Should UConn be the top pick to win the NCAA championship again?

March Madness Approaches

As February rolls on, we’re inching closer to March, and with that, the excitement of March Madness is just around the corner! Last year, the UW women’s basketball team achieved a remarkable feat, clinching the national championship for the first time since 2016. This win was particularly significant for Paige Bueckers, who later went on to be the top pick in the WNBA draft after spending five seasons at UW, battling through injuries in his quest for titles.

Even with Bueckers now off to the pros, this season’s UConn squad seems poised to surpass the last. Under the leadership of redshirt senior Azee Fudd and standout sophomore Sarah Strong, UW has held the No. 1 ranking throughout the season and remains the only unbeaten women’s program, standing at 25-0. The team won’t face another ranked opponent until the madness of March, setting them up for a potential undefeated season and a chance at back-to-back championships.

They’re showing dominance in the Big East Conference, even resting Strong during one recent game—something not frequently seen in women’s college basketball. Strong is scoring an impressive average of 19.2 points per game in just 27.4 minutes, leading the country in win shares. Additionally, they rank second nationally in points per scoring attempt. It’s likely she’ll be a frontrunner in the Player of the Year discussions, despite her limited minutes on the court.

On the other hand, Azzie Fudd, UW’s other standout, isn’t likely to take any rest days soon. As she navigates her fifth and final collegiate season, Fudd’s goal is to showcase her skillset for WNBA scouts ahead of the upcoming draft. Returning from an injury-plagued past, she’s been strategically used by the coaches to maximize her impact, averaging 17.4 points in only 28.2 minutes per game. Many predict she’ll be a top contender for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, following her teammate’s success last season.

As the only ranked team in the Big East, UConn appears set to capture the regular season title and is the frontrunner for the conference tournament. They’re also expected to secure a top seed in the March Madness bracket. But will they manage to clinch back-to-back national championships? Can other teams keep pace with a squad that doesn’t have to go all out every game? Is there a particular team you think might give them a run for their money?