JuJu Watkins, Hannah Hidalgo: Is This the Best Freshman Class in NCAA Women’s Basketball History?

In the ongoing NCAA season, freshmen are simply ruling the roost. In this pool of one of the greatest freshman classes lies players like JuJu Watkins, Hannah Hidalgo, Mikaylah Williams, MiLaysia Fulwiley, Betzalys Delgado, and many more. With every thunderous dribble and spectacular play, they’ve sparked a discussion among the fans: Could this be the best freshman class in the history of NCAA Women’s Basketball?

Yet, amid this galaxy of emerging stars, two have stood out the most. JuJu Watkins, with her lightning-fast moves and an innate ability to command the court, has become a focal point for fans and opponents alike. On the other side, Hannah Hidalgo, known for her strategic prowess and unmatched court vision, has proven to be an equally formidable force. With their entrance into the league, these freshmen have completely changed the landscape of college basketball. 

JuJu Watkins has had a meteoric rise on the court

Freshmen have been the center of attention since day one of the ongoing season, and leading this wave of rookies was the USC Trojans star Watkins. The former Sierra Canyon was highly regarded as the No.1 recruit in the class of 2023, and almost two months into the season, she is not just living up to the hype she is also exceeding expectations. She started this season by dropping 32 points against the Ohio State Buckeyes, which set the stage for what can be expected out of her. So far she has played nine matches as a Trojan out of which she has four 30-point games out of six games in the first month. Making her the player to have this record 30-point game more than any player in the history of USC. 

According to Y! Sports, Watkins has recorded a total of 161 points, 45 rebounds, 19 assists, 14 steals, eight blocks, and six team victories in the six games she played. The only other player to have a record of such kind in the last 20 years, may it be NBA, WNBA or NCAA, is LeBron James. Her athleticism, versatility, and skills, serve as a testament that she is not an everyday average recruit. Because of her unstoppable skills and expected talent, she had led the USC Trojans to one of the best rankings in the AP poll since 1994. 

So far she is considered No.1 ranked even by ESPN and that’s backed by nothing but facts. In the ongoing season, the Lady Trojans have played ten matches till now out of which they have won all ten and it’s all thanks to Watkins who is currently averaging 26.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.   

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To watch her play even stars like Kevin Hart are present courtside, as they know she is a legend in the making. And just like Watking, Hannah Hidalgo of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish is another freshman who is keeping the fans on their toes. 

Hannah Hidalgo is a rising maestro

If anyone is looking for the best freshman class ever, it’s without a doubt the class of 2023 and it’s all because of players like Hidalgo who is keeping the fans on their toes with her razzle-dazzle skills. Her talent led many fans to draw a parallel between her and the Iowa star Caitlin Clark as she became the fourth Division-1 player to ever average 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, in the first 10 games of their college career. In her first game of the ongoing season, the Fighting Irish lost their season opener against South Carolina. But that didn’t stop her from shining on an individual level as she had 31 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals.  

From the start of the season, she was fearless and the basketball community noticed her talents and her potential to become the next big thing in the league. Her fearless go-getter attitude has helped her and the Fighting Irish to their one of the best leagues as they have already won nine out of the ten games they have played so far. She is currently averaging 23.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. 

“Hannah has hit the ground running since she’s been on campus. Her defense is contagious. She’s really raised our level of competitiveness on the defensive end, and they’ve all kind of matched her energy,” head coach Niele Ivey said in an interview with South Bend Tribune. 

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In the ESPN ranking list, she currently holds the No.2 position. The rise of freshmen like JuJu Watkins and Hannah Hidalgo in the 2023-24 NCAA season has been nothing short of sensational. As we witness these freshmen redefine the game, there’s a growing sentiment that this class might just be the best ever, and as the season continues this will be solidified. Fans will be keeping their eyes on these freshmen, to witness one of the best freshman classes in the NCAA history of women’s basketball.