Quick thoughts on top 10ish:
1. Stanford-they lock in #1 if Williams/Wilson return. Wilson is an elite defender, Williams is a very good scorer and their young duo of Brink/Jones makes them a title favorite. Extremely deep roster that Tara utilizes very well. If Williams is gone and Wilson stays, they drop to 3rd. They drop to 4th if both leave since their backcourt really isn't very strong aside from those 2 unless they move Jones to point (which probably would be a solid option).
2. South Carolina-they're neck and neck with Stanford. Tons of talent and Cooke/Henderson should mature in their roles after having a somewhat up and down year. Big rookie class coming in, although I'm not sure more than 1-2 will make an impact.
3. UCONN-also neck and neck with the top 2. Everyone is back and Geno brings in a monster class led by Fudd. Leadership and consistency were factors this season, and Geno's massive roster may not be as easy to manage as it looks on paper. They'll be in the title mix again and this team probably has more raw talent and potential than any team.
4. Maryland-everyone is back for now. They have the most dynamic offense in the country this past year but flamed out early. They have incredible potential if Reese makes strides in the offseason, as she gives them a needed defensive presence inside.
5. NC State-if seniors are back and Diamond Johnson/Hayes are on board, NC State should compete for a title. They'll have athletes, shooters and one of the best big girls in women's basketball in Cunane. Moore is a solid coach and they should compete well.
6. Baylor-Losing Richards and Carrington will hurt more than I think most anticipate. Everyone else returns all their top players, Baylor loses 2 pivotal ones. How well Carr and McDaniel blend in may make or break their season. Additionally they need development from Andrews. Smith won the Wade trophy this year and will return as a top POY candidate. Egbo has developed into a phenomenal defender and rebounder, and Ursin is great from the guard spot. They'll be a tough out per usual.
7. Oregon-if players can stay healthy and develop more chemistry, they'll be extremely dangerous. Pao Pao quietly had an excellent freshman season, Prince finally found rhythm toward the end of the season and Sabally had a nice first year as well. Oregon is pretty solid defensively but couldn't find their rhythm offensively. Graves is one of the better offensive coaches in the nation, so I think they'll thrive next year.
8. Louisville-Walz always has good talent on his roster and next year they'll be strong again, led by their two freshmen. Engstler is a nice pickup but I don't think she makes a huge difference in the grand scheme of things. I could see Louisville drop since they have a lot of decent pieces but no one who appears to be a go to star.
9. Indiana-good offensive team with a long time group of core players returning. They'll be potent.
10. Texas-were they not listed by ESPN? This is assuming Vic picks up a couple of kids from the transfer portal to replace Taylor/Collier, but by the end of the year they were playing like a classic Vic Schaefer team. Tough gutsy defense, players stepping up and making shots, and more than anything else a fearlessness and confidence that gives them an edge. They have 2 top 10 kids coming in, plus Warren/Allen-Taylor/Gaston/Ebo back. Might be somewhat of a stretch having them this high, but you can't ever count out Vic.
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