Preseason Top 20 (after transfer portal dust settles)

[bballnut90]

Preseason Rankings:

1. South Carolina. They are stacked and deep headed into 2025-26. PG play is a question mark but they're loaded in the post and on the wings with size, length, shooting and athleticism. I don't think they're a threat to run the table but they're the clear cut #1 preseason. No idea how Dawn divvies up minutes. They should be a lock to make their 7th straight Final Four.

Gap

2. UCONN. The loss of Fudd looms large but they have a solid roster returning centered around Sarah Strong. They also need Blanca Quinonez to have a solid sophomore jump and Olivia Vukosa to be as good as advertised. They'll be in the title hunt again and should be a lock for the Final Four.

Small gap

3. Duke. This might be a generous rating but they return everyone aside from Mair/Jackson from a solid Elite 8 run. To fill in the voids, they'll add in last year's #4 recruit Emilee Skinner who Kara said, "is the best passer we've had here since I've been at Duke, and it's not really close" along with Aaliyah Crump who should be a perimeter upgrade from Ashlon Jackson. They also have 3 top 30 freshmen recruits coming in who will provide depth at PG and on the wings, plus Jadyn Donovan back. It's a really deep and balanced roster. I think they'll be ready to take the next step.

4. USC. Juju, Saniyah Hall, Jazzy Davidson, Sara Okeke, Sitaya Fagan and Kennedy Smith give USC the most stacked roster in the country. I have no idea how they'll share the ball though or if Gottlieb can run a solid offensive scheme.

5. Texas. I know they lose a lot to the portal, but a starting 5 of Preston, Vann, Booker, Crittendon and Cunningham is still quite solid. Spaight/Bjorn appear to be quality incoming freshmen. Vic's teams are tough as nails and they should be a safe bet to reach their 6th Elite 8 in 7 years.

6. Michigan. Cohesion and experience could catapult the Wolverines to their first Final Four next season. They'll have a monster junior class, bring in Courtney Ogden from Stanford, but do they have enough rebounding?

Small gap

7. Iowa. They'll be hungry to avenge last year's 2nd round loss and pick up great pieces with Carnegie, Whiting and Woliczko to replace Stuehlke/Feuerbach.

8. Vanderbilt. Blakes/Galvan are back, I also like Woolfolk as a pickup for them. Front court depth is a concern.

9. LSU. This might be far too low but I think Milaysia Fulwiley will make or break this team IMO. If she blossoms into the player we know she can be, LSU could be back in the Final Four. If she doesn't, I think a Sweet 16 or Elite 8 exit is likely. If they land Me'Arah O'Neal or get a big offseason jump by Grace Knox/Kate Koval/Zakiyah Johnson they jump up to 6 or 7.

10. Louisville. 5 of their top 7 scorers are back and they picked up a great portal haul by adding in Prawl and Zam Jones. I could see an argument for putting them as high as 6th, and if they land Oliviyah Edwards I think I'd put them there.

11. UCLA. Betts/Gardiner/Brown/Aarnisalo/Hunter make up a great core to build around. UCLA should be in Elite 8 contention again.

Gap

12. Maryland. They'll have maybe the best Nigerian duo in women's basketball since the Ogwumikes in Oluchi Okananwa/Nunu Agara. Also Jordyn Jackson looked great in All American games and Trinity Jones is a great pickup. They lack size inside though.

13. Washington. Came close to a Sweet 16 last year, have Sellers/Howell back and bring in Trygger from the portal.

14. Kentucky. They lose a lot but have a great freshmen class, Clara Strack and a solid transfer in Diana Collins coming in.

15. Notre Dame. I've learned better than to bet against Hannah Hidalgo. Madison St. Rose is a solid pickup for them too.

16. Ohio State. Good crew of players coming back led by Cambridge. They'll be hungry to go past the first weekend.

17. Minnesota. Top 3 scorers are back from their Sweet 16 team and Merkle is a good fit in Minnesota.

Gap

18. Oklahoma State. Basically a full roster turnover but they have McGill and Crooks. Do they have anyone else of quality on the roster?

19. TCU. They did well in the portal but they'll basically have a brand new roster once again. Mark Campbell is a good coach though.

