Final Four threats

[UConnCat]

Duke making it to the Final Four would surely be shocking when you consider they didn't make the tournament last season. They played poorly down the stretch and didn't look like a cohesive unit that wanted to play together.

A lot of roster turnover so we'll see what Lawson does with this year's group. I predict Day-Wilson will take a lot of shots.

 

[jbc021592]

those are my 4 too. North Carolina being the alternate.

ND is better than UNC. Texas & Iowa are better than UNC in my opinion.

 

[jbc021592]

Duke making it to the Final Four would surely be shocking when you consider they didn't make the tournament last season. They played poorly down the stretch and didn't look like a cohesive unit that wanted to play together.

A lot of roster turnover so we'll see what Lawson does with this year's group. I predict Day-Wilson will take a lot of shots.

Kara has done “alright” in my opinion, but this year is the big test for her.

 

[triaddukefan]

Duke, I think Kara Lawson is cooking up something good in Durham

Glad you said that, If I would have said it, yall would have accused me of drinking too much

I agree. If the players can stay healthy and buy in to what Coach Lawson is trying to build there in Durham, they just might shock a lot of people and kick in the door of the Final Four.

My hopes for the coming season... deliver some payback to a few teams... (looking at you VPI, UVA, GaTech, State, Boston College, Miami, FSU, and of course the neighbors down the road)... make it to at least Saturday in the ACC tournament, and win at least one game in the NCAA tournament.


Now if Duke does shock the world and make its to Dallas....... all of the liquor joints, pastry shops , and possible jails in Central NC should be on high alert.

 

[jbc021592]

Glad you said that, If I would have said it, yall would have accused me of drinking too much



My hopes for the coming season... deliver some payback to a few teams... (looking at you VPI, UVA, GaTech, State, Boston College, Miami, FSU, and of course the neighbors down the road)... make it to at least Saturday in the ACC tournament, and win at least one game in the NCAA tournament.


Now if Duke does shock the world and make its to Dallas....... all of the liquor joints, pastry shops , and possible jails in Central NC should be on high alert.

Looking at their non-conference schedule—Lawson didn’t do herself any favors AT ALL. Their best game(s) is the PK85 to be honest. I know she wants those W’s, but c’mon….!

 

[HuskyNan]

UGA, I think these guys are going to be the surprise team next year.

We’ll see how the current roster adjusts to Coach Abe’s physical style of play. The SEC has bigger, stronger players than the AAC; she may not have as much success there. Ask C Vivian Stringer how the physical defense worked in the Big 10

 

[southie]

So much "newness" for Georgia this coming season with a new head coach (one NCAA win in her career?) and lots of new transfers. Georgia couldn't get past the second round the last couple of seasons, so predicting them to be a Final Four caliber team is bold. Maybe all the "newness" results in huge leaps; but, not sure this will be the season.

 

[SECbbfan24]

I browsed the A&M page (WBB) and many seem to think they are a sweet 16/elite 8 potential. Thought that was interesting.

Not super familiar with that roster though. Barker is clearly a beast but I think Joni is going to need a few more recruiting classes.

 

[stwainfan]

The other question is. If any of the teams mentioned make the FF. Who do they replace? My guess is if any team doesn't make the FF it will be Louisville.

 

[jdote33]

I browsed the A&M page (WBB) and many seem to think they are a sweet 16/elite 8 potential. Thought that was interesting.

I'm not sure what happened to them last year. They had lost some great bigs but to finish below .500 was sortve surprising, especially since I thought they picked up good talent in the portal. I think their freshman Janiah Barker is going to be really good and I still believe in Jordan Nixon. Final four seems like a stretch as I'd be surprised if they finish top 4 in the SEC next year.

 

[southie]

Stanford is loaded in the front court. Will be interesting to see how their young back court does. Come post-season, you win with guard play.

 

[stwainfan]

Stanford is loaded in the front court. Will be interesting to see how their young back court does. Come post-season, you win with guard play.

True. If the guard play isn't there they won't make the FF.

