Hold onto your seats, basketball fans, because the women's college basketball scene is heating up before the season even begins! The UConn Huskies have once again claimed the top spot in the preseason AP Top 25 poll, marking their 13th time leading the pack since 1995. But here's where it gets intriguing: can they turn this preseason honor into another national championship? History suggests they might—eight out of the 12 times they’ve been ranked No. 1 preseason, they’ve gone all the way. Yet, as head coach Geno Auriemma wisely notes, it’s not just about talent; it’s about leadership, luck, and staying healthy. And this is the part most people miss: despite their dominance, UConn has faced setbacks in those four seasons where the stars didn’t align. This year, led by standout sophomore Sarah Strong and veteran Azzi Fudd, the Huskies are aiming to avoid those pitfalls. But will they? Let’s dive deeper.
South Carolina, last year’s runner-up, sits comfortably at No. 2, securing the remaining four first-place votes. Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks have been a preseason top-five staple, appearing there five times in the last six years. UCLA and Texas follow at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively, while LSU rounds out the top five. Oklahoma’s No. 6 ranking is their highest since 2008, and Duke, Tennessee, N.C. State, and Maryland complete the top 10. But here’s a bold question: Is the poll overrating these teams, or are they truly the powerhouses they’re made out to be? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear your take!
For the first time in the 50-year history of the women’s poll, the top four teams from last season’s final rankings are unchanged in the preseason poll. This consistency is unprecedented, especially since the AP only began releasing a post-championship Top 25 two years ago. Previously, the final poll was published before the NCAA Tournament, making this shift a significant milestone. Is this a sign of predictability, or is the sport simply becoming more competitive at the top?
Conference supremacy is another hot topic. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) dominates with eight teams in the Top 25, including five in the top 10. The Big Ten follows with six, while the ACC and Big 12 have five and four, respectively. The Atlantic-10 and Big East each have one representative. But does this imbalance reflect the SEC’s strength, or is it a symptom of other conferences struggling to keep up?
Michigan, ranked No. 13, is generating buzz in Ann Arbor. After a 23-11 season with three freshmen starters, expectations are sky-high for Syla Swords, Mila Holloway, and Olivia Olson. Vanderbilt, led by sophomore phenom Mikayla Blakes, returns to the preseason rankings for the first time since 2012. Blakes’ historic freshman campaign, averaging 23.3 points and scoring over 50 twice, has fans dreaming big. Meanwhile, Richmond makes history as the No. 24 team, their first-ever ranking. The Spiders, fresh off their first NCAA Tournament win, are led by seniors Maggie Doogan and Rachel Ullstrom, along with transfer Tierra Simon. Are these rising programs the future of women’s basketball, or will the traditional powerhouses maintain their grip?
As the season tips off, one thing is clear: this year promises excitement, surprises, and plenty of debates. What’s your prediction for the 2023-2024 season? Who’s overrated, and who’s flying under the radar? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments—your insights could be the game-changer we’re all waiting for!
