College Sports Madness Women's Basketball Top 44 Preview

[tigger]

OOPS!! just read on the UGA board that Rodriguez is out for the season with...you guessed it, torn ACL...there goes their one real big.

 

[ochoopsfan]

UGA lost their best (and virtually only) post player in Phillips. Ebony Jones and Tamika Willis barely saw PT---so who knows? The JUCO player, Rodriguez will probably be needed to contribute big time right away. Armstrong MUST continue to improve, as must Hassell, since it looks like she's gonna be the "go to" player in the post.

Guard play should continue to be excellent, but you have to have producers within the perimeter.

****Just read on an UGA board that Rodriguez tore an ACL, and is gone for the season--that's tough for her, but it'll give her another year of "getting used" to Div. I. But that also takes the only real "big" out of their rotation.
...it really looks like Hassell and Armstrong are gonna be serious workhorses in the post. Maybe Willis can give some good breather minutes Also, I think Mitchell was the 3rd best rebounder and at 6'1", I think she will be an impact player inside and she's lethal from outside. But the rest of the backcourt, with the exception of James and Miller, isn't great. They DO have about 80% of last year's production coming back---but last years's numbers weren't that great, so my question is:

does anybody else see why I think everybody has them a bit overranked (top 20, yes--11, 12, uh-uh)?

According to the Georgia forum board Ebony Jones will be out for the first month. She didnt appear in the box score for the game vs West Georgia. So thats two bigs out for UG.

I saw UG when they were out in So Cal last season. Wasnt impressed with anyone but Phillips, whose gone. Except for Phillips, the rest of the team was horrible from the free throw line, probably under 60% overall.
I was very surprised they were picked 2nd in the SEC and that high in other polls.

 

[UConnCat]

does anybody else see why I think everybody has them a bit overranked (top 20, yes--11, 12, uh-uh)?

You've convinced me. The only game I watched UGA play last year was the NCAA tournament game against aTm and it was a complete mismatch from the opening tip.

An SEC team that I think may surprise some this year is Florida. Much will depend on whether the post players can provide more of a presence, but Butler is a good coach and FL has some guards who can play. FL put up 75 points against Tenn in the SEC tournament last year mostly because of its guards' ability to penetrate. I think FL returns most of its players from last year's team.

 

[EricSD]

According to the Georgia forum board Ebony Jones will be out for the first month. She didnt appear in the box score for the game vs West Georgia. So thats two bigs out for UG.

I saw UG when they were out in So Cal last season. Wasnt impressed with anyone but Phillips, whose gone. Except for Phillips, the rest of the team was horrible from the free throw line, probably under 60% overall.
I was very surprised they were picked 2nd in the SEC and that high in other polls.

i wouldn't be surprised to see LSU or KEntucky end up as the #2 team in the SEC. Vandy is always sniffing around the top 25. but if the SEC is anything like it was last year, it's going to be REALLY bad. tenn should have a cakewalk at #1. after that, Georgia, LSU and Kentucky are all in the top 25, but i'm not sure they will all stay there for long. we will see...

 

[magical2]

agreed re: Temple. some are annointing Jen as the next UCONN head coach. Tonya would not surprise me one bit. Jen may have USA basketball coaching experience, but i'm betting Tonya at Temple will have much more opportunity to recruit and coach higher rated players than Jen will at Hartford...

I would suspect that if Jen has any interest in possibly succeeding Geno! I hope this is a long time in the future. She will either take a head coaching position with a much bigger program or will return to
CT to coach under Geno.

 

[magical2]

i wouldn't be surprised to see LSU or KEntucky end up as the #2 team in the SEC. Vandy is always sniffing around the top 25. but if the SEC is anything like it was last year, it's going to be REALLY bad. tenn should have a cakewalk at #1. after that, Georgia, LSU and Kentucky are all in the top 25, but i'm not sure they will all stay there for long. we will see...

\
Kentucky seems to live off of transfers. LSU may surprise many,if not this year then next year. If Tenn stays healthy they should runaway with the SEC this year. TN runs the risk of really being in danger of needing to stay healthy, The five Srs they have,4 of whom are excellent players plus /Spani,Simmons and the 3 FR 2 9f whom are elite /Ariel and Burdick,but Baugh has had multiple acls and they have Williams out with an acl. Johnson and Strickland are stars. They lost 4 players who could have returned,but either did not due to injuries or left the program.The depth is such that they cannot afford any problems. Similar to the position we have found ourselves in a few times! They are going with a FR PG,Ariel,who I think is excellent. A shortage in the backcourt.Harrison the FR big man and Bass the SR 5'2" rarely played PG leave some potential problems.

 

[tigger]

You've convinced me. The only game I watched UGA play last year was the NCAA tournament game against aTm and it was a complete mismatch from the opening tip.

An SEC team that I think may surprise some this year is Florida. Much will depend on whether the post players can provide more of a presence, but Butler is a good coach and FL has some guards who can play. FL put up 75 points against Tenn in the SEC tournament last year mostly because of its guards' ability to penetrate. I think FL returns most of its players from last year's team.

