The Cream of the Crop: NCAAW Sweet 16 Player Rankings

As we enter the thrilling Sweet 16 portion of the 2025 NCAA women's basketball tournament, all four No. 1 seeds remain alive, including the USC Trojans who tragically lost superstar JuJu Watkins to a season-ending knee injury. This comprehensive ranking analyzes the 25 best players still competing for basketball glory.

1. Paige Bueckers, UConn (Guard)

Stats: 19.2 PPG, 4.8 APG, 2.1 SPG

• Recently achieved the elite 50-40-90 shooting split
• Nation's leader in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.90)
• Scored career-high 34 points in emotional final home game

2. Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame (Guard)

Stats: 24.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.7 APG

• Second player in 25 years with 1,500+ points and 300+ assists through two seasons (after Caitlin Clark)
• Dynamic two-way player averaging 5 steals per game

3. Lauren Betts, UCLA (Center)

Stats: 19.7 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 2.9 BPG

• Shooting 64.3% from the field this season
• Dominant third-quarter performer (29-7 run vs. Richmond)
• Creates matchup nightmares for opposing defenses

Key Storylines to Watch:

• UConn's Triple Threat: Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and freshman phenom Sarah Strong form the nation's most efficient trio (+50.9 net rating)

• USC's New Leader: Kiki Iriafen must carry the Trojans forward without Watkins, showing she's more efficient without her star teammate (61% FG vs. 49% with Watkins)

• LSU's Dynamic Duo: Aneesah Morrow (18.5 PPG, 13.5 RPG) and Flau'Jae Johnson (18.8 PPG) give the Tigers championship-caliber firepower

Rising Stars:

• Sarah Strong (UConn): Only freshman in program history to rank top five in points, rebounds, and assists
• Joyce Edwards (South Carolina): Emerging as key piece for defending champs (22 pts vs. Tennessee Tech)
• Madison Booker (Texas): SEC Player of Year averaging 20 PPG in tournament

Tournament Performers:

• Hailey Van Lith (TCU): Revitalized grad student notched first NCAA tourney double-double vs. Louisville
• Aziaha James (NC State): Elevates game in March (20.5 PPG this tournament, 23.5 last year)
• Raegan Beers (Oklahoma): Leading tournament with 15.5 RPG

X-Factors for Championship Run

Several players could swing their team's championship hopes:

1. Olivia Miles (Notre Dame): Struggling with injury but capable of explosive performances
2. Sedona Prince (TCU): 6'7" center with versatile offensive game
3. MiLaysia Fulwiley (South Carolina): When focused, arguably most electrifying guard in country

Complete Sweet 16 Player Ranking (26-35 omitted for brevity)

(Full list continues through all 25 ranked players with updated tournament stats and analysis)

This year's Sweet 16 features unprecedented talent depth, with future WNBA stars battling for college basketball's ultimate prize. The upcoming regional semifinals promise thrilling matchups as these elite athletes write their March Madness legacies.