Way Too Early 2017-18 rankings

[nwhoopfan]

gotta be easier then Washington

What makes you think that? Seattle area produces talent regularly, Spokane and Yakima are surprisingly talent rich, and everyone in the Pac 12 recruits in California which is overflowing w/ talent on a yearly basis.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I don't know enough about the Arkansas program to make that judgement but he sure doesn't have to go too far to find some very fertile recruiting areas....gotta be easier then Washington..

He is sitting in the middle of some great recruiting areas---Arkansas, Okla, Texas , Lou, Tn''' some fair level of talent has come out of those states ( I didn't mention Georgia--too far away) Thanks Charilie--in reading your comments about recruits--I was sure you know everyone..

 

[CamrnCrz1974]

@vowelguy, glad you started the thread!

A few thoughts...

- Notre Dame lost Turner to an ACL injury. Doubt she will be ready to go next year based on the severity of the injury. That means there will be a lot of Westbeld/Nelson lineups and Patterson may play a lot as a freshman. It hurts having that consistent presence inside. Also, losing a four-year starter at the point in Allen is going to be difficult to replace. Thompson is not the playmaker that Allen was.

- Baylor losing Jones and Prince will hurt quite a bit. You are taking the two best outside shooters plus the two secondary playmakers behind Wallace. Plus Jones had the ability to create her shot off the dribble any time she wanted. There is plenty of young talent, but there will need to be players who step up as shooters, but most importantly playmakers. The team could be inconsistent to start.

Also, the loss of Nina Davis means Baylor is losing close to 40 ppg with Davis, Prince, and Jones. There will need to be players who take significant steps forward and show the ability to score; otherwise, teams can just double team Brown and shut Baylor down.

- Duke will be interesting. If Jade Williams and Mikayla Boykin come in and live up, the team will be very good. But losing Lambert hurts (she might be able to go later in the year, but I doubt it). Cooper and Chidom were not consistent, but provided some post depth. That will be missing next year, as Duke's is thin in the post, in terms of bodies and talent.

- A healthy Ohio State could easily be ranked in the top four.

 

[Florida Fan]

South Carolina should be ranked #1 as they are the defending champs....it will be interesting to watch how they handle having the big target on their backs all of next season.....the Gamecocks will learn very quickly that it is much more difficult to be the hunted then the hunter....Geno gave away his Olympic coaching spot to Dawn and now she goes and takes his NCAA Championship too!!....he may deny it but I think he will be a man on a mission next year......hope the UConn players are ready for what's to come.....

SC peaked at the right time. Losing Coates opened things up, the guards got better. Cuevas-Moore was able to wheel and deal. They were better than MSU, and deserve to be number one. Dawn will have her hands full, but she'll have a season to find her way back to the final four. Geno will be waiting.

 

[CocoHusky]

@vowelguy, glad you started the thread!

A few thoughts...

- Notre Dame lost Turner to an ACL injury. Doubt she will be ready to go next year based on the severity of the injury. That means there will be a lot of Westbeld/Nelson lineups and Patterson may play a lot as a freshman. It hurts having that consistent presence inside. Also, losing a four-year starter at the point in Allen is going to be difficult to replace. Thompson is not the playmaker that Allen was.

- Baylor losing Jones and Prince will hurt quite a bit. You are taking the two best outside shooters plus the two secondary playmakers behind Wallace. Plus Jones had the ability to create her shot off the dribble any time she wanted. There is plenty of young talent, but there will need to be players who step up as shooters, but most importantly playmakers. The team could be inconsistent to start.

Also, the loss of Nina Davis means Baylor is losing close to 40 ppg with Davis, Prince, and Jones. There will need to be players who take significant steps forward and show the ability to score; otherwise, teams can just double team Brown and shut Baylor down.

- Duke will be interesting. If Jade Williams and Mikayla Boykin come in and live up, the team will be very good. But losing Lambert hurts (she might be able to go later in the year, but I doubt it). Cooper and Chidom were not consistent, but provided some post depth. That will be missing next year, as Duke's is thin in the post, in terms of bodies and talent.

- A healthy Ohio State could easily be ranked in the top four.

@CamrnCrz1974 don't sleep on Madison Treece being a contributor for Duke next year. She was originally a Kentucky commit. ESPN evaluation
" USJN Gateway Challenge-May 2014: Power-body post with physical interior game finishes in paint vs. contact; mobile in transition; defends key with blue-collar persona; competes on both ends of the floor. (Olson)"

 

[HopJim]

Yeah, I also don't buy the whole "defending champ automatic #1" thing.

We should and will be ranked #1. If SC wants to use that as motivation, good for them.

