Top 2024 NCAA Tournament Performances by Returning WCBB Players: A Look at the Rising Stars
As the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament approaches, several returning stars are ready to showcase their skills on the national stage. While fresh faces and new talent will make their mark, the experience and talent of returning players are expected to steal the spotlight once again. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, here’s a breakdown of the top returning players in Women’s College Basketball (WCBB) who are poised for major performances in the 2024 tournament.
1. Caitlin Clark – Iowa (Senior Guard)
Why She’s a Star: Caitlin Clark, the reigning NCAA Player of the Year and a consensus All-American, has firmly established herself as one of the greatest talents in WCBB history. Clark’s electrifying ability to score from anywhere on the court, her uncanny basketball IQ, and her leadership have made Iowa a national title contender once again.
2024 Tournament Impact: Clark’s stellar performances throughout the 2023-24 season have set the stage for a dominant postseason showing. She’s leading the nation in scoring and assists, while also sinking deep three-pointers with surgical precision. Iowa’s hopes for a national title run hinge on Clark’s ability to carry the team, and her performance in last year’s NCAA Tournament proves she’s more than capable of doing just that.
Key Stats:
- Points per game: 28.2
- Assists per game: 8.5
- Rebounds per game: 7.4
Clark’s ability to take over games in clutch moments makes her the player to watch in March Madness.
2. Angel Reese – LSU (Junior Forward)
Why She’s a Star: After leading LSU to a historic national championship in 2023, Angel Reese returns as one of the most dominant and versatile players in the nation. The 2023 Final Four Most Outstanding Player has a relentless work ethic on both ends of the floor, combining elite rebounding with scoring and defense.
2024 Tournament Impact: Reese’s performance in the 2024 tournament will be critical as LSU aims to defend their national title. With her physicality in the paint, rebounding prowess, and ability to finish around the basket, Reese is poised for another dominant postseason showing. Expect her to be the centerpiece of LSU’s attack, and her leadership will be key to guiding them through tough competition.
Key Stats:
- Points per game: 23.6
- Rebounds per game: 13.1
- Blocks per game: 2.2
Reese’s dominance on both sides of the ball will continue to make LSU one of the toughest teams to beat.
3. Rori Harmon – Texas (Senior Guard)
Why She’s a Star: As one of the top defensive players in WCBB, Rori Harmon brings both scoring and elite defense to the table for Texas. Her ability to control the pace of the game and facilitate the offense makes her one of the most dynamic guards in the country.
2024 Tournament Impact: Harmon’s defensive intensity and leadership will be a key factor in Texas’ quest for an NCAA title. Her ability to lock down opposing guards while also scoring in transition and hitting clutch shots makes her a player to watch in March Madness. Harmon’s experience and composure under pressure will be crucial as she leads the Longhorns through the tournament.
Key Stats:
- Points per game: 16.5
- Assists per game: 6.2
- Steals per game: 3.1
With her all-around game, Harmon has the potential to make a huge impact on the 2024 tournament.
4. Zia Cooke – South Carolina (Senior Guard)
Why She’s a Star: Zia Cooke has been an integral part of South Carolina’s dominance in recent years, consistently delivering for the Gamecocks in clutch moments. Known for her scoring ability, Cooke is one of the most dangerous perimeter players in WCBB.
2024 Tournament Impact: With South Carolina entering the tournament as one of the favorites to win it all, Cooke’s ability to score in a variety of ways—whether from beyond the arc, attacking the rim, or in transition—will be critical to their success. Cooke has proven she can step up in big games, and her leadership will be crucial for the Gamecocks as they chase another national championship.
Key Stats:
- Points per game: 18.3
- Assists per game: 4.1
- Steals per game: 2.4
Expect Cooke to take over games and provide South Carolina with a potent scoring threat in the 2024 tournament.
5. NaLyssa Smith – Baylor (Senior Forward)
Why She’s a Star: NaLyssa Smith has been one of the most consistent and dominant players in the NCAA, and her return to Baylor this season ensures that the Bears will be a major force in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Smith’s combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes her a matchup nightmare for any opponent.
2024 Tournament Impact: Smith’s versatility on offense and her ability to rebound and protect the rim on defense will be pivotal in Baylor’s tournament run. Her leadership and experience from previous deep runs in the tournament will guide the Bears as they look to make a statement this year.
Key Stats:
- Points per game: 20.4
- Rebounds per game: 11.5
- Blocks per game: 1.6
Smith’s physicality and ability to take over games in the paint will be a key factor in Baylor’s hopes for a deep tournament run.
6. Aliyah Boston – South Carolina (Senior Forward)
Why She’s a Star: Aliyah Boston’s presence in the post is unrivaled, and she returns to South Carolina as one of the most decorated players in WCBB history. The 2023 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player has proven time and again that she can dominate the paint on both ends of the floor, whether it’s rebounding, scoring, or blocking shots.
2024 Tournament Impact: As South Carolina’s centerpiece, Boston will be counted on to lead the Gamecocks through the tournament once again. Her ability to finish around the basket, her exceptional footwork, and her defensive presence make her one of the most feared players in the country. Boston’s leadership and poise in high-pressure moments will be critical as the Gamecocks look to repeat their national title.
Key Stats:
- Points per game: 16.2
- Rebounds per game: 11.3
- Blocks per game: 2.4
Boston’s combination of elite rebounding and shot-blocking will be a cornerstone of South Carolina’s defense during March Madness.
Conclusion
As the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament approaches, these returning stars are poised to make their mark and lead their teams deep into the tournament. With experience, talent, and a proven track record in big games, players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Rori Harmon, Zia Cooke, NaLyssa Smith, and Aliyah Boston are all expected to be at the center of March Madness excitement. Whether it’s leading their teams to victory or making clutch plays in crucial moments, these returning players will be the ones to watch as they seek to cement their legacies in WCBB history.
