CBS Sports Power Rankings for Next Year.

[Wbbfan1]

Women's college basketball power rankings: South Carolina is No. 1 in never-too-early rankings

UConn is No. 2 just behind the Gamecocks

www.cbssports.com

UConn is 2nd Ranked.

 

[slug25]

No sign of the Vols. Pity.

 

[eebmg]

No sign of the Vols. Pity.

Maybe in next week's top 100.

 

[EricLA]

Good article and good analysis. One of the better ones I've seen. Some may disagree, but clearly the writer has done his homework.

I think ND is too high at 13. Probably more like low 20's. But we will see...

 

[Sluconn Husky]

The writer is Matt Ward. Some might notice him from the recruiting thread because he's a coach who writes extensively on the women's game and has a significant interest in UConn.

 

[HopJim]

A few thoughts after reading:
-Not sure who the writer, Matt Ward, is but great article. Don't agree with all his predictions but he did his homework better than most writers in years and brought up a number of interesting comments.
-I don't remember a season where transfers and frosh will play such a big role in the National Championship. UConn will be like many teams in its reliance on frosh to play critical roles in critical games.
-Matt comments that Boston could be top player in country. Certainly a top 10 player but much will depends on her conditioning. I watched every game I could that she played in last year and saw some amazing performances and some where she was good, but seemed slow and not in game shape. While I wish UConn had more size to defend her (likely in National Championship game), I suspect ONO will be stronger and understand more of the schemes needed to stop a big body. I also think this coming years UConn team will be faster, quicker and better passers, all skills needed to beat South Carolina.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

-Matt comments that Boston could be top player in country. Certainly a top 10 player but much will depends on her conditioning. I watched every game I could that she played in last year and saw some amazing performances and some where she was good, but seemed slow and not in game shape.

She was probably the most impactful defender in the nation and averaged 9-1/2 rebounds and 2-1/2 blocks in 24 minutes. I'd hate to see what she does if she's in shape.

 

[BobbyJ]

She was probably the most impactful defender in the nation and averaged 9-1/2 rebounds and 2-1/2 blocks in 24 minutes. I'd hate to see what she does if she's in shape.

I thought ONO was pretty good with 8.5 rebounds and 3.1 blocks in 26 minutes with less help inside. She was basically UConn's whole interior defense.

 

[TheFarmFan]

FWIW, there's another ongoing thread about this on the General board here. Mods may want to combine the threads since some of the same talking points are in both? Thanks!

 

[chrissaran]

If Matt Ward has such a significant interest in UConn, why no mention of Piath Gabriel or Nika Muhl? They will certainly provide talent and depth to this year's team.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

If Matt Ward has such a significant interest in UConn, why no mention of Piath Gabriel or Nika Muhl? They will certainly provide talent and depth to this year's team.

It's a summary of the teams, not a detailed scouting report. That said, here is one of Ward's past tweets:

 

[EdSaid]

If Matt Ward has such a significant interest in UConn, why no mention of Piath Gabriel or Nika Muhl? They will certainly provide talent and depth to this year's team.

I think he did when he mentioned depth won't be a problem, just didn't mention them by name

 

[EricLA]

I think he did when he mentioned depth won't be a problem, just didn't mention them by name

Plus, anyone could just list the entire roster as "players that can help" next season, really for any team. But with a healthy Evina and Paige as guard additions, and how raw Piath is, I think those 2 (Piath/Nika)have the most question marks surrounding them.

I will say - everything I've read about Nika I love. She sounds tough as nails, fearless, and is not only ready to compete for PT, but looking forward to it. That sort of attitude will earn her plenty of minutes if she's able to back it up with any sort of skilled play.

I realize losing Megan drops UCONN down a peg or 2 in the eyes of the prognosticators, but I think SC losing 2 starters hits them just as hard as UCONN's losses. Additionally, we know their now-sophomores will be really good, but we have really good freshmen coming in. Lastly, the game will be played at UCONN in 2021, and if it's in January or so, will give the team plenty of time for the newbies to gel.

Adding Evina, Paige and Aaliyah is better IMHO than what any other team in the nation adds to their roster. Add to that Mir, Nika and Piath, and we have depth AND skill at every position.

 

[chrissaran]

I think he did when he mentioned depth won't be a problem, just didn't mention them by name

If you're talking depth, then you need to mention the players' names or why bother. Most people have no idea who Piath and Nika are. He mentioned the other 3 recruits.