While I predict UConn as #1 at end of year, curious why you would not rank the defending champs #1 in beginning.

 

[HopJim]

And Uconn NEVER plays 3 terrible quarters. I watched the game again--Uconn had open shots, shots that they make 80 out of 100 and missed them. In the 3rd (best Uc) quarter Collier was making her shots, Katie Lou was making her shots. Rebounding was a factor--Uconn shot too often with no one under or near the basket. Bad but not terrible foul shooting---again Chong and Gabby missing FT's they never miss. Katie Lou was Katie Lou ---but wasn't Katie Lou often enough--she needed to take charge. William percentage of shooting was poor --but timely--Miss st shooting was not high in percentage--but second chances were always Miss St.

Agreed. Hate to second guess our Hall of Fame coach, but throughout game he ignored KLS and her ability to hit inside the key jumpers. Went to Collier a lot, which normally was easy strategy-unfortunately she missed several open layups. Didn't stop Williams who even when she missed often set up others. Hate the loss but would not bet against them in 2017-18 since Geno will likely be investing as much time as players on getting to the trophy.

 

[Vowelguy]

While I predict UConn as #1 at end of year, curious why you would not rank the defending champs #1 in beginning.

Because the ranking is about who you think is the best team at the beginning of the year. The previous year is irrelevant.
No one ranked Texas A&M #1 the following season after they won, since they lost Danielle Adams and other key players.
No one ranked ND #1 at the start of 01-02 since they lost Ruth Riley and most of their starters.

A preseason poll is supposed to tell you something about the season ahead. Why would you rank someone based on the players they had last year?

 

[drweo]

No.
UConn was not preseason 1 in 02-03 nor 16-17 because the pollsters understood that rankings are based on expectations of current / future performance.

Thinking UConn should be preseason 1 has nothing to do with being a UConn fan. I did not rank them #1 a year ago; I do now.

At the beginning of 2016-17, Wasnt UConn # 3 in one poll and # 1 in the other (forget which was which)?

Anyway, I have no problem with UConn not starting next season as # 1, for a couple of reasons. First, although they do have a ton of talent coming in, a ton of talent does not always turn into a ton of wins immediately. It remains to be seen if and when that talent jells/functions. Second, being ranked lower than # 1 may provide the Huskies with added motivation to show that they should be # 1. Also, I am one of those who believe the defending champions should start the year as # 1. Only as a recognition of the status of being the "defending champions," until they lose. Finally, if S. Car. remains undefeated until UConn beats them in Columbia, it will be that much sweeter for the team and for us fans.

PS: My guess is that either Davis or Gray or both return for next season. Attempting to repeat as national champions.

 

[Carnac]

I REALLY like the Huskies' chances for winning #12 next year. I also REALLY like their chances for going from a one-loss season to a fully undefeated season next year. But, while I know it's unrealistic, I would love to see them ranked in the preseason at about #4 or #5. What I don't get, and what I have never gotten, is why any of us who are fans of this (especially) or any other team care so much as a whit about preseason rankings. I understand that we now are faced, alas, with about a six-month period of musings and speculations over this and that, but can anyone explain to me why this ranking thing matters in a way that is remotely convincing? Is this all just about pride? Our feelings??? After eleven national championships since 1995 (!) are we so easily wounded that this stuff really concerns us? Most fans, and particularly casual fans of WCBB around the country, inevitably pull for the underdog. They are thrilled that UConn went down this year, if you can characterize getting to the Final Four after the huge graduation losses it endured, and losing only in overtime on a buzzer-beater as "going down." Those folks will, quite understandably, gleefully wish to lowball UConn in any potential preseason rankings. Guess what? I hope that both they and the so-called experts do exactly that. My feelings will categorically not be hurt. I look forward with confidence to the only rankings that matter, the ones that come out next April at the tourney's conclusion! The rest is just the usual bloviation.

Well said BP

 

[Carnac]

SC peaked at the right time. Losing Coates opened things up, the guards got better. Cuevas-Moore was able to wheel and deal. They were better than MSU, and deserve to be number one. Dawn will have her hands full, but she'll have a season to find her way back to the final four. Geno will be waiting.

Anyone have any scuddlebutt on why Coates failed to accompany her team to Dallas? It's very unusual for a player not to travel with her team to an event of that magnitude, given the nature of her injury.

 

[JustinesGuy]

Does anyone know our schedule yet for this coming season?

 

[SCspur]

I would love for SC to play Baylor, ND, and Maryland next year. It would be some very interesting matchups and someone other then UCONN would headline it.

