Southern California’s JuJu Watkins and Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo have achieved a rare distinction by being named to The Associated Press All-America team in just their first two seasons of college basketball. On Wednesday, they became only the third and fourth players to attain first-team All-America status during both their freshman and sophomore years, joining the ranks of Oklahoma’s Courtney Paris and UConn’s Maya Moore.
Watkins was a unanimous selection by the 31-member media panel responsible for the AP Top 25 weekly rankings. Hidalgo came close to a unanimous vote, receiving all but two first-place votes.
UConn’s Paige Bueckers was also highlighted for her third All-America honor, making her just the 12th player to reach such an achievement. The first team was completed by UCLA’s Lauren Betts and Texas’ Madison Booker. Along with Watkins, Bueckers, and Betts received unanimous designation.
Leading USC to claim the Big Ten regular-season title and securing the school’s first conference championship since 1994, Watkins has had a standout season. She posted averages of 24.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, driving the Trojans to unprecedented rankings.
“She exceeded the impressive benchmark she set last year,” remarked USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb. “She elevates her game and motivates her team. Most importantly, she is a proven winner.”
On the other hand, Hidalgo has been a powerhouse for the Fighting Irish, securing both ACC Player and Defensive Player of the Year honors, with averages of 24.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 steals. She’s currently ranked fourth nationally in steals—a category she led last year.
“Hannah deserves this honor,” expressed Notre Dame coach Niele Ivey. “Being amongst just four players ever to make AP’s All-America first team in consecutive seasons is a monumental achievement. I’m thrilled for her future!”
Bueckers continued her strong run with the Huskies, where she maintained an average of 19.0 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds, helping UConn achieve another undefeated Big East season and positioning herself as a likely top pick in the upcoming WNBA draft.
UConn coach Geno Auriemma praised her effortless execution, stating, “She makes scoring look seamless, never appearing to struggle.”
Averaging 19.6 points, 9.7 rebounds, with a 63.4% field goal percentage, Betts also achieved a notable performance, placing fifth nationally with an average of 2.93 blocks per game. She is the first UCLA player to receive first-team All-America honors.
“Lauren Betts has dominated every match,” commented UCLA coach Cori Close. “Her evolving skill set is a testament to her commitment. This accomplishment is just as much a team achievement.”
Booker, previously second-team All-America, averaged 16.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists for Texas, leading her team to tie for the SEC regular-season title along with South Carolina.
Texas coach Vic Schaefer lauded her ability to maintain her performance under pressure, saying, “Facing the best, and being paramount in the scouting reports, she delivered.”
Watkin, Bueckers, Booker and Hidalgo were all featured on the preseason AP All-America team, with the addition of USC’s Kiki Iriafen.
Second-team honors went to LSU’s Aneesah Morrow, who led in rebounding with 13.6 per game, UConn’s Sarah Strong, Florida State’s Ta’niya Latson, Notre Dame’s Olivia Miles, and Kentucky’s Georgia Amoore.
Comprising the third team were Iriafen, TCU’s Hailey Van Lith – the Big 12 player of the year, Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes, LSU’s Flau’Jae Johnson, and Iowa State’s Audi Crooks.
Honorable mentions included Oklahoma’s Raegan Beers, TCU’s Sedona Prince, and South Carolina’s Joyce Edwards, who were top vote-getters among players not making the top three All-America teams.