 

[KnightBridgeAZ]

We’ll see how the current roster adjusts to Coach Abe’s physical style of play. The SEC has bigger, stronger players than the AAC; she may not have as much success there. Ask C Vivian Stringer how the physical defense worked in the Big 10

Just to be fair, defense probably wasn't the problem. For each of the last 2 years, Rutgers had the lowest points against for in-conference games in the Big 10 (and probably other seasons as well, the stats just were not on the B1G website). While Vivian didn't coach this last season, I'm sure it was her defense being played.

To be fair, the defense lacked the physicality that once defined it, but would probably still be considered "physical".

As always, Rutgers issue was scoring. Even 2 years ago, a successful 14-5 in-conference, they were only 5th in scoring. Last year's disaster - next to last.

 

[shiverz45]

ND is better than UNC. Texas & Iowa are better than UNC in my opinion.

NC was SC toughest game in the NCAA tournament. Iowa got beat by Creighton on their homecourt. SC smoked Creighton by 30. Going by the eye test and those results it would be hard for me to think Iowa is better than a UNC team that is adding top 20 recruits to what they already have.

 

[shiverz45]

The other question is. If any of the teams mentioned make the FF. Who do they replace? My guess is if any team doesn't make the FF it will be Louisville.

I would be shocked if the final 4 does not include SC, UConn, and Stanford for the 3rd year straight. Tennesse on paper should be the fourth team but we don't know how Tennessee will mesh with all the new players they have. I will go with the ACC champion as the 4th team.

 

[Geew1992]

True. If the guard play isn't there they won't make the FF.

Pretty sure they didn’t have guard play this year and made it to the final four

 

[jbc021592]

NC was SC toughest game in the NCAA tournament. Iowa got beat by Creighton on their homecourt. SC smoked Creighton by 30. Going by the eye test and those results it would be hard for me to think Iowa is better than a UNC team that is adding top 20 recruits to what they already have.

Yeah. You may be right. UNC did get SC a time and a half. And you’re right about Iowa/Creighton. Texas may be a little bit down now compared to what they were due to Matharu leaving. I do like ND chances (if they stay healthy).

 

[Big12wbbFan]

What team or teams that didn't make the FF last year? Is most likely to make it this year.
I can think of a few teams.
Tennessee
Texas
NC State
Notre Dame
LSU
Any other teams?

I would be surprised if Texas or LSU makes final 4 this year. Both teams lost a lot of starters last year. Additionally Texas lost

What team or teams that didn't make the FF last year? Is most likely to make it this year.
I can think of a few teams.
Tennessee
Texas
NC State
Notre Dame
LSU
Any other teams?

i would be very surprised if either Texas or LSU makes final 4 this year. Both teams lost a lot of starters and Texas also lost top scorer off of bench. Both have some very good players coming in but they have never played with each other. Team chemistry is a big question as well as how well freshmen will play.

 

[HuskyNan]

Just to be fair, defense probably wasn't the problem. For each of the last 2 years, Rutgers had the lowest points against for in-conference games in the Big 10 (and probably other seasons as well, the stats just were not on the B1G website). While Vivian didn't coach this last season, I'm sure it was her defense being played.

To be fair, the defense lacked the physicality that once defined it, but would probably still be considered "physical".

As always, Rutgers issue was scoring. Even 2 years ago, a successful 14-5 in-conference, they were only 5th in scoring. Last year's disaster - next to last.

True, but Rutger’s emphasis was always on defense first. By mid year, the banging/bumping style of play caused injuries and the Scarlet Knights were usually too banged up to live up to their potential inthe post season.

I’m just saying that what works in the Big East or AAC may not work in a P5 conference with better athletes

 

[stwainfan]

I would be shocked if the final 4 does not include SC, UConn, and Stanford for the 3rd year straight. Tennesse on paper should be the fourth team but we don't know how Tennessee will mesh with all the new players they have. I will go with the ACC champion as the 4th team.

I agree. Tennessee should make the FF. I think with the exception of Edie Darby a walk on and Jessie Rennie. That everyone else should get playing time. I can't wait to see Marta Suarez back on the court. Yes if the team does mesh I see them in the FF. Oh yeah I think the 1998 team had some new players come in. That worked out well.

