Latest news with #NCAATournamentMostOutstandingPlayer
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dawn Staley Sends A'ja Wilson Message on Wednesday
Dawn Staley Sends A'ja Wilson Message on Wednesday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley has an notable relationship with her former player and Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson. Advertisement The pair led the school to their first-ever National Championship in 2017. Following one more season in South Carolina, Wilson ended her collegiate career as a three-time SEC Player of the Year, NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player and Naismith College Player of the Year. Now, Staley is repaying the favor to her former superstar. 'Little @GamecockWBB camp day 3,' the 55-year-old wrote on X on Wednesday. 'It's @ajawilson22 A'One Day! Our campers showed up and out in their A'Ones and I'm here for it all.' Staley's campers can be seen all wearing Wilson's signature 'A'One,' Nike shoes, which resembles the countless number of young athletes the Aces center has inspired to play basketball. Advertisement 'Keep inspiring our youth A!' Staley added. 'Love.' The sneakers themselves are immensely popular with fans because they sold out in less than five minutes of releasing online on May 5, according to USA Today writer Scooby Axson. 'Gods been working overtime,' Wilson wrote in an Instagram post from May of her holding a pink pair of the shoes. As her sneakers have had a profound impact on fans, she has done the same on the court this season. The 28-year-old is averaging 22 points and 9.9 rebounds per game in the seven appearances she's made so far for Las Vegas this season. Dawn Staley celebrates with A'ja Wilson in 2018.© Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images Her popularity has even helped the Aces set the Michelob Ultra Arena attendance record with 17,406 fans, according to a Sports Business Journal report. In 2024, Las Vegas averaged 11,283 fans per game. Advertisement Related: Dawn Staley Reveals Personal Chat With A'ja Wilson's Mom After Terrible South Carolina Debut This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
Fox Sports
21-03-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Who are the 10 best women's college basketball players of all-time?
The NCAA Tournament is where stars are born and for the women's game, the best players often save their best games for when March rolls around. Most recently, Caitlin Clark dazzled fans and athletes alike with her rare display of scoring, passing and shooting. Where does she rank among the best women's college basketball players of all time? Who are the best of the best? We've rounded up the 10 biggest names. 10 best women's college basketball players of all time 10. Lynette Woodard, Kansas (1978-81) Before Clark's ascension during her time at Iowa, Woodard was the unofficial top scorer in women's college basketball history. She finished her college career with 3,649 points during her four-year career at Kansas. Moreover, she was an All-American in each of her four seasons for the Jayhawks. Overall, she was one of the pioneers of the sport. 9. A'ja Wilson, South Carolina (2015-18) Wilson dominated during her time at South Carolina, eventually finishing with 2,389 career points. She was named an All-American every single year and was able to help guide the Gamecocks to a title in 2016-17. In 2017-18, they came up short in the title hunt, but that was not for a lack of trying on Wilson's part. She was named Player of the Year for her part, averaging 22.6 points per game and leading the nation with 3.2 blocks per game. 8. Candace Parker, Tennessee (2006-08) One of the most famous players on this list during her time in college, Parker was truly a star. She earned the Wooden Award twice, was an All-American in each of three seasons for the Vols and was the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player in her last two years in Knoxville. Moreover, the team also captured the national title her last two years, going back-to-back to wrap up her career in college. 7. Brittney Griner, Baylor (2010-13) A dominant force down low, Griner won two Wooden Awards in four seasons at Baylor. She was also named Big 12 Player of the Year three times, was an All-American all four seasons and was also a four-time Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. She finished her college career with 3,283 points, with her ranking sixth all-time on the NCAA scoring list. 6. Maya Moore, UConn (2008-11) The first UConn star on the list, Moore played four years for the Huskies where she helped lead them to two national titles. During those four years, she collected two Player of the Year awards, was named an All-American four times and was a two-time Wooden Award winner. She finished her senior season with a career-high 22.8 points per game. 5. Chamique Holdsclaw, Tennessee (1996-99) Holdsclaw was a great scorer during her time with the Vols, averaging over 20 points per game in her sophomore, junior and senior seasons. She also averaged eight rebounds or more in each of those three seasons, making her a threat to score when she had the ball and because she could go get it. Holdsclaw finished her time with Tennessee claiming two straight Player of the Year awards. 