Ranking the 15 best players in the women’s Final Four: From Bueckers and Betts to Paopao and Strong

Get Ready for the Women’s Final Four: Top 15 Players to Watch

April is here, and with it comes the excitement of the women’s Final Four in college basketball. This year, the action is set to unfold in Tampa, Florida, where the top 15 players, as ranked by ESPN, will showcase their talents. The teams vying for the championship are UCLA, South Carolina, Texas, and UConn. Let’s dive into the players who are expected to make a significant impact.

Leading the pack is none other than UConn guard Paige Bueckers. With a combined 71 points in the Huskies’ last two victories, Bueckers is the presumptive No. 1 pick in the upcoming WNBA draft on April 14. This marks her fourth Final Four appearance, and she’s on a mission to secure her first national championship. UConn, which will face UCLA in the national semifinals on Friday at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN, boasts four players in the top 15 rankings. The Bruins, the No. 1 seed in the women’s NCAA tournament, also have four players on the list.

South Carolina is not far behind, with four Gamecocks making the cut. However, freshman Joyce Edwards has dropped off the list after being included in the Sweet 16 top 25 player rankings. The Gamecocks are set to clash with SEC rival Texas on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Longhorns are represented by three players, led by SEC player of the year Madison Booker.

All these players are vying for a spot in Sunday’s NCAA title game, which will air at 3 p.m. ET on ABC. Before the games tip-off, ESPN’s Kendra Andrews, Charlie Creme, Alexa Philippou, and Michael Voepel have ranked their top 15 players. Let’s take a closer look at the top five players who are expected to shine in Tampa.

• Paige Bueckers, UConn: A 6-foot guard and redshirt senior, Bueckers has been on fire, scoring 105 points over her past three games. She recently surpassed Napheesa Collier for third on UConn’s all-time scoring list. Her shooting percentages are impressive, with 59.1% from the field and 61.9% from 3-point range. Bueckers is determined to win a national title in her final weekend in a UConn uniform.
• Lauren Betts, UCLA: Standing at 6-foot-7, this junior center has been a force for the Bruins. Betts made history by becoming the first Division I player in 20 years to have 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 80% field goal shooting in back-to-back games. Her defensive prowess is equally impressive, holding opponents to 17% shooting when contesting shots.
• Sarah Strong, UConn: A 6-foot-2 freshman forward, Strong was instrumental in UConn’s Elite Eight victory, contributing 10 first-quarter points and a game-high 17 rebounds. Her versatility and level-headedness make her a key player for the Huskies.
• Madison Booker, Texas: This 6-foot-1 sophomore forward/guard is known for her consistency and versatility. Booker has delivered strong performances in Texas’ regional wins and is expected to be a crucial player against South Carolina.
• Chloe Kitts, South Carolina: A 6-foot-2 junior guard, Kitts has emerged as a reliable player for the Gamecocks. She has scored in double figures in nine consecutive games and was the SEC tournament MVP. Kitts has been South Carolina’s leading scorer and rebounder in the NCAA tournament.

As we gear up for the Final Four, the anticipation is palpable. Fans are eager to see these top players in action, and the matchups promise to be thrilling. Whether it’s Bueckers’ scoring prowess, Betts’ defensive dominance, or Booker’s versatility, each player brings something unique to the court. The stage is set for an unforgettable weekend of women’s college basketball.