20. North Carolina. Some portal turnover but they picked up Akot who gives them a strong post to pair with Harpring on the perimeter.

 

[packwrap]

This is really good for April!

You don't seem to think much of New Miss, or Transfer Commuter U's next edition? 😁

 

[visitingcock]

You need to wait til the dust settles

 

[visitingcock]

Preseason Rankings:

1. South Carolina. They are stacked and deep headed into 2025-26. PG play is a question mark but they're loaded in the post and on the wings with size, length, shooting and athleticism. I don't think they're a threat to run the table or go coast to coast as #1, but they'll very likely be #1 preseason. No idea how Dawn divvies up minutes. They should be a lock to make their 7th straight Final Four.

Small gap

2. UCONN. The loss of Fudd looms large but they have a solid roster returning centered around Sarah Strong. They also need Blanca Quinonez to have a solid sophomore jump and Olivia Vukosa to be as good as advertised. They'll be in the title hunt again and should be a lock for the Final Four.

Small gap

3. Duke. This might be a generous rating but they return everyone aside from Mair/Jackson from a solid Elite 8 run. To fill in the voids, they'll add in last year's #4 recruit Emilee Skinner who Kara said, "is the best passer we've had here since I've been at Duke, and it's not really close" along with Aaliyah Crump who should be a perimeter upgrade from Ashlon Jackson. They also have 3 top 30 freshmen recruits coming in who will provide depth at PG and on the wings, plus Jadyn Donovan back. It's a really deep and balanced roster. I think they'll be ready to take the next step.

4. USC. Juju, Saniyah Hall, Jazzy Davidson, Sara Okeke, Sitaya Fagan and Kennedy Smith give USC the most stacked roster in the country. I have no idea how they'll share the ball though or if Gottlieb can run a solid offensive scheme.

5. Texas. I know they lose a lot to the portal, but a starting 5 of Preston, Vann, Booker, Crittendon and Cunningham is still quite solid. Spaight/Bjorn appear to be quality incoming freshmen. Vic's teams are tough as nails and they should be a safe bet to reach their 6th Elite 8 in 7 years.

6. Michigan. Cohesion and experience could catapult the Wolverines to their first Final Four next season. They have a monster sophomore class, bring in Courtney Ogden from Stanford, but do they have enough rebounding?

Small gap

7. Iowa. They'll be hungry to avenge last year's 2nd round loss and pick up great pieces with Carnegie, Whiting and Woliczko to replace Stuehlke/Feuerbach.

8. Vanderbilt. Blakes/Galvan are back, I also like Woolfolk as a pickup for them. Adding Addy Brown would do wonders if she's still considering Vanderbilt. Front court depth is a concern.

9. LSU. This might be far too low but I think Milaysia Fulwiley will make or break this team IMO. If she blossoms into the player we know she can be, LSU could be back in the Final Four. If she doesn't, I think a Sweet 16 or Elite 8 exit is likely. If they land Me'Arah O'Neal or get a big offseason jump by Grace Knox/Kate Koval/Zakiyah Johnson they jump up to 6 or 7.

10. Louisville. 5 of their top 7 scorers are back and they picked up a great portal haul by adding in Prawl and Zam Jones. I could see an argument for putting them as high as 6th, and if they land Oliviyah Edwards I think I'd put them there.

Gap

11. Maryland. They'll have maybe the best Nigerian duo in women's basketball since the Ogwumikes in Oluchi Okananwa/Nunu Agara. Also Jordyn Jackson looked great in All American games.

12. Washington. Came close to a Sweet 16 last year, have Sellers/Howell back.

13. UCLA. Betts/Gardiner/Aarnisalo/Hunter make up a nice core 4 to build around.

14. Kentucky. They lose a lot but have a great freshmen class, Clara Strack and a solid transfer in Diana Collins coming in.

