Way Too Early Top 25

[shiverz45]

UConn was predicted as #3 this season and they entered FF.
Stanford was predicted as#1 and they really won the NC.

Hope that it is a right prediction for UConn.

SC was predicted #1

 

[Dokey]

Surprising that Arizona gets to National Championship where they lose a squeeker and they aren't in the top 25?

Losing too many players.

 

[Dokey]

Wide open, even more so than this year.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Wide open, even more so than this year.

Not sure about that. A chance for 3-4 powerhouses and maybe 2-3 on the next level.

 

[Childhood]

Stan was #2 preseason

2020-21 Coaches Poll Women's College Basketball Rankings, Preseason - ESPN

Find the complete NCAAW Preseason rankings on ESPN. Includes the full votes and trend for the top 25 NCAAW teams.

www.espn.com

Oh...I remembered it wrong.

 

[oldude]

If Williams and Wilson return at Stanford, it could get really crowded on their bench. Stanford had 4 seniors at the beginning of the season on their 14 player roster: Williams, Wilson, Dodson & Jerome. Dodson opted out and subsequently transferred to ND. Assuming that Jerome gets on with her life, that means Stanford starts with a 12 person roster. The incoming class includes 4 recruits, which puts Stanford over the current scholarship limit of 15. In addition, Williams is projected as a 1st round pick in the W.

 

[KY Card Fan]

How can Louisville be slotted ahead of NC State? NC State was the better team this season, looks like they return everyone of significance and might add an impact transfer or two. Louisville loses its only reliable scorer. I love what Walz has done but Cardinals should be bottom of Top Ten.

 

[TerpWomenFan]

How can Louisville be slotted ahead of NC State? NC State was the better team this season, looks like they return everyone of significance and might add an impact transfer or two. Louisville loses its only reliable scorer. I love what Walz has done but Cardinals should be bottom of Top Ten.

I have NC State ahead of Louisville but not by a lot. It seems like Louisville has a loaded roster but I wouldn't be surprised Louisville add another impact transfer. Maybe the young lady from Alabama.

 

[oldude]

One of the reasons this is “way too early” is there are so many shoes left to fall. In the next few days, we will start to hear about players transferring and seniors hanging around for another season. One player I’m wondering about is MD’s Angel Reese, who complained about PT after the Terps were bounced by TX in the Sweet 16. With Everyone evidently returning at MD, Reese is looking at another year of biding her time until a starting spot opens up. I don’t know how that’s going to sit with a player who was the #2 recruit in her class.

 

[sweetspot]

One of the reasons this is “way too early” is there are so many shoes left to fall. In the next few days, we will start to hear about players transferring and seniors hanging around for another season. One player I’m wondering about is MD’s Angel Reese, who complained about PT after the Terps were bounced by TX in the Sweet 16. With Everyone evidently returning at MD, Reese is looking at another year of biding her time until a starting spot opens up. I don’t know how that’s going to sit with a player who was the #2 recruit in her class.

Someone on a Maryland board said Reese said she’s coming back.

 

[TerpWomenFan]

One of the reasons this is “way too early” is there are so many shoes left to fall. In the next few days, we will start to hear about players transferring and seniors hanging around for another season. One player I’m wondering about is MD’s Angel Reese, who complained about PT after the Terps were bounced by TX in the Sweet 16. With Everyone evidently returning at MD, Reese is looking at another year of biding her time until a starting spot opens up. I don’t know how that’s going to sit with a player who was the #2 recruit in her class.

Reese wasn't 100% when she returned to the lineup. Brenda will give Reese every opportunity to be a dominant player for the upcoming season. She will be the major inside presence Maryland didn't have last season.

 

[ucbart]

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.

So-hear me out! I think Stanford really benefited WBB being in a "down" year by having a veteran back court. If Williams and Wilson stay, teams like SC and UCONN, who have more big time talent will now be more mature and experienced. Even if both of those players stay, I think they should be #3.

 

[KY Card Fan]

So-hear me out! I think Stanford really benefited WBB being in a "down" year by having a veteran back court. If Williams and Wilson stay, teams like SC and UCONN, who have more big time talent will now be more mature and experienced. Even if both of those players stay, I think they should be #3.

I'm not buying the "down year" comment. There were at least four really strong teams (Stanford UConn, South Carolina, Baylor) and a number of really good teams (Arizona obviously, but also teams like Texas A&M, Maryland, NC State and Louisville).

Here in Kentucky it was always a "down year" in MBB whenever UK didn't make a deep run. That talk fortunately, has stopped with the decline in the Wildcats' fortunes.

 

[ucbart]

Well, here is my comment on that. None of those teams in the final four would've come within 10 points of any of the NC winners of the last ten seasons.

 

[Vowelguy]

Well, here is my comment on that. None of those teams in the final four would've come within 10 points of any of the NC winners of the last ten seasons.

The fact that almost none of the top players are seniors supports the down year notion.

