NCAA Rising Stars, Championship Predictions, and the Future of Women's Basketball
From NCAA standouts to the historic Unrivaled season finale, this week we’re diving into the stars on the rise and predicting the future of women’s basketball.
As the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament kicks off today, there’s no shortage of rising stars ready to make their mark on the game. From Harmoni Turner at Harvard to JuJu Watkins at USC, these players are primed to lead their teams through March Madness and beyond. But the excitement doesn’t stop there—Unrivaled, the groundbreaking professional women’s league, just wrapped up its inaugural season with the Rose Basketball Club’s victory, showcasing how much momentum women’s basketball has right now.
In today’s edition of Unwrapped, we’re breaking down the stars you need to watch, sharing my bracket predictions, and taking a closer look at how the success of Unrivaled sets the stage for an even brighter future for women’s basketball. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Stars on the Rise: Women to Watch in the NCAA Tournament
March Madness is officially here, and while all eyes are on powerhouse teams like South Carolina, UCLA, and UConn, individual stars will shape the tournament’s biggest moments. These rising stars have the potential to dominate the court, elevate their teams, and make a name for themselves on the national stage. Here are a few players to keep an eye on:
🔹 Kiki Rice (UCLA) – A junior guard and the first-ever NIL athlete signed by Jordan Brand, Kiki Rice is a dynamic playmaker who thrives under pressure. She’s an elite ball-handler, a confident scorer, and a leader for a UCLA team that has serious championship aspirations.
🔹 Harmoni Turner (Harvard) – Harvard isn’t a traditional powerhouse, but Turner has put the program on the map. A scoring machine, she’s capable of lighting up the scoreboard and could lead Harvard to a Cinderella run.
🔹 Mikayla Blakes (Vanderbilt) – A freshman sensation, Blakes has brought new energy to Vanderbilt’s program. Her combination of size and skill makes her a matchup nightmare, and her ability to take over games will be crucial for the Commodores.
🔹 Georgia Amoore (Kentucky) – The Australian point guard is one of the best floor generals in the country. Amoore’s quick decision-making, elite passing, and deadly shooting make her a key player for Duke as they chase a deep tournament run.
🔹 MiLaysia Fulwiley (South Carolina) – If you don’t know MiLaysia Fulwiley yet, get familiar. The sophomore guard is a highlight reel waiting to happen—her handles, finishing ability, and clutch performances make her a game-changer for the undefeated Gamecocks.
🔹 Madison Booker (Texas) – A key piece for the Longhorns, Booker is a do-it-all forward with a high basketball IQ. She’s an excellent scorer and playmaker who can carry Texas through tough matchups.
This tournament is stacked with talent, and these players have the potential to steal the show. Whether it’s a deep tournament run, a breakout performance, or a viral moment, expect them to leave their mark.
My NCAA Women’s Tournament Bracket: Who’s Cutting Down the Nets?
March Madness is officially here; as of this morning, my bracket is set! The women’s tournament is packed with talent, and while upsets are bound to happen, I’m sticking with a Final Four that features powerhouse programs and rising stars ready to make their mark.
🏀 Final Four:
USC – Led by JuJu Watkins, one of the most electrifying sophomores in the country, USC has the scoring firepower and star power to make a deep run.
UCLA – With Lauren Betts dominating in the paint, UCLA has the size, skill, and depth to challenge any team in the field.
Texas – Madison Booker has been a game-changer for the Longhorns, and their combination of size and defensive intensity makes them a real contender.
South Carolina – Dawn Staley’s squad might not be undefeated this season, but they’ve been battle-tested and remain the team to beat. Their depth, versatility, and experience make them dangerous.
🏆 Championship Prediction: USC vs. South Carolina
This matchup would be a clash of styles—USC’s JuJu Watkins putting up big numbers vs. South Carolina’s deep, relentless squad. But in the end, I’m rolling with South Carolina to win it all.
Who do you have winning it all? Drop your Final Four picks! 🏀🔥
Unrivaled’s Historic First Season: A Game-Changer for Women’s Basketball
The inaugural season of Unrivaled delivered exactly what women’s basketball fans had been waiting for—elite competition, star power, and a new, exciting format that put the best players in the world on center stage. Led by Chelsea Gray, the Rose Basketball Club took home the first-ever Unrivaled championship, but the real win was for women’s basketball as a whole.
With over 11 million viewers tuning in throughout the season, Unrivaled proved without a doubt that there is a massive and engaged audience for women’s professional basketball. This is what happens when the game is given the investment and visibility it deserves—fans show up. The numbers speak for themselves: when women’s sports are accessible, people watch.
But Unrivaled wasn’t just about showcasing talent; it also set a new standard for what a women’s basketball league can be. With its player-first approach, fresh storytelling, and commitment to innovation, it pushed the boundaries of how the sport is presented and marketed. It created a space where players had ownership, where they could express themselves freely on and off the court, and where the excitement around the game matched the level of skill on display.
This is just the beginning. Unrivaled has positioned itself as more than a league—it’s a movement that could redefine professional women’s basketball. The question now isn’t whether people will watch—it’s how quickly this momentum can turn into something even bigger.
What do you think is next for Unrivaled? Could we see expansion? A longer season? More brand investment? One thing is clear: women’s basketball is thriving, and it’s only going up from here. 🔥🏀