The South Carolina women's basketball team is the top ranked team in the country and leads the way in our rankings of the top 25 players in the nation. All 13 votes went to junior forward Aliyah Boston. She is one of three USC students on the list.
Defending NCAA champion Stanford has two players.
The sophomore guard from the University of Connecticut was the top pick in the preseason, but she hasn't played since December because of a knee injury. She is expected to return in February after having surgery. Bueckers averaged 21.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6.2 assists in six games, but her limited play kept her off our updated ranking.
The newcomers who weren't ranked in the preseason are included. The center from Kansas State received votes in the preseason but is now in the top 10.
The Undefeated's Sean Hurd, Mechelle Voepel, Charlie Creme, and other writers voted. The player with the most points on each ballot received 25.
We provide scouting reports for each new addition to the rankings, so click here to see our preseason rankings and analysis. The voting was a challenge because of the many good performances. Here are the top 25.
1. The South Carolina Gamecocks have Aliyah Boston.
Preseason ranking: 3.
The statistics for the year of 2021-22.
17.1PPG, 11.1RPG, 3.2 BPP.
Boston is the top of the list. Boston has become an even better version of the All-American she was last season after an off-season fueled by her desire to get stronger, leaner and quicker. She made 13 3-pointers last season and is shooting 57.8% from the field. Since she arrived at South Carolina, Boston's defense and rebound have been elite, but she was an inconsistent scorer at times. She has scored in double figures in all but the first two games of the season. She was unstoppable in the game against Kentucky, shooting for 18 points, with 15 rebound, and five blocked shots.
2. NaLyssa Smith is a member of the Bears.
Preseason ranking: 2.
The statistics for the year of 2021-22.
20.4PPG, 12.6RPG, 1.2 BPG.
Smith is a force and a nearly unguardable one. Her size and skills make her an unfortunate assignment for anyone trying to contain her. She is in the top 20 in both points and Rebounding per game. Smith is tied for the most in the country with 11 double-doubles, and he has been a double-double performer all season.
3. The Iowa Hawkeyes have a woman on their team.
Preseason ranking: 5.
The statistics for the year of 2021-22.
25.2 PPG, 8.1RPG, 7.1 APG.
Clark is once again making her case as the best player in college basketball, just as she did during her incredible freshman campaign. Clark's knack for finding the bottom of the rim is matched by her ability to distribute the ball and put her teammates in the best positions for success. She's tied for first in the country in scoring and fourth in assists per game. Clark is the only player in college basketball with multiple triple-doubles this season, and he just became the fastest player in Big Ten history to reach 1,000 points. Clark scored a career-high 44 earlier in the season. If she gets her rhythm back from behind thearc, who knows what scoring mark she could follow.
4. Rhyne Howard is a member of the Kentucky Cats.
The guard is a senior and has a Preseason ranking of 4.
The statistics for the year of 2021-22.
18.6 PPG, 6.5RPG, 4.0 APG.
The two-time SEC Player of the Year could be the top pick in the draft and has all the tools to succeed at the next level. She has struggled against the best college defenses, being limited to nine points by South Carolina and Louisville. Her 30-point performance against Georgia was a testament to how difficult Howard is to guard with her size and shooting ability. Her assist average is a career high.
5. The Michigan Wolverines have a man named Naz Hillmon.
Preseason ranking: 7.
The statistics for the year of 2021-22.
20.0 PPG, 8.8RPG, 55.9% FG.
Hillmon has made less than half of her shots so far this season. One of the elite offensive post players in the country, it seems like every shot Hillmon takes is going in. She makes it look easy. The reigning Big Ten Player of the Year is fourth in the conference in both scoring and rebound, and that shooting percentage is still good for fifth.
6. Haley Jones is from the Cardinal.
Preseason ranking: 6.
The statistics for the year of 2021-22.
There were 12.5 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 3.6 APG.
