The 2023-24 women’s college basketball season is here. Naturally, there are a billion and one questions on everyone’s minds. To save time, I’ve narrowed the list down to 12 and highlighted some of the most common topics as the season approaches. So, settle in and prepare to receive the denunciation.
This is going to be a fun season.
1. What is LSUThe biggest obstacle to a repeat title?
Winning back-to-back championships is not easy. Only UConnTennessee and U.S.C. accomplished this feat. But LSU has the talent and coaching prowess to make it happen. With a stacked list of Angel Reese, Flau’jae Johnson, Aneesah Morrow, Hailey VanLith, Sa’Myah Smith, Kateri Poole, freshman Mikaylah Williams and more, the Tigers have one of the most complete teams in college basketball. The only question is chemistry. Tomorrow (From Paul) and Van Lith (Louisville) led their previous teams in scoring and usage percentage before the transfer. With only one ball to go around, touches and scoring opportunities will be limited. It may take time and patience for new parts to assemble in the field.
GO FURTHER
The unstoppable Angel Reese wants more. And she doesn’t apologize for it.
2. Were the injuries the only thing holding together Texas back last season?
Start the season without Rori Harmon was a hard blow. Losing Aaliyah Moore nine games wasn’t ideal either. Texas is dealing with injuries, yes. But the defense was still ranked in the top 10. The issue was offensive pace. Despite having four starters averaging double figures, slow starts and inconsistent shooting plagued Texas – especially in the postseason. With the Longhorns healthy, Moore returning, Taylor Jones’ confidence growing and Shaylee Gonzales More familiar with the offense, the Longhorns can shake off last year’s offensive woes and get back to scoring quickly, efficiently and using the transition game.
3. What is it Iowathe main concern?
Monika Czinano was the backbone of the Hawkeyes’ frontcourt. She was extremely efficient on the field (effective success percentage of 67.4), reliable on the boards and consistent. Czinano was also Caitlin ClarkThis is the security blanket. She knew exactly where Clark wanted to pass the ball and executed the pick-and-roll seamlessly. It’s difficult to replace. Hannah Stuelke was serviceable off the bench, but Iowa needs her to take a big step forward as a sophomore. Czinano was the second highest scorer with 17.1 points per game. The Hawkeyes need to replicate that frontcourt production, including rebounding, somehow. Clark won’t be able to carry the Hawkeyes all season. If that happens, it could be a long year.
4. What is Caroline from the south what would Boston look like without Aliyah?
Losing the nation’s best player could have a significant impact on other programs. But coach Dawn Staley was fully prepared for life after Boston, even though there will be an adjustment period. South Carolina lost its two top scorers in Boston (13 points per game) and Zia Cooke (15.4 points per game), but there is room for the next wave of talent. With Kamilla Cardoso front and center of the painting, Raven Johnson lead the offensive, Bree Room complete the backcourt and senior transfer Te-Hina Paopao (Oregon) adding a perimeter threat, the Gamecocks will continue their team-oriented approach to scoring and strong defense with a few new faces in the rotation.
5. What is UConn’s ceiling if everyone stays healthy?
A national championship, period. Over the past two seasons, UConn has dealt with a myriad of injuries and a shortened roster. This year, almost everyone is healthy (Jana El Alfy came out with a ruptured Achilles tendon). Paige Bueckers And Azzi Fudd could finally have a full season together as the best backcourt duo in the country. Aaliyah Edwards became UConn’s best frontcourt player. Add to Ice Brady, Nika Mühl, Caroline Ducharme, Ayanna Patterson, Aubrey Griffin and an excellent freshman class, and it’s hard to find a weakness. The Huskies have the potential to be a dominant force, positioning themselves to reclaim the No. 1 seed and pursue another championship run.
