Big Ten freshmen

USC's Kennedy Smith runs with UCLA's Kiki Rice as Rice dribbles the ball with her left hand. Rice has her right elbow up as Smith stays on her right hip.

Why Kennedy Smith is such a versatile threat for USC

By David Mendez-Yapkowitz / March 29, 2025

The Trojans wing has been among the most impactful freshmen in the country

UCLA’s Elina Aarnisalo goes up for a left-handed layup. No defender is in position to contest her shot.

Meet Elina Aarnisalo, UCLA’s impact freshman

By David Mendez-Yapkowitz / February 3, 2025

Cori Close: ‘When she gets the opportunity and the light, she will shine’

USC forward Kiki Iriafen drives to the basket against Fresno State on Dec. 10, 2024.

How USC has bounced back since Notre Dame loss

By David Mendez-Yapkowitz / December 13, 2024

USC has rattled off five consecutive wins

Close-up photos of two freshmen, South Carolina's Joyce Edwards and Ohio State's Jaloni Cambridge, are displayed side by side. The text "Key freshmen in CBB" is overlaid at the bottom in all caps, and the orange Locked On Women's Basketball logo is in the top right corner.

Locked On Women’s Basketball: Who have been the most impressive freshmen to start the 2024-25 season?

By The Next / November 9, 2024

Several of them faced off on Monday when South Carolina narrowly topped Michigan