Jones' status as one of the most versatile players in the country has been put to the test in the first two months of the season. Jones was the power forward at times last year for the Cardinal, and when Tara Van derveer couldn't find a point guard to replace Kiana Williams, she turned to her. She's the second-best defensive rebounder in the conference and is sixth in assists. Jones' 18-point, 19-rebound, six-assist game at Tennessee in mid-December was the biggest win of the year.
7. Iowa State Cyclones player,Ashley Joens.
Preseason ranking: 9.
The statistics for the year of 2021-22.
20.4PPG, 9.9RPG, 2.5 APG
Last season, Joens was the country's best small forward, and she's currently second in the Big 12 in scoring. Joens is one of the best pure scorers in Division I, but she hasn't had to carry the team. Iowa State is averaging 82.3 PPG and she has good help from her sister. The AP top 10 has not been ranked by the Cyclones since 2002. Welle was Iowa State's all-time scoring leader with 2,149 points. If Joens stays at her current pace, she could surpass that record in February.
8. NC State Wolfpack has an individual named Elissa Cunane.
Preseason ranking is 8 for the center.
The statistics for the year of 2021-22.
7.8 PPG, 7.5RPG, 82.8% FT.
You run the offense through a post player who is so good at her job. That is what Wes Moore did with Cunane. She is the anchor of the defense for NC State and the pivot for the offense. Cunane's game has grown every year and the program has gone from good to great since she arrived in Raleigh.
9. The Kansas State Wildcats have a person named Ayoka Lee.
The junior center is 6-foot-9.
The statistics for the year of 2021-22.
23.3PPG, 10.8RPG, 3.7 BPG.
The Big 12 leader in scoring average, blocked shots and shooting percentage is also tops in efficiency. Lee missed her first season with an injury, but was Big 12 Freshman of the Year the next season, and averaged a double-double. She shot 62.1% from the field and averaged 19.1 points in 2020-21, and as a junior she had games of 43 and 38 points. Right now she is one of the top true centers in college, and she will be passing out of the post, but she is still one of the top true centers in college.
The scouting report was written by Antonelli.
She gets two feet in the paint so it's hard to move or defend.
The shot chart is points in the paint only. She posts, passes out and then reposts deeper in the paint.
Excellent synergy rating is 1.165 points per possession on offensive boards.
10. The Maryland Terrapins have a player named Owosu.
The guard is a junior and has a pre-season ranking of 10.
The statistics for the year of 2021-22.
16.7PPG, 3.8RPG, 4.3 APG.
A lot of injuries and an incredibly difficult schedule could have derailed the Terps' season. Maryland has remained in the top 10 because of Owosu. She is one of only two players on the team to start all 16 games, and her numbers are down a bit from last season, but her game remains the key to the team's success. Her game is a combination of power and playmaking, and coach Frese trusts her with the ball in crunch time.
11. The Ole Miss Rebels are led by Shakira Austin.
The center is a senior and has a Preseason ranking of 11.
The statistics for the year of 2021-22.
8.7 RPG, 1.9 BPG.
The rebirth of Ole Miss basketball has largely been built on Austin's shoulders. Her decision to transfer gave Coach Yo the star to build upon. Austin leads the Rebels in a number of categories this season. Her offensive game has grown more versatile in Oxford, with a smooth post game and range that extends to 15 feet. She led Ole Miss to the WNIT final. The NCAA tournament looks like it could be a goal this season.
12. Angel Reese is a player for the Maryland Terrapins.
The sophomore Preseason ranking is NR.
The statistics for the year of 2021-22.
18.1PPG, 10.8RPG, 1.8 SPG.
Reese was a dominant player for the Terrapins last year, despite her freshman season being derailed by a foot injury. Reese's sophomore season has been a confirmation of that dominance. Reese has been the most consistent performer for the Maryland team. She has 10 double-doubles in 15 games and is the leader in points, rebound, blocks and steals. Reese is a powerhouse on the offensive glass and is particularly impressive in her ability to get to the free throw line. She leads the nation in offensive boards.
The scouting report was written by Antonelli.
The machine is double-double.
