Too early top ten

[visitingcock]

What teams should be top 10? Starting next season. I will give it a try. In no order. A few teams lost a lot to the transfer portal or graduation.
Uconn
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Duke
TCU
LSU
NC State
Oklahoma
UCLA

5 SEC teams in the top 10? I’m doubtful (1) whether 5 teams will be good enough; and (2) whether nationwide voters in the two human polls would be willing to give half the top spots to the SEC.

I would expect UConn plus 2 Big ten ( maybe 3) plus two ACC plus one Big 12 . That only leaves 3 or 4 spots for SEC teams in the top 10.

Other than SCar and Texas, the other SEC contenders need to boost their non conference schedules to run with the big dogs.

 

[visitingcock]

This is true of about 99% of the programs in the country, isn't it? Not many active coaches with a natty. You get past Geno, Mulkey and Staley and there's not much else out there currently.

edit--Frese has one, I honestly can't even think of anybody else who has cut down the nets as a HC other than these 4

edit 2--confirmed, there are only 4 active coaches with a Championship; let that sink in for a minute

And only a slightly larger number who have even made it to the championship game and lost ( with Muffet retired).

Vic
Jeff
Adia

Maybe only 3 I can think of off the cuff

 

[stwainfan]

 

[JellyBean]

I like seeing Michigan and Minnesota on that list. Definitely curious to see what both teams do over the offseason. Minnesota after winning the WBIT. Will they use that title to boost their overall confidence going into the season? Will Michigan use with their talent make some noise in the Big Ten and be worthy of that 4th Seed? A lot to think about. I can't wait!!

 

[stwainfan]

I like seeing Michigan and Minnesota on that list. Definitely curious to see what both teams do over the offseason. Minnesota after winning the WBIT. Will they use that title to boost their overall confidence going into the season? Will Michigan use with their talent make some noise in the Big Ten and be worthy of that 4th Seed? A lot to think about. I can't wait!!

I agree.

 

[Bone Dog]

I like seeing Michigan and Minnesota on that list. Definitely curious to see what both teams do over the offseason. Minnesota after winning the WBIT. Will they use that title to boost their overall confidence going into the season? Will Michigan use with their talent make some noise in the Big Ten and be worthy of that 4th Seed? A lot to think about. I can't wait!!

Me too. Who is Minnesota bringing back? I’d really like to see Mara Braun have her moment in the sun. They looked like a grand reunion of Paige’s HS teammates and rivals, until Mara was injured. It would be nice to see that group get their shot.

 

[JellyBean]

Me too. Who is Minnesota bringing back? I’d really like to see Mara Braun have her moment in the sun. They looked like a grand reunion of Paige’s HS teammates and rivals, until Mara was injured. It would be nice to see that group get their shot.

Minnesota has everyone coming back. Hopefully Mara is 100% before the season starts. If not, no worries. The development of Tori McKinney, the improved play of Amaya, she showed great confidence last season, and Grace Grocholski, Minnesota has a nice Big 3. We shall see what develops.

 

[visitingcock]

Kinda wish Knepkins Minnesota has everyone coming back. Hopefully Mara is 100% before the season starts. If not, no worries. The development of Tori McKinney, the improved play of Amaya, she showed great confidence last season, and Grace Grocholski, Minnesota has a nice Big 3. We shall see what develops.

I kinda wish Knepkins woul decide to go home for her final year.

 

[CajunHusk94]

I like seeing Michigan and Minnesota on that list. Definitely curious to see what both teams do over the offseason. Minnesota after winning the WBIT. Will they use that title to boost their overall confidence going into the season? Will Michigan use with their talent make some noise in the Big Ten and be worthy of that 4th Seed? A lot to think about. I can't wait!!

I expect Michigan to be very good with those freshmen hopefully making that sophomore jump along with those portal/freshmen additions. Should be a nice season for them

 

[FanInNC]

To me the fact more than 1 person has mentioned NC State as a top 10 team next year is a testament to the program Wes Moore has built. Sort of those times in the men's game when Michigan State, Duke, Kansas, UNC or Kentucky are preseason top 10 for no real apparent reason other than the name and coach.

