Big 12 women's basketball preview: Top freshmen

The women’s college basketball season is now one month away, which means it’s time to start diving into some preseason coverage. The Big 12 will be the second league we break down at On3, with others to come in the following weeks.

To kick things off, we start by showcasing the league’s top freshmen.

JORDAN SPEISER, Kansas State

On3/Rivals Rankings: 5⭐, No. 13

In her own words, Speiser is a big guard who can really shoot the ball. On a team where most of its main contributors from a year ago either graduated or transferred out, Speiser will have a major opportunity to shine. I’d expect her to be in real contention for Big 12 Freshman of the Year. 

DEE ALEXANDER, Cincinnati

On3/Rivals Rankings: 5⭐, No. 9

The arrival of Dee Alexander marks the arrival of a new era at Cincinnati. She’s the highest-ranked recruit in program history and the expectations are high. 

JALIYA DAVIS, Kansas

On3/Rivals Rankings: 4⭐, No. 20

Jaliya Davis is another recruit who decided to stay in her home state. The 6-2 forward is an elite rebounder and a versatile option on the offensive end. She’s one of a few freshmen for Kansas who’s expected to contribute.

KEELEY PARKS, Kansas

On3/Rivals Rankings: 4⭐, No. 19

Another highly-regarded freshman for the Jayhawks is Keeley Parks, a 5-11 combo guard. Her 3-point range is exceptional and she plays hard on the defensive end. I’d expect this pair to really boost Kansas’ ceiling this season. 

LA SNEED, Utah

On3/Rivals Rankings: 4⭐, No. 29

LA Sneed is a three-level scorer and a strong facilitator at the point guard position. She will likely have the opportunity to make an impact from the jump. 

SYDNEY BENALLY, BYU

On3/Rivals Rankings: Unranked

Sydney Benally is a recruit who flew under the radar. She’s a do-it-all type of player whose versatility will help carve out a role for her on the Cougars.

MARCAYLA JOHNSON, Baylor

On3/Rivals Rankings: 4⭐, No. 36

Marcayla Johnson, a 6-0 combo guard, is a three-level scorer who will serve as one of several options for the Bears this season. 

AVERY HJELMSTAD, Utah

On3/Rivals Rankings: 4⭐, No. 39

Avery Hjelmstad is undoubtedly one of the best shooters in her class and is also a strong defensive threat. Alongside Sneed, I think she’ll be able to contribute as a freshman. 

BRANDIE HARROD, Kansas State

On3/Rivals Rankings: 4⭐, No. 47

Brandie Harrod is a versatile wing who can rebound and score at a high level. On the defensive end, she plays hard. 

CALIYAH DEVILLASEE, Cincinnati

On3/Rivals Rankings: 4⭐, No. 46

Cincinnati added a highly sought-after point guard in Caliyah DeVillasee.  She’s a facilitator, but is a very capable scorer when needed.