Long, active rim protector who defends on the perimeter.
Striking counter in low post is effective at 6-3.
13. Brink is a member of the Cardinal.
Preseason ranking: 13
The statistics for the year of 2021-22.
There were 12.6PPG, 7.9RPG, 2.62 BPG.
During her second season, Brink has come into her own. She is 15th in the country in blocked shots per game, and she is a dominant player in the paint. She has increased her averages and minutes per game. Brink is moving toward the playoffs as she cements herself in a position of strength, but expect the numbers to continue to trend upward as she does.
14. Destanni Henderson is from South Carolina.
The guard is a senior and has a pre-season ranking of 24.
The statistics for the year of 2021-22.
There were 11.7 PPG, 4.2 RPG, and 4.9 APG.
After losing Henderson for three games early in the season, the heart grew fonder of the absence. South Carolina is a different team with her on the floor. In her first game back, Henderson showed the depths of what she brings to the table, pouring in 17 points, seven assists and seven steals to spark South Carolina's rally from an 18-point deficit. Boston is South Carolina's best player, but Henderson is their X factor.
15. The Florida Gulf Coast Eagles are led by Kierstan Bell.
The guard is a junior and has a pre-season ranking of 19
The statistics for the year of 2021-22.
24.1 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.8 SPG.
Bell picked up where she left off. The junior is the third-leading scorer in the country, with a season-best 39 points coming against Tennessee Tech in November. FGCU has a 13-1 start and looks like it will be a tough opponent in the tournament.
16. The South Carolina Gamecocks have a woman on their team.
Preseason ranking: 14.
The statistics for the year of 2021-22.
There were 12.6 PPG, 1.9 RPG, and 2.1 APG.
Is a pull-up jumper as smooth as a Zia Cooke one? She is able to get in the lane with ease. She is one of the best guards in the country. When South Carolina needs it from her, she has been able to find the magic despite her struggles this season. If she is able to be more efficient on a consistent basis, look for her to take a leap and move up the rankings.
17. Elizabeth Kitley is from Virginia Tech.
Preseason ranking: 20.
The statistics for the year of 2021-22.
18.6 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 3.1 BPG.
Kitley was a finalist for the Lisa Leslie award last season and had 12 double-doubles. She has eight this season. She had a season-high 34 points and 17 made field goals in a victory over George Washington. Kitley has established herself as one of the most consistent bigs in Division I and she is shooting a career-best 56.6% from the field.
18. The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have a woman on their team.
Preseason ranking: 23.
The statistics for the year of 2021-22.
9.3 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 1.6 BPG.
Cubaj is once again proving to be the anchor for a Georgia Tech team that boasts one of the best defenses in the country. She leads the nation in defensive win shares. Cubaj is second in the country in defensive rebound per game. Cubaj has established herself as an exceptional passer by pushing her game on offense. She leads the Yellow Jackets in assists with a career-high 4.8 per game.
19. The UCLA Bruins have a woman on their team.
The guard is a junior and has a Preseason ranking of 16.
The statistics for the year of 2021-22.
18.4PPG, 5.3RPG, 2.9 APG
The Bruins have had a challenging and confusing season. UCLA has not won since December 5 and missed six consecutive games because of the COVID-19 protocol. With improved accuracy from behind the 3-point line and more freedom to work off the dribble as UCLA's top option, Osborne has scored in double figures in all nine games and ranks second in the conference in points per game.
20. The LSU Tigers have a female player.
The guard is a graduate student.
The statistics for the year of 2021-22.
18.1 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 5.3 APG.
Pointer has become one of the best in the game this year after recording LSU's first triple-double in five years. She is one of only two Power 5 players that averages 18 points, 6.5 rebound and 5.0 assists per game. Pointer has increased her production in rebound. She is second on the team in rebound and is averaging more boards than she did a year ago. Pointer has demonstrated on multiple occasions this season why the ball should be in her hands if the Tigers are in need of a basket.
The scouting report was written by Antonelli.
A point guard with a bucket mentality.
The first step is the most important part of scoring.
In the shot clock or late in a game, the Clutch Gene is present.
21. The Indiana Hoosiers have a woman on their team.
Preseason ranking: no.
The statistics for the year of 2021-22.
61.5% FG, 17.9 PPG, 8.2RPG.
Throughout her career in Bloomington, she has been a consistent and efficient force for Indiana. She is fifth in the country in field goal percentage. In addition to the five 20-plus point games he has played this season, he has also recorded three 20-plus point games against ranked opponents. When she catches the ball in the low post, it's most likely a bucket for the Hoosiers. She has two career highs this season, the most recent being a 30-point performance against Ohio State in December. We've seen the beginnings of an expanded offensive game, hitting the occasional 3-pointer.
The scouting report was written by Antonelli.
Two points are achieved by a strong post-up frame and two feet of paint.
The ball-screen offense can be used with improved 3-point range.
The finishing skills are left or right handed. The defense is read to score.
22. The Michigan State Spartans have a female player.
The guard is 5-foot-8 and has a senior ranking.
The statistics for the year of 2021-22.
21.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.3 APG.
In a double-overtime loss to Florida Gulf Coast in December, Clouden had a program-best 50 points, which is the most in a game. Despite being the focus of opposing defenses, she is shooting a career-best 46.4% from the field and finding ways to get to the rim. Clouden has been a bright spot for the 8-7 Spartans this season.
The scouting report was written by Antonelli.
She's shooting 45.1% from the field, 35.5% on 3-pointers and 90.6% at the free throw line.
She can play free on both ends because of her instincts and analytic skills.
No longer are they overlooked or excluded from the national spotlight. She will be on your speed dial.
23. The Tennessee Lady Vols have Jordan Horston.
The guard is a junior Preseason ranking is NR.
The statistics for the year of 2021-22.
The average was 15.5 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 3.8 APG.
In the absence of Rae Burrell, who missed 12 straight games with a knee injury, Horston has been a leader for the Lady Vols. She had one double-double in 56 games as a junior. She has seven this season. In addition to doubling her scoring average, she has also grabbed more boards per game than she did a year ago. In big-time games, Horston has come up big. She had 28 points, 15 rebound, and four assists against Texas, and 18 points, 13 rebound, and four assists against Texas A&M.
The scouting report was written by Antonelli.
A two-way positionless player.
The desire to make plays is balanced by length and speed.
Off bounce, screens or in transition are some of the offensive skills that excel.
24. Christyn Williams is a member of the University of Connecticut.
The guard is a senior and has a Preseason ranking of 15.
The statistics for the year of 2021-22.
3 APG, 13 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.3 APG.
It's probably best to appreciate a player for what she is, rather than assuming she is something else. Williams was the top recruit in the Class of 2018, and that comes with enormous expectations. Williams has been a solid contributor throughout her career, and it's possible that she might see her best at the next level. She has done a good job for the Huskies, as she has a lot of minutes and is not afraid to take clutch shots.
25. Emily is a Louisville Cardinal.
The senior Preseason ranking is NR.
The statistics for the year of 2021-22.
54.8% 3FG was achieved with a 10.6PPG, 8.4RPG, and 54.8% 3FG.
She spent her first three seasons at Syracuse. She is a perfect fit for the Cards' style of play, and you would almost think she spent her entire career there. She leads Louisville in both 3-point field goal percentage and rebound and is able to play all over the court.
The scouting report was written by Antonelli.
Two-way wing with defensive length and anticipation, provides rim and lane protection on an elite defensive team.
Skills, knowledge, experience are what make winning plays.
Versatility to play positions 2-5, 3-point range, strong driver, willing passer, and willingness to pass.
Grace Berger, Indiana, Aijha Blackwell, Missouri, Rae Burrell, Tennessee, Veronica Burton, Northwestern, Jayda Curry, California, Shaylee Gonzales, BYU, and Mya Hollingshed, Colorado, received votes.
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