This season marks a significant moment for Paige Bueckers.

After battling injuries for most of her college journey while also witnessing her teammates face lengthy recoveries, Bueckers, the standout from the 2020 recruiting class, is finally fit to play.

The news gets even better for UConn as Azzi Fudd, the leading player from the 2021 class, is also ready.

This dynamic duo, which fans have only briefly seen together in action, might be the key to the Huskies’ resurgence in women’s basketball.

The 2024-25 season has begun, and while No. 1 South Carolina is poised to defend its national title, Bueckers and Fudd promise to make a significant impact as well.

With superstar Caitlin Clark from Iowa no longer in the mix, and with some conferences changing (including the shrinking of the Pac-12), the landscape is shifting, setting the stage for an unpredictable and exciting season.

JuJu Watkins, who was named last year’s national freshman of the year at Southern California, is set to make her Big Ten debut in December. She’ll compete in a conference teeming with potential NCAA tournament contenders. Following a breakout season where she averaged 27.1 points, Watkins is on track to replicate Clark’s impressive performance if she maintains her current level of play. She aims to guide the Trojans to their first Final Four appearance since 1986.

Another promising sophomore to watch is Hannah Hidalgo at Notre Dame, who will finally join forces with All-American Olivia Miles, returning from injury. Opponents will face challenges defending their formidable backcourt. The Irish are among the most skilled and experienced teams nationwide and are serious contenders for a national title.

Texas point guard Rori Harmon is another impressive player returning from injury. Known for her dual-threat ability to score and defend, Harmon is now healthy and eager to lead the Longhorns deep into the tournament.

South Carolina, which has clinched three championships in the last seven years, will be a team to monitor. Even though they will miss star center Kamilla Cardoso, they still have talented guards Te-Hina Paopao, an excellent shooter, and MiLaysia Fulwiley.

Currently, forward Ashlyn Watkins is sidelined due to her suspension following an August arrest tied to first-degree assault and battery charges. She is a significant rebounder with a notable impact on both ends of the court for South Carolina.

Numerous other notable players are in the spotlight, some beloved by their fans, like Flau’jae Johnson from LSU, and others who are stars in the women’s basketball scene but have switched schools, such as Raegan Beers, who moved from Oregon State to Oklahoma. Audi Crooks remains at Iowa State, while Lauren Betts has returned to UCLA, and Deja Kelly is now at Oregon after transferring from North Carolina.

There are also several exciting freshmen to keep an eye on, including Sarah Strong (Connecticut), Joyce Edwards (South Carolina), Jaloni Cambridge (Ohio State), and Syla Swords (Michigan).