Top 10 Ballers in 2023-2024 Big Ten Women's Basketball
With just 17 points left to score to eclipse Tyra Buss as the all-time leading scorer in the history of Indiana women's hoops, today's matchup with Purdue will have an extra layer of meaning to Mackenzie Holmes. The brilliant bruiser has turned in a truly incredible career during her time at Indiana, and her team's success in 2023-2024 has helped bandage some of the fanbase's damage in dealing with the struggles on the men's side this season.
There is no doubt about Holmes's place on Indiana's overall hierarchy this season. She is their unquestioned leader and has been a monster of a go-to option for Teri Moren and her staff to turn to for years. While she is absolutely beloved in B-Town, it feels like she does not receive the type of recognition that she deserves on a broader level. She was a preseason all Big-Ten 1st team selection, however, you never hear any buzz tied to her name on WNBA draft boards.
We all know that Mackenzie Holmes is the best player on the Indiana women's basketball team, but where does she rank in terms of the top overall players in the Big Ten this season?
10 - 6
10. Shyanne Sellers | Maryland | Junior
2023-2024 Team Record: 13-10 Overall, 5-7 Big Ten (tied for 8th)
2023-2024 Stats: 22 GP, 31.4 MPG, 15.4 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 42.2% FG/26.9% 3/85.7% FT
This season has been a struggle for the Terrapins, but the do-it-all guard has done everything she can to try to help this team win. Sellers leads the team in points, assists, and blocks while holding 2nd place in rebounds and steals.
9. Serah Williams | Wisconsin | Sophomore
2023-2024 Team Record: 10-11 Overall, 3-8 Big Ten (tied for 11th)
2023-2024 Stats: 19 GP, 29.8 MPG, 17.5 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.6 SPG, 3.0 BPG, 50.4% FG/33.3% 3/79.6% FT
At 6'4", Williams uses her size and finishing ability well on the interior. She has grown tremendously in her second collegiate season, and has notched a double-double in 8 straight games.
8. Mara Braun | Minnesota | Sophomore
2023-2024 Team Record: 14-9 Overall, 4-8 Big Ten (10th)
2023-2024 Stats: 20 GP, 34.1 MPG, 17.8 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 39.0% FG/37.0% 3/95.0% FT
Braun, currently the 3rd leading scorer in the Big Ten, is an electric microwave type scorer who can get hot without warning. She is not the most efficient offensive player, but she has a lot of time to mature in that department.
7. Laila Phelia | Michigan | Junior
2023-2024 Team Record: 16-9 Overall, 7-6 Big Ten (7th)
2023-2024 Stats: 24 GP, 34.0 MPG, 16.1 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 40.2% FG/34.5% 3/78.8% FT
Like Braun, Laila Phelia tends to run a little streaky. She may not impact the game a ton in other areas when she is cold, but when she is hot the 6'0" guard is borderline unguardable.
6. Julia Ayrault | Michigan State | Senior
2023-2024 Team Record: 17-6 Overall, 7-5 Big Ten (tied for 4th)
2023-2024 Stats: 23 GP, 24.2 MPG, 15.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 2.3 BPG, 53.0% FG/37.8% 3/75.0% FT
Ayrault is one of the most versatile players in women's college basketball this season, and her statline is a direct reflection of that. The senior can do anything asked of her on the hardwood, and makes her presence felt each and every night on both ends of the floor.