We are getting close to winter break and most teams have played close to a third of their schedule. Some (ACC, Big) have even played a conference game. Having watched, which teams are better than you expected and what teams do you think will win their respective conference.
I'm mostly going to focus on the power 5:
ACC - Notre Dame: this was my pick to start the season, they've made me a believer. I do think they are streaky in terms of shooting. But they have a loaded roster that should only get better
Surprise Team: Georgia Tech is really good. They had a statement win against North Carolina and I think they are just scratching the surface. Rusne
Augustinaite started the season slow and just had a big game. They make things fun in the ACC
Big+ UCLA: this is the one team I was certain about in August and for the most part they've played up to par. I'm still a bit bummed how they use Timea Gardner and think EA should get more minutes but they are as talented as any team in the nation and their best players are pretty much matchup nightmares. I really would be surprised if they didn't win the conference though Ohio State and USC are really good teams.
Surprise team: Nebraska: I actually think there are a couple surprise teams. I like the way Michigan State had started but I'm not surprised. They were really good last year and though they lost some key pieces bringing in Van Slooten was a great move. I picked Nebraska because they've dealt with a lot of adversity yet still are 10-1.
Big 12- Baylor - this is my first under the radar prediction. But I think people went cold on them too fast. 2 early losses and for sure a bit weak of out of conference schedule, but they are a veteran group returning basically everyone from a sweet 16 appearance.
Surprise team: I can't say I'm surprised by TCU. I actually had them in my top 12 before the season started. I'm a bit surprised how well Colorado has played.
Big East: UConn - no surprise here. Still would like to see them at full strength. In some ways Sarah Strong has replaced the productivity of Edwards, Chen has provided some of the stability of Nika. But in order to surpass where they were last year, I do think they need something, like Azzi or Aubrey to play to their potential.
Surprise team: St. John's has started well this season.
SEC - South Carolina - I just think they are the safest bet. I wouldn't be surprised if they had multiple losses in conference play but I still think they'll win the conference.
Surprise team: Tennessee. Undefeated. Tough team to play against because of their press and depth. Jewel Spear is coming off the bench yet they have no problem scoring.
I'm mostly going to focus on the power 5:
ACC - Notre Dame: this was my pick to start the season, they've made me a believer. I do think they are streaky in terms of shooting. But they have a loaded roster that should only get better
Surprise Team: Georgia Tech is really good. They had a statement win against North Carolina and I think they are just scratching the surface. Rusne
Augustinaite started the season slow and just had a big game. They make things fun in the ACC
Big+ UCLA: this is the one team I was certain about in August and for the most part they've played up to par. I'm still a bit bummed how they use Timea Gardner and think EA should get more minutes but they are as talented as any team in the nation and their best players are pretty much matchup nightmares. I really would be surprised if they didn't win the conference though Ohio State and USC are really good teams.
Surprise team: Nebraska: I actually think there are a couple surprise teams. I like the way Michigan State had started but I'm not surprised. They were really good last year and though they lost some key pieces bringing in Van Slooten was a great move. I picked Nebraska because they've dealt with a lot of adversity yet still are 10-1.
Big 12- Baylor - this is my first under the radar prediction. But I think people went cold on them too fast. 2 early losses and for sure a bit weak of out of conference schedule, but they are a veteran group returning basically everyone from a sweet 16 appearance.
Surprise team: I can't say I'm surprised by TCU. I actually had them in my top 12 before the season started. I'm a bit surprised how well Colorado has played.
Big East: UConn - no surprise here. Still would like to see them at full strength. In some ways Sarah Strong has replaced the productivity of Edwards, Chen has provided some of the stability of Nika. But in order to surpass where they were last year, I do think they need something, like Azzi or Aubrey to play to their potential.
Surprise team: St. John's has started well this season.
SEC - South Carolina - I just think they are the safest bet. I wouldn't be surprised if they had multiple losses in conference play but I still think they'll win the conference.
Surprise team: Tennessee. Undefeated. Tough team to play against because of their press and depth. Jewel Spear is coming off the bench yet they have no problem scoring.
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