Collegiate stars with household names like Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, and Caitlin Clark matriculated to the WNBA, leaving a power vacuum across the field as elite talents across the country continue with their own journeys. The parity in this class is like no other in recent memory, which normally means players fly under the radar, despite their skill sets or abilities.
This season is full of athletes who fit the bill, especially as freshmen. We’ve seen and heard of the praises of USC’s Jazzy Davidson, who leads the No. 19 Trojans in points (16), rebounds (6.7), assists (3.9), and blocks (2.5).
The same could be said about first-year phenom Aaliyah Chavez, who leads the No. 8 Sooners in points per game (18.8). Both players are the focal points of their club’s process, but there are a few freshmen who are producing that may not receive the same level of fanfare for their efforts. Before conference play kicks off, here are two to keep an eye on
What Blanca Quinonez is doing for the Huskies in her role off the bench pairs perfectly with Sarah Strong and Serah Williams in the frontcourt. Her size and length at 6’2 pose a matchup nightmare-level scenario for opponents every time she takes the court.
Your Big East Freshman of the week is Blanca Quiñonez!
— UConn WBB Highlights (@uconnwbbhighlights.bsky.social) November 17, 2025 at 9:40 PM
For example, there have been stretches this season so far where Quionez is in big lineups as a three or stretch lineups as a four. The flexibility in Huskies coach Geno Auriemma’s rotations hasn’t missed a beat with the exodus of Bueckers, and Quinonez’s contributions play a large role in this. In just over 17 minutes a game, the Ecuadorian native is averaging 10.3 points on a 66 percent true shooting clip.
Quinonez is what the average WNBA scout looks for in a pro-ready wing in college. Despite this being her first year at UConn, the tape is the tape, and it’s practically yelling when you roll it back on Quinonez. She’s comfortable enough to create her own shot outside of the offense and within it. On the defensive end, she terrorizes opposing ball handlers and will excel as a defender in dynamic schemes, such as hedging or switching.
As far as high-impact post players, the LSU Tigers have a revolving door connected to the WNBA over the last two seasons. With Angel Reese and Aneesah Morrow leaving the Bayou for the pro ranks, the Tigers re-upped with players like Kate Koval from the transfer portal and freshman Grace Knox.
Grace Knox is a BEAST 😤#NCAAWBB x 🎥 ESPNU / @LSUwbkb pic.twitter.com/ljjrXl4mpn
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) December 13, 2025
Players like Knox are key to tourney runs in a few key ways. Her efficiency and shot selection as a 6’2 forward on the interior lend the Tigers a multidimensional threat that can make an impact. For example, Knox is comfortable with her back to the basket or in face-up scenarios. At just 18 minutes a game, she’s shooting 72.1 percent inside the arc. She’s a capable rim runner who is comfortable finishing through contact with contests.
She’s a terrific rebounder on both sides of the glass, averaging 2.7 boards a game on both ends. What’s most impressive about Knox’s game is that it all comes easily to her. Rarely does she color outside of her role, but with conference play and a looming tourney around the corner, Knox will prove to be a formidable role as the Tigers aim to hoist another national championship for the second time in the past few seasons.
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Born and raised in Chicago, Christan Braswell is a women’s sports journalist with a focus on the WNBA and women’s college basketball. He’s an avid fan of elevator screens and stuffed-crust pizza. Outside of sports, he’s an avid cook and lover of the great outdoors.
I remember my first in-person press conference as a credentialed WNBA media member when the Chicago Sky faced the Connecticut Sun in the 2021 WNBA Semifinals. Despite my professional past […]
