Ahead of March Madness, JuJu Watkins, Cotie McMahon, and Others Attract Attention for Being the Talismans

This year’s March Madness is set to provide fireworks right from the get-go. Not only do we have multiple heavyweights going against each other in every region, that too before the Final Four, but also some immaculate lucky charms that have risen their teams to glory. Amongst them are some tough breakout players and freshmen as well. With the entire nation waiting for the event to begin to watch their favorites set the floor ablaze, some are also wondering how many players they will keep an eye out for.

With the bracket discussions taking center stage on every platform, ESPN analysts stepped up to name their favorites in the field of 68. Sam Ravech asked which freshman can take their teams ahead in the bracket on ESPN’s Thrilling Drives section. The first name was JuJu Watkins, from the USC Trojans. According to Ravech, USC is where it is because of its dominant guard, who is currently getting back up from an injury against UCLA.

Alexa took the lead to say, “Right now, I have them going to the Elite Eight.” Applauding the freshman, Philippou said, “She’s just that good. She’s that transcendent. The way Lindsay Gotley has built a roster around her. See how all that came to fruition in the Pac-12 championship game. I would not be surprised if they make it to Cleveland.” 

Hannah Hidalgo from Notre Dame, who is third in the nation in scoring with an average of 23.3 ppg, and Maddie Booker of the Texas Longhorns, who has created her own shot, are also names to look out for. After the discussion on who could be the best freshman, the analysts moved to standout players.

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However, their one condition was to not name superstars like Caitlin Clark, Georgia Amoore, and Kamilla Cardoso. Then who did they vote for?

Standout players to watch out for this March Madness

When it comes to the impactful players, this year’s NCAA WBB has many of them. One of them is Raegen Beers from Oregon State. She is moving forward with multiple double-doubles and a 17.7 ppg. Apart from her, Cotie McMahon from the No. 2 seed of Portland 3 — Ohio St. — was also a favorite.

Charlie Creme added a very unexpected name from an underdog Ole Miss. He brought Madison Scott to the discussion who is averaging 22 pts and 7 rebounds this season. They also jumped into the SEC-12 semifinals, losing to the reigning champions LSU.

This year’s March Madness is full of new faces that have attracted all the eyes to themselves. While the NCAA’s scoring queen Caitlin Clark and others may have brought people to the women’s sports by increasing the competition level, other players have definitely maintained that respect. It will be extremely interesting to watch these players lead their teams to newer heights.

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