espnW --The 10 best women's basketball recruits regardless of class

[Dawson]

Would someone be kind enough to list these ten players. For the life of me I can't get the ESPNW site to open !! Many thanks.

1. Paige Bueckers
5-11 PG, Hopkins High School (MN)
2020 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 1

Bueckers, the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year, is the ultimate playmaker. The future UConn Husky is simply outstanding, helping her Hopkins High School team to an undefeated record and No. 1 ranking in the espnW 25 Power Rankings.

I first watched her play when she was an eighth grader for her high school team. She came off the bench to drain six or seven 3-pointers. She's a skilled guard and is a capable scorer as an off-guard. More importantly, she has the ability to make her teammates better. She averaged 21.4 points and 9.4 assists per game. Many people, including Geno Auriemma, have said she possesses a special intangible that can make her one of the greatest. It's easy to see why.

Player comparison: Diana Taurasi

2. Azzi Fudd
5-11 G, St. John's College High School (DC)
2021 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 1

The only reason Fudd, the 2019 Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year, isn't No. 1 is because she missed most of this past season due to an injury. But when she returned to the court, she rounded back into her normal self during the end of the season, recording 17 points, six rebounds and five assists in a state championship game.

Fudd and Bueckers both played on USA Basketball national teams and complemented each other well. Fudd defines consistency on the court. She has a strong mid-range game and can knock down shots under pressure with ease. She could be the next big thing, the next ambassador in women's basketball since Breanna Stewart.

Player comparison: Asia Durr

Azzi Fudd, the 2019 Gatorade National Girls' Basketball Player of the Year, is the top-ranked prospect in the Class of 2021. Caitlin O'Hara for ESPN

3. Angel Reese
6-3 W, St. Frances Academy (MD)
2020 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 2

Reese, the No. 2 overall prospect in the Class of 2020, is headed to Maryland next season after averaging 18.6 points and 10.2 rebounds as a high school senior. But she will bring another intangible to College Park when she sees the court: physical toughness.

Reese is a capable scorer in the paint, but what makes her so special is her ability to stretch the defense out to the arc. She has a knack for baiting the defender and selling a number of different fakes along the way to either finish around the rim or get to the free throw line. She is 6-foot-3 and plays taller than that.

Player comparison: Jonquel Jones

4. Lauren Betts
6-7 F, Grandview High School (CO)
2022 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 1

Betts, a 6-7 sophomore center, is a defensive stopper in the frontcourt. She averaged 17.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.9 blocks in 26 games for the Wolves, and she has an even higher ceiling.

She's a skilled low-post player with superior length and a tremendous ability to block shots, someone who can force her opponent to change her game around the rim. Offensively, she keeps the ball away from the defense and can run the floor. Betts showed a lot of maturity at USA Basketball trials last year, and she has plenty of room to grow.

Player comparison: Mercedes Russell

5. Olivia Miles
5-10 PG, Blair Academy (NJ)
2021 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 2

Miles adds depth, athleticism and size to any roster. The second-ranked prospect in the Class of 2021, Miles has the ability to do it all on the court. She averaged 13.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.6 assists as a junior for Blair Academy this season.

Yet another one of Bueckers and Fudd's USA Basketball teammates, Miles is a cerebral and unselfish student of the game with strong fundamentals. She can read defenses, play up-tempo, defend in pressure and bury shots to the arc.

Player comparison: Brooke McCarty-Williams

6. Judea Watkins
6-0 SG, Windward School (CA)
2023 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 1

It's easy to see what makes Watkins the top-rated prospect in the Class of 2023. Competing against top-tier high school talent in California, she averaged 21 points and nine rebounds as a freshman.

She can provide size in the backcourt and the ability to defend numerous positions. At this point in Watkins' prep career, she is most adept at driving, drawing contact and finishing the play, but she has also shown the ability to drain shots from deep as well. She can score in bunches and take over a game.

Player comparison: Jewell Loyd

Judea Watkins, the top-ranked prospect in the Class of 2023, averaged 21 points and nine rebounds as a freshman. Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

7. Saniya Rivers
6-0 G, Eugene Ashley High School (NC)
2021 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 3

Rivers has the potential to be a future star. She's a two-time Gatorade North Carolina Player of the Year and averaged 25.0 points, 11.7 rebounds and 6.3 steals per game as a junior. Yet while she is third in the Class of 2021 behind Fudd and Miles, Rivers has a different game.

A rangy, athletic guard with size in the backcourt, Rivers is a menace on defense and can score off of opponents' miscues. She is best off the dribble and can attack the basket from all angles. Among the schools she is listing: UConn, Florida State, Indiana, Notre Dame, Maryland, Duke, NC State and North Carolina.

Player comparison: Diamond DeShields

8. Sania Feagin
6-3 F, Forest Park High School (GA)
2021 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 6

Feagin is the sixth-ranked prospect in the Class of 2021. Right now, Stanford commit Brooke Demetre (fourth) and UConn commit Amari DeBerry (fifth) are ranked ahead of her, but Feagin has a higher upside than both of them.

She can bury the 3-pointer and is a great rebounder who can also attack in transition. Plus, she can play at the top of a full-court zone defense, deflect the ball and turn those turnovers into points. Feagin certainly knows how to fill out a stat sheet -- she averaged 17.0 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 3.0 steals and 3.6 blocks as a junior.

Feagin showed her versatility on the court and can play almost any position on the floor, though her game translates into more of a hybrid 4 who can play inside and outside.

Player comparison: Angel McCoughtry's mindset and DeWanna Bonner's frame

9. Sammie Wagner
6-1 W, Ronald Reagan High School (TX)
2023 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 2

Wagner committed to Baylor when she was in eighth grade. That could have added pressure to her entering high school, but she averaged 15.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 5.0 blocks for the Rattlers.

She might be young but she has proved her scoring prowess. She can beat opponents inside or outside, with her consistency from within 15 feet and her silky jump shot from beyond the 3-point arc.

Player comparison: Sophie Cunningham

10. Aalyah Del Rosario
6-5 C, Trenton Catholic Academy (NJ)
2023 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 3

Not many know of Del Rosario yet, but she will catch on to Power 5 programs soon. Del Rosario is the third-ranked prospect in the Class of 2023 who scored 17 points and brought down eight rebounds in her team's win in the New Jersey state semifinals.

Del Rosario was born in Texas and spent most of her childhood in the Dominican Republic before she moved back to the United States as a seventh grader. In addition to her accomplished interior game, she is explosive in the paint, rising over the defense and showing off her feathery touch around the rim.

Player comparison: Tina Charles

 

[Kurebeach5]

1. Paige Bueckers
5-11 PG, Hopkins High School (MN)
2020 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 1

Bueckers, the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year, is the ultimate playmaker. The future UConn Husky is simply outstanding, helping her Hopkins High School team to an undefeated record and No. 1 ranking in the espnW 25 Power Rankings.

I first watched her play when she was an eighth grader for her high school team. She came off the bench to drain six or seven 3-pointers. She's a skilled guard and is a capable scorer as an off-guard. More importantly, she has the ability to make her teammates better. She averaged 21.4 points and 9.4 assists per game. Many people, including Geno Auriemma, have said she possesses a special intangible that can make her one of the greatest. It's easy to see why.

Player comparison: Diana Taurasi

2. Azzi Fudd
5-11 G, St. John's College High School (DC)
2021 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 1

The only reason Fudd, the 2019 Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year, isn't No. 1 is because she missed most of this past season due to an injury. But when she returned to the court, she rounded back into her normal self during the end of the season, recording 17 points, six rebounds and five assists in a state championship game.

Fudd and Bueckers both played on USA Basketball national teams and complemented each other well. Fudd defines consistency on the court. She has a strong mid-range game and can knock down shots under pressure with ease. She could be the next big thing, the next ambassador in women's basketball since Breanna Stewart.

Player comparison: Asia Durr

Azzi Fudd, the 2019 Gatorade National Girls' Basketball Player of the Year, is the top-ranked prospect in the Class of 2021. Caitlin O'Hara for ESPN

3. Angel Reese
6-3 W, St. Frances Academy (MD)
2020 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 2

Reese, the No. 2 overall prospect in the Class of 2020, is headed to Maryland next season after averaging 18.6 points and 10.2 rebounds as a high school senior. But she will bring another intangible to College Park when she sees the court: physical toughness.

Reese is a capable scorer in the paint, but what makes her so special is her ability to stretch the defense out to the arc. She has a knack for baiting the defender and selling a number of different fakes along the way to either finish around the rim or get to the free throw line. She is 6-foot-3 and plays taller than that.

Player comparison: Jonquel Jones

4. Lauren Betts
6-7 F, Grandview High School (CO)
2022 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 1

Betts, a 6-7 sophomore center, is a defensive stopper in the frontcourt. She averaged 17.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.9 blocks in 26 games for the Wolves, and she has an even higher ceiling.

She's a skilled low-post player with superior length and a tremendous ability to block shots, someone who can force her opponent to change her game around the rim. Offensively, she keeps the ball away from the defense and can run the floor. Betts showed a lot of maturity at USA Basketball trials last year, and she has plenty of room to grow.

Player comparison: Mercedes Russell

5. Olivia Miles
5-10 PG, Blair Academy (NJ)
2021 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 2

Miles adds depth, athleticism and size to any roster. The second-ranked prospect in the Class of 2021, Miles has the ability to do it all on the court. She averaged 13.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.6 assists as a junior for Blair Academy this season.

Yet another one of Bueckers and Fudd's USA Basketball teammates, Miles is a cerebral and unselfish student of the game with strong fundamentals. She can read defenses, play up-tempo, defend in pressure and bury shots to the arc.

Player comparison: Brooke McCarty-Williams

6. Judea Watkins
6-0 SG, Windward School (CA)
2023 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 1

It's easy to see what makes Watkins the top-rated prospect in the Class of 2023. Competing against top-tier high school talent in California, she averaged 21 points and nine rebounds as a freshman.

She can provide size in the backcourt and the ability to defend numerous positions. At this point in Watkins' prep career, she is most adept at driving, drawing contact and finishing the play, but she has also shown the ability to drain shots from deep as well. She can score in bunches and take over a game.

Player comparison: Jewell Loyd

Judea Watkins, the top-ranked prospect in the Class of 2023, averaged 21 points and nine rebounds as a freshman. Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

7. Saniya Rivers
6-0 G, Eugene Ashley High School (NC)
2021 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 3

Rivers has the potential to be a future star. She's a two-time Gatorade North Carolina Player of the Year and averaged 25.0 points, 11.7 rebounds and 6.3 steals per game as a junior. Yet while she is third in the Class of 2021 behind Fudd and Miles, Rivers has a different game.

A rangy, athletic guard with size in the backcourt, Rivers is a menace on defense and can score off of opponents' miscues. She is best off the dribble and can attack the basket from all angles. Among the schools she is listing: UConn, Florida State, Indiana, Notre Dame, Maryland, Duke, NC State and North Carolina.

Player comparison: Diamond DeShields

8. Sania Feagin
6-3 F, Forest Park High School (GA)
2021 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 6

Feagin is the sixth-ranked prospect in the Class of 2021. Right now, Stanford commit Brooke Demetre (fourth) and UConn commit Amari DeBerry (fifth) are ranked ahead of her, but Feagin has a higher upside than both of them.

She can bury the 3-pointer and is a great rebounder who can also attack in transition. Plus, she can play at the top of a full-court zone defense, deflect the ball and turn those turnovers into points. Feagin certainly knows how to fill out a stat sheet -- she averaged 17.0 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 3.0 steals and 3.6 blocks as a junior.

Feagin showed her versatility on the court and can play almost any position on the floor, though her game translates into more of a hybrid 4 who can play inside and outside.

Player comparison: Angel McCoughtry's mindset and DeWanna Bonner's frame

9. Sammie Wagner
6-1 W, Ronald Reagan High School (TX)
2023 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 2

Wagner committed to Baylor when she was in eighth grade. That could have added pressure to her entering high school, but she averaged 15.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 5.0 blocks for the Rattlers.

She might be young but she has proved her scoring prowess. She can beat opponents inside or outside, with her consistency from within 15 feet and her silky jump shot from beyond the 3-point arc.

Player comparison: Sophie Cunningham

10. Aalyah Del Rosario
6-5 C, Trenton Catholic Academy (NJ)
2023 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 3

Not many know of Del Rosario yet, but she will catch on to Power 5 programs soon. Del Rosario is the third-ranked prospect in the Class of 2023 who scored 17 points and brought down eight rebounds in her team's win in the New Jersey state semifinals.

Del Rosario was born in Texas and spent most of her childhood in the Dominican Republic before she moved back to the United States as a seventh grader. In addition to her accomplished interior game, she is explosive in the paint, rising over the defense and showing off her feathery touch around the rim.

Player comparison: Tina Charles

Thank you very much Dawson !!!

 

[MilfordHusky]

They compared Fudd’s game to Asia Durr, I really don’t see it.

I think the player comparison w.r.t. Azzi is easy. She's part Maya and part Kaleena. People overlook KML because of her limited success in the WNBA and because she was overshadowed by Stewie (who also overshadowed Moriah and Morgan). Kaleena had a great college career and would have been a 3-time All-American if not for the elbow injury and mono. She left as the NCAA record-holder in 3-point shots, probably the best shooter ever in terms of volume and accuracy. If not for the injuries, she would be about even with Tina on the UConn career scoring list. Starting in about 9th grade, her shot was dubbed the "Lewis Launch."

Azzi is about Kaleena's height but trimmer. She's shorter and not as strong as Maya, but quicker laterally. Azzi's shot looks a little like Maya's and a little like Kaleena's. Accuracy-wise, Azzi is comparable to Kaleena and EDD. If I had to compare Azzi, I'd compare her to Kaleena (K missed being a 50/40/90 shooter 2 times, both based on 1 missed FT). KML was the best shooter we've seen in a long time. Azzi may be even better as a shooter.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Azzi is Azzi but is this maybe a bit disrespectful to Paige?? Paige did improve dramatically in many areas.

The only reason Fudd, the 2019 Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year, isn't No. 1 is because she missed most of this past season due to an injury.

In 2019, Paige got better, and Azzi got hurt. It's hard to say who was better in 2020. Who do you think was better--Maya or Diana? No real consensus there.

Player comparison for Rivers: Michael Jordan. Way closer than Diamond.

 

[DeeHusky]

I think the player comparison w.r.t. Azzi is easy. She's part Maya and part Kaleena. People overlook KML because of her limited success in the WNBA and because she was overshadowed by Stewie (who also overshadowed Moriah and Morgan). Kaleena had a great college career and would have been a 3-time All-American if not for the elbow injury and mono. She left as the NCAA record-holder in 3-point shots, probably the best shooter ever in terms of volume and accuracy. If not for the injuries, she would be about even with Tina on the UConn career scoring list. Starting in about 9th grade, her shot was dubbed the "Lewis Launch."

Azzi is about Kaleena's height but trimmer. She's shorter and not as strong as Maya, but quicker laterally. Azzi's shot looks a little like Maya's and a little like Kaleena's. Accuracy-wise, Azzi is comparable to Kaleena and EDD. If I had to compare Azzi, I'd compare her to Kaleena (K missed being a 50/40/90 shooter 2 times, both based on 1 missed FT). KML was the best shooter we've seen in a long time. Azzi may be even better as a shooter.

I don’t really see either. Neither have the ball handling skills she has. Maya is more of sf/pf, Kaleena is a wing and Azzi is a sg/sf. I don’t underestimate Kaleena, she’s actually one of my favorite players, graduated the same year of high school that I did so I followed her a lot. I’ve been waiting for her to go to a new team so maybe now being with the Sun will allow her to get more playing time. Maybe you’re saying they have similar shooting strokes, I’m not sure. Accuracy she’s comparable, but playing style, no. — Azzi can do everything offensively, I don’t think she can be stopped.

 

[Go/huskies]

Azzi seems more like a combo guard, not sure you want her playing forward in college, but the sky is definitely the limit for that kid.

 

[Wbbfan1]

I can't see ranking a player in the 2023 class over players in the Top 5/10 in the 2020 Class.

 

[DefenseBB]

I can't see ranking a player in the 2023 class over players in the Top 5/10 in the 2020 Class.

Well, I could see maybe ranking 1 or possibly two players like a Fudd or a Bueckers, who as Freshman did overshadow upperclassman. You're right that a Freshman in HS has so much change to endure vs. what a Senior has already accomplished. Simply put, the freshman are too raw and you are relying mostly on potential for them to achieve what you think the will be whereas the Senior and to a slightly lesser extent, a Junior has already shown that transition. So to put 3 Freshman in the Top 10 is extreme especially when I consider how strong the 2020 and 2021 classes are.

 

[Charliebball]

In 2019, Paige got better, and Azzi got hurt. It's hard to say who was better in 2020. Who do you think was better--Maya or Diana? No real consensus there.

Player comparison for Rivers: Michael Jordan. Way closer than Diamond.

I'd say Azzi is the better shooter but PB has extra value because she makes her team better at both ends of the floor whether she scores two points or twenty..........

 

[MilfordHusky]

I don’t really see either. Neither have the ball handling skills she has. Maya is more of sf/pf, Kaleena is a wing and Azzi is a sg/sf. I don’t underestimate Kaleena, she’s actually one of my favorite players, graduated the same year of high school that I did so I followed her a lot. I’ve been waiting for her to go to a new team so maybe now being with the Sun will allow her to get more playing time. Maybe you’re saying they have similar shooting strokes, I’m not sure. Accuracy she’s comparable, but playing style, no. — Azzi can do everything offensively, I don’t think she can be stopped.

Azzi has much better ball-handling skills than Maya. I think she's a little better than Kaleena. I agree that Azzi is a SG who can play PG in a pinch. She can also play some wing. I think her style is somewhat like that of Kaleena, especially when K was at Mater Dei. But the primary comparison is in terms of shooting. Azzi, Kaleena, and EDD are probably the best shooters in the past 15 years.

 

[MilfordHusky]

I'd say Azzi is the better shooter but PB has extra value because she makes her team better at both ends of the floor whether she scores two points or twenty..........

Paige is a really good shooter. Azzi is an historically good shooter.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Paige is a really good shooter. Azzi is an historically good shooter.

Bueckers might not be as lethal from three but her variety of shots inside the arc is pretty much unmatched. Obviously, Fudd is a machine at the jumpshot. They get things done in different ways.

 

[Charliebball]

Bueckers might not be as lethal from three but her variety of shots inside the arc is pretty much unmatched. Obviously, Fudd is a machine at the jumpshot. They get things done in different ways.

and what a deadly combination that would be..............

 

[Scud49]

Azzi is Azzi but is this maybe a bit disrespectful to Paige?? Paige did improve dramatically in many areas.

The only reason Fudd, the 2019 Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year, isn't No. 1 is because she missed most of this past season due to an injury.

I picked up on that too.....but it'll all be a moot point pretty soon I think.

Paige and Azzi are almost like #'s 1 and 1a in my book.

 

[hoophuskee]

Other than "swagger" I don't see nay similarity between DT and Paige. They might happen to be pg/sg's but imo they are very different.

DT was a shot maker that could pass and make plays.
PB is playmaker that can shoot.

DT played with a sense of power. IE she could back down a player.
PB uses quickness and athleticism to beat a player.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

DT was a shot maker that could pass and make plays.
PB is playmaker that can shoot.

Not sure I see the difference. I'd suggest Bueckers is more finesse but every bit the shot-maker DT was if not more so.

 

[JordyG]

Some reason Fudd reminded me of Ray Allen when I saw Fudd sinking those jumpers for the first time. Just so smooth and floating so lightly!

It seems little odd to say Fudd is the next big thing since BS after saying PB could be one of the greatest.

The thing that Azzi does that Ray Allen didn't is her incredible pull up. The only player I've seen that had her kind of pull up is Maya Moore. That full speed, stop on a dime, body under full control, soft shot is ridiculous.

 

[JordyG]

Bueckers might not be as lethal from three but her variety of shots inside the arc is pretty much unmatched. Obviously, Fudd is a machine at the jumpshot. They get things done in different ways.

Paige's layup where she gives you the ball, takes it away and gets the scoop to go is a beautiful shot.

 

[hoophuskee]

Not sure I see the difference. I'd suggest Bueckers is more finesse but every bit the shot-maker DT was if not more so.

I kind of thought you might reply to this.
Please don't take this the wrong way. You and I can easily agree when we see greatness or poor play-- you and I have completely opposite views on nearly everything else. So it's not surprising we don't see eye-to-eye.


How I see it- DT was born to score form 3. Her jersey even read "3" despite the fact she loved to pass and made a point of publicly speaking of it. But if you as the defender wasn't very close to her off a pick for example, unless someone was wide open underneath, DT was firing up a 3. And as they say when you come in as frosh try to do what you do best. Nearly 65% of DT's shots as a frosh were from 3. DT just averaged 3.3 assist per game her frosh year even though her team was stacked.

Give Paige DT's frontline back in 00-01, Paige is going to average quite a bit more than 3.3 assists per game. She is much more comfortable getting in or near the lane or near to pass or score vs DT who would look briefly inside or just fire away.

I can't remember DT doing very many pick-and-rolls in college to the extent PB does. Players do what they are comfortable with the majority of the time when under duress in close games and overall etc.. Paige is more comfortable getting close and making "pass or shot decisions." DT is also comfortable doing it - but much more comfortable bombing away from 3. Never going to see Paige ever being comfortable taking 65% of her shots from 3 like DT did. Paige can shoot from 3 very well but more comfortable slashing. Her career is not going to be 50% of her attempted shots from 3 either like DT's was unless she never averages much above 11 ppg or similar.

For example-- wasn't there a game I think vs Australia or Romania (a close game) in the summer last year that Team USA didn't take one 3 for much of the game? If DT was the same 17-18 year old-- that wouldn't happen unless she missed a few first.

That's because DT during her time / era DT was a 3pt shot maker.
On the flip side- Paige is going to look to pass much more or take shots closer inside the 3 pt line. You see when her team was pressed (close game) during AAU- imo she wasn't looking to go bombs away from 3.

In other words imo DT always believed she was the best scorer on the court while Paige believes she is the best passer on the court. Unless someone is wide open inside DT is mostly firing up a 3 pt shot. Paige is much more comfortable getting closer and being more 50-50 of 2 pt shot or pass.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

In other words imo DT always believed she was the best scorer on the court while Paige believes she is the best passer on the court. Unless someone is wide open inside DT is mostly firing up a 3 pt shot. Paige is much more comfortable getting closer and being more 50-50 of 2 pt shot or pass.

It's possible their play will differ due to some of the things you mention, but I believe that Bueckers' offensive skill set is at least at DT's level. Taurasi settled a bit for the three in college which I doubt Bueckers will do. I'm also of the opinion that Bueckers is at least as good a shooter.

 

[Orangutan]

The thing that Azzi does that Ray Allen didn't is her incredible pull up. The only player I've seen that had her kind of pull up is Maya Moore. That full speed, stop on a dime, body under full control, soft shot is ridiculous.

Ray Allen didn't have a pull up jumper? Really?

 

[JordyG]

Ray Allen didn't have a pull up jumper? Really?

Ray could come off screens, catch and shoot off the curl. Ray could knock down the kick out. But dribble down court full speed, someone on his shoulder, and stop on a dime pull up? That wasn't his best shot.