Following the recent UConn vs. South Carolina NCAA Championship Game on April 6, 2025, fans and analysts have been engrossed in a debate as to who will be the next woman’s Hoops Superstar. The names mentioned are Sarah Strong, Lauren Betts, or Flau’jae Johnson.
No doubt, each of these players has since been displaying extraordinary talent and charisma on the court. With exceptional performance and the backing of powerhouse programs, the players above are all in contention to become the face of the Women’s College Basketball (WCB). Here’s a closer look at who might ultimately claim the superstar seat.
The Next NCAA Woman’s Hoops Superstar
Sarah Strong
Strong arrived at UConn as one of the most highly recruited players in her class, obviously with the weight of immense expectation. In her opening game of the 2024-25 season, she averaged 21.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and three blocks per game.
For a first-year player, this is an exceptional delivery; of course, it is historic. To put it in reflection, only a few freshmen in NCAA history have displayed such a spectacular stat line, reflecting the dominance of the team’s legend, Breanna Stewart, four-time national champion and WNBA MVP.
Strong’s versatility is something to reckon with. She can score from the perimeter, drive to the basket, or pass with a vision on another level, often locating teammates with precision. Defensively, Strong isn’t doing badly. With three blocks per game, this highlights her ability to protect the rim and disrupt opponents’ game plans.
Strong’s poise in high-pressure scenarios is rare for freshmen, and this suggests she’s heading for the spotlights. She’s a player who always thrives when it matters most. Maintaining this elite performance, nothing is stopping Strong from cementing her status as the next NCAA Woman’s Hoops Superstar.
Lauren Betts
At 6’7″, Lauren Betts is physically imposing, a junior center who has transformed UCLA into a national contender. Her presence is extraordinary, with a career-high average in points, rebounds, and blocks in the 2024-25 season. She converted over 60% of her field goal attempts and defensively blocked over 10% of opponents’ two-point shots, emerging from her ability to alter entire offenses.
This season Betts has really been exceptional. She has evolved into a modern post player, showcasing improved passing and court awareness, threading assists from the low block to open shooters. Her exceptional performance against South Carolina, a longtime powerhouse, proved she has something in store for the future.
Under the tutelage of head coach Cori Close, UCLA has found its way to the top of the rankings, and Betts is a cornerstone. Of course, her style, size, and skills open the ground for comparison to WNBA stars like A’ja Wilson. But, Betts’ journey to superstardom is facing an age-long challenge.
Usually, centers get less fanfare than guards or wings, whose plays usually dominate highlights. Yet her impact is undeniable. She’s a rare breed; if she continues to pile up double-doubles and lead her team to glory, she could redefine what a superstar center looks like in WCB.
Flau’jae Johnson
Flau’jae Johnson, a sophomore at LSU, averaged around 22.0 points per game in the 2024-25 season. She has been the driving force behind LSU’s undefeated start. She’s not just a great scorer.
Her quickness on defense pesters opponents, and her flair sets Johnson apart. She believes in herself; she thinks she’s the best player in the country. LSU’s head coach, Kim Mulkey, has unleashed Johnson as the team’s offensive engine, and she’s not disappointed in the role.
Off the court, she’s a rapper with a growing music career who blends athletics with entertainment.
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Judging by their records, Strong is likely to be the next NCAA women’s hoops superstar.
Her freshman stats are historic, and UConn’s platform positioning her as a frontrunner. No doubt she’s a great force, a generational talent who could dominate for years. Yet the race is razor-close.
Betts’ paint prowess and UCLA’s surge make her a dark horse. If she leads her team to a title, she’s in the debate. Johnson’s versatility and scoring flair could steal the show, especially if LSU repeats as champions.
From this end, Strong leads, but Betts and Johnson are hot on her heels. Who’s your pick? The debate rages on.
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