Women’s College Basketball Set to Return
Women’s college basketball is on the verge of kicking off another season. Last year, the competition demonstrated remarkable parity, and it appears we can expect more of the same this time around.
At least for now, UConn stands as the formidable team to beat. Fortunately for their rivals, Paige Bueckers has moved on to the WNBA—and, believe it or not, is also pursuing a career in acting.
Even without her, the Huskies boast a wealth of talent, with Sarah Strong emerging as a frontrunner for the best player in the nation this season.
Other contenders include UCLA, Texas, and South Carolina, all vying for the championship crown. It’s also worth considering that another team might surprise us and enter the conversation.
With that context, here are the top 25 preseason teams according to the Post.
1. University of Connecticut
Without a doubt, the Huskies remain the team to beat. Their championship-winning roster is mostly intact, minus Bueckers. Returning players like Azi Fuad, Sarah Strong, and KK Arnold add strength to the mix. Strong had a standout freshman year, and there’s talk that she could be even better this season. Plus, they’ve added some new faces, including Kayleigh Heckel from USC and Selah Williams from Wisconsin.
2. University of California, Los Angeles
UCLA had a great season last year, winning the Big Ten Tournament and making it to the Final Four, only to be halted by UConn, the eventual champions. This year, the Bruins seem even more driven to secure their first national title since the late ’70s.
3. Texas
Texas is intent on challenging South Carolina’s dominance in the SEC. Key players Madison Booker and Lori Harmon are back, and while the SEC is tough, Texas doesn’t appear to be intimidated.
4. South Carolina
Ranked No. 2 in the AP’s preseason poll, South Carolina faces a setback with Chloe Kitts off for the season due to an ACL injury. It’s a little harsh to drop them to fourth, especially since they brought in top transfer Tanya Latson from Florida State and have returning star Joyce Edwards. Coach Dawn Staley will certainly strategize to keep them competitive.
5. LSU
After a strong run last season that ended in the Elite 8, LSU looks to bounce back. Coach Kim Mulkey has gathered a talented roster, including standouts Fraujae Johnson and Mikayla Williams, along with transfers like Milesia Fulwilly from South Carolina.
6. Oklahoma
Oklahoma is poised to make an impact this season with freshman point guard Aaliyah Chavez adding energy to their offense. They also welcome back leading scorer Regan Beers, which should boost their prospects.
7. Duke
Coach Carla Lawson got the Blue Devils close to the Final Four last season. With the return of Toby Fournier and Ashlon Jackson, Duke has a good shot at their first ACC title since 2013.
8. North Carolina State
NC State has strengthened its roster by adding Camille Pierre from Vanderbilt, filling the gaps left by Asiaha James and Saniyah Rivers, who went pro. Pierre had an impressive average of 20.4 points and 9.6 rebounds last season.
9. Tennessee
Tennessee has made significant adjustments by adding three transfers, including Jania Barker, the Big Ten’s sixth player of the year. They’ve also secured one of the highest-ranked freshman classes this year.
10. Maryland
With a mix of familiar faces and new talent, Maryland is back in the spotlight. Bry McDaniel returns from an ACL injury, forming an exciting duo with Kaylen Smickle in the backcourt.
11. North Carolina
Elina Arnissalo, a transfer from UCLA, looks like a promising replacement for Lexi Donarski, who graduated last season.
12. Ole Miss
Ole Miss has reloaded with eight new players. Watch for Coty McMahon, who averaged 15.4 points and 5.5 rebounds last season at Ohio State; she could be a game changer.
13. Notre Dame
Despite some setbacks due to transfers, the Fighting Irish retained one of the most exciting point guards in the country, Hannah Hidalgo.
14. TCU
Just shy of reaching the Final Four last year, TCU’s coach Mark Campbell will look to take the next step in his third season.
15. Michigan
Sophomore guards Olivia Olson and Saira Sword received All-Big Ten honors from their coaches before the start of the season.
16. Iowa
The Cyclones, led by Audi Crooks, had a disappointing last season. Perhaps this year will prove to be different?
17. University of Southern California
It’s disappointing not to see JuJu Watkins this season. Even without her—and Kiki Iliafen in the WNBA—there are still reasons for optimism at USC.
18. Louisville
Rookie Laura Ziegler had a solid last season, averaging 10.4 rebounds with St. Joseph’s. Louisville is set to open their season against UW.
19. Baylor
Keep an eye on Talia Scott, a transfer from Auburn who has potential to be the standout player in the Big 12.
20. Kentucky
The Wildcats faced loss with Georgia Amoua now in the WNBA, but look out for Tony Morgan, a recent transfer from Georgia Tech who could step up.
21. Oklahoma State
The Cowgirls made a name for themselves in the Big 12 last year. Will they maintain their momentum?
22. Vanderbilt
Mikayla Blakes, who last season’s SEC Freshman of the Year, is back to lead the scoring for Vanderbilt, after averaging 23.3 points.
23. Ohio State
The Buckeyes are operating with a small roster of just 11 players. Sophomore guard Jaloni Cambridge is leading the way with past averages of 15.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists.
24. Kansas
Last season brought many transfers from Sweet 16 teams. Keep an eye on sharpshooter Jaylin Glenn, known for a strong assist-to-turnover ratio.
25. Richmond
Richmond’s program has been ascending in the past couple of years. They’re a mid-major that’s definitely ready to make some waves.
Kenny’s Predictions
Final Four
University of Connecticut, University of California, Los Angeles, Texas, Duke University
National Champion
University of California, Los Angeles
