Women's college basketball dream team

Kent Youngblood's 2021-22 college women's basketball starting five:

PAIGE BUECKERS

Connecticut, G, sophomore

The former Hopkins standout is the first freshman to win the Wooden Award, the AP women's basketball player of the year and the Naismith Trophy. Led UConn in points, assists, steals and three-point shooting.

RHYNE HOWARD

Kentucky, G, senior

The odds-on favorite to be the top pick in next spring's WNBA draft, she led Kentucky in scoring in 15 of the 24 games she played in last year, averaging 20.7 points and leading the team in assists and steals.

Iowa, F/G, sophomore

Named first-team All-America from the coaches association and was second team by AP. She led the nation in assists (214) and FG made (266), points (799) and scoring average (26.6).

NaLYSSA SMITH

Baylor, F, senior

An AP All-America selection and the first Lady Bears player to win the McClain Award honoring the nation's top forward. Averaged 17.8 points and 7.5 rebounds, shooting 69.6% from the floor.

South Carolina, F/C, junior