4. Cheryl Miller, USC (1983-86) A professional scorer, Miller was a threat all over the court. She finished her career averaging 20 points or more in each of her four seasons, including over 25 points per game in each of her last two seasons. She was also a fierce rebounder, averaging 10 rebounds or more in three straight seasons to finish her career with the Trojans, including 15.8 boards per game for her junior year to pair with 26.8 points per game. 3. Diana Taurasi, UConn (2001-04) One of the most notable UConn players of all time, Taurasi was a three-time champion while playing in Storrs. She finished her career with three All-American selections and two Most Outstanding Player awards for the NCAA Tournament. Those two Most Outstanding Player awards came during her last two years, when UConn went back-to-back before she headed to the WNBA. 2. Caitlin Clark, Iowa (2021-24) The biggest name on the list, and that is saying something. Clark is most notably the leading scorer in the NCAA record books and helped bring Iowa within a game of claiming a national title. She finished her career just short of 4,000 points. Moreover, she was a three-time Big Ten Player of the Year selection, a two-time Naismith Award winner and was a four-time All-American selection. Clark's range and gaudy scoring and assist numbers will leave an imprint on the game forever. 1. Breanna Stewart, UConn (2013-16) The top player on the list, Stewart was a true winner, helping lead UConn to a title in all four of her seasons with the Huskies. She was also named Most Outstanding Player in all four of those title seasons. On top of that, she finished her college career claiming Player of the Year in three consecutive seasons. She was more than just a scorer, though, finishing her senior season leading the nation with 3.4 blocks per game. Honorable mentions: Kelsey Plum , Washington (2014-17) Sabrina Ionescu , Oregon (2017-20) Elena Delle Donne , Delaware (2010-13) Sheryl Swoopes, Texas Tech (1992-93) Rebecca Lobo, UConn (1992-95) Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience Women's College Basketball recommended Get more from Women's College Basketball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Paige Bueckers' best shot at a national title likely hinges on this UConn freshman star
Paige Bueckers isn't that much older than Sarah Strong. Yet the four years between them is enough to create some knowledge gaps. That came to light in December when, after Strong scored 21 points in UConn's 33-point drubbing of Louisville, Bueckers compared Strong to one of her favorite cartoon characters. Bueckers said UConn's freshman forward had go-go gadget arms. Strong was confused. 'Inspector Gadget' — the title character of a 1980s series about a crime-solving detective with numerous gadgets at his disposal — wasn't part of her cartoon rotation. 'I don't know what this is,' Strong said. 'A different generation of kids, man,' Bueckers replied, then laughed. The 2025 NCAA Tournament is upon Bueckers, Strong and the rest of their UConn teammates who are chasing the program's first title since 2016. The second-seeded Huskies take on No. 15 seed Arkansas State in Saturday's first round at Gampel Pavilion. History says Bueckers will perform at an All-American level. But the player who might be the difference in determining how a current generation of kids remembers Bueckers' final run at a national title? That's Strong, UConn's 6-foot-2, 19-year-old star with go-go gadget arms and magnetic hands. 'Every single time a ball comes off the rim, she's going to grab the rebound,' Bueckers said. Strong has inspired confidence in her teammates in more ways than one. Rebounding, yes, but Bueckers is broadly effusive in her praise of Strong, who leads the Huskies in rebounds (8.4), blocks (1.6) and steals (2.4) per game. Strong is also second in points (16) and assists (3.4) to Bueckers. 'Anytime you throw it to her, she's going to catch it and finish,' Bueckers said. 'She can pass. She defends, rebounds. She can score at all three levels.' UConn coach Geno Auriemma provides a similarly glowing scouting report: 'I don't know that anyone has had the offensive skill set that Sarah has since (Breanna Stewart) was here.'Paige Bueckers ➡️ Sarah Strong UConn Women's Basketball (@UConnWBB) March 8, 2025 But Auriemma knows that what Stewart accomplished at UConn was rare. In college, Stewart was a three-time first-team All-American, three-time Naismith Player of the Year and four-time NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player. More importantly to supporters in Storrs, Conn., she won four national championships in four years. UConn hasn't won a title since Stewart's senior year. Strong's high school coach, Chad Revelle, isn't concerned with how Strong might fare in her first NCAA Tournament. While at Grace Christian High School (N.C.), she elevated her play at critical times. As a senior, Strong faced Joyce Edwards, a current South Carolina star freshman. Strong scored 15 of her team's first 17 points. She hit seven 3-pointers and finished with 31 points and 17 rebounds in Grace Christian's 58-52 victory. 'One of the most locked-in competitors I've ever coached,' Revelle said. 