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Impact women's college basketball freshmen to watch this season – 247Sports
Football season may be in full swing, but the college basketball season is just around the corner. This prompted 247Sports to take a look at 10 of the premier incoming freshmen who are poised to make an impact on women’s college basketball.
This crop of talented players is broken up into two tiers: “Immediate Stars to Watch” and “Sleepers to Watch.”
Let’s dive into this list to see which names to be on the lookout for this upcoming college basketball season.
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Jadyn Donovan — Duke Blue Devils: Donovan’s arrival could help Duke continue its climb back into the discussion of the nation’s elite. Her athleticism and energy level will give Kara Lawson’s roster a different component than what it has had in the past. Donovan is a unique puzzle piece who is capable of playing in multiple positions.
Milaysia Fulwiley — South Carolina Gamecocks: Fulwiley is the most gifted offensive guard talent to enter college basketball in years. South Carolina coach Dawn Staley will be tasked with finding ways to utilize Fulwiley and maximize her production on both ends of the hardwood. The natural skillset and tools are there. If Fulwiley performs at the college level the way she did in high school, then the Gamecock faithful will have another star on its hands.
Hannah Hidalgo – Notre Dame Fighting Irish: With All-American Olivia Miles recovering from a knee injury, Hidalgo’s early presence will be more important than most of her freshman counterparts. Hidalgo has shown in multiple settings — both in domestic and international competition — that she’s a more than capable floor general. If Miles misses any time to start the year, then expect the Irish to go as Hidalgo goes.
Juju Watkins – USC Trojans: A true pillar of the NIL-era, Watkins already has a sneaker deal with Nike before even suiting up for coach Lindsay Gottlieb. Watkins has dedicated herself to elite level conditioning over the last 12 months, resulting in her her game and endorsements skyrocketing. Watkins has the size, skill and ability to play any perimeter position. Simply put: She is a walking bucket.
Mikaylah Williams – LSU Tigers: Williams steps into a position where she might be the lone freshman starter on the defending NCAA National Champions. An in-state recruit, Williams is the biggest high school land for the Tigers since the days of Seimone Augustus. Augustus went on to post a Hall of Fame career that now includes a statue on campus. Williams has the talent to bring that same type of production to the bayou.
Essence Cody — Alabama Crimson Tide: Cody’s commitment to Alabama marked the beginning of the Crimson Tide’s ascension into the upper half of the SEC. A 2023 McDonald’s All-American, Cody is exactly the type of productive front court option that Kristy Curry has not had since Jasmine Walker graduated. Cody plays the game differently than Walker did. But if she can come close to matching Walker’s production, then expect Alabama to be in the NCAA Tournament again in 2024.
Breya Cunningham – Arizona Wildcats: In an era where quality front court play gets harder to find each season, Cunningham is a throwback with her ability to be a presence in the lane. Coming into the start of the 2023-24 season, Cunningham is the most skilled freshman post player in America. It will be worth tracking to see how quickly she can adjust to the pace of the game and how coach Adia Barnes puts her talents to use offensively.
Aalyah Del Rosario — LSU Tigers: Standing at 6-foot-6, Del Rosario is one of the biggest freshman in college basketball this season. The Tigers will use her size to negate any potential rebounding advantage from opposing post players. Del Rosario has the advantage of working on her footwork and positioning with LSU’s legendary post coach Bob Starkey as she prepares for her rookie campaign. Del Rosario should be a key piece to coach Kim Mulkey’s efforts to bring a second consecutive title home to Louisiana.
S’Mya Nichols — Kansas Jayhawks: Nichols’ inclusion on the list speaks volumes to where the state of the Kansas program is today. The Jayhawks won the 2023 WNIT and seemed poised to take the next leap into a consistent NCAA Tournament threat. Nichols arrival gives Brandon Schneider’s roster another playmaking option on the perimeter who is capable of making open shots or attacking off the dribble. If Nichols can average double digits for Kansas, then another postseason run is on the horizon for the Jayhawks.
Sayvia Sellers – Washington Huskies: Sellers didn’t get the same type of media attention as a high school prospect that some of the others on this list did. That being said, her potential impact on a Washington program looking to get back to the NCAA Tournament cannot be overstated. Sellers is easily the most dynamic guard to suit up for the Huskies since Kelsey Plum left for the WNBA. Like Plum, Sellers can get to her spots and stretch the defense with her outside shooting.
Brandon Clay is a contributor for 247Sports. You can follow him on Twitter here.
The Brandon Clay National Scouting Report, compiled by Peach State Basketball, Inc. owner Brandon Clay, is designed to be one of the industry’s premier grassroots scouting and recruiting sources for girls’ high school basketball. The Brandon Clay Scouting Report features write-ups on the best and most talented prospects that both club teams and high schools have to offer. We are in the gym for high school games, quiet or dead period events, travel team tournaments, and exposure events across the region throughout the year. You will receive weekly information online on who is hot, who is not, and who the key players are nationwide on every level of college-bound play.
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