South Carolina and Notre Dame up, Stanford and NC State down: Ranking the top women's basketball recruiting classes
The majority of the women’s college basketball recruits in the 2023 espnW 100 had been committed prior to the early signing period. At the end of it, all top 100 prospects had signed their national letters of intent. A handful of impact players who left their final decisions until the end shook up the class rankings.
Notre Dame made the biggest splashes, locking in two more top-20 recruits in Hannah Hidalgo and Cassandre Prosper. Prior to the early signing period, the Irish had just one ranked recruit (Emma Risch, No. 20) and were out of the top 25 entirely; now, coach Niele Ivey’s squad ranks fifth.
The biggest announcement came from No. 1 overall recruit Judea Watkins, who chose to stay home and commit to USC, which immediately put Lindsay Gottlieb’s recruiting class into the top 10.
South Carolina didn’t have its first 2023 commit until October but struck hard and fast over the past month to land four top-40 commitments. The Gamecocks’ most recent commit came from Milaysia Fulwiley, a stylish playmaker from in state.
Guard Oluchi Okananwa‘s pledge to Duke solidified the Blue Devils among the top 10 classes. She rounds out a balanced class with wing Jadyn Donovan and forward Delaney Thomas.
Other schools such as Colorado (Kennedy Sanders, No. 75) and Wake Forest (Madisyn Jordan, No. 67) made some big signings official; however, they find themselves just outside the top 25 of our class rankings.
At the end of the early signing period, who’s in? Who moved up? We break down the top 25 classes in depth below.
Highest-ranked commit: G Mikaylah Williams (No. 2)
Previous ranking: 1
Kim Mulkey had the No. 17 recruiting class for the 2022 class and then added impact transfers in the offseason. She followed that up with the No. 1 2023 class, led by superstar Mikaylah Williams. Williams has won gold medals in both 3×3 and the FIBA U17 World Cup. She is a physical guard who is arguably the best one-on-one isolation player in the class. The addition of No. 7 Aalyah Del Rosario pushed LSU to the top spot. Del Rosario is the top true post in the class. She has soft hands and a nice touch out to the top of the key. She is a physical presence inside and passes very well out of the double team. Her club teammate and No. 44 Angelica Velez is a shifty point guard with an East Coast flair to her game. She sets the table for others and runs the show. No. 73 Janae Kent is a wing/forward with nice mid-range game and the ability to knock down the 3-point shot. She gets on the glass well.
Highest-ranked commit: PG Milaysia Fulwiley (No. 13)
Previous ranking: 6
After finishing first in 2021 and sixth in 2022 in the class rankings, South Carolina shoots up near the top in the 2023 class. The Gamecocks landed two recruits in October and Chloe Kitts in the first week of November. Fulwiley is the latest “birdie to fly into the nest,” as coach Dawn Staley likes to put it on social media. She is arguably the most entertaining playmaker in the 2023 class and can do things with the ball that no one else can. She has the ball on a string with her handle, is a creative passer and has a knack for knocking down clutch shots. No. 17 Kitts is a lengthy wing with a versatile game. Her rebounding ability and midrange touch make her a matchup problem. She handles the ball very well and is able to create for herself and others off the dribble. With a lethal pull-up jumper, crafty finishing skills and a knock-down shot from deep, No. 25 Tessa Johnson is a smooth guard who can score from all levels. She is incredibly poised and does not allow the opponent to speed her up. No. 40 Sahnya Jah is an active forward with immense potential. She uses her length and agility to get to rebounds and block shots. She is good in the face-up game from the trail position as well as the high- and mid-post areas.
Highest-ranked commit: F Montaya Dew (No. 8)
Previous ranking: 2
Adia Barnes has leveraged her quick success, including an NCAA championship game appearance and four straight 20-win seasons, onto the recruiting trail. Barnes has already landed three McDonald’s All-Americans in her tenure and is bound to have multiple once more. Montaya Dew is a versatile, long and springy forward who can do everything. She can facilitate the offense as a point forward, knock down the 3-ball and play out of the ball screen. No. 14 Breya Cunningham separated herself as one of the dominant post players in the country early in her high school career. She has a strong base and a soft touch and brings USA Basketball experience with her to Tucson. No. 21 Jada Williams is no stranger to the big stage as she has multiple USA Basketball gold medals and is what many consider to be a pioneer in this NIL age. She is a true PG that sets the table for her teammates, leads by playing example and verbal encouragement, and keeps defenses honest with her ability to knock down shots.
