Let’s dive into some key storylines as the new women’s college basketball season approaches, skipping the usual introductions.
Mikayla Blakes is the national top scorer
Last year, during her freshman season, Blakes achieved over 50 points per game on two occasions, finishing with an average of 23.3 points per game, putting her eighth nationally. Over the summer, she didn’t slow down; she led Team USA in scoring at the American Cup. Now, the winner of the USBWA Tamika Catchings Award enters her second year with a clear goal: to score even more. With Vanderbilt losing its second- and third-leading scorers from last season, their combined attempts of 28.4 shots per game will likely fall to Blakes. It’s shaping up to be an exciting scoring year for her as she aims to help bring Vanderbilt to its third straight NCAA Tournament.
Notre Dame will likely miss the Sweet 16
Despite Hannah Hidalgo’s potential to average a triple-double, it may not be sufficient for Notre Dame to compete for an ACC title or secure a top-16 NCAA Tournament seed. The current roster lacks the depth seen in previous years, and has lost two key guards—one was a top-five pick in the last WNBA draft, while the other is also expected to be drafted soon. Ivey led the team to their fourth consecutive Sweet 16, but I doubt they’ll repeat that feat this year.
Clemson qualifies for the NCAA Tournament
The Tigers excelled during last spring’s portal season. After a strong finish last season, including an ACC tournament win over Stanford, Clemson welcomed several talented transfers to support Coach Sean Poppy in his second year. New additions bring valuable ACC experience, like Luzun Augustine Knight and DeMeara Hines, plus Taylor Johnson-Matthew, who averaged 14.5 points per game at DePaul, and Rachel Rose from Wofford, last season’s third-highest scorer. Returning players Hannah Cohn and Mia Moore, who both shot over 35 percent from three-point range last season, will also be key. With the ACC landscape looking pretty open, Clemson seems poised to earn a March Madness spot.
A-10 expected to secure three bids
This nearly happened last season, with St. Joseph’s missing out being one of the first four teams cut from contention. The Ivy League may not be as strong this year, and the Big East hasn’t shown significant improvements either. This opens up a chance for a strong mid-major to shine. Richmond started the season with some excitement as a preseason AP Top 25 team after beating Georgia Tech in last year’s NCAA Tournament. Additionally, reigning A-10 champion George Mason will likely present a solid challenge.
Davidson, fresh off a program-high 13 conference wins last season, returns its two leading players, Charlisse Dunn and Katie Donovan, supported by a promising roster with international talents. Their skills could be pivotal for the program as they aim to level up.
Raven Johnson set for career highs in points and assists
During her time at South Carolina, Johnson hasn’t averaged more than 30 minutes of play per game. However, this year might see a change. As the most seasoned player on a roster blending transfers and freshmen, she’s expected to guide her teammates. Given the injuries affecting the team, Johnson may also need to raise her scoring average. It isn’t a tall order either; even averaging nine points and five assists would validate this prediction.
Power 4 coach fired before conference tournament
Have you noticed the buzz around college football this year? By mid-October, there were 12 coaching openings in FBS, with likely more to come. Last year, athletic directors across sports, especially in women’s basketball, hesitated to make big changes due to uncertainties. Now, the situation is clearer; expectations have shifted. Observing football dynamics, prior concerns about hefty buyouts related to early departures seem less daunting when compared to women’s basketball. A proactive Power 4 program could leverage changes effectively, bringing in new leadership just as the transfer portal opens.
Malaysia Fulwiley may see more bench time at LSU
Recent insights from Kim Mulkey highlight that Fulwiley has been learning the point guard role, which could be challenging as she transitions from being primarily a wing player. There’s a desire for her to feel comfortable in either position, but she’s reportedly still getting acclimated. Given these developments, along with commentary from well-informed LSU reporters, it seems likely Fulwiley may not start right away. Time will tell if her role changes as the season progresses.
- Lauren Betts named Player of the Year
She nearly clinched the title last year, with JuJu Watkins overtaking expectations in February.
- Oklahoma State will take the Big 12
There’s promising potential in this conference race. Jaycee Hoyt appears to have the right pieces in place for the Cowgirls to advance.
- SEC and ACC combined for 20 NCAA Tournament bids
Let’s say the SEC gets 11 and ACC gets 9.
- Gonzaga’s Allie Turner will lead in 3-pointers
Turner ranked seventh as a freshman; with the exit of Yvonne Ezim, her scoring role will likely increase.
- Stanford returns to the NCAA Tournament. Cal does not.
The Cardinal is welcoming an impressive freshman class, boosting their chances for March Madness. Meanwhile, Cal has lost most of its top scorers from last season without significant replacements.
- Three head coaching changes anticipated in the SEC.
Last year, Missouri, Arkansas, and Auburn were the targeted schools for potential changes. Given the current climate, athletic directors who hesitated before might be ready to act now.
- Duke will secure both the ACC regular-season and tournament titles.
With four of their five starting pitchers returning—including Toby Fournier, last season’s ACC Rookie of the Year—and new talented recruits, the Blue Devils face tough challenges mostly from close competitors like UNC State and North Carolina.
