The Associated Press released its preseason All-America women's college basketball team on Thursday, with UConn's Sarah Strong and USC's JuJu Watkins leading the group. Both players have claimed The Associated Press Player of the Year award in the past two years, underscoring their standing as the sport's premier talents entering the new season.
Strong, a forward for the Huskies, and Watkins, a guard for the Trojans, have been central figures in their programs' national profiles. Their inclusion on the preseason team highlights the continued prominence of UConn and USC on the national stage, and it sets the expectation that both will be key drivers of their teams' success in the coming months.
The preseason honor arrives as programs finalize preparations for the 2026-27 campaign. For local fans, the recognition of Strong and Watkins offers an early look at the players likely to shape the national conversation and could influence attendance and interest in games involving UConn and USC. The full preseason All-America team, as announced by The Associated Press, places Strong and Watkins at the forefront of a group that will be closely watched throughout the season.
The AP's preseason team is widely regarded as a benchmark for individual excellence and a preview of the season's top storylines. With Strong and Watkins headlining the list, the announcement reinforces the high expectations surrounding both players and their respective teams as the season approaches.
