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The 2024-25 season of women’s college basketball certainly promises a landscape transformed by both player movements and structural changes within the conferences. With prominent players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese departing, there’s an opening for new stars to emerge and make their mark.
The dissolution of the Pac-12 and the reconfiguration of conferences will notably impact the dynamics of the sport. Teams like USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington transitioning to the Big Ten, and Oklahoma and Texas moving to the SEC, will introduce new matchups and rivalries that could shift power balances and create fresh narratives.
The Big 12 will see its own transformation with the inclusion of Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah, adding more competition and potential reshuffling of power within the conference. Gonzaga, a dominant force in the WCC, will face increased competition from Oregon State and Washington State, challenging their supremacy.
Meanwhile, in the ACC, the inclusion of Stanford, Cal, and SMU sets the stage for exciting new rivalries with established basketball powerhouses like Notre Dame and NC State, which could lead to thrilling games and possibly new fan favorites.
The potential changes in the NCAA tournament format, along with the ability of players to utilize a fifth year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 waiver, add further complexity. michiganfootball These elements could significantly affect team strategies and performances throughout the season.
This offseason, as transfers continue to decide their futures and teams adjust to new alignments and personnel, the anticipation builds. All these factors contribute to an unpredictable and potentially thrilling season ahead, as reflected in the “Way-Too-Early Top 25.” These early predictions hint at the excitement and uncertainty waiting in the upcoming season, showcasing the ever-evolving nature of college basketball.
South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina remains a formidable contender in women’s college basketball as they prepare for the 2024-25 season. Although achieving a third consecutive undefeated regular season is a challenging goal, the Gamecocks’ robust roster and proven resilience suggest they will still be a powerhouse.
Kamilla Cardoso’s departure will undoubtedly leave a gap in the frontcourt due to her significant impact on the inside game. However, South Carolina’s performance in games without her demonstrates the team’s depth and ability to adapt, winning five contests in her absence.
The Gamecocks’ backcourt looks exceptionally promising, featuring talents like Raven Johnson, Bree Hall, Te-Hina Paopao, MiLaysia Fulwiley, and Tessa Johnson. This deep and skilled group of guards provides a strong foundation for the team’s play, both offensively and defensively.
In the frontcourt, players like Sania Feagin, Ashlyn Watkins, and Chloe Kitts are set to step up. Their readiness to take on larger roles will be crucial for filling the void left by Cardoso. The addition of Joyce Edwards, a 6-foot-2 forward and the No. 2-rated recruit by HoopGurlz, brings fresh talent and high expectations. Edwards’ presence could significantly bolster the frontcourt, complementing the experienced guards.
Overall, South Carolina’s mix of seasoned players and promising newcomers positions them as favorites heading into the season, capable of maintaining their high standards and competing at the top of college basketball.
Texas Longhorns
The Texas Longhorns are shaping up to be a major force in women’s college basketball for the upcoming 2024-25 season, and they could very well challenge South Carolina for both SEC and national supremacy. With key players returning and some high-potential recruits joining, michiganfootball the dynamics within the team suggest a highly competitive season.
Madison Booker’s return to the wing will bolster the Longhorns’ perimeter game, and pairing her with Rori Harmon, who is coming back from a knee injury, could indeed form one of the nation’s most formidable backcourts. Harmon’s leadership and playmaking combined with Booker’s scoring ability will be crucial for Texas.
In the frontcourt, Aaliyah Moore and DeYona Gaston are expected to play significant roles. Both players have shown capability and versatility, and their performances will be key in maintaining a balanced attack and solid defense for Texas.
Adding to the excitement, Coach Vic Schaefer is bringing in two top-10 recruits: Justice Carlton and Jordan Lee. Carlton, at 6-2, and Lee, at 6-0, both bring size and skill to the roster. Their addition not only enhances the team’s depth but also injects fresh talent that could contribute significantly right from the start.
These strategic moves and the depth of talent available to Texas make them a formidable contender, not just in the SEC but also on the national stage. The potential season-long battle with South Carolina could be one of the main narratives of the college basketball season, offering fans some thrilling matchups and possibly shaping the playoff landscape.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The potential pairing of Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles at Notre Dame under Coach Niele Ivey indeed presents an intriguing scenario for the Fighting Irish’s backcourt. Both are immensely talented point guards with a flair for playmaking, which raises interesting possibilities as well as challenges in terms of ball distribution and court dynamics.
Olivia Miles, known for her outstanding court vision and passing ability, has already demonstrated that she can lead a team effectively. Integrating Hannah Hidalgo, who also exhibits strong leadership and playmaking skills, will require some adjustments. However, this could also create a dynamic backcourt duo capable of outmaneuvering defenses with their combined creativity and ball-handling skills.
