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Five fabulous players to watch in women's NCAA Tournament
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Five fabulous players to watch in women's NCAA Tournament

By Alex Sabri  |  Last updated 3/15/23

The 2022-23 women's college basketball season included so many memorable storylines and moments that it may become one of the best of all time.

South Carolina (32-0) is the heavy favorite to win the national title, but standouts Haley Jones of Stanford and Caitlin Clark of Iowa could spoil the party if the stars align perfectly. 

In November, Stanford lost to the Gamecocks, 76-71, proving South Carolina isn't invincible.

Here are five players you won't be able to take your eyes off in this season's tournament.

Caitlin Clark, Iowa | Signature skill: Insane shooting range

Known for her long-range shots from as far as the logo, Clark earned the Big Ten Player of the Year award and the conference tournament's MVP for the Hawkeyes (26-6), who won the league title.

She's received praise from Phoenix star Kevin Durant, who once said of her: "It looks like everyone on that court is way slower than her when she's getting to her stuff."

Longtime Iowa coach Lisa Bluder, who coached 2019 Naismith Player of the Year Megan Gustafson, has called Clark the "best all-around player" she has coached.

Aliyah Boston, South Carolina | Signature skill: Interior presence

March Madness may be the perfect time for Boston to prove why's she worthy of being the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft. 

She repeated as the Southeastern Conference's Player of the Year after averaging 13.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and two blocks in 32 games.

Boston also earned the conference's Defensive Player of the Year award, joining Las Vegas Aces' forward A'ja Wilson and Minnesota Lynx guard Tiffany Mitchell as the only South Carolina players to win the award multiple times.

Haley Jones, Stanford | Signature skill: Versatility

Will the potential No. 2 overall pick in the WNBA draft prove why she can be No. 1?

Jones' versatility and ability to hit big-time shots brought her glory in the 2021 NCAA Tournament, won by Stanford. This season, the 6-foot-1-inch guard averaged 13.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists.

Cameron Brink, Stanford | Signature skill: Defense! defense!

How much further will Stanford forward Brink's development take her? 

Already a defensive star for the Cardinal, the decorated junior forward averages 14.9 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.4 blocks in just 24.5 minutes per game. Brink has made a massive leap from her freshman season in 2021, when she helped guide Stanford to a national title.

Aaliyah Edwards, Connecticut | Signature skill: Filling up the hoop

Edwards is bright light for a UConn team that was hampered with injuries throughout the season.

The 6-foot-3-inch forward averaged a team-high 16.6 points per game on a 57.1% shooting percentage, a massive improvement from the 7.9 points she averaged the season before.

Edwards tacked on 9.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists a game for a Huskies that went 29-5 despite losing star guard Azzi Fudd to a knee injury.

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