Women’s Preseason AP All-America Team Unveiled
The Associated Press has unveiled the Women’s Preseason AP All-America Team, highlighting the top talents in college basketball. The list features standout players, including Hannah Hidalgo from Notre Dame, Lauren Betts from UCLA, and Madison Booker from Texas. The selections reflect exceptional performances from the previous season and the potential for the upcoming year.
Key Players on the Preseason All-America Team
- Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame): A notable guard who averaged 23.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists last season. She is now one of the key players for Notre Dame after the departure of several starters to the WNBA and transfer portal.
- Lauren Betts (UCLA): Standing at 6-foot-7, Betts averaged 20.2 points and 9.5 rebounds, leading UCLA to its first-ever No. 1 ranking in the AP Top 25 and a trip to the Final Four.
- Madison Booker (Texas): As a junior, Booker averaged 16.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, contributing significantly to Texas’s success last season.
- Sarah Strong (UConn): Strong made an immediate impact in her freshman year, averaging 16.4 points and 8.9 rebounds, helping UConn secure its 12th national championship.
- Ta’Niya Latson (South Carolina): After transferring from Florida State, Latson averaged 25.2 points per game last season, becoming the nation’s leading scorer.
Voting Highlights
The selections were determined by a 31-member national media panel. Here’s how the votes played out:
- Hannah Hidalgo: 29 votes
- Lauren Betts: 29 votes
- Sarah Strong: 28 votes
- Madison Booker: 23 votes
- Ta’Niya Latson: 14 votes
Recognition and Future Potential
Hidalgo’s recognition is historical; she is only the fourth sophomore to earn All-America honors in her first two seasons. Her coach, Niele Ivey, expressed confidence in Hidalgo’s ability to handle increased expectations this year. Meanwhile, Latson’s transition to South Carolina is also noteworthy, as she aims to elevate her game and prepare for a potential career in the WNBA.
The AP has been releasing a preseason All-America team since the 1994-95 season, underscoring the significance of these selections in shaping the narrative of women’s college basketball. The anticipation for the upcoming season is high, with these exceptional athletes expected to make a significant impact.
