NCAA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL BREAKOUT CANDIDATES: WHO IS SET TO TAKE A STEP FORWARD THIS SEASON?

Jada Williams, 5-foot-8 junior guard, Iowa State
A McDonald’s All-American and social media darling, Williams was featured in countless YouTube compilations and Instagram reels, and she had the skills to back it up.


Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda, 6-foot-2 senior guard, Vanderbilt
During her three seasons at Texas, Mwenentanda was perhaps the most elite role player in the country.


Chit-Chat Wright, 5-foot-4 sophomore guard, Iowa
Wright brings an athleticism and speed that the Hawkeyes haven’t had at the guard spot, and she should elevate Iowa’s offense.


Elina Aarnisalo, 5-foot-10 sophomore guard, North Carolina
Thanks to years of professional experience in Finland, Aarnisalo is a player with maturity beyond her years.


Timea Gardiner, 6-foot-3 senior forward, UCLA
Ranked as the No. 6 player in the class of 2022, Gardiner started her career at Oregon State before transferring to UCLA as a junior.


Maddie Scherr, 5-foot-10 graduate senior guard, TCU
Scherr excels in the midrange and can break down her defenders off the bounce, and she’s a creative passer like Miles, which should make them an exciting backcourt duo.


Toby Fournier, 6-foot-2 sophomore forward, Duke
Fournier flashed her athleticism and ever-improving post footwork last year, averaging 13.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game as a freshman.


Janiah Barker, 6-foot-4 senior forward, Tennessee
Barker thrives in transition and coach Kim Caldwell’s Volunteers love to push the pace.




https://www.hoopshq.com/conferences/womens-basketball-breakout-candidates