Women’s college basketball has had so many athletes who have left indelible marks in the sport as athletes of exceptional skills, leaders and achievers. Below is a list of the best 10 college players of all time, women’s college basketball players who changed the sport’s game.
1. Breanna Stewart (UConn, 2012–2016)
Breanna Stewart put up one of the best runs ever in college basketball. She brought UConn four consecutive national championships. She was named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player four times, a unique achievement in NCAA history. She also collected 2,676 points in her career and won the Naismith Player of the Year three times.
2. Diana Taurasi (UConn, 2000–2004)
Diana Taurasi epitomized clutch. She took UConn to three national championships, and she always seemed to be at her best under the most pressure. Throughout college, she accumulated 2156 points and developed a knack for hitting big shots at the loudest times. In 2003 and 2004, she was awarded the Naismith Player of the Year.
3. Maya Moore (UConn, 2007–2011)
Maya Moore’s time at UConn was truly legendary, simple. While she was there, the Huskies went 150–4, and she helped them bring home two national titles. She had 3,036 points making her the first ever UConn player to top the 3,000 mark. She claimed two Naismith Player of the Year and three consecutive Wade Trophies.
4. Candace Parker (Tennessee, 2004–2008)
Candace Parker was a game-changer. She had sent Tennessee to get back-to-back national titles in 2007 and 2008 and she’d done so with style. Candace Parker made history by becoming the first to dunk in an NCAA tournament game during the 2006 tournament. Her athleticism and skill new raised the level of excitement in women’s college basketball to another level.
5. Cheryl Miller (USC, 1982–1986)
Cheryl Miller was a throwback legend. While at USC she scored 3,018 points and was a four-time All-American. To add, she has won the Naismith Player of the Year award three times. Miller took USC to two national championships, and her legacy in the game is still relevant.
6. Sheryl Swoopes (Texas Tech, 1991–1993)
Sheryl Swoopes was unbelievable. In two seasons, she delivered 1,645 points, an average of 25 points per game. She took Texas Tech to a national championship in 1993, and in the title game, she scored an amazing 47 points. She was an absolute powerhouse and really made her mark.
7. Seimone Augustus (LSU, 2002–2006)
Seimone Augustus was a scoring machine. She had 2,702 points at LSU and contributed in three Final Four appearances. At her last season, she led the NCAA in scoring, averaging 22.7 points per game. She was one of those players who could be sure of finding the basket, and make it all seem so simple.
8. Courtney Paris (Oklahoma, 2005–2009)
Courtney Paris was unstoppable. She was averaging 19.9 points and 14.8 rebounds in a game and broke an NCAA record by having 112 consecutive double-doubles. Paris was the first player ever to reach both 2500 points and 2000 rebounds in NCAA history, male and female. With her with her rebounding and post play, she was one of the most sensational all time players.
9. Brittney Griner (Baylor, 2009–2013)
Brittney Griner was a complete force of nature. Brittney Griner finished her college career with 3,283 points and 748 blocks, setting the NCAA record for career blocks. In 2012, Griner guided Baylor to an unbeaten record of 40–0 and a national title. She was a twice AP Player of the Year.
Also Read: With Paige Bueckers Gone, Who Will Be the Next Face of Women’s College Basketball?
10. Sue Bird (UConn, 1998–2002)
At UConn, Sue Bird was the final leader and playmaker. She led the team to two national championships and ended her career with 1,378 points and 585 assists. Bird’s capacity to run the offense and make her companions thrive made her one of the most influential players in the history of college basketball.
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