'The moment is never too big for her.' Revelle said that is partially because basketball is ingrained in Strong. Her father, Danny, played collegiately at NC State before playing professionally in France, Portugal, Italy and Spain — the latter where Sarah was born. Her mother, Allison, was a three-time Ivy League Player of the Year at Harvard. She was the nation's leading scorer when then-No. 16 seed Harvard upset No. 1 Stanford in the first round of the 1998 NCAA Tournament. From there, she went on to the pros, playing a decade in the WNBA and internationally until 2016. Sarah grew up watching old clips of her parents, understanding the game through their eyes. Sarah's understanding of other sports also helps on the court. She played soccer in Spain and in high school, acquiring the deft footwork of someone who can glide around the pitch. 'She has incredible anticipation,' Revelle said. Grace Christian often played a 1-3-1 zone. Strong was usually the spear of the defense, stopping the basketball, fighting around screens and causing deflections in passing lanes. Part of what has made Strong's college debut so remarkable is her relative understated persona, especially compared to Bueckers. At UConn's First Night, its public kickoff celebration for the basketball season, Strong 'sheepishly trotted out and gave a quick wave to the fans,' Revelle said. Bueckers, meanwhile, was the last player announced and strutted onto the court wearing sunglasses and blowing kisses to fans inside Gampel Pavilion. Her media interviews are brief as she said she's still getting used to the spotlight. Auriemma joked after UConn's Big East tournament championship victory over Creighton that Strong, Bueckers and guard Azzi Fudd were some of the 'most boring interviewees' he has ever been around. More pressing is ensuring he can get the most out of Strong in March. Auriemma cited Maya Moore, another multi-time champ at UConn and national Player of the Year winner, who arguably had one of the best freshman seasons in women's basketball. He said Moore attacked daily practices with the intention that she would prove she was the best player in the country. 'I'm trying to instill in (Strong) more of a Maya mentality because the average person has not seen half of what Sarah Strong has the capability of doing,' he said. 'I don't think there's 10 players in the country that have the skill set that she has, and the temperament to go along with it.' With plenty still to unlock, Strong is nevertheless a national standout. She ranks second nationally in win shares and was voted onto 's All-American second-team as she helps lead a program that has won 31 games and counting. Some of her best games have come against the Huskies' best opponents.'I'm very excited for the future of UConn after I leave, with Sarah Strong taking over.'—Paige Bueckers on UConn freshman Sarah Strong's first season with the Huskies 💪 College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) February 16, 2025 She also immediately meshed with Bueckers. UConn has a plus-45.2 point differential per 100 possessions with both on the floor, according to CBB Analytics. They've played almost 200 more minutes together (805) than any other UConn pairing (Strong and guard Kaitlyn Chen have played 617 minutes this season). And when the Huskies offense gets stuck, Auriemma turns to actions involving their two best players. 'Whenever we get a little bit stale, we're going to go to that two-man game with Paige and Sarah, and something is going to click,' Auriemma said. 'Something is going to happen.' When one needs a rest, Auriemma knows he needs to leave the other on the floor. 'I always like to think that we don't want to play with both Sarah and Paige on the bench,' he said. 'That's how important I think (Sarah) is. I'm okay with Paige being out of the game as long as Sarah is in the game because I think she (is) more like having two or three players out there instead of just one.' Strong downplays the impact she thought she could have at UConn. 'I was just hoping to do well in some ways,' she said. That's an understatement equal in size to her contributions this season. UConn greats have taken note of her impact. Napheesa Collier said: 'She's such a talented player. The sky's the limit for her.' Stewart said: 'Her presence isn't always the loudest, but you know when she is on the court.' Katie Lou Samuelson said: 'She has the same kind of drive that Napheesa had at UConn.' As long as he's known Strong, Revelle has observed her focus and commitment. In high school, she often would practice an hour before formal practices started, then she would go to another gym and keep training. Errors didn't crush her but instead motivated her. 'She's not scared of mistakes on the court,' Revelle said. 'She goes and works on those things in the quiet and so she becomes an incredible machine when she gets out on the court.' Look hard enough and you can see her working on things during gameplay, too. Revelle picks up on Strong's facial expressions or sometimes sees her form-shooting after misses. Strong's work has given her belief she can succeed in March. But Bueckers provides a boost, too. 