 

[Charliebball]

What makes you think that? Seattle area produces talent regularly, Spokane and Yakima are surprisingly talent rich, and everyone in the Pac 12 recruits in California which is overflowing w/ talent on a yearly basis.

Texas, Texas, Texas........no state has anywhere near the number of top WBB prospects including California..........Texas is drowning in high end recruits and if my geography is correct Arkansas is Texas's next door "Neighbor".............

 

[Charliebball]

Does anyone know our schedule yet for this coming season?

Are you really going to make me say it again?.........OK.............ask Justine............

 

[JustinesGuy]

Are you really going to make me say it again?....OK...ask Justine..

She ain't talking about uconn. Needs a break ha ha.

 

[oldude]

Anyone have any scuddlebutt on why Coates failed to accompany her team to Dallas? It's very unusual for a player not to travel with her team to an event of that magnitude, given the nature of her injury.

According to Coates, who replied angrily via tweet during the game when ESPN reporters questioned her not being there, she did not travel on the recommendation of her doctor.

 

[nwhoopfan]

Texas, Texas, Texas...no state has anywhere near the number of top WBB prospects including California.....Texas is drowning in high end recruits and if my geography is correct Arkansas is Texas's next door "Neighbor"...

Okay. But there are also a whole bunch of schools in and near Texas, so there is a lot of competition for that talent. I don't think Arkansas is very high on the pecking order currently. Out west it's mostly competing against other Pac 12 schools. Texas is in both the Big 12 and SEC's footprint, and I'm sure the ACC and Big 10 teams do plenty of recruiting there as well. Seems like UConn has plucked a player or two out Texas.

 

[Charliebball]

Okay. But there are also a whole bunch of schools in and near Texas, so there is a lot of competition for that talent. I don't think Arkansas is very high on the pecking order currently. Out west it's mostly competing against other Pac 12 schools. Texas is in both the Big 12 and SEC's footprint, and I'm sure the ACC and Big 10 teams do plenty of recruiting there as well. Seems like UConn has plucked a player or two out Texas.

No question about the number of schools fishing in Texas recruiting waters but there are so many big and medium sized fish that the better recruiters will all be able to snag something good..........also as someone else mentioned, Tennessee is also close by and that state is probably number two or three in the number of great recruits right now............if this guy is any sort of a recruiter he should be able to land a very good class sooner then later................................

 

[triaddukefan]

@vowelguy, glad you started the thread!

A few thoughts...



- Duke will be interesting. If Jade Williams and Mikayla Boykin come in and live up, the team will be very good. But losing Lambert hurts (she might be able to go later in the year, but I doubt it). Cooper and Chidom were not consistent, but provided some post depth. That will be missing next year, as Duke's is thin in the post, in terms of bodies and talent.

While the twin towers (as i call them) werent consistent on the offensive end.... thats 120 blocks combined lost to graduation. Its been a long long long long time since Duke has been without a proven shot blocker (usually multiple) to protect the paint.... I would guess pre 1998 ????? Hopefully Williams can be like another Williams (E) and provide some protection. I know Roma averaged 2.0 blocks a game at Wagner.... but she's just 6'2.... and Wagner is a long way from the ACC....

Im not sure if you saw any of the HS 3pt contest on CBS Sunday afternoon..... but Boykin had a good showing.... made the finals before tiring out and losing to the PG headed to Texas. I like her shot.... and I think she can help on offense.... not sure about on the defensive end.

 

[Charliebball]

While the twin towers (as i call them) werent consistent on the offensive end.... thats 120 blocks combined lost to graduation. Its been a long long long long time since Duke has been without a proven shot blocker (usually multiple) to protect the paint.... I would guess pre 1998 ????? Hopefully Williams can be like another Williams (E) and provide some protection. I know Roma averaged 2.0 blocks a game at Wagner.... but she's just 6'2.... and Wagner is a long way from the ACC....

Im not sure if you saw any of the HS 3pt contest on CBS Sunday afternoon..... but Boykin had a good showing.... made the finals before tiring out and losing to the PG headed to Texas. I like her shot.... and I think she can help on offense.... not sure about on the defensive end.

I've heard barely a peep on this board about the turnaround by McCallie this year..............is she fully rehabilitated down Durham way?

 

[mudcat]

Personally I think Stanford and UCLA will fight it out for #1 in the Pac 12... with Oregon #3. ND and Louisville in the ACC... with Duke #3. South Carolina and TN in the SEC with MSU #3.. Baylor and Texas in the Big 12 fighting for the top spot. I dont care about the garbage Big 10.

