I think right now it's:
1. UCONN - clear cut #1 team entering next year, as adding in Williams shores up any doubt about the lack of production from the center position. There really aren't any question marks at the moment on this roster.
Gap
2. UCLA - virtually the same roster is back, but they upgrade from Jones to Leger-Walker and upgrade from Barker to Siena Betts. Biggest question mark is coaching, though Close did an excellent job this season.
3. South Carolina - they're stacked with talent and upgrade from Fulwiley to Taniya Latson who is one of the most polished players in the country. Okot also gives them a quality 6-6 big inside too. Shifting up the roster might help with team chemistry too, as South Carolina never looked as good as they did the previous year.
4. Texas - another team that cleanly slots in to the #4 spot. They swap out Taylor Jones with Breya Cunningham and bring back Harmon, Lee, Booker and Oldacre, plus hopefully Aaliyah Moore is finally healthy for a full season. They also have a top 5 recruit on the roster and should have solid depth across the board despite numerous transfers.
Gap
5. LSU - Their roster is incredibly inbalanced but a guard trio of Fulwiley/Flaujae/Mikaylah Williams is as good as any big 3 you'll find in the country. PG play and post play are still big question marks though and likely keep them from being a top 4 team next year unless Kate Koval develops big time over the summer.
Gap
6. Duke - They'd be slotted in at #5 if they didn't lose Oluchi Okananwa. They have a great roster back but I think her transferring will sting big time, she was such a game changer off the bench for Duke. Their defense will be elite per usual and they have some really talented and athletic younger players. If they can add more offense they'll be a Final Four threat.
7. Maryland - Maybe I'm overhyping them, but Brenda can flat out coach and she brought in some big names in the portal. Adding Garzon/Okananwa will be great for them, plus adding in 6-6 Gracie Merkle might give them a big physical post presence they haven't had in years.
8. Tennessee - This ranking feels a little high but Tennessee is incredibly athletic and should be a fun team to watch again next year if they can continue to build off the success of this season. They have a strong freshman class and I'd also look for Janiah Barker to fit in very well to their new system.
9. Oklahoma - They're solid on paper and likely move up if the land Gianna Kneepkens. OU is rarely ever a quality defensive team though and as good as Raegan Beers can be, she only plays 22 minutes per game. If she avoids foul trouble and improves her conditioning, Oklahoma could move up the ladder. Also keep an eye on freshman Chavez who is the #3 recruit in the country and has a lot of hype, but also some red flags IMO regarding her focus on individuality
10. Ole Miss - They loaded up with top portal players and will rely heavily on that for team success. Coach Yo's teams are always very good defensively, but can they become a real Final Four threat? Who knows, time will tell.
