ESPN College GameDay discusses who could challenge Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese for Player of the Year

With conference play in full force across women’s basketball, all eyes are on Iowa guard Caitlin Clark and LSU forward Angel Reese in the National Player of the Year race. But some notable names could challenge them for that spot, and the ESPN College GameDay crew broke it all down ahead of Thursday’s game between LSU and South Carolina.

One of the most notable players vying for the award is Paige Bueckers, who won it as a freshman at UConn in 2021. She missed last year with an injury, but she’s back at a high level for the Huskies this year and got the attention of the ESPN College GameDay panel.

Two freshmen — Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo and USC’s JuJu Watkins — also made the list, making the National Player of the Year race even more interesting as they look to make history. Let’s look at who Rebecca Lobo, Andraya Carter and Carolyn Peck predicted could make a run at the award.

Paige Bueckers, UConn

In her first season back from a torn ACL that cost her the entire 2022-23 season, Paige Bueckers hasn’t missed a beat since winning National Player of the Year in 2022. She leads UConn with 20.1 points per game as the Huskies take a 17-3 record into Saturday’s matchup against Notre Dame, and Rebecca Lobo said she should be in contention to win the award once again.

“She’s playing at a high level once again after returning from injury,” Lobo said. “Not only averaging 20 points a game, four assists a game, but her efficiency is off the charts. She’s shooting 50% from the floor, 49% from three. As I mentioned earlier, doing it playing the 4 spot for UConn. She’s also getting it done on the defensive end, leading the team in blocked shots.”

Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame

Notre Dame has been rolling this year, and Hannah Hidalgo is a big reason why. She leads the Fighting Irish with 23.9 points, 5.6 assists and 5.5 steals per game — making her a top player on both ends of the court, which is why Andraya Carter put her in the National Player of the Year mix.

“You know another freshman that can win? And I will die on this hill. Her name is Hannah Hidalgo,” Carter said. “Look at Paige Bueckers’ numbers when she won, look at Caitlin Clark’s numbers last year. Hannah stacks up against them offensively, and she blows them out of the water defensively. She is a true two-way player. Leads the nation in steals per game with 5.5, leads the nation in fast break points. She is lights-out. … Hannah Hidalgo needs to be in the conversation.

Juju Watkins, USC

JuJu Watkins arrived at USC with plenty of fanfare as the nation’s top recruit, and she has lived up to the billing to help the Trojans to a 13-3 record. She ranks second in the nation with 26.1 points per game and leads USC with 3.4 assists and 2.6 steals per game, and Peck said she has all the makings of a National Player of the Year candidate.

“JuJu Watkins, No. 2 in the country. She averages 26.1 points per game, seven rebounds a game. It’s a big reason why USC is on the map and in the conversation right now,” Peck said. “This young freshman has a pro body, she has the confidence, the mentality. She’s a winner.”

It’s safe to say Clark and Reese will dominate the conversation for National Player of the Year, but there’s still plenty of talent that could challenge that spot. As the calendar gets ready to flip to February, the high talent level is sure to add to the intrigue.