Highest-ranked commit: PG Kamorea Arnold (No. 6)
Previous ranking: 3
Another year, another top recruiting class for Geno Auriemma and UConn. PG Kamorea Arnold is one of the toughest competitors in the country. She is quick and physical to the rim, plays relentless defensively and can knock down shots off the dribble out to the 3-point line. No. 15 Ashlynn Shade is a mid-range master whose leadership intangibles don’t show up on the stat sheet. The 5-foot-9 guard elevates beautifully on her jumper and has increased her consistency beyond the arc. No. 41 Qadence Samuels is a long wing/forward who has some of the highest potential in the class. At 6-2, she is bouncy and long, specializes in running the floor and can be a lock-down defender. UConn also tapped into the international ranks by going to Egypt for Jana El Alfy, a 6-4 finesse forward with good hands and agile feet. She moves well without the ball and is comfortable away from the basket with the ability to knock down the 3-point shot and put the ball on the floor.
Highest-ranked commit: PG Hannah Hidalgo (No. 5)
Previous ranking: unranked
Hidalgo is a shifty, speedy and aggressive lead guard whose game grew tremendously over the past year. She added consistency from 3, which made her really tough to cover. She is a relentless defender, especially when pressuring the ball. No. 16 Cassandre Prosper was one of the hottest recruits of the summer, as she led her Canadian U17 national team. She is a smooth, versatile forward who likes to attack from the wing and high-post areas and does a good job on the glass. No. 20 Emma Risch is a stock-rising sharpshooter with a great feel for the game. She is poised and patient, and she makes others better.
Highest-ranked commit: G Jadyn Donovan (No. 3)
Previous ranking: 7
Coach Kara Lawson follows up last year’s No. 11 recruiting class with a top-10 haul in 2023. Donovan is arguably the the most dynamic player in the class. She has a polished pull-up jump shot and mature court vision and makes incredible plays on the glass and defensively. No. 27 Oluchi Okananwa is energetic and competitive, rising her stock over the summer by adding the 3-ball and improving her ability to create off the dribble. No. 29 Delaney Thomas is a forward with all-around game. She is comfortable with the ball away from the paint, can stretch the defense and is a very good passer.
Highest-ranked commit: W Courtney Ogden (No. 10)
Previous ranking: 4
Stanford’s recruiting means the Cardinal will not slow down after last year’s Final Four run. Courtney Ogden is a versatile 5-11 guard who has proven to be able to be effective in multiple positions during her high school career. She has filled various needs with her successful FBC club, sometimes leading the offense and sometimes filling the 4 spot against the zone to aid with floor spacing. No. 37 Sunaja Agara is coming off a summer with USA Basketball in which she also was part of the gold medal-winning U17 World Cup squad. She is a lefty forward who is a good passer and relentless rebounder with a fundamental face-up game. No. 39 Chloe Clardy is a scoring combo-guard who has a brilliant pull-up jumper and can also knock down the 3-ball.
Highest-ranked commit: G Zoe Brooks (No. 9)
Previous ranking: 5
Coach Wes Moore bolstered his roster with several impact transfers, and the 2023 recruiting class will complement that talent well. Zoe Brooks is a scoring machine who knows how to put the ball in the hole. An incredible finisher and creative shot-maker, the 5-10 Brooks has worked herself into great physical shape as she prepares for the next level. No. 55 Mallory Collier is a traditional back-to-the-basket post player with good hands and footwork. She is good on the offensive glass and has some upside. No. 56 Laci Steele is the ultimate glue player on the perimeter. She is a gritty shot-maker and proved over the summer that she is not afraid of the big moment. No. 71 Maddie Cox is a skilled forward who can stretch the floor and fill several holes with her versatility and glue-player effect.
Highest-ranked commit: P Ciera Toomey (No. 4)
Previous ranking: 8
After signing the No. 3 recruiting class in 2021, coach Courtney Banghart has another highly ranked class in 2023, led by Toomey, a smooth, skilled 6-3 forward from Pennsylvania. Toomey, whose knee injury will keep her sidelined for her senior season, has a sweet stroke out beyond the 3-point line, exceptional footwork in the post with a complementary turn-around jumper and is an incredible passer. No. 30 Reniya Kelly is a crafty point guard who brings a veteran-like poise to the floor. She is patient and directs traffic well. No. 90 Rylee Grays is an extremely physical forward who rebounds and patrols the paint well. Four-star signee Laila Hull is a wing/forward from Indiana who rebounds, defends and is a quality catch-and-shoot threat.
Highest-ranked commit: G Judea Watkins (No. 1)
Previous ranking: unranked
Landing Watkins would be huge for any program in the country, and that honor goes to Lindsay Gottlieb and the Trojans. Watkins is a multiple-time FIBA gold medalist and the top player in the 2023 class. She is a big guard who scores from all three levels and is already showing pro habits in terms of her player development and approach to the game. No. 49 Malia Samuels is a tough point guard who leaves an impression with her defensive intensity and ability to knock down the 3-point shot.
