Mine would be:
1. UCONN-Should be about 4 steps ahead of anyone else in the country.
Would have to agree...as mentioned in a previous post..."it wouldn't surprise this Husky fan if, at the end of the year, this team is considered the best ever."
2. Baylor-Should have their deepest team ever, Jones could be a difference maker on the perimeter. Lots of young talent on this roster.
She'll have the height necessary to compete with bigger teams, and while many of will always wonder how she only nabbed one ring with Griner and Sims, Kim gets it done
3. Notre Dame-Turner should evolve into a dominant force this year and Allen will establish herself as one of the top point guards. Most importantly, they have Muffett back on the sideline. I still think it will be UCONN-Notre Dame showdown for the 3rd year in a row.
She has proven, after Geno, to make the most of what she has - their movement without the ball is second only to the Huskies
4. South Carolina-A'ja Wilson will take on a bigger role this year. Between her, Coates and the talented transfer, they'll be more than able to make up for what is lost by Ibiam and Welch.
While Dawn does a good job as Coach (and for my money, her tenure as Geno's #2 has been a big help to her - you think its any coincidence that there no tweeting policy "during the season" is fairly recent?), I'll repeat the comments to Creme's picking them #2 last year, "However, hopefully Staley's Gamecocks offensive production will improve next year and consist of more than just a overpowering opponents underneath the basket. We will see." Don't think this has changed much. And, while AJ does well close to the basket, she not as talented as Turner. Additionally, despite their additions, making up for a "go to" player like Welch, who was tough as nails, isn't easy. (by the way, while my life was spent growing up as a Military brat, and spending a career in as well, my BA is from USC - yes, this one)
5. Florida State-They were very very good, and they'll be even better this year. Tons of talent returning led by Romero and Bulgak. Should have their best shot for a Final Four during the Semrau era. Plain and simple, Sue can coach.
6. Tennessee-They nearly made the Final Four a year ago and should be better if Russell/DeShields are healthy. They have a strong core of players and finally have super star caliber leaders that can get them over the hump. Will it happen? We'll see. With all due respect to the Vol fans who, over the last couple of years, have, with more frequency, seen fit to support their team on the Boneyard, I don't see things changing. As far as Russell or the Vols being better....prove it. Diamond is a talent, no doubt. WCBB writers, especially the ESPN crew, have given the Vols the benefit of the doubt year after year after year.....pre-season pick for the final four every year, and yet, they have yet to live up to their billing since...when was their last Elite Eight victory? It's all about putting the pieces together....why would we think this year will be any different?
7. Oregon State-Everybody back from a really solid team last year. They won the Pac-12 and have a balanced starting 5.
They'll be better than last year
8. Maryland-Losing Brown is a big blow, but they have 2 other outstanding sophomores in Walker-Kimbrough and Jones. They will not be as good as they were this year, but they'll still be a Big Ten favorite.
Maybe the BIG10 favorite, but give me the Buckeyes based on coaching.
9. Ohio State-Can't wait to see year 2 of the Kelsey Mitchell show. She is outstanding and should have more help this year. I think they are two years away from being a true top dog, but they are on the rise and a dark horse Final Four team - agreed, certainly, Elite Eight
10. Duke-They'll be a year older and have some good players coming in, but I think they are still a year away from making any real noise when they bring in another solid class and Lexie Brown.