I concur; I think Florida will be the "surprise" team of the SEC this year. I'm not saying top 3, 'cause I think that is UT, LSU, and UK. But, after that, who knows...?

 

[UConnCat]

In at #10 Miami Hurricanes.

The preview fails to mention Pepper Wilson who transferred from Pitt and will be eligible after sitting out last year. She'll be an important player if she can build on her freshman season at Pitt and give Miami a presence in the paint.

 

[MilfordHusky]

In at #10 Miami Hurricanes.

The preview fails to mention Pepper Wilson who transferred from Pitt and will be eligible after sitting out last year. She'll be an important player if she can build on her freshman season at Pitt and give Miami a presence in the paint.

If Miami were to play Georgetown, we'd have Pepper and Sugar. Sugar and Spice!

 

[UConnCat]

In at #9: Georgetown Hoyas.

McNutt is the only big loss from last year's team.

 

[MilfordHusky]

In at #9: Georgetown Hoyas.

McNutt is the only big loss from last year's team.

But Monica was perhaps their best 3-point shooter (I'm sure you recall the stressful Philly game) and, more importantly, their player with the greatest heart and toughness. I think that is a big, big loss for them.

 

[UConnCat]

But Monica was perhaps their best 3-point shooter (I'm sure you recall the stressful Philly game) and, more importantly, their player with the greatest heart and toughness. I think that is a big, big loss for them.

Good point. She did seem to be the heart and soul of the team and a good shooter. I heard an interview in which Sugar is trying to be a more vocal leader this year but she's very quiet by nature.

 

[UConnCat]

In at #8: Duke Blue Devils.

I'm looking forward to watching Elizabeth Williams play this year.

 

[UConnCat]

In at #7: Louisville Cardinals.

This site projects a starting frontcourt of Reid and Hammond. I think one of Vails or Warren (both 6-4) will start and Hammond will come off the bench.

 

[EricSD]

interesting that they put Duke ahead of Miami. i think most everyone else has it reversed.

 

[doggydaddy]

interesting that they put Duke ahead of Miami. i think most everyone else has it reversed.

"Interesting" is being kind. I think they have one moron doing these ranking and analysis and he/she has never watched a game.

 

[UConnCat]

"Interesting" is being kind. I think they have one moron doing these ranking and analysis and he/she has never watched a game.

Actually I think they have two morons doing the ranking and analysis.

Speaking of Miami, I checked the team website and all 5 starters from last year are back, plus the #1 player off the bench. And the team adds 6-6 transfer Pepper Wilson. I am really looking forward to the match-up against Tennessee on the 15th.

 

[caravaggio]

Am I then the only person who thinks that Duke IS better than Miami? I think the Duke freshmen, especially Williams, are going to be impact players who can bring much of the needed offense?

 

[VAMike23]

But Monica was perhaps their best 3-point shooter (I'm sure you recall the stressful Philly game) and, more importantly, their player with the greatest heart and toughness. I think that is a big, big loss for them.

I remember her post-game comments got her a lot of flack - to me there was no one "right" way of looking it. Yes she was chippy, but I still admired her moxie as a competitor and did not hold it against her at all. They will need to find someone with that kind of heart as I think Sugar is a fairly quiet customer. Not to say everyone on the team needs to be the same way, but you need at least one of those in your starting 5.

 

[EricSD]

Am I then the only person who thinks that Duke IS better than Miami? I think the Duke freshmen, especially Williams, are going to be impact players who can bring much of the needed offense?

probably. i think the reason Miami is/should be rated higher is they lost no one and get 6'6" Pepper Wilson at center, where as Duke lost Christmas and Krystal and Jasmine Thomas. they will get a chance to play each other at least twice so we will be able to see who's better...

 

[triaddukefan]

Am I then the only person who thinks that Duke IS better than Miami? I think the Duke freshmen, especially Williams, are going to be impact players who can bring much of the needed offense?

I think Miami should be ranked higher, and they are right to be picked as preseason favorites in the ACC. They probably have as much firepower as any team in the country... but they havent shown that they can handle being the favorite in post-season. Carolina shredded them in the ACC Semis....and they lost to Oklahoma in the 2nd round of the NCAAs.

That being said.... I wont be shocked if Duke wins the ACC regular season... and I do expect us to cut down the nets again in Greensboro. Duke might take some lumps earlier.... but watch out for the Devils in Feb.

 

[NCorBust]

"In any event, I think it's important to at least mention that when the All American lists that people actually care about are revealed at the end of the season, no one is going to remember or care what College Sports Madness had to say." UConnCat

If you feel this way, then why have you made 28 posts regarding College Sports Madness' All-American list? The AP All-American list is out. Who can remember College Sports Madness' All-American list?

 

[UConnCat]

"In any event, I think it's important to at least mention that when the All American lists that people actually care about are revealed at the end of the season, no one is going to remember or care what College Sports Madness had to say." UConnCat

If you feel this way, then why have you made 28 posts regarding College Sports Madness' All-American list? The AP All-American list is out. Who can remember College Sports Madness' All-American list?