 

[jchusky]

agree with all of you on UNC (sorry triad) Courtney building something special and then she just landed Toomey. If you told South Carolina who their toughest game was this season, I bet they would say North Carolina. North Carolina just didn't have the offense to win that game, but eventually they will get offense and they will be in the running for a ntl title. This season I think whoever wins Acc them or Notre Dame represents the last spot in the final 4. Iowa won't win anything until they get a head coach that can elevate Caitlin's Clark to the next level. She is a great player, fun scorer to watch, but defensively she is still ways to go. I've said they should go after Jenny and bring her home from Oklahoma.

 

[UConnCat]

Pretty sure they didn’t have guard play this year and made it to the final four

They're guard play was okay last year. Lexie Hull was very good but had a rare poor shooting night against UConn in the FF. Her sister Lacie and Anna Wilson were steady at the point guard spot. Hannah Jump played off the bench.

In the upcoming season it will be Hanna Jump and 2 freshmen -- Indya Nivar (HG #20 SG) and Talana Lepolo (HG#71 PG). I suspect Haley Jones will play some guard next season though her ball-handling is always an adventure. Van Gytenbeek, who was expected to take over at PG, transferred out. Stanford's guard play will be a question mark heading in to next season.

 

[southie]

i would be very surprised if either Texas or LSU makes final 4 this year. Both teams lost a lot of starters and Texas also lost top scorer off of bench. Both have some very good players coming in but they have never played with each other. Team chemistry is a big question as well as how well freshmen will play.

That's a valid point, and applies to a lot of teams. But, in Vic's first two seasons at Texas, he's been able to mold incoming transfers, true freshmen, and returnees into Elite 8 squads. So, while the "never played with each other" statement is true, Schaefer has still been successful (although one game short of the Final Four).

Vic's first season at Texas, he had to implement his new offense and defense. His newcomers included transfer PG Kyra Lambert from Duke, and PF/C Lauren Ebo and G Karisma Ortiz from Penn State, as well as 4 true freshmen. Veteran talent in Charli Collier, Audrey Warren and Joanne Allen-Taylor provided leadership, and youngster Celeste Taylor rounded out the squad.

In year two, Charli Collier and Celeste Taylor were the biggest losses for Vic after season one. Vic brought in transfer Aliyah Matharu, 2 JUCO transfers, and 4 freshmen newcomers Rori Harmon, Latasha Lattimore, Kyndall Hunter, and Aaliyah Moore. DeYona Gaston was hurt the previous season and had season-ending surgery earlier in the year, so she was somewhat of a newcomer. Two second year players left during the Fall.

This year, Vic brings in transfers Taylor Jones, Sonya Morris, and Khadija Faye; maybe Shaylee Gonzales and one more. Gone are veterans Ebo, Allen-Taylor, Warren, and Matharu. Also gone after one season are Lattimore and JUCO Kobe King. What Vic will have for the first time at Texas is a returning point guard; that's huge.

 

[southie]

Pretty sure they didn’t have guard play this year and made it to the final four

Stanford had 3 seniors guards, and the transfer from Northwestern. They will have less experienced guard play this season and no incoming transfer guards.

 

[triaddukefan]

NC was SC toughest game in the NCAA tournament. Iowa got beat by Creighton on their homecourt. SC smoked Creighton by 30. Going by the eye test and those results it would be hard for me to think Iowa is better than a UNC team that is adding top 20 recruits to what they already have.

I'm going to agree and vomit at the same time.

 

[cancontent]

Duke making it to the Final Four would surely be shocking when you consider they didn't make the tournament last season. They played poorly down the stretch and didn't look like a cohesive unit that wanted to play together.

A lot of roster turnover so we'll see what Lawson does with this year's group. I predict Day-Wilson will take a lot of shots.

That's not a hard prediction to make.

Watching her this past week, I thought she played better as a point guard than when she tried to be a shooting guard. She gets just as many points without having to shoot at the same volume, while making a ton of assists IMO.

 

[visitingcock]

Not gonna pick Final Four. SCar, UConn and Stanford are ALMOST locks and too many other to chose from. Can't even pick the Elite Eight. I will express my opinions on the Top Eight Seeds though.