Highest-ranked commit: W Riley Nelson (No. 18)
Previous ranking: 9
Brenda Frese signed a big 2022 class with four recruits — two of whom signed late due to coaching changes at their original schools — and has Maryland in the top 10 again. The 6-foot Riley Nelson leads the 2023 class. She is long and very fundamentally skilled with a strong shooting ability. She has become a quality finisher and uses her length well defensively and on the boards. No. 43 Amiyah Reynolds, who was limited during the summer with an ankle injury, is a big guard who sees the floor, has a nice pull-up jumper and plays out of ball screens well. Her older sister, Mila, was part of Maryland’s 2022 class. No. 80 Emily Fisher is a versatile wing/forward who can fill many roles depending on the night and the need. She is tough and strong on the glass and brings that utility attitude to the floor. Three-star guard Summer Bostock is skilled and can make big shots, while four-star center Hawa Doumbouya has good hands, clogs the paint defensively and has upside.
Highest-ranked commit: W Madison Booker (No. 12)
Previous ranking: 10
Vic Schaefer signed the No. 15 and No. 4 classes in 2022 and 2021, respectively. He follows that up with what looks like will be another top-10 class in 2023. Madison Booker is a two-time USA Basketball gold medalist and quite the facilitating forward on the floor. She can create off the bounce and stretches the floor out behind the 3-point line. After leading Cedar Park (Texas) to back-to-back state 5A state championships, No. 38 Gisella Maul missed the summer with a knee injury. Still, she is a combo guard with the ability to create and score the ball. Three-star Abby Boutilier is a 6-8 paint presence and will look to further develop once she gets on campus.
Highest-ranked commit: W Addyson Brown (No. 31)
Previous ranking: 11
Coach Bill Fennelly has a big class: three players in the top 60 and five prospects in total. Addyson Brown is a utility forward who excels in the physical game and on the glass. She is a fantastic passer who makes others better and has increased her effectiveness from 3. No. 47 Jalynn Bristow, her club teammate, is a smooth forward with an automatic jumper from mid-range and proved this summer to be dangerous from the 3, especially in the trail and the corners. No. 57 Audi Crooks is a big with soft hands and a great touch. She carves out space for boards, finishes strong and outlets the ball with the best of them. The fundamental Arianna Jackson is a four-star point guard. Fellow four-star Kelsey Joens, a knock-down shooter, is the younger sister of current Cyclone Ashley Joens and current Oklahoma Sooner Aubrey Joens.
Highest-ranked commit: P Essence Cody (No. 22)
Previous ranking: 12
Kristy Curry is bringing in an impact 2023 class. Essence Cody is a physical and skilled forward who excels at finishing around the rim and the trail 3-point shot in the slot. She has gotten herself into great condition over the last year. No. 50 Reychel Douglas is one of the more complete guards in the class. She can lead the offense or be the aggressor from the wing. She is good in the pick and roll and has a nice pull-up, as well as long-range jumper. No. 87 Naomi Jones is an active big who has improved her touch around the rim. She runs the floor and impacts the game in and around the paint.
Highest-ranked commit: G Kymora Johnson (No. 24)
Previous ranking: 13
Coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton has already made an impression since taking over in March, landing quality transfers and a strong 2023 recruiting class. Kymora Johnson is a lead guard with long range. Her steady presence, fundamental approach, passing skills and leadership intangibles make her teammates better. No. 45 Olivia McGhee is a big guard who is a gifted scorer. She can drive for the pull-up, hit the corner 3 or punish opponents with post-up opportunities.
Highest-ranked commit: PG Sayvia Sellers (No. 28)
Previous ranking: 14
In her first full year at the helm, Tina Langley brought in the No. 14 recruiting class in 2022. This year, she has landed three top-100 commits. Sayvia Sellers is a point guard from Alaska who creates a buzz every time she ventures into the contiguous states to hoop. She is dynamic off the bounce and has a variety of finishing skills in and around the paint. She keeps defenses on their toes as she can catch fire from 3-point land. No. 46 Ari Long is one of the best shooters in the class. She makes quick decisions on the catch and excels in the open court. No. 93 Chloe Briggs is a guard with some flair to her game. Four-star Olivia Anderson is a 6-6 center with a soft touch and nice footwork in the paint.
Highest-ranked commit: G Taliah Scott (No. 11)
Previous ranking: 15
Mike Neighbors landed a recruiting class that fits his systemic approach and style very well. Taliah Scott can score in bunches, and with the spacing and pace in which Arkansas plays, she has chosen the perfect spot where she can use her creativity off the bounce and let the 3-ball fly to its fullest potential. No. 61 Jenna Lawrence is a fundamentally skilled forward who can space the floor and punish opponents from the high post and face-up mid-post areas. Three-star Maryn Archer is a spot-up shooter.