I haven't made 28 posts regarding College Sports Madness' All-American list. Beyond that point of clarification, I have no idea what your point is other than that you can count to 28.

 

[JS]

"In any event, I think it's important to at least mention that when the All American lists that people actually care about are revealed at the end of the season, no one is going to remember or care what College Sports Madness had to say." UConnCat

If you feel this way, then why have you made 28 posts regarding College Sports Madness' All-American list? The AP All-American list is out. Who can remember College Sports Madness' All-American list?

Cat referred to the lists at the end of the season, and not the AP preseason one you cite, as being the ones people will actually care about in the long run.

In the meantime, a thread about the Sports Madness or any other preseason list serves as a springboard for discussion and analysis. I've been clicking on this thread regularly and find it quite informative.

You apparently see a contradiction in Cat's statements that her words don't actually suggest, and for some reason you feel a need to point out this supposed contradiction. No harm done, but it's a little puzzling.

 

[UConnCat]

Cat referred to the lists at the end of the season, and not the AP preseason one you cite, as being the ones people will actually care about in the long run.

In the meantime, a thread about the Sports Madness or any other preseason list serves as a springboard for discussion and analysis. I've been clicking on this thread regularly and find it quite informative.

You apparently see a contradiction in Cat's statements that her words don't actually suggest, and for some reason you feel a need to point out this supposed contradiction. No harm done, but it's a little puzzling.

Thank you JS. There was some amount of effort undertaken to point out a contradiction, including digging up my post from 10 days ago and counting my posts in this thread (now up to 30). There are two lists, of course. The Sports Madness preseason AA list was addressed in another thread and I did question its relevancy both now and at the end of the season. To the extent writers and broadcasters will mention preseason AA in connection with a player, it will be the AP list, not Sports Madness.

The same, of course, will be true for preseason team rankings which is the subject of this thread. No one will remember or care about the preseason rankings of Sports Madness. I acknowledged this fact in the other thread and will acknowledge it again here. The point of following Sports Madness' rankings every day has been to learn something about the teams (who graduated, who's new, starters, etc) which is information not made available with other rankings. The other reason, as you note, is to generate discussion of the upcoming season and to invite fans of other teams to share their knowledge and thoughts.

The thread is lengthy but only 6 more teams to go.

 

[UConnCat]

In at #6 Texas A&M

This site lists freshman Alexia Standish as a starter at guard. I watched a little bit of A&M's exh game yesterday and I thought she looked pretty good, although she came off the bench. A&M as a whole looked just okay. Bone played like it was her first game in a year. Tyra White hasn't lost her shooting stroke.

 

[MilfordHusky]

I remember her post-game comments got her a lot of flack - to me there was no one "right" way of looking it. Yes she was chippy, but I still admired her moxie as a competitor and did not hold it against her at all. They will need to find someone with that kind of heart as I think Sugar is a fairly quiet customer. Not to say everyone on the team needs to be the same way, but you need at least one of those in your starting 5.

Yeah, Monica said some inappropriate things, in my view, but she was a competitor. With her on the team, they were going to fight and not roll over. It will be interesting to see the personality of this year's team.

 

[MilfordHusky]

In at #8: Duke Blue Devils.

I'm looking forward to watching Elizabeth Williams play this year.

Me too. She comes to Duke with great tools and desire. She's ranked just slightly below Kaleena! It may be a stretch, but she could even compete with Shenise Johnson for ACC POY. I'd be very surprised if Williams is not ACC POY at least once in her career. If their underclassmen step up, they could definitely be a top 4 team by the end of this year. They have lots of very nice pieces.

 

[triaddukefan]

Me too. She comes to Duke with great tools and desire. She's ranked just slightly below Kaleena! It may be a stretch, but she could even compete with Shenise Johnson for ACC POY. I'd be very surprised if Williams is not ACC POY at least once in her career. If their underclassmen step up, they could definitely be a top 4 team by the end of this year. They have lots of very nice pieces.

From the scouting reports this season... Gray is Duke's best player. Im biased, but I think she can be the best PG in the nation this year. I agree Williams will be the ACC POY at least once in her career... but I think Gray has a shot to be the POY this season. I can hardly wait.

 

[MilfordHusky]

From the scouting reports this season... Gray is Duke's best player. Im biased, but I think she can be the best PG in the nation this year. I agree Williams will be the ACC POY at least once in her career... but I think Gray has a shot to be the POY this season. I can hardly wait.

Gray was highly regarded in high school. I was impressed watching her in person in the San Antonio AA game. She had some really good moments last season, but I think she deferred to Jasmine, perhaps too much. She should be very good, and I like some of the other sophs. I don't know if Gray is better than Hartley, Simmons, Schimmel, or Syms, but it will be interesting to see her develop. If Diggins is considered a PG, I'd be surprised to see Gray surpass her this season. But I think Chelsey is more athletic and may have at least as much upside as Skylar.