March Madness is right around the corner – which stars will shine the brightest and steal the spotlight?

There are not many bigger occasions on the sporting calendar than March Madness.

The NCAA Tournament has the potential uncover hidden gems that WNBA franchises may not have had on their shopping list earlier in the year.

This being said, who are the players that spectators are already excited to observe as they attempt to lift the prestigious championship?

Lauren Betts – UCLA

Lauren Betts may have already locked down the regular season MVP award after a stellar campaign – registering 19.7 points per game and 9.7 rebounds per game.

However, it is not just her efficient scoring that will have scouts licking their lips at the center’s potential, it is her irrepressible defensive ability – stacking up 2.9 blocks per game.

UCLA sit with a record of 25 wins and 1 loss, Lauren Betts has been the catalyst to a formidable season for the side.

At 21 years old, Betts’ trajectory could be off the charts as she is an obvious candidate for the WNBA in coming years, but she will want to follow the footsteps of superstars such as Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark by cementing her place in the NCAA history books by winning a championship.

JuJu Watkins – USC

Even with a limited awareness of the world of college basketball, fans would have to be living under an abnormally sized rock to have not heard the name JuJu Watkins, she is phenomenal.

A walking highlight reel, USC could have a generational talent on their roster.

NCAA spectators have raised question marks this year over the guard’s efficiency as her field goal percentage sits at 42.9%.

Some may suggest that JuJu Watkins is simply taking time to adapt as the star has become the face of a major rebuild at USC.

Still only 19 years of age, the sophomore has had to shoulder an unfathomable amount of responsibility, something that will only prepare her for the inevitable attention she will receive when the NCAA tournament finally arrives.

However, Watkins has continually put up impressive point totals and hustle stats – averaging 24,3 points per game and 6.9 rebounds per game.

Expect some impressive box scores to be registered by USC’s JuJu Watkins during March Madness.

Mikayla Blakes – Vanderbilt

There is one reason why Vanderbilt will be heading to the NCAA tournament in March – Mikayla Blakes.

Undoubtedly Freshman of the Year, Blakes has grown in stature during every game she has been apart of – shattering the freshman single-game scoring record by sinking an outstanding 55 points.

Not only this, but the 19 year-old is only the fourth NCAA Division 1 player since 2000 to have multiple 50-point games in the same season.

Despite having a freshman breaking all the records, Vanderbilt are far from favourites to win the NCAA Championship with a record of 19-8.

Nevertheless, teen-sensation Mikayla Blakes will look to show the country that she could be the future face of a WNBA franchise with her unbelievable scoring ability and determined personality.

With several games to go before March Madness erupts on March 19th, these are just a few names to keep a keen eye out for.