UConn, South Carolina, and Stanford continue to re-stock with elite recruits, and even transfers. It will be very tough for other schools to topple them in the near-term post-seasons.
It will be tough, but very possible. Stanford and UCONN lose a lot this year, and Stanford in particular loses 3 starting guards and likely doesn't get anyone significant from the transfer portal. They also seemed to lack a true go to player despite having a lot of talented kids. On any given night it could be Brink, Hull or Jones, but on any given night those 3 could disappear too. Stanford to me didn't seem as hungry this year either after winning it all last season. In the Final Four I thought it was evident UCONN played with more urgency throughout most of the game. We'll see what next year brings from Tara and Co.
UCONN if fully healthy next year will be loaded. Post play is the biggest question, as ONO graduates and returnees werent standouts this past year. Also wondering what happens with Gabriel/Deberry's playing time as they received very limited playing time all season. Brady is a nice pickup who should fit in well, Patterson is a great athlete but from footage I've seen likely needs a year or 2 to develop. UCONN's backcourt should be top tier though with Bueckers, Fudd and Ducharme all back.
Texas had a great finish to the season and gave Stanford a good fight. I think 4 is a little high since they lacked consistency for chunks of the year but Vic is a brilliant coach and can compete with anyone on any given night. They'll be in the mix, particularly if they can land a grad transfer who hunts rebounds.
Maryland on paper is loaded but couldn't put it together this year due to a plethora of injuries.
Iowa has talent but lacks size/length to be a title threat IMO. Same with Iowa State.
Tennessee has talent but getting it to all blend together is the big question. Jackson is a good addition but I see them as a Sweet 16 caliber program once again unless they can cut down on TOs.
Notre Dame has F4 potential IMO. They have a slew of very good players and Miles/Citron are a fabulous combination to build around. Plus they should have a similar hunger to the one SC had this year after their brutal Sweet 16 loss. Next year they should stay top 10 all year.
Oklahoma I'm not as sold on despite a great season in 2021-22. They had a great stretch but faded hard toward the end of the season. Preseason they'll be top 10ish but I could see them in the 15-25 range much of the year.
North Carolina/Louisville will both be strong again too. Both have excellent coaches and several talented pieces back.
SC should still be the team to beat next year. Just immense length and size at every position, and there's a good chance Zia Cooke has a much better year next season. I'd look for big production improvements by Rivers if she sticks. PG play is the question mark if Henderson goes pro but they'll be the title favorite once again.
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