15. Notre Dame. I've learned better than to bet against Hannah Hidalgo.


Portal/unsigned players who could shake up rankings:
Kaylene Smikle, Maryland, SG - 17.9 ppg during 2024-25 season, 1 year eligibility left
Skylar Forbes, Marquette, SF - 15.5 ppg, 4.9 rpb, 1 year eligibility left
Addy Brown, Iowa State, PF - 11.9 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 5.3 apg, 2 years eligibilty left. Visiting Notre Dame, Vandy and Oklahoma
Justice Carlton, Texas, PF - 8.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2 years eligibility left. Reportedly visited Houston
Audi Crooks, Iowa State, C - 25.9 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 64.9% FG, 1 year eligibility left.
Me'arah O'Neal, Florida, C - 13.6 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 52.9% FG, 2 years eligibility left. Rumored LSU interest
Tilda Trygger, NC State, C - 10.6 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2 years eligibility left. Visiting Maryland


Unsigned Recruits:
Oliviyah Edwards, PF, #2 recruit Visiting South Carolina and Louisville
Trinity Jones, SG, #11 recruit. Visiting Maryland

No TCU? no Big 12 at all?

 

[JellyBean]

South Carolina, on paper, is going to be a nightmare! I can see them being in the top part of the conversation.

USC, again on paper and if Juju is anywhere near 90%-100% healthy, is going to be a huge problem if they can put it all together and understand We < Me and listen to Coach Gottlieb.

UConn-Another solid year in the making. On paper, the players are there to make some noise. The off-season matters in terms of health and skill development. We could be fighting for a title again.

I am always excited to see what teams are doing over the off-season.

 

[bballnut90]

No TCU? no Big 12 at all?

No, I’m not seeing them being as good without a Miles/Hailey Van Lith kind of player. They’ll be solid but I think they’re 16-25 range. The following year they’ll be top 10 if their roster develops.

West Virginia and Baylor lose 3 of their top 4 scorers. Iowa State and Ok State are both decimated.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

UConn's inability to find a shooter and post player who can rebound in the portal makes them even more vulnerable than this past season.

 

[jdote33]

I think Maryland is going to get a big which is going to be great for them. I really like what they've done in the portal already. Love the Kentucky shout-out. Kenny Brooks is really good at getting near pros. Collins is super solid. Patterson should fit next to Strack.
I like Duke a lot but I'm kinda jaded cuz I felt for the pre season hype last year and they struggled.
I think Crooks at this point is underrated as so many people think she is overrated. If I were her I'd go to UConn. Lol. I'm biased. I'm just saying I would try to go to a program that would challenge me the most. I think everyone knows she could put up 30 any given night. Even a Tennessee, I know it's a crazy idea with the way they play but imagine being a part of the history that restores that program.
Louisville has done well imo. Kinda sad they lost Skylar Jones though. Would've been a great senior to have to balance out the starting lineup.
I agree, I think Smikle on the right team can sortve change the level of a program a bit. If she went to a Vanderbilt or Texas they start to be in a different conversation. I even like her a lot on UCLA.
I'm pulling for Baylor to get someone. Nicki Collen is kinda struggling.

 

[bballnut90]

This is really good for April!

You don't seem to think much of New Miss, or Transfer Commuter U's next edition? 😁

Touched on TCU in a different spot. Ole Miss has a really nice backcourt with Richard/Cooper/Civil but zero front court presence. Their frontcourt transfers did very little at far weaker programs last year and their returnees are largely end of bench players from a year ago.

 

[ERWUC65]

UConn's inability to find a shooter and post player who can rebound in the portal makes them even more vulnerable than this past season.

I agree here. Nothing out of the portal and no future commits yet. Certainly below SC and USC, maybe not FF next year. I do like TCU as a sleeper, they had a good draft and if Mark Campbell can put it together, they could be top 10

 

[jeff30189]

UConn's inability to find a shooter and post player who can rebound in the portal makes them even more vulnerable than this past season.

Do you ever feel like you're screaming into a void, and there's not even an echo? LOL

Didn't you hear - Vukosa is the answer to all of our problems. Just like Serah W was last year. Just like Ice Brady was 2 years before that.

 

[BannerTown]

No, I’m not seeing them being as good without a Miles/Hailey Van Lith kind of player. They’ll be solid but I think they’re 16-25 range. The following year they’ll be top 10 if their roster develops.

I agree with your logic. It will be very interesting to see whether Coach Campbell can develop his group of younger transfers over a couple of seasons rather than competing with a roster of already-seasoned seniors and grad transfers.

