The Race for Women’s College Basketball Player of the Year: A Debate
Introduction: The Era of Parity in Women’s College Basketball
The 2023-2024 season of women’s college basketball has been marked by an unprecedented level of parity at the top. With four different teams holding the No. 1 spot and several others contending for the national title, the competition has been fierce and unpredictable. This parity is not just limited to the teams; it extends to the race for the Player of the Year award as well. Chantel Jennings and Ben Pickman, two prominent writers from The Athletic, delve into this discussion, evaluating the standout performances of three exceptional players: Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo, USC’s JuJu Watkins, and UCLA’s Lauren Betts. Each brings unique talents to the court, making the decision of who deserves the top honor a challenging one.
The Case for Lauren Betts: The Dominant Force in the Paint
Chantel Jennings zeroes in on Lauren Betts as her choice for Player of the Year, highlighting her multifaceted contributions to UCLA. Beyond her impressive statistics—averaging nearly a double-double, 3 assists per game, and a remarkable 3 blocks per game—Betts’ impact extends to her intangibles. Her ability to draw fouls, her vision on the court, and her overall gravitational pull on the game have elevated her teammates’ performances. Jennings emphasizes Betts’ efficiency, particularly her 62.2% shooting from within four to six feet, significantly above the Division I average. A pivotal moment for Jennings was UCLA’s victory over South Carolina, where Betts demonstrated her ability to dominate against a top-tier opponent, showcasing her versatility and dominance in the paint.
Ben Pickman acknowledges Betts’ stellar performance but counters with the impressive stats of JuJu Watkins. Despite Betts’ strong case, Watkins’ ability to control every aspect of the game and her basketball IQ set her apart. Her efficiency, coupled with her leadership in a revamped USC lineup, makes her a compelling choice.
JuJu Watkins: The Sophomore Sensation Leading USC
Ben Pickman advocates for JuJu Watkins, pointing out her remarkable sophomore season. Watkins has been a cornerstone for USC, averaging 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2 blocks per game. Her game is not just about the numbers; it’s about her leadership and basketball IQ. Watkins has thrived despite a new roster, leading USC to potential back-to-back No. 1 seeds, a feat not achieved since the 1980s. Her standout performance against UCLA, where she became the first Division I player in 20 years to record at least 35 points, 5 blocks, and 5 assists, underscores her ability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes games. Pickman argues that Watkins’ consistency and impact on her team’s success make her the most talented player in the country.
Chantel Jennings acknowledges Watkins’ dominance but notes that her longer playing time skews the per-40-minute efficiency slightly in Betts’ favor. While Watkins has carried a revamped USC roster, Betts’ ability to affect the game without needing to play extended minutes is a testament to her efficiency and effectiveness.
Hannah Hidalgo: The Unstoppable Force for Notre Dame
Hannah Hidalgo, the third contender in this race, has been equally impressive. Despite sharing the backcourt with Olivia Miles, Hidalgo has elevated her game, improving her three-point shooting and free-throw accuracy. Her ability to finish at the rim and her defensive prowess make her a nightmare for opponents. Hidalgo’s maturity and ability to complement Miles have allowed Notre Dame to stay atop the ACC, positioning themselves for a No. 1 seed. Jennings believes Hidalgo’s development makes her a strong candidate, even though she still leans towards Betts due to her overall impact on UCLA’s success.
The Final Showdown: decals and What’s at Stake
As the regular season winds down, key matchups could sway the Player of the Year debate. UCLA and USC face off in a game that will determine the Pac-12 title, while Notre Dame battles Florida State and Louisville to secure the ACC title. Performances in these high-profile games could tip the scales in favor of either Betts, Watkins, or Hidalgo. Each player’s ability to lead their team to victories in these crucial games will not only enhance their team’s résumé but also solidify their case for the Player of the Year award.
Conclusion: A Season of Exceptional Talent
In a season marked by parity and exceptional individual performances, choosing the Player of the Year is no easy task. Lauren Betts, JuJu Watkins, and Hannah Hidalgo have each elevated their teams and redefined their roles, making their cases compelling in different ways. As the season progresses, their performances in pivotal games will ultimately decide who takes home the honor. Regardless of the outcome, each of these players has left an indelible mark on the 2023-2024 women’s college basketball season.
