UConn's Sarah Strong Headlines 2026 Naismith Women's College Player of the Year Finalists

UConn forward Sarah Strong leads a group of four players named finalists for the Naismith Women's College Basketball Player of the Year Award on Wednesday.

Strong is joined by UConn teammate Azzi Fudd, UCLA center Lauren Betts and Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes.

Several big-name players who were among the semifinalists didn't make the final cut, including Iowa State center Audi Crooks, Notre Dame guard Hannah Hidalgo and TCU guard Olivia Miles.

While Strong doesn't come particularly close to leading the nation in any single, major statistical category, she appears to be the front-runner as the best player on the best team in women's college basketball.

At a perfect 36-0, the Huskies are the No. 1 team in the nation, and Strong is a big reason why, having been named Big East Player and Big East Defensive Player of the Year.

Fresh off helping UConn win a national championship last season, the sophomore forward is averaging 18.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 3.3 steals, 1.6 blocks and 1.6 three-pointers made per game this season, while shooting 60.0 percent from the field and 41.9 percent from beyond the arc.

Syracuse-UConn WCBB Highlights

01:24

There is arguably no more versatile player in the women's game, and she is a big reason why the Huskies are widely expected to win back-to-back national titles.

Strong isn't alone, though, as Fudd has also put up career-best numbers in her senior season.

The skilled guard, who was named NCAA tournament Most Outstanding Player last season, is averaging 17.8 points, 3.1 three-pointers made, 3.0 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 2.5 steals per contest.

She has also been highly efficient, shooting 49.5 percent from the field and 45.4 percent from three-point range, almost perfectly replacing the production lost when Paige Bueckers left UConn to be the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft last year.

There has arguably been no more consistent player in the nation than Betts over the past three years, making her a highly deserving finalist as well.

With averages of 17.1 points on 57.3 percent shooting, plus 8.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.1 steals per game this season, Betts was named Big Ten Player of the Year for the first time and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive time this season.

UCLA Bruins vs. Oklahoma St. Cowgirls - Game Highlights

01:23

On top of that, UCLA is the No. 2 team in the country with a 33-1 record, giving the Bruins perhaps the best chance to knock off UConn in the NCAA tournament.

Rounding out the Women's National College Player of the Year list is Blakes, who is the nation's leading scorer with 27.0 points per game.

The sophomore guard is also averaging 4.6 assists, 4.0 rebounds, 2.9 steals and 2.8 three-pointers made per contest, and she is shooting a respectable 46.4 percent from the floor and 36.6 percent from deep.

Named the 2026 SEC Player of the Year, Blakes has helped Vandy ascend to the No. 6 overall ranking in the nation at 29-4, and they have advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2009.