 

[CamrnCrz1974]

Preseason Rankings:

1. South Carolina. They are stacked and deep headed into 2025-26. PG play is a question mark but they're loaded in the post and on the wings with size, length, shooting and athleticism. I don't think they're a threat to run the table or go coast to coast as #1, but they'll very likely be #1 preseason. No idea how Dawn divvies up minutes. They should be a lock to make their 7th straight Final Four.

Small gap

2. UCONN. The loss of Fudd looms large but they have a solid roster returning centered around Sarah Strong. They also need Blanca Quinonez to have a solid sophomore jump and Olivia Vukosa to be as good as advertised. They'll be in the title hunt again and should be a lock for the Final Four.

Small gap

3. Duke. This might be a generous rating but they return everyone aside from Mair/Jackson from a solid Elite 8 run. To fill in the voids, they'll add in last year's #4 recruit Emilee Skinner who Kara said, "is the best passer we've had here since I've been at Duke, and it's not really close" along with Aaliyah Crump who should be a perimeter upgrade from Ashlon Jackson. They also have 3 top 30 freshmen recruits coming in who will provide depth at PG and on the wings, plus Jadyn Donovan back. It's a really deep and balanced roster. I think they'll be ready to take the next step.

4. USC. Juju, Saniyah Hall, Jazzy Davidson, Sara Okeke, Sitaya Fagan and Kennedy Smith give USC the most stacked roster in the country. I have no idea how they'll share the ball though or if Gottlieb can run a solid offensive scheme.

5. Texas. I know they lose a lot to the portal, but a starting 5 of Preston, Vann, Booker, Crittendon and Cunningham is still quite solid. Spaight/Bjorn appear to be quality incoming freshmen. Vic's teams are tough as nails and they should be a safe bet to reach their 6th Elite 8 in 7 years.

6. Michigan. Cohesion and experience could catapult the Wolverines to their first Final Four next season. They have a monster sophomore class, bring in Courtney Ogden from Stanford, but do they have enough rebounding?

Small gap

7. Iowa. They'll be hungry to avenge last year's 2nd round loss and pick up great pieces with Carnegie, Whiting and Woliczko to replace Stuehlke/Feuerbach.

8. Vanderbilt. Blakes/Galvan are back, I also like Woolfolk as a pickup for them. Adding Addy Brown would do wonders if she's still considering Vanderbilt. Front court depth is a concern.

9. LSU. This might be far too low but I think Milaysia Fulwiley will make or break this team IMO. If she blossoms into the player we know she can be, LSU could be back in the Final Four. If she doesn't, I think a Sweet 16 or Elite 8 exit is likely. If they land Me'Arah O'Neal or get a big offseason jump by Grace Knox/Kate Koval/Zakiyah Johnson they jump up to 6 or 7.

10. Louisville. 5 of their top 7 scorers are back and they picked up a great portal haul by adding in Prawl and Zam Jones. I could see an argument for putting them as high as 6th, and if they land Oliviyah Edwards I think I'd put them there.

Gap

11. Maryland. They'll have maybe the best Nigerian duo in women's basketball since the Ogwumikes in Oluchi Okananwa/Nunu Agara. Also Jordyn Jackson looked great in All American games.

12. Washington. Came close to a Sweet 16 last year, have Sellers/Howell back.

13. UCLA. Betts/Gardiner/Aarnisalo/Hunter make up a nice core 4 to build around.

14. Kentucky. They lose a lot but have a great freshmen class, Clara Strack and a solid transfer in Diana Collins coming in.

15. Notre Dame. I've learned better than to bet against Hannah Hidalgo.


Portal/unsigned players who could shake up rankings:
Kaylene Smikle, Maryland, SG - 17.9 ppg during 2024-25 season, 1 year eligibility left
Skylar Forbes, Marquette, SF - 15.5 ppg, 4.9 rpb, 1 year eligibility left
Addy Brown, Iowa State, PF - 11.9 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 5.3 apg, 2 years eligibilty left. Visiting Notre Dame, Vandy and Oklahoma
Justice Carlton, Texas, PF - 8.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2 years eligibility left. Reportedly visited Houston
Audi Crooks, Iowa State, C - 25.9 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 64.9% FG, 1 year eligibility left.
Me'arah O'Neal, Florida, C - 13.6 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 52.9% FG, 2 years eligibility left. Rumored LSU interest
Tilda Trygger, NC State, C - 10.6 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2 years eligibility left. Visiting Maryland
Madison St. Rose, Princeton, SG - 15.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1 year eligibility left. Finalists are Notre Dame and Virginia Tech