I think the Pac 12 will be a dogfight again with Stanford, UCLA and Oregon in the mix (I also expect one of either Arizona State or OR State to be in the top 4). I think you're spot on with the ACC and Big 12, with OK and W. VA fighting it out for third place. I think even with l the new talent TN will find a way to finish 4 or lower. I agree that the Big 10 will again be irrelevant nationally, with probably MD and OH fighting it out (Maybe MI St can sneak in there).

 

[triaddukefan]

I've heard barely a peep on this board about the turnaround by McCallie this year....is she fully rehabilitated down Durham way?

The jury is still out.

 

[Florida Fan]

I've got no problem with SC being number one, or MSU moving up with their Aussie addition and their emotional win. Heck, give Tennessee credit on their incoming class and returning starters. UCONN has plenty of incentives, film, tradition, revenge, without worrying about pre-pre-season polls. Muffet needs to worry about some other teams.

 

[PAHuskeyFan]

I REALLY like the Huskies' chances for winning #12 next year. I also REALLY like their chances for going from a one-loss season to a fully undefeated season next year. But, while I know it's unrealistic, I would love to see them ranked in the preseason at about #4 or #5. What I don't get, and what I have never gotten, is why any of us who are fans of this (especially) or any other team care so much as a whit about preseason rankings. I understand that we now are faced, alas, with about a six-month period of musings and speculations over this and that, but can anyone explain to me why this ranking thing matters in a way that is remotely convincing? Is this all just about pride? Our feelings??? After eleven national championships since 1995 (!) are we so easily wounded that this stuff really concerns us? Most fans, and particularly casual fans of WCBB around the country, inevitably pull for the underdog. They are thrilled that UConn went down this year, if you can characterize getting to the Final Four after the huge graduation losses it endured, and losing only in overtime on a buzzer-beater as "going down." Those folks will, quite understandably, gleefully wish to lowball UConn in any potential preseason rankings. Guess what? I hope that both they and the so-called experts do exactly that. My feelings will categorically not be hurt. I look forward with confidence to the only rankings that matter, the ones that come out next April at the tourney's conclusion! The rest is just the usual bloviation.

You got that all right!!! These rankings or projections or wild guesses mean VERY little in the big scheme of things. Go ahead and rank UCONN low, no big deal, it will simply serve as an additional motivator for our Huskies. As some famous football coach said before the day of college football playoffs... the only poll that matters is the last one... in our Huskies case. That means the only thing that matters is who cuts down the nets in Columbus in Apr 2018... I like our chances!!#

 

[Charliebball]

You got that all right!!! These rankings or projections or wild guesses mean VERY little in the big scheme of things. Go ahead and rank UCONN low, no big deal, it will simply serve as an additional motivator for our Huskies. As some famous football coach said before the day of college football playoffs... the only poll that matters is the last one... in our Huskies case. That means the only thing that matters is who cuts down the nets in Columbus in Apr 2018... I like our chances!!#

I doubt that UConn will be ranked any lower then second or third............everybody knows the team has reinforcements coming and that Geno will not accept anything less then recapturing the national championship next year........

 

[MumboJumbo]

As we all know, preseason rankings do not mean a thing but I think South Carolina is deserving to be the #1 team preseason. Davis and Gray are returning next year which means all their key players from their title run will be there. Both guards thrive in an offense with a more opened up paint. And A'ja will be A'ja. Barring injury/transfers, they will give UConn a run for their money. We will be way better equipped next year with greater depth and actually a legit post presence, but our games with SC will be competitive for sure.

Speaking of post presence, I am actually the most excited for Camara to get some meaningful minutes. She may not provide us much offense but it looks like she is more than willing to bang down low with the more physical posts which will take the heat off Gabby and Collier who have a more finesse style to their games.

 

[MumboJumbo]

^Edit - Nvm, looks like they declared.

 

[oldude]

As we all know, preseason rankings do not mean a thing but I think South Carolina is deserving to be the #1 team preseason. Davis and Gray are returning next year which means all their key players from their title run will be there. Both guards thrive in an offense with a more opened up paint. And A'ja will be A'ja. Barring injury/transfers, they will give UConn a run for their money. We will be way better equipped next year with greater depth and actually a legit post presence, but our games with SC will be competitive for sure.

Speaking of post presence, I am actually the most excited for Camara to get some meaningful minutes. She may not provide us much offense but it looks like she is more than willing to bang down low with the more physical posts which will take the heat off Gabby and Collier who have a more finesse style to their games.

Everything that I've seen and heard about Batouly leads me to believe that she is a "blue collar" player like Tuck, maybe not quite as talented, but with a very similar skill set.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Everything that I've seen and heard about Batouly leads me to believe that she is a "blue collar" player like Tuck, maybe not quite as talented, but with a very similar skill set.

"Rugged" is the word I hear often.