Coach Niele Ivey, with her rich background as both a player and a coach at Notre Dame, is well-equipped to harness their talents. Her experience and strategic acumen will be key in finding the right balance between the two, ensuring that the team maximizes its offensive potential without disrupting the flow of play.
Having Sonia Citron as a wing player who can excel at receiving passes from either guard adds another layer of strength to the team. Citron’s ability to convert opportunities created by Miles and Hidalgo could prove vital in Notre Dame’s quest to reach the Final Four for the first time under Coach Ivey’s leadership. This trio’s synergy could very well be the cornerstone of Notre Dame’s strategy, potentially leading to a highly successful season.
UConn Huskies
UConn’s quest for a return to championship form hinges heavily on maintaining player health, a challenge that has plagued the team over recent seasons. With six players experiencing season-ending injuries either before or during the last season, the need for sustained health is paramount for the Huskies to leverage their full potential.
Paige Bueckers’ triumphant return from her 2022-23 injury to lead the Huskies back to the Final Four was a major highlight, and her decision to return for another season boosts UConn’s title aspirations. Her leadership and skill set are invaluable, but she’ll face the challenge of pushing forward without key players like Aaliyah Edwards and Nika Muhl.
The potential contributions of veterans Azzi Fudd, Caroline Ducharme, and Aubrey Griffin will be critical. All three have shown tremendous potential but have been hampered by injuries. If they can remain healthy, their experience and talent could significantly strengthen UConn’s lineup and complement Bueckers’ playmaking and scoring abilities.
Adding to the excitement is incoming freshman Sarah Strong, who arrives with high expectations as the nation’s top recruit. Her integration into the team and immediate impact could be a game-changer, providing a fresh and potent force on the court.
Overall, UConn’s mix of seasoned leaders, returning talent, and promising newcomers forms a strong foundation. If the team can manage to minimize injuries and maximize their on-court synergy, they stand a strong chance of competing for another national championship.
Lindsay Gottlieb’s tenure at USC has indeed marked a significant transformation for the women’s basketball program, highlighted by her successful recruitment and development of top talents. JuJu Watkins, the top recruit of 2023, is a prime example of how Gottlieb has empowered young stars, leading the Trojans to an impressive Elite Eight appearance. Watkins’ standout performances have not only elevated the team’s profile but have also set a high standard for incoming recruits.
USC Trojans
As USC prepares for its transition to the Big Ten, Gottlieb is bolstering the roster with the top recruiting class in the country. Kennedy Smith, a 6-1 wing, is at the forefront of this six-player class. Smith’s addition is particularly crucial as USC looks to fill the void left by graduating students such as Kayla Padilla, McKenzie Forbes, and Kaitlyn Davis. Her size and skills on the wing will be instrumental in maintaining the team’s competitive edge in a new conference.
The combination of Watkins’ proven capabilities and the incoming talent suggests that USC is not only aiming to sustain its recent success but also to build a stronger, more resilient team capable of competing at the highest levels in the Big Ten. This strategic focus on recruitment and development under Gottlieb’s leadership points to an exciting future for USC women’s basketball, where they can potentially become regular contenders in their new conference and beyond.
UCLA Bruins
UCLA’s women’s basketball team is entering an exciting new phase under Coach Cori Close, particularly as they transition to the Big Ten. Despite the disappointment of a Sweet 16 loss to LSU and missing out on the Pac-12 title, the Bruins’ core group of players remains young and immensely talented, mostly comprised of sophomores during the previous season.
The standout presence of Lauren Betts in the post offers UCLA a significant advantage. Her dominance inside is a key component for the Bruins and will be crucial as they face new competition in the Big Ten. Additionally, the guard lineup featuring Kiki Rice, Londynn Jones, and Gabriela Jaquez brings a dynamic blend of skill and versatility. This group’s ability to impact games could make UCLA a strong contender in their new conference.
Charisma Osborne’s departure is notable, but the arrival of Kendall Dudley, a 6-2 wing and a top-20 recruit, is set to bolster the team further. Dudley, who was high school teammates with Kiki Rice, brings added depth and talent to the roster. Her inclusion in a top-five recruiting class for Coach Close highlights UCLA’s ongoing commitment to building a competitive team.
With such a strong core returning and exciting new talent joining, UCLA and fellow newcomer USC could indeed be among the favorites to win the Big Ten. This transition period presents an excellent opportunity for the Bruins to establish themselves as a dominant force in one of the nation’s premier basketball conferences.