Unsigned Recruits:
Oliviyah Edwards, PF, #2 recruit Visiting South Carolina and Louisville
Trinity Jones, SG, #11 recruit. Visiting Maryland

Duke's biggest weaknesses last year were perimeter depth (mainly due to injuries) and height in the post.
The recruiting class helps address the former.
Bringing back Emilee Skinner from injury is absolutely critical. She is the prohibitive favorite to start at PG, with Riley Nelson and Aaliyah Crump rounding out the perimeter. Pencil in returning starters Toby Fournier and Delaney Thomas in the frontcourt.
The big question is where Jadyn Donovan will play. Duke's non-conference offense was nowhere to be found when she started on the wing, but she is far too small to be a strong post presence. Not only had she not fixed her shooting form last year, she really never looked for her shot. Honestly, while I appreciate her commitment to Duke (and she has good academic credentials), I am surprised she has not entered the transfer portal.

I like Duke a lot but I'm kinda jaded cuz I felt for the pre season hype last year and they struggled.

Duke made the Elite Eight, which, based on preseason rankings, is where they were projected to finish. While the start of the season left a lot to be desired, the end of the season was very promising (especially since the team used the NCAAT to avenge non-conference losses to Baylor and LSU and led UCLA for 65 percent of their Elite Eight matchup).

 

[nwhoopfan]

I agree with your logic. It will be very interesting to see whether Coach Campbell can develop his group of younger transfers over a couple of seniors rather than competing with a roster of already-seasoned seniors and grad transfers.

Hunter and Silva both came to TCU as sophs and both were/are contributors.

 

[triaddukefan]

I'll respond to this thread after Tuesday

 

[Big12wbbFan]

I think Maryland is going to get a big which is going to be great for them. I really like what they've done in the portal already. Love the Kentucky shout-out. Kenny Brooks is really good at getting near pros. Collins is super solid. Patterson should fit next to Strack.
I like Duke a lot but I'm kinda jaded cuz I felt for the pre season hype last year and they struggled.
I think Crooks at this point is underrated as so many people think she is overrated. If I were her I'd go to UConn. Lol. I'm biased. I'm just saying I would try to go to a program that would challenge me the most. I think everyone knows she could put up 30 any given night. Even a Tennessee, I know it's a crazy idea with the way they play but imagine being a part of the history that restores that program.
Louisville has done well imo. Kinda sad they lost Skylar Jones though. Would've been a great senior to have to balance out the starting lineup.
I agree, I think Smikle on the right team can sortve change the level of a program a bit. If she went to a Vanderbilt or Texas they start to be in a different conversation. I even like her a lot on UCLA.
I'm pulling for Baylor to get someone. Nicki Collen is kinda struggling.

Nicki does have 4 solid transfers. Not a huge name but definitely some solid players to build around Taliah Scott.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

I think TCU is maybe still a top 10 team.

Oklahoma State has my attention and may be top 25.

 

[visitingcock]

THE PORTAL IS CLOSED!!!

So, many players now have to make their choices but now we have an idea of who got hurt the most by the out-portal and graduation. We can START TO LOOK AT WHO HAS WHAT FOR NEXT YEAR

 

[BRS24]

THE PORTAL IS CLOSED!!!

So, many players now have to make their choices but now we have an idea of who got hurt the most by the out-portal and graduation. We can START TO LOOK AT WHO HAS WHAT FOR NEXT YEAR

Although the portal is closed as of midnight last, compliance has 48 hrs to get into info the system, and there's no deadline for players to commit, although the sooner the better so there is still a spot. We might see a few surprises over the next day or so.

 

[bballnut90]

Updated the rankings after most of the big transfer dominoes have fallen

 

[TerpWomenFan]

I think Maryland is going to get a big which is going to be great for them. I really like what they've done in the portal already.

If the Terps would have gotten Trygger, they would have been a top 5 team. (not counting injuries which they have every year).