Using the 6 power champs + two runners-up theory, I see the Top 8 seeds as being
UConn*
Stanford
SCar
Texas
Louisville
Iowa

Two of the following:
Tennessee with a slim possibility of LSU
NC State or UNC or Notre Dame
Iowa State or Baylor
Indiana
UCLA or Oregon or Arizona
(No conference will have both of these two picks)


* Yes. UConn is a Power Champ despite not being a Power 5 Champ.

 

[GoChips20]

Not gonna pick Final Four. SCar, UConn and Stanford are ALMOST locks and too many other to chose from. Can't even pick the Elite Eight. I will express my opinions on the Top Eight Seeds though.

Using the 6 power champs + two runners-up theory, I see the Top 8 seeds as being
UConn*
Stanford
SCar
Texas
Louisville
Iowa

Two of the following:
Tennessee with a slim possibility of LSU
NC State or UNC or Notre Dame
Iowa State or Baylor
Indiana
UCLA or Oregon or Arizona
(No conference will have both of these two picks)


* Yes. UConn is a Power Champ despite not being a Power 5 Champ.

I agree with your assessment, although I’m not as sold on the three pseudo-locks as many posters on the board. In theory, all three should advance, but SC can have executional lapses at inopportune times (hello Kentucky), Stanford’s guard play is as much a question mark as any team’s in the country, and I’m nowhere near sold on UConn’s frontcourt.

I think these three teams beat the others in the list more times than not, but this could be one of the deepest seasons for WBB in memory. I think Texas and Tennessee are the most viable national championship picks aside from the Big Three, but Louisville should be improved offensively and teams like Iowa are always dangerous because you can catch them on a night where they simply can’t miss.

 

[UConnCat]

A good place to start when thinking about Final Four/Championship contenders is which teams have the truly elite players in the game. It's not always a guarantee but it's the best place to start, particularly when the elite players have a history of carrying their teams to the FF and typically end up with the ball in big moments. This also assumes their supporting cast is pretty good. Three that are the most obvious are Boston, Jones and Bueckers. I'd include Clark as a player capable of leading her team to a FF even though she hasn't been there yet. Her ability to score from anywhere on the court and make decisions at big moments makes Iowa a threat despite their deficiencies at the defensive end. The 4 players I mentioned will be All-Americans and competing for POY honors.

Sweet 16 and especially Elite 8 games are hard to win. Just ask the young Notre Dame team that melted down in the 4th Qtr against NC State. Pressure does funny things to players. Elite players are considered elite because they are wired to handle the big moments.

The regular season will tell us what other players are capable of leading their teams on a deep run in the tournament. Is it Horston for Tennessee? She's capable of making big shots but also wildly inefficient and careless with the ball. Harmon for Texas? We'll see. Miles for ND? Maybe.

 

[nwhoopfan]

A good place to start when thinking about Final Four/Championship contenders is which teams have the truly elite players in the game. It's not always a guarantee but it's the best place to start, particularly when the elite players have a history of carrying their teams to the FF and typically end up with the ball in big moments. This also assumes their supporting cast is pretty good. Three that are the most obvious are Boston, Jones and Bueckers. I'd include Clark as a player capable of leading her team to a FF even though she hasn't been there yet. Her ability to score from anywhere on the court and make decisions at big moments makes Iowa a threat despite their deficiencies at the defensive end. The 4 players I mentioned will be All-Americans and competing for POY honors.

Sweet 16 and especially Elite 8 games are hard to win. Just ask the young Notre Dame team that melted down in the 4th Qtr against NC State. Pressure does funny things to players. Elite players are considered elite because they are wired to handle the big moments.

The regular season will tell us what other players are capable of leading their teams on a deep run in the tournament. Is it Horston for Tennessee? She's capable of making big shots but also wildly inefficient and careless with the ball. Harmon for Texas? We'll see. Miles for ND? Maybe.

You have to add Hailey Van Lith to your list. She was fantastic in the Tourney up until the Semi Final game, so she's been there and done that, just like Boston, Jones and Bueckers.