GO FURTHER
A better, more confident Paige Bueckers? “It’s quite scary”
6. Does UCLA do you have a legitimate chance at the Final Four?
The Bruins have never advanced past the Elite Eight in the modern era. A first Final Four appearance would not only be historic, but would be a notable milestone in the Cori Close era. Last year, the Bruins were unbalanced offensively, getting most of their production from the backcourt. Transfer Center Lauren Betts (Stanford) gives them more balance on offense and additional depth on defense in the paint. Associated with a rear area comprising Kiki Rice And Osborne Charisma, UCLA has all the keys to making the playoffs. Improving perimeter shooting would give the Bruins the ability to attack from all three levels, making them an even stronger contender.
7. Who is one of the most underrated transfers?
Van Lith, Paopao, Betts and Morrow were among the top transfers in the portal. But there are other, lesser-known players who could also make a significant impact on new teams. Beyoncé Bea played four seasons at Idaho and led the team in scoring averaging 22.8 points and 8.4 rebounds as a senior. The veteran forward should find a welcome role at Washington State, adding depth in the frontcourt while providing tenacious rebounds and extra scoring alongside the team leaders. Charlisse Léger-Walker And Bella Murekatete. The Cougars are a better team with Bea on the roster. And his name is one that people won’t soon forget.
8. Which 2023 Final Four team won’t travel to Cleveland this year?
What Kim Mulkey has done at LSU in just two seasons is remarkable. With Reese and a reloaded team that also includes Morrow and Van Lith, I wouldn’t bet against them. Virginia TechThe Final Four appearance was magical, considering the Hokies’ short bench and largely six-man rotation. Elizabeth Kitley income, Georgia Amoore is in his prime and the additions give coach Kenny Brooks a lot more to work with. South Carolina may look like a revamped team, but excluding the Gamecocks is not a wise decision. Iowa is the question mark. Do the Hawkeyes have enough talent around Clark? Will Czinano’s absence be a problem?
9. Which mid-major teams will make the most noise this season?
More and more mid-major programs are making noise every season. PrincetonFGCU and Gonzaga are always in the conversation. South Dakota State, Cleveland State, Middle Tennessee And UNLV were rightly in the mix. I also liked what I saw last season in ColombiaToledo and Duck. But I’m intrigued by Norfolk State. The Spartans made the 2023 NCAA Tournament for just the second time in 21 years (since moving to Division I). Land a big transfer player like Diamond Johnson (NC State) could make the difference. She could help the HBCU take the next step and put the program on the map.
Questions from readers
10. Which player is poised to have a breakout season like Angel Reese did last year?
My money is on state of ohioIt is Cotie McMahon. She’s got the makings of a breakout star, and we’ve already seen flashes of it. McMahon had an incredible freshman campaign, averaging 15.1 points on 51 percent shooting as the Buckeyes’ second-leading scorer. Her intensity, flair and ability to score in multiple ways makes her fun and exciting to watch. I won’t be surprised when a viral clip of a shot, play or moment on the court catapults her into the national spotlight.
GO FURTHER
Caitlin Clark, Cotie McMahon and the Most Intriguing Female College Basketball Players
11. Will the Pac-12 dominate in its final year?
Six Pac-12 teams are in the preseason Top 25: No. 4 UCLA, No. 5 Utah, No. 15 Stanford, No. 20 Colorado, No. 21 USC and No. 24 Washington State. This is more than any other conference. It’s too early to tell how the rankings will translate on the field, but the conference will be competitive. Each team has the potential for multiple wins in non-conference games. Domination aside, we can say that the Pac-12’s swan song will be memorable.
12. What are you most looking forward to this season?
Where do I start? The return of the Bueckers. No more Clark 3 logo. The mid-majors are wreaking havoc. Upheavals. LSU’s super team. The Pac-12 is going out with a bang. Buzzer beaters. The toughness of the Big Ten. Healthy teams competing at maximum strength. Fifth-year seniors and graduate students are making the most of COVID-19 eligibility. More parity. WNBA Draft Speculation. Underrated players. Multiple stars on multiple teams. Rivalries. And I hope there will be a lot more trash talk.
(Photo: Sean Elliot / NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
