UConn Targets Back-to-Back Championships as New Season Begins

The upcoming women’s college basketball season looks wild. UConn wants another championship, but the landscape’s shifting fast.

Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins are gone. New faces are stepping in, and honestly, it’s hard to predict how it’ll all shake out.

This blog takes a look at the big changes and what fans might see when the season tips off on November 3. The national championship game lands in Phoenix on April 5—mark your calendars.

UConn’s Quest for Back-to-Back Championships

Geno Auriemma’s UConn Huskies just grabbed their 12th national title. They’re sitting at the top of the AP preseason poll again.

They’re chasing a repeat, something they last pulled off during their four-year run from 2013 to 2016. Losing Paige Bueckers to graduation stings, but UConn’s still dangerous.

New Challenges and Key Players

Replacing a superstar like Bueckers? Never easy. But UConn has a habit of bouncing back after losing big names like Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, and Tina Charles.

This year, All-America forward Sarah Strong leads the charge, with guard Azzi Fudd right there with her. They also added 6-foot-2 Wisconsin transfer Serah Williams to beef up the frontcourt.

Final Four Contenders

UConn’s strong, but the competition’s legit. South Carolina, Texas, and UCLA—all Final Four teams last year—are loaded and hungry.

South Carolina’s New Additions

South Carolina, with Joyce Edwards leading the way, made some noise in the offseason. Ta’Niya Latson, last season’s scoring leader and a preseason AP All-American, transferred in from Florida State.

She steps in for MiLaysia Fulwiley, who headed to LSU. That’s a big swap—should be interesting.

Texas and UCLA Reload

Texas and UCLA can’t be ignored. UCLA’s frontcourt looks scary with Lauren Betts and her freshman sister Sienna, who’s expected to make waves right out of the gate.

Texas kept its core and added some solid depth. Feels like they’re quietly building something.

Notable Player Movements

This offseason, a bunch of key players switched schools. Transfers always shake things up and this year is no different.

Guard Transfers

• Olivia Miles left Notre Dame for TCU.
• Yarden Garzon moved from Indiana to Maryland.
• Kiyomi McMiller transferred from Rutgers to Penn State, but she got suspended in January and didn’t play after February 6.

Frontcourt Enhancements

Ole Miss brought in eight new players. Former Ohio State standout Cotie McMahon headlines the group.

These additions could really change the team’s outlook this season.

Promising Freshmen to Watch

This season’s crop of freshmen is stacked. Several could make an impact right away.

Top Freshman Talents

• Aaliyah Chavez, the top-ranked high school player, joins an already loaded Oklahoma squad.
• Sienna Betts lands at UCLA, teaming up with her sister Lauren for a frontcourt that’s honestly a little scary.
• Jazzy Davidson heads to Southern California. With JuJu Watkins gone, Davidson might have to step up and fill that scoring gap.

Coaching Changes and Their Impact

Coaching moves always add drama, and this offseason saw some big ones. These new faces could shake up the power structure.

Major Coaching Changes

• Jill Pizzotti got promoted to head coach at DePaul, taking over for Doug Bruno after his 39-year run and 786 wins.
• Adia Barnes left Arizona to take the reins at SMU.
• Matthew Mitchell is back