Forget the bright lights, capable of derailing debuts for even the most heralded recruits. Both Hannah Hidalgo and MiLaysia Fulwiley had to begin their college careers in the City of Lights.
College basketball’s first-ever Parisian showcase saw South Carolina run over Notre Dame, 100-71, setting the table for the Gamecocks’ high-powered offense and, remarkably, a historic week for freshmen in women’s college basketball — Notre Dame’s Hidalgo and USC’s Fulwiley combined for 48 points, getting praise from even NBA stars.
Honoring the class of ‘23’s excellence, here’s a look five freshmen who starred in the opening week.
JuJu Watkins – Southern Cal
In the similarly bright lights of Las Vegas, America’s top-ranked freshman JuJu Watkins led USC through the good and the bad — Watkins was the only Trojan to score in the third quarter — during an upset victory over No. 7 Ohio State.
Watkins’ sweet stroke, elite quickness and lanky 6-foot-2 inch frame left the Buckeyes scrambling as she poured in 32 points, five rebounds and six assists, setting the points record for a Trojan freshman.
Her accuracy waned Friday as Southern Cal cruised out a defensive 67-51 win over always pesky Florida Gulf Coast, but Watkins flashed her potential as a…