Highest-ranked commit: G Sofia Bell (No. 26)
Previous ranking: 16
Kelly Graves and his staff follow up the No. 2 recruiting class in 2022 by going all over the country to land the 2023 class. Bell is an efficient and lengthy wing from the Northwest who can shoot it from deep. No. 42 Sammie Wagner is a forward from Texas that brings versatility and savviness to the floor. No. 66 Sarah Rambus is a post from the Midwest who has good length and mobility with touch around the paint.
Highest-ranked commit: F Carys Baker (No. 58)
Previous ranking: 17
Kenny Brooks and the staff have pieced together a class with speed, skill and size. Carys Baker is a lefty forward with a versatile game. She is strong on the glass and is a knock down 3-point shooter. No. 65 Mackenzie Nelson pushes the ball down the court with energy and urgency, looking to get to the rim and create. No. 69 Samyha Suffren is a savvy point guard who has a knack for getting to her spots for the pull-up jumper. No. 96 Clara Strack, club teammates with Baker and Nelson, is a summer stock riser. She increased her strength, especially in her base, and became more confident and aggressive on both ends of the court.
Highest-ranked commit: G Kylie Marshall (No. 35)
Previous ranking: 19
In her first year at the helm in College Station, Joni Taylor has secured a top-25 class. Marshall is a smooth scoring guard who puts the ball in the hole in bunches. No. 51 Sole Williams is a lefty PG who excels at creating off the dribble. She is shifty and can play in small spaces, which allows her to get to the paint. No. 76 Erica Moon is a crafty PG who has had to battle a knee injury, but her game has matured over the last two years. which translates into quality point guard play because of her ability to set the table for others and keep defenses honest with her jumper.
Highest-ranked commit: P Quanirah Cherry-Montague (No. 48)
Previous ranking: 23
Sam Purcell takes over at Mississippi State after years at Louisville as an assistant that saw numerous ranked recruiting classes. His staff hit the ground running in both recruiting and the transfer portal, and they find themselves with a top-25 class. Cherry-Montague burst on the scene in the spring and consequently saw her stock rise all summer. She is long and skilled beyond the paint. She is an aggressive shot-blocker who can put the ball on the floor to create offense. No. 54 Jasmine Brown is creative off the bounce with a knack for creating space for the jumper or to get to the rim. No. 86 Mjracle Sheppard is a steady point guard from high school powerhouse Montverde Academy (Florida). She is good in the pick-and-roll reads and does a good job pressuring the ball defensively.
Highest-ranked commit: F Taylor Woodson (No. 59)
Previous ranking: 18
Michigan is bringing in a fundamentally sound class led by Woodson, a strong and rugged forward from Hopkins High School (Minnesota), which has been a perennial top-five program since the Paige Bueckers era. No. 74 Macy Brown can knock down the deep 3-ball and facilitate. No. 77 Katy Eidle has a combo guard game. With a quick release and sharp handle, she shoots an easy 3-ball and can create space for her jumper while being crafty and drawing fouls.
Highest-ranked commit: W Jules LaMendola (No. 52)
Previous ranking: 20
LaMendola is a versatile player who had a stock-rising summer with her Pro Skills club. She can lead an offense, be physical on the boards and get advantageous post-up touches. No. 83 Lenee Beaumont is a fundamental guard who can score from 3 or with the mid-range pull up.
Highest-ranked commit: PG Rashunda Jones (No. 79)
Previous ranking: 21
In her second season as Purdue’s head coach, Katie Gearlds finds herself with a top-25 recruiting class. Jones is an instant-energy point guard who makes solid decisions and is a high-level defender. No. 97 Mary Ashley Groot is a fundamental forward who can stretch the defense out to the 3-point line, facilitate and has good post footwork. The Boilermakers round out the class with two skilled four-star guard commits in Emily Monson and Sophia Swanson.
Highest-ranked commit: W S’mya Nichols (No. 34)
Previous ranking: unranked
Nichols is a fantastic in-state get for Brandon Schneider and the Jayhawks. She has a mature game, leadership intangibles and plays well in the pick-and-roll. She makes an impact in all the statistical columns, as she scores, rebounds and facilitates. Spanish point guard Laia Conesa runs the show by making good decisions and setting the table for her teammates.
Also considered: Colorado, Wake Forest, Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, Princeton, TCU
Previous recruiting cycles: 2022 class rankings | 2021 class rankings | 2020 class rankings