As things stand right now State is a very young team. Not a single senior on the squad. Zoe Brooks is the only junior who has an obvious major role on the team. The pillars of next year’s team are :

Zoe (jr & surely preseason 1st team all ACC)
Zam (So. Top end recruit but so far just a spark off the bench)
Quigley (So. solid recruit but used minimally although showed good shooting and a knack for scoring)
Tilda Trygger (So. Returning starter good offensive big. Lacking physicality)
Awou ? (So. By years end was first big off the bench but very inconsistent play)
Maddy Cox? (Jr. Was surpassed by freshmen last year, best game was the final one of the year vs LSU with 8 points)

I think they like their 2 freshman guards coming in, specifically Ky’She, but they are just freshmen and under Wes Moore that usually means very little playing time.

So far State has struck out in the portal. Went hard after Kara Dunn and lost her to USC. Went hard after Jenneh and lost her to A&M. Currently targeting Kitts out of Florida and Judd from Missouri. Maybe others but that’s what I’m aware of. There is a gaping hole at the 4 and a pretty big hole at the 3 for State next year.

For State to be at the level they have been recently to me the line up looks like this :

Zoe
Zam
Player from portal
Player from portal
Tilda

Bench
Quigley
Awou
Cox
Ky’She

It’s pretty obvious State can’t compete on a NIL level for top end talent in the portal. Hopefully they land 2 starters still. But as of now I’d temper my Wolfpack projections.

 

[sivad40]

And only a slightly larger number who have even made it to the championship game and lost ( with Muffet retired).

Vic
Jeff
Adia

Maybe only 3 I can think of off the cuff

Muffet with two NCs would be in the active coaches list that has won a championship if she was still coaching.

 

[visitingcock]

Muffet with two NCs would be in the active coaches list that has won a championship if she was still coaching.

Well, so would Tara / if she was coaching.

 

[sivad40]

Well, so would Tara / if she was coaching.

I know that. The way you phrased your sentence you put Muffet in with the group that only made the championship and lost.

 

[HuskyFan1125]

Just a snippet of UCLA. They also return Charlisse Leger Walker who was fantastic for Washington State (won PAC12 tourney in 2023). PAC 12 FOY and was in running for National FOY. She is a dynamic guard. And they are the final visit for Kneepkens. 40% three point shooter is a match made in heaven for a 6’7 post player. They will be at the top 5 team next year imo. What Close does with them however is all together different conversation.

 

[Rowdy831]

I only look at the early ranking to see how they will justify UConn at any position other than #1. Watching the WNBA draft this year I was really shocked at how few really good players the college level had to bring to the dance. UConn to me will have 4 starters next year that will be better than 4 of the 5 they had this year. How much will Azzi step up and lead and who will fill the Paige hole in the lineup?

 

[Rowdy831]

One other thing. When the dust settles next year there will still only be 5 or 6 teams that have any chance to make the final game.

 

[yhun89]

What teams should be top 10? Starting next season. I will give it a try. In no order. A few teams lost a lot to the transfer portal or graduation.
Uconn
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Duke
TCU
LSU
NC State
Oklahoma
UCLA

I am not putting UConn that high. We lose PB. It took a while for our team to get our act together chemistry wise. Losing a player like PB is going to take some serious work to reestablish team bonds and lineups that work. At most I'd give us a 5 for now.

I also don't have faith in Kara Lawson offensively to put her in the top 5. Duke had some of the worst offensive performances I've ever seen last season. Not to mention they're losing Richardson, a major scorer.

 

[triaddukefan]

I am not putting UConn that high. We lose PB. It took a while for our team to get our act together chemistry wise. Losing a player like PB is going to take some serious work to reestablish team bonds and lineups that work. At most I'd give us a 5 for now.

I also don't have faith in Kara Lawson offensively to put her in the top 5. Duke had some of the worst offensive performances I've ever seen last season. Not to mention they're losing Richardson, a major scorer.

