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Message: [QUOTE="fireford, post: 5287579, member: 11088"] I share the same level of optimism as most of you as far as UConn's chances to repeat with what they are returning and what they picked up. However, it seems a lot of us are overlooking the impact that the loss of Ashlyn Watkins had on SC last year in terms of shot-blocking and rim protection and she'll be back next season. She was money in their 2024 championship run and if she can get back to close to 100% in 2026 that's not an addition for them to be taken lightly. Also, I can't help but flash back to how UConn beat Mississippi State 98-38 in 2016 and managed to lose to them in 2017. Teams that UConn blew out (i.e., UCLA and SC) in 2025 will have a huge chip on their shoulder and it can't be taken for granted that what happened last year will automatically happen again this year. [/QUOTE]