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2mo ago

JuJu Watkins, Hannah Hidalgo, and Paige Bueckers Achieve Historic AP All-America Honors

The 2024-25 AP All-America women's basketball teams spotlight record-setting achievements and rising talent in the sport.

Mar 8, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) goes to do a layup against USC Trojans center Rayah Marshall’s (13) defense during the first quarter for the Big Ten Conference Championship at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Stephanie Amador Blondet-Imagn Images/File Photo
Mar 9, 2025; Uncasville, CT, USA; UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) drives the ball against Villanova Wildcats guard Maddie Burke (23) in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images/File Photo
Mar 8, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) looks towards an open teammate as UCLA Bruins guard Kiki Rice (1) looks to pass the ball during the first quarter for the Big Ten Conference Championship at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Stephanie Amador Blondet-Imagn Images/File Photo

Overview

  • JuJu Watkins of USC and Hannah Hidalgo of Notre Dame became the third and fourth players in history to earn AP All-America first-team honors in both their freshman and sophomore seasons.
  • Watkins was a unanimous first-team selection, leading USC to its first Big Ten regular season title since 1994 with averages of 24.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.
  • Hidalgo earned ACC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors, averaging 24.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 steals per game, with all but two first-place votes for the All-America team.
  • Paige Bueckers of UConn joined an elite group with her third first-team selection, becoming one of only 12 players to achieve this distinction.
  • Lauren Betts made history as the first UCLA player to earn first-team honors, while Madison Booker of Texas rounded out the first team with standout performances throughout the season.