 

[ucbart]

The fact that almost none of the top players are seniors supports the down year notion.

Yup-

That's why Stanford won, they had the best mix of experience and talent in the backcourt. All the most elite WNBA talent are in the younger classes. Even the juniors this year, who have some great talent, only played in one NCAA championship. I don't think you can underestimate how much the ending of last year determined what happened this year, in terms of gaining NCAA tourney experience.

I mean, that 2018 NC won by ND was a bit of luck and a lot of Arike being able to hit ridiculous shots. I think all 4 of the teams in that Final Four would've won this NC. That's not a knock on this year, but it is what it is.

 

[bballnut90]

So-hear me out! I think Stanford really benefited WBB being in a "down" year by having a veteran back court. If Williams and Wilson stay, teams like SC and UCONN, who have more big time talent will now be more mature and experienced. Even if both of those players stay, I think they should be #3.

I agree to an extent that it was a down year since last year's powerhouses of Baylor, Oregon and South Carolina weren't as good this year and i didn't think there was as much crisp and pretty basketball. Not shading Stanford, but I think those squads wouldve probably won against the Cardinal or any team this season.

I understand your take that UCONN/SC will improve more due to youth growing up, but I dont see it the same way. SC was young this year and I didn't see a ton of development from the younger players besides maybe Henderson, but she struggled with decision making throughout the year to an extent and wasn't able to get the offensive humming like Harris did.

For UCONN, they returned 3 starters this year and I didn't see a ton of development from those 2 of those players, or a lot of development from Evina Westbrook compared to her Tennessee days, aside from better decision making. The team often struggled manufacturing points against good defensive teams. I also think both rosters are SO deep that it could backfire chemistry wise, as both programs will have several really talented kids riding the pine next year. There are more question marks for either team than with Stanford if they return everyone.

Stanford won the title and was the best team in women's basketball this year and if return everyone next, they deserve to stay #1 until someone knocks them off. Everyone has their own opinions, but that's my take.

 

[mhshuskies]

UCONN/SC, #1/#2 or #2/#1

 

[ucbart]

I agree to an extent that it was a down year since last year's powerhouses of Baylor, Oregon and South Carolina weren't as good this year and i didn't think there was as much crisp and pretty basketball. Not shading Stanford, but I think those squads wouldve probably won against the Cardinal or any team this season.

I understand your take that UCONN/SC will improve more due to youth growing up, but I dont see it the same way. SC was young this year and I didn't see a ton of development from the younger players besides maybe Henderson, but she struggled with decision making throughout the year to an extent and wasn't able to get the offensive humming like Harris did.

For UCONN, they returned 3 starters this year and I didn't see a ton of development from those 2 of those players, or a lot of development from Evina Westbrook compared to her Tennessee days, aside from better decision making. The team often struggled manufacturing points against good defensive teams. I also think both rosters are SO deep that it could backfire chemistry wise, as both programs will have several really talented kids riding the pine next year. There are more question marks for either team than with Stanford if they return everyone.

Stanford won the title and was the best team in women's basketball this year and if return everyone next, they deserve to stay #1 until someone knocks them off. Everyone has their own opinions, but that's my take.

I totally get your point. But Stanford won 2 FF games by a combined 2 points. That, to me, doesn't put them heads and shoulders above anyone. I think they got lucky against SC and they would've lost to a lot of teams last night with that performance, but they just knew Arizona like the back of their hand.

I just think that UCONN and SC have much more elite talent that will develop over the course of the next year.

 

[Postie]

A great quote about next year.You can have the same players back but a different team.

 

[HuskyNan]

Women's college basketball's Way-Too-Early Top 25: UConn reigns while South Carolina looms

The Big Ten put three teams in the top 10, but UConn, South Carolina and 2021 national champion Stanford remain the teams to beat.

www.espn.com

UConn #1

Just Charlie Creme showing his hate of UConn again ?

 

[visitingcock]

Georgia has more PreSeason Championships in football than Alabama has actual National Championships. Georgia has one NC.

I don't want SCar to be the wbb equivalent of UGA. Let Stanford be number one in the PreSeason til somebody beats them.

Yes, I'm excited about 2022, but I'll wait for it to play out before I "start hanging banners." ?

 

[Vowelguy]

Just Charlie Creme showing his hate of UConn again ?

C'mon Nan. Everybody know all those folks take their marching orders from ESPN management, which hates UConn.

 

[huskyd]

Surprising that Arizona gets to National Championship where they lose a squeeker and they aren't in the top 25?

Yes. And the other UConn tormentor of this season, Arkansas, is also omitted.
I thought that Iowa was ranked too high given its reliance on one player.
But it's all just chit chat at the moment.

 

[oldude]

Yes, I'm excited about 2022, but I'll wait for it to play out before I "start hanging banners." ?

I’m not going to say anything. Nosiree, I won’t say a darned thing. But damn it’s hard not to say anything.....,,?