'One thing I learned (from Bueckers) is that confidence is really important,' Strong said. Strong should soak up as much as she can this March and April as this is likely Bueckers' last go-around with the Huskies before entering the 2025 WNBA Draft. In recent seasons, Auriemma entered the tournament concerned about injuries. Bueckers missed the entirety of the 2022-23 season with an ACL tear. By the conclusion of last season, six Huskies had been ruled out for the season with injury. Auriemma said he entered the NCAA Tournament crossing his fingers that no other ailments would happen. He compared it to operating on borrowed time. 'You are just waiting for that last shoe to fall,' he said. That took a toll on UConn's depth and created smaller margins for error. The Huskies couldn't afford turnovers or missed shots. They had to play perfect, or close to it. Health and versatility have given them more options this time around. But Strong has changed UConn's outlook, too. She's already playing beyond her years — not in her preference in cartoons, but in her impact on the floor. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. Connecticut Huskies, Women's College Basketball, Women's NCAA Tournament 2025 The Athletic Media Company
New York Times
21-03-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Paige Bueckers' best shot at a national title likely hinges on this UConn freshman star
Paige Bueckers isn't that much older than Sarah Strong. Yet the four years between them is enough to create some knowledge gaps. That came to light in December when, after Strong scored 21 points in UConn's 33-point drubbing of Louisville, Bueckers compared Strong to one of her favorite cartoon characters. Bueckers said UConn's freshman forward had go-go gadget arms. Advertisement Strong was confused. 'Inspector Gadget' — the title character of a 1980s series about a crime-solving detective with numerous gadgets at his disposal — wasn't part of her cartoon rotation. 'I don't know what this is,' Strong said. 'A different generation of kids, man,' Bueckers replied, then laughed. The 2025 NCAA Tournament is upon Bueckers, Strong and the rest of their UConn teammates who are chasing the program's first title since 2016. The second-seeded Huskies take on No. 15 seed Arkansas State in Saturday's first round at Gampel Pavilion. History says Bueckers will perform at an All-American level. But the player who might be the difference in determining how a current generation of kids remembers Bueckers' final run at a national title? That's Strong, UConn's 6-foot-2, 19-year-old star with go-go gadget arms and magnetic hands. 'Every single time a ball comes off the rim, she's going to grab the rebound,' Bueckers said. Strong has inspired confidence in her teammates in more ways than one. Rebounding, yes, but Bueckers is broadly effusive in her praise of Strong, who leads the Huskies in rebounds (8.4), blocks (1.6) and steals (2.4) per game. Strong is also second in points (16) and assists (3.4) to Bueckers. 'Anytime you throw it to her, she's going to catch it and finish,' Bueckers said. 'She can pass. She defends, rebounds. She can score at all three levels.' UConn coach Geno Auriemma provides a similarly glowing scouting report: 'I don't know that anyone has had the offensive skill set that Sarah has since (Breanna Stewart) was here.' Paige Bueckers ➡️ Sarah Strong — UConn Women's Basketball (@UConnWBB) March 8, 2025 But Auriemma knows that what Stewart accomplished at UConn was rare. In college, Stewart was a three-time first-team All-American, three-time Naismith Player of the Year and four-time NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player. More importantly to supporters in Storrs, Conn., she won four national championships in four years. UConn hasn't won a title since Stewart's senior year. Advertisement Strong's high school coach, Chad Revelle, isn't concerned with how Strong might fare in her first NCAA Tournament. While at Grace Christian High School (N.C.), she elevated her play at critical times. As a senior, Strong faced Joyce Edwards, a current South Carolina star freshman. Strong scored 15 of her team's first 17 points. She hit seven 3-pointers and finished with 31 points and 17 rebounds in Grace Christian's 58-52 victory. 'One of the most locked-in competitors I've ever coached,' Revelle said. 'The moment is never too big for her.' Revelle said that is partially because basketball is ingrained in Strong. Her father, Danny, played collegiately at NC State before playing professionally in France, Portugal, Italy and Spain — the latter where Sarah was born. Her mother, Allison, was a three-time Ivy League Player of the Year at Harvard. She was the nation's leading scorer when then-No. 16 seed Harvard upset No. 1 Stanford in the first round of the 1998 NCAA Tournament. From there, she went on to the pros, playing a decade in the WNBA and internationally until 2016. Sarah grew up watching old clips of her parents, understanding the game through their eyes. Sarah's understanding of other sports also helps on the court. She played soccer in Spain and in high school, acquiring the deft footwork of someone who can glide around the pitch. 