impact defender. She’s a heady passer and facilitator, capable of keeping UConn’s potent offense humming.
Bueckers is efficient, one made free throw away from joining the coveted 50/40/90 club. If you’ve watched her play, you know Bueckers is a great shooter, particularly from the midrange. Let’s add some context to that: Per Synergy Sports, 742 players in Division I took 50 or more shots off the dribble this season. Only 75 of those players shot 40 percent or better on those looks, and just three shot 50 percent or higher. Bueckers stands alone at the top, shooting 53 percent on pull-up jumpers while ranking in the top 10 percent of the country in how many she’s taken.
Kiki Iriafen, USC
Senior forward, key stats: 18.2 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 82.5 FT %
JuJu Watkins and Iriafen have worked throughout the season to adapt their games to better fit alongside one another. It can’t be stressed enough how differently USC plays compared to Stanford’s offense, in which Iriafen really spread her wings last season. Though it’s been a growth process throughout the year, she’s made subtle improvements and is an even better player for it.
She’s shown her ability to play a pro style on both sides of the court, switching and playing more on the perimeter on defense. She’s continued to expand her range as a shooter and occupies areas of the court that she wasn’t typically asked to cover before. We’ve seen her continue to tap into the playmaking that was so key in her game, and the Cardinal’s offense, last season.
Iriafen is still growing into her game, and heading into the NCAA Tournament, those steps she’s taken could be pivotal for taking USC even further this March.
Flau’jae Johnson, LSU
Junior guard, key stats: 18.9 ppg, 5.8 ppg, 2.4 apg
Johnson has made multiple deep runs with LSU, including the 2023 National Championship. Stepping into a new role as a primary option this season, she has the Tigers in the same position they were prior to that 2023 run, the No. 3 seed. One of the most dynamic and fluid wings in basketball, Johnson routinely pulls off Kahleah Copper-like finishes at the rim, and continues to round out as a jump shooter.
Chloe Kitts, South Carolina
Junior forward, key stats: 10.1 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 53.1 FG%
South Carolina has won by committee this season. With a deep and talented roster, different players stepped up and rose to the occasion depending on the moment. However, Kitts seems to have taken another step late in the year and could continue on this trajectory in the tournament.
She’s averaged 15.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 4 assists per game over the Gamecocks’ last five contests. Kitts also chipped in with 2.8 combined steals and blocks, contributing to a stellar defensive unit. March requires standout moments from individuals to help teams ascend, and Kitts could play a key part in South Carolina’s hunt to repeat as national champions.
“We deserved it and we got it.” 🔥
—Chloe Kitts on South Carolina winning the SEC championship 🏆 pic.twitter.com/lJSmqT4iko
— espnW (@espnW) March 9, 2025
Ta’Niya Latson, Florida State
Junior guard, key stats: 24.9 ppg, 4.7 apg, 35.8 3-PT %
Florida State’s star guard often draws comparisons to Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade, understandably so given her blend of power and balance. However, there’s an apt comparison to be made in the WNBA. Latson’s scoring and budding playmaking are also reminiscent of former Rutgers star and WNBA Hall of Famer Cappie Pondexter.
Latson’s downhill guile makes her special, but her growth as a shooter, with an ability to pull up from anywhere, has her rounding into one of the sport’s premier playmakers. She has the Seminoles primed to surpass expectations and pull off some upsets as a sleeper team.
Indya Nivar, North Carolina
Junior guard, key stats: 8.4 ppg, 2.1 apg, 2 spg
North Carolina comes into the Tournament with goals that extend past the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament. The Tar Heels are defined by their cohesiveness as a group, but Nivar routinely stands out as a significant difference maker. While her box score and shooting numbers may not be gaudy, Nivar just makes winning plays when she’s on the court. When she plays freely and stays out of foul trouble, this team is at its best, and her impact will be key for a deep run.
Oluchi Okananwa, Duke
Sophomore guard, key stats: 10.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.1 bpg
Oluchi Okananwa, the ACC tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, is full of energy. If there’s a loose ball or shaky handle, she’ll find it. If there’s an offensive rebound to be had, she finds her way to it. If there’s a player to be guarded, she’ll make them dread seeing her across from them. Her skill set is just surfacing, but her feel for the game shines through, and her inspired play has Duke playing with momentum.
JJ Quinerly, West Virginia
Senior guard, key stats: 20.6 ppg, 3.1 asp, 3.0 spg
In her final season with the Mountaineers, Quinerly put together her finest year, playing a key part in West Virginia earning its highest seeding in the NCAA Tournament since 2021. Quinerly is peaking at the right time, averaging 23.4 points per game over her last 10 outings. Her 3-point shot has become more consistent down the stretch, and her energy and persistence have been staples for West Virginia. After giving Iowa a scrappy game in 2024’s March Madness, Quinerly and company have the juice to take the Mountaineers to their first Sweet 16 this side of the century.
Saniya Rivers, NC State
Senior guard, key stats: 11.7 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 3.6 apg
When I think of the word versatile, Rivers is at the forefront of my mind. It’s difficult to defend her off the dribble. She shoots just well enough and with confidence to make you hesitate in how to defend her. She’s a blur when she gets downhill, and has tremendous vision and ability to deliver the right pass when a defense reacts. That’s without even mentioning her ability to lockdown any and every player on defense. When Rivers plays with aggression, she unlocks the very best version of NC State, and has the Wolfpack in position to reach a second straight Final Four.
Madison Scott, Ole Miss
Senior guard, key stats: 11.9 ppg, 3.9 apg, 1.0 bpg
Scott has played a significant role in Ole Miss’ rise as a program over the past half-decade and adds elements to her game each season. A phenomenal facilitator, scorer and ferocious defender, she has the Rebels vying to reach another Sweet 16. If a key play or moment occurs, expect Scott to play a part, whether it’s guarding an opponent’s best player, setting up a teammate out of the post or rising up in the midrange herself.
Sarah Strong, UConn
Freshman forward, key stats: 16.0 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 57.5 FG%
Strong has impressed throughout the season, a sort of Swiss army knife in UConn’s frontcourt. She can play through and outside of every action in coach Geno Auriemma’s offense as well as guard in any scheme or coverage. She rebounds well and doesn’t make mistakes often with the ball.
Strong plays bigger and smaller than her 6-2 stature indicates, possessing the skill and finesse of a guard but with the foundational tools and framework of a traditional back-to-the-basket big. Her footwork is otherworldly. Strong plays at her own speed, flowing into what she sees and reads on the court, often before opponents even recognize what she’s doing. Her vision is rare among players in any sport. Strong’s first run in March Madness awaits.
Harmoni Turner, Harvard
Senior guard, key stats: 22.5 ppg, 3.4 apg, 2.8 spg
Turner captured hearts with her outstanding play during the Ivy League tournament — and the whole season, starting with Harvard’s upset win over Indiana at Assembly Hall. Long a fantastic scoring guard with the Crimson, she elevated her play even further this season, notching multiple 30-point games this season. A shifty creator, Turner can set up her teammates or herself with one of the craftiest handles in the game and the ability to get where she wants when she wants. Advancing as a No. 10 seed isn’t easy, but Turner makes it seem more possible.
Paula Suarez, George Mason
Senior guard, key stats: 11.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.3 apg
The George Mason Patriots enjoyed their finest season in program history, earning a berth in the NCAA Tournament for the first time. The 2024-25 Most Improved Player in the Atlantic-10, Suarez is a smooth operator as the lead guard for the Patriots. As a 40 percent shooter from beyond the arc, the point guard is adept at dialing all the options within Vanessa Blair-Lewis’ offense. Her additional scoring has made her playmaking hit even harder as a senior, and has the Patriots thinking upset.
CAPTAIN P❗️
Paula Suárez earned an @atlantic10 All-Championship Team spot thanks to 3 stellar performances on the Patriots’ path to their first A-10 title
The senior guard put up an average of 16.3 PPG, 4.3 APG, 3.3 RPG & 1 SPG in the Patriots’ 3-game run#BelieveBIG | #Ubuntu pic.twitter.com/141dOcRSsA
— George Mason Women’s Basketball (@MasonWBB) March 11, 2025
Grace Vanslooten, Michigan State
Junior forward, key stats: 15.4 ppg, 7 rpg, 1.1 bpg
Michigan State toyed with lineups throughout the season, looking to find the right ones, and that included star transfer and leading scorer Vanslooten spending January coming off the bench. She’s hit a new groove since returning to the starting lineup and hasn’t looked back, averaging 18.3 points and 7.6 rebounds over the final nine games of the season while shooting 55.5 percent from the floor. Her interior threat and persistence makes Robyn Fralick’s motion offense hum more harmoniously, and she’s playing her best basketball at the right time.
Katelyn Young, Murray State
Senior forward, key stats: 22.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 3.3 apg
The Racers gave LSU a great game in Baton Rouge early in the season, showing their competitiveness and ability to play against top notch teams. Program stalwart Katelyn Young has played a key part in Murray State’s best season in school history, and rise under head coach Rechelle Turner. The 14th highest career scoring player in NCAA history (3,023 points entering the tournament), Young is multi-faceted. She’s a dominant post player on the low block or high post, fantastic facilitator, and capable of shooting the ball at a high level. She’s a constant threat, and at the heart of Murray State having the country’s third-most efficient offense.
JuJu Watkins, USC
Sophomore guard, key stats: 24.6 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 3.5 apg
Watkins has played phenomenal basketball throughout the season. I still think about that first matchup against crosstown rival UCLA once or twice a day. After taking the Trojans to an Elite Eight as a freshman, Watkins has even higher expectations this March.
Though Watkins’ offense understandably draws eyes, her defensive contributions and abilities on the wing are reasons USC has the nation’s fourth-ranked defense, per CBB Analytics. She covers ground and closes gaps in a way few can, and ever have, while also thinking the game through and blowing up plays. According to Her Hoop Stats, only four players averaged more than two steals and 1.5 blocks per game this season: Sarah Strong (UConn), Mahogany Matthews (Georgia State), Ryley Goebel (Northern Iowa) and Watkins.
Dynamic duos
Batman and Robin. Bert and Ernie. Lucy and Ethel. Magic and Kareem. Swoopes and Cooper. Individual stars often carry their programs to championships, but it’s hard to underestimate the power of players who know how to feed off each other. That could be especially true in this season’s NCAA Tournament, where three teams in particular boast dynamic duos.
Mikayla Blakes and Khamil Pierre, Vanderbilt
Blakes: Freshman guard, key stats: 23.2 ppg, 3.2 apg, 2.3 spg
Pierre: Sophomore forward, key stats: 20.5 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 3 spg
One of the premier duos in the nation, Blakes and Pierre star through their relentlessness, embodying similar traits while playing different positions, making the Commodores a popular pick to break brackets. Blakes led the SEC in scoring during conference play with her immaculate footwork in the lane to complement her first step and a snappy jump shot. Pierre is a force on the glass and in transition, averaging 5.1 second-chance points per game, which is in the 99th percentile, per CBB Analytics.
Olivia Miles and Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame
Miles: Junior guard, key stats: 16.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 5.8 apg
Hidalgo: Sophomore guard, key stats: 24.2 ppg, 3.7 apg, 3.7 spg
Arguably the best backcourt in the country, Hidalgo and Miles dazzled most of the season with their play in the open court, blitzing opponents in transition. Miles, one of the best passers in the sport, and Hidalgo, a relentless slasher and scorer, have the talent to will Notre Dame to a Final Four. If they can recapture the verve from earlier this season, the Irish have the potential to become only the fourth No. 3 seed to win the national championship.
Hailey Van Lith and Sedona Prince, TCU
Van Lith: Senior guard, key stats: 17.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 5.3 apg
Prince: Senior forward, key stats: 17.5 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 3 bpg
TCU has enjoyed its best season in school history, surpassing 30 wins and earning the program’s highest seeding in March. Central to TCU’s success is its high-powered offense, the second-most efficient offense, per CBB Analytics.
Van Lith and Prince have formed the foundation of that offense and combined to make the most dynamic pick-and-roll tandem in the country. Van Lith found a new level to her game this season as a point guard, and Prince’s ability as a screen-and-roll partner and pick-and-pop threat opened up the court. Surrounded by shooting and athletic wings, the Horned Frogs have their eyes on a deep run.
(Top photo of Ta’Niya Latson: Justin Casterline / Getty Images)
