Dream Team
Kent Youngblood's 2021-22 college women's basketball starting five:
PAIGE BUECKERS
Connecticut, G, sophomore
The former Hopkins standout is the first freshman to win the Wooden Award, the AP women's basketball player of the year and the Naismith Trophy. Led UConn in points, assists, steals and three-point shooting.
RHYNE HOWARD
Kentucky, G, senior
The odds-on favorite to be the top pick in next spring's WNBA draft, she led Kentucky in scoring in 15 of the 24 games she played in last year, averaging 20.7 points and leading the team in assists and steals.
CAITLIN CLARK
Iowa, F/G, sophomore
Named first-team All-America from the coaches association and was second team by AP. She led the nation in assists (214) and FG made (266), points (799) and scoring average (26.6).
NaLYSSA SMITH
Baylor, F, senior
An AP All-America selection and the first Lady Bears player to win the McClain Award honoring the nation's top forward. Averaged 17.8 points and 7.5 rebounds, shooting 69.6% from the floor.
ALIYAH BOSTON
South Carolina, F/C, junior
A first-team All-America and the winner of the Lisa Leslie Award as the top center in the nation. The 6-5 standout averaged 13.7 points, 11.5 rebounds and 2.6 blocks last season.