'She has incredible anticipation,' Revelle said. Grace Christian often played a 1-3-1 zone. Strong was usually the spear of the defense, stopping the basketball, fighting around screens and causing deflections in passing lanes. Part of what has made Strong's college debut so remarkable is her relative understated persona, especially compared to Bueckers. At UConn's First Night, its public kickoff celebration for the basketball season, Strong 'sheepishly trotted out and gave a quick wave to the fans,' Revelle said. Bueckers, meanwhile, was the last player announced and strutted onto the court wearing sunglasses and blowing kisses to fans inside Gampel Pavilion. Advertisement Her media interviews are brief as she said she's still getting used to the spotlight. Auriemma joked after UConn's Big East tournament championship victory over Creighton that Strong, Bueckers and guard Azzi Fudd were some of the 'most boring interviewees' he has ever been around. More pressing is ensuring he can get the most out of Strong in March. Auriemma cited Maya Moore, another multi-time champ at UConn and national Player of the Year winner, who arguably had one of the best freshman seasons in women's basketball. He said Moore attacked daily practices with the intention that she would prove she was the best player in the country. 'I'm trying to instill in (Strong) more of a Maya mentality because the average person has not seen half of what Sarah Strong has the capability of doing,' he said. 'I don't think there's 10 players in the country that have the skill set that she has, and the temperament to go along with it.' With plenty still to unlock, Strong is nevertheless a national standout. She ranks second nationally in win shares and was voted onto The Athletic's All-American second-team as she helps lead a program that has won 31 games and counting. Some of her best games have come against the Huskies' best opponents. 'I'm very excited for the future of UConn after I leave, with Sarah Strong taking over.' —Paige Bueckers on UConn freshman Sarah Strong's first season with the Huskies 💪 — College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) February 16, 2025 She also immediately meshed with Bueckers. UConn has a plus-45.2 point differential per 100 possessions with both on the floor, according to CBB Analytics. They've played almost 200 more minutes together (805) than any other UConn pairing (Strong and guard Kaitlyn Chen have played 617 minutes this season). And when the Huskies offense gets stuck, Auriemma turns to actions involving their two best players. 'Whenever we get a little bit stale, we're going to go to that two-man game with Paige and Sarah, and something is going to click,' Auriemma said. 'Something is going to happen.' Advertisement When one needs a rest, Auriemma knows he needs to leave the other on the floor. 'I always like to think that we don't want to play with both Sarah and Paige on the bench,' he said. 'That's how important I think (Sarah) is. I'm okay with Paige being out of the game as long as Sarah is in the game because I think she (is) more like having two or three players out there instead of just one.' Strong downplays the impact she thought she could have at UConn. 'I was just hoping to do well in some ways,' she said. That's an understatement equal in size to her contributions this season. UConn greats have taken note of her impact. Napheesa Collier said: 'She's such a talented player. The sky's the limit for her.' Stewart said: 'Her presence isn't always the loudest, but you know when she is on the court.' Katie Lou Samuelson said: 'She has the same kind of drive that Napheesa had at UConn.' As long as he's known Strong, Revelle has observed her focus and commitment. In high school, she often would practice an hour before formal practices started, then she would go to another gym and keep training. Errors didn't crush her but instead motivated her. 'She's not scared of mistakes on the court,' Revelle said. 'She goes and works on those things in the quiet and so she becomes an incredible machine when she gets out on the court.' Look hard enough and you can see her working on things during gameplay, too. Revelle picks up on Strong's facial expressions or sometimes sees her form-shooting after misses. Strong's work has given her belief she can succeed in March. But Bueckers provides a boost, too. 'One thing I learned (from Bueckers) is that confidence is really important,' Strong said. Strong should soak up as much as she can this March and April as this is likely Bueckers' last go-around with the Huskies before entering the 2025 WNBA Draft. Advertisement In recent seasons, Auriemma entered the tournament concerned about injuries. Bueckers missed the entirety of the 2022-23 season with an ACL tear. By the conclusion of last season, six Huskies had been ruled out for the season with injury. Auriemma said he entered the NCAA Tournament crossing his fingers that no other ailments would happen. He compared it to operating on borrowed time. 'You are just waiting for that last shoe to fall,' he said. That took a toll on UConn's depth and created smaller margins for error. The Huskies couldn't afford turnovers or missed shots. They had to play perfect, or close to it. Health and versatility have given them more options this time around. But Strong has changed UConn's outlook, too. She's already playing beyond her years — not in her preference in cartoons, but in her impact on the floor. (Illustration: Demetrius Robinson / The Athletic; Photos of Sarah Strong and Paige Bueckers: Michael Hickey / Getty Images, Johnnie Izquierdo / Getty Images)
