Caitlin Clark has picked up the current NCAA season from where she left it last year. She’s well on the verge of reclaiming her gold and glory. The Iowa Hawkeyes star previously fed and fueled headlines when she swept all the major awards. But then, equations aren’t the same anymore. She might be best in the business, but she’s not the only one.

Averaging the highest 29.6 points in the eight contests she has played so far with 6.4 rebounds per match and 7.5 assists per game, Clark is a tough competitor. But not far behind are three other players who are navigating towards the national award stealthily and can challenge Clark on their best days.

JuJu Watkins

The University of Southern California freshman JuJu Watkins has stunned all with her spectacular performances. She has been a breakout star this year captivating all with her exemplary gameplay.

The California-born has touched 30 points in four out of her six games and has proved to be the alpha in her maiden season. Her notable performances came against the Ohio State Buckeyes in which she potted 32 points, helping her team to an 83-74 win. Another significant display was when she put up a tough fight against the Penn State Lady Lions, basketing 31 points in a 71-70 victory.

Overall, Watkins besotted an average of 26.8 points with 50.4% field goal percentage and a 71.7% free throw percentage. She has blown everyone and can clinch the National Awards going forward.

Elizabeth Kitley

The Virginia Tech Hokies center Elizabeth Kitley is using her 6-foot-6-inch frame to the best of use. She has immaculate rebounding skills coupled with sharp shooting that have contributed to her being a top player this season. Kitley has played with an average of 32.3 minutes this season, dropping 23.1 points and grabbing 11.4 rebounds.

Kitley is the only player in the top 10 points table to average a double-double. She has touched the 30-point mark twice along with smoking five double-doubles. Kitley is one of the most prominent players for the Tech Hokies and going further into the season will bear the onus of a lot of responsibilities.

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If she can maintain her consistency and justify her talent, then she will definitely give Clark a hard time for the 2024 National Player of the Year Award.

Hannah Hidalgo

The Notre Dame guard Hannah Hildago is another unexpected player on the list since she is just in her first year. But that hasn’t discouraged the 18-year-old from giving her all. Hidalgo has an astounding average of 22.7 points with 5 rebounds per contest and an equal number of steals per match.

Her stats are a testament to the fact that she has been playing the offensive and defensive roles dedicatedly, easily transmutating between the two. The only downside of her display has been her gametime average which stands at 28 minutes. 

She surprised the college basketball fans when she dropped 24 points against the Illinois Fighting Illini in a closely contested 79-68 game that helped her team emerge on top. She also has a respectable 73.7 field throw percentage. If she is given enough time by her team, who knows she might sweep the national award this year.

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Whoever clinches the national award this year will leave a mark on the NCAA basketball circuit apart from making a name for themselves.