Paige Bueckers, JuJu Watkins and 3 active NCAAW players that could make the 2028 USA Olympic team
After the United States Olympic women's basketball team survived the gold medal game against France by a mere toe on the 3-point line, changes will come. It's safe to assume that the 2028 US women's team will be less of a lifetime achievement award, and more of a basketball team. Thanks for your service, Diana Taurasi, and Brittney Griner, but it's time to move along.
Obviously, Caitlin Clark is one name fans will likely see in 2028. Angel Reese could well be another. But it's not just current WNBA players who will likely be included in the 2028 team. Here are five collegiate stars who could all potentially end up on the squad.
5 women's college basketball players who could end up on the 2028 US Olympic team
1.Paige Bueckers, UConn
'Paige Buckets,' as she is also known, is one of the most famous college basketball players today. Despite missing a season and a half with injuries, she has averaged 19.8 points per game in her college career, including 42.5 percent from 3-point range. Bueckers helped UConn reach the 2024 Final Four.
She's also well-experienced in international play. She was a member of the Under-16, Under-17, and Under-19 teams for USA Basketball in multiple FIBA events. As long as she's healthy, stardom should be her destiny.
2. JuJu Watkins, USC
One of the most electrifying scorers in recent memory, Watkins put up 27.1 points per game in her freshman season at USC. Watkins is charismatic, electrifying, and needless to say, has a bright collegiate future.
She fits the profile and is a player well acquainted with international play. She was MVP of both the Under-16 Americas Championship in 2021 and the Under-17 World Cup in 2022. Pencil her in for a spot in LA in 2028.
3. Flau'jae Johnson, LSU
A tremendous all-around talent, the 5-foot-10 Johnson is setting herself up as the next LSU star. After scoring 11.0 points per game as a freshman on the 2023 NCAA title-winning team, she upped her production to 14.9 points per game last season. A solid rebounder (5.7 per game for her career), Johnson is also a 35 percent 3-point shooter. She'd be a nice fit for the Olympic team.
4. Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame
The 5-foot-6 Hidalgo is perhaps the point guard of the future in women's hoops. As a freshman, she averaged 22.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 4.6 steals per game. Hidalgo's all-around game is strong, as she can be a scorer, distributor, or defensive stopper.
She's also well-equipped for international play. Hidalgo won gold at the 2022 Under-17 World Cup and the 2023 Under-19 World Cup. Keep an eye on Hidalgo for the 2028 Olympic squad.
5. Joyce Edwards, South Carolina
Edwards will be a freshman in 2024-25 and has the potential to be one of the best players in college basketball. A five-star recruit, the 6-foot-2 Edwards was co-MVP of the McDonald's All-American game. She was also named MVP of the Jordan Brand Classic.
Edwards also has a history of Olympic representation. She scored a team-high 14.2 points per game for the Under-18 FIBA Women's AmeriCup squad and was named Tournament MVP. Sense a pattern?