I wouldn't put Duke in the top 5 either.

I'd put them at 6.

 

[FanInNC]

To me the fact more than 1 person has mentioned NC State as a top 10 team next year is a testament to the program Wes Moore has built. Sort of those times in the men's game when Michigan State, Duke, Kansas, UNC or Kentucky are preseason top 10 for no real apparent reason other than the name and coach.

As things stand right now State is a very young team. Not a single senior on the squad. Zoe Brooks is the only junior who has an obvious major role on the team. The pillars of next year’s team are :

Zoe (jr & surely preseason 1st team all ACC)
Zam (So. Top end recruit but so far just a spark off the bench)
Quigley (So. solid recruit but used minimally although showed good shooting and a knack for scoring)
Tilda Trygger (So. Returning starter good offensive big. Lacking physicality)
Awou ? (So. By years end was first big off the bench but very inconsistent play)
Maddy Cox? (Jr. Was surpassed by freshmen last year, best game was the final one of the year vs LSU with 8 points)

I think they like their 2 freshman guards coming in, specifically Ky’She, but they are just freshmen and under Wes Moore that usually means very little playing time.

So far State has struck out in the portal. Went hard after Kara Dunn and lost her to USC. Went hard after Jenneh and lost her to A&M. Currently targeting Kitts out of Florida and Judd from Missouri. Maybe others but that’s what I’m aware of. There is a gaping hole at the 4 and a pretty big hole at the 3 for State next year.

For State to be at the level they have been recently to me the line up looks like this :

Zoe
Zam
Player from portal
Player from portal
Tilda

Bench
Quigley
Awou
Cox
Ky’She

It’s pretty obvious State can’t compete on a NIL level for top end talent in the portal. Hopefully they land 2 starters still. But as of now I’d temper my Wolfpack projections.

Updating to confirm they now have struck out on both Kitts and Judd as well. 0-4 so far. 2 big holes in the starting line up still. Not a top 10 team. Borderline top 25 probably is more like it and that might be a little favorable.

 

[Bone Dog]

It may be time to adjust my too early top ten forecast. UConn must be the favorite now. It would be absurd not to make them the pre-season #1.

 

[visitingcock]

It may be time to adjust my too early top ten forecast. UConn must be the favorite now. It would be absurd not to make them the pre-season #1.

Why wouldn’t they be # 1?

Champs’ da champ til somebody beats da champ

 

[bballnut90]

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.

 

[yhun89]

I am not putting UConn that high. We lose PB. It took a while for our team to get our act together chemistry wise. Losing a player like PB is going to take some serious work to reestablish team bonds and lineups that work. At most I'd give us a 5 for now.

I also don't have faith in Kara Lawson offensively to put her in the top 5. Duke had some of the worst offensive performances I've ever seen last season. Not to mention they're losing Richardson, a major scorer.

Serah committed, I now take that back. We're at least Top 5, maybe top 3. She gives us the rim protector we desperately needed, and a veteran at that.

 

[triaddukefan]

Updating to confirm they now have struck out on both Kitts and Judd as well. 0-4 so far. 2 big holes in the starting line up still. Not a top 10 team. Borderline top 25 probably is more like it and that might be a little favorable.

Well if it's any consolation, I didn't have y'all as a top 10 team. Hopefully y'all can finish ahead of Chapel Hill in the Triangle. Of course both will be looking up at the Big Dog in Durham

 

[FanInNC]

Well if it's any consolation, I didn't have y'all as a top 10 team. Hopefully y'all can finish ahead of Chapel Hill in the Triangle. Of course both will be looking up at the Big Dog in Durham

It’s no consolation but I appreciate the genuine effort to console.

I do think Duke has the brightest outlook as things stand today in the triangle. Unfortunately UNCCH may be a little sunnier than State at the moment. But I’m going to hold out hope that Wes will figure out a way to finish ahead of Banghart again despite her recruiting prowess.