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The college basketball season has gotten off to a great start once again. With many of last season’s stars graduating, it’s time for new stars to emerge. Many players are trying to cap off their senior season with a bang and improve their draft stock. While others have an opportunity to establish themselves as one of the best in the nation. Here are five players looking to reach another level this season.
Flau’jae Johnson
The Junior guard has already had a great start to the season, averaging 22.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. We’ve seen Johnson improve year to year, but this could really be the year she cements herself as one of the best guards in the nation. She started showing flashes of how big of a role she can play in last season’s tournament.
Expect for her to emerge as the leader for this team alongside Aneesah Morrow this season as they look to make another run at a championship.
Olivia Miles
Already selected as ACC player of the week in her first week back, Olivia Miles’ comeback season has started on a good note. Currently averaging 17.7 points, 7 rebounds and 6.7 assists, Miles has looked like an improved version of herself. The crafty guard will continue to build from this good start to the season as she aims to keep up this level of play. With her finally getting to see the floor with Hannah Hidalgo, look for Miles and the Fighting Irish to become one of the teams to beat in the ACC once again.
Hailey Van Lith
After one season at LSU, Hailey Van Lith transferred to TCU for her last year of eligibility. We saw Van Lith struggle to find her place at times last season. But when you’re on a team stacked with talent like LSU was, it’s very possible for that to happen.
This year looks to be a bounce back year for Van Lith currently averaging 17.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists and has led TCU to a 3-0 record to start the season. As a program trying to find their identity as well, it is great for them to have the veteran guard to lead them. With some tough matchups coming up, we’ll see how Van Lith and the Horned Frogs fare against the nation’s best.
Deja Kelly
After four years at UNC, Kelly transferred to Oregon for her last year of eligibility. While many thought Kelly would’ve been a standout last season, UNC just kept falling short. This season at Oregon, Kelly has reminded many of why she’s one of the best guards in the nation. Leading the Ducks to a 4-0 start, Kelly seems to be improving her draft stock. Currently averaging 14.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists, look for Kelly to cap off her collegiate career on a high note.
Azzi Fudd
Playing just two games her Junior season due to a season ending ACL injury, UConn guard Azzi Fudd is set to return to action this season. Coach Geno Auriemma recently hinted to her return coming soon, but we still don’t know exactly how soon that’ll be. Regardless of when, it won’t be a surprise to see Fudd return and make an impact for the Huskies as they aim for another title run. We know that when Fudd is on the floor, she’s one of the best guards in the game. The duo of her and Paige Bueckers will be one of the best duos in the nation once again when she returns. Many are anticipating a special season from them in their last season together.
Time will ultimately tell as far as how these players perform this season. But best believe they will leave their mark on their teams in one way or another. As the regular season progresses, it’ll be interesting to see how their seasons shape out
An avid sports fan and journalist who’s main focus is the lovely game of basketball. If I’m not covering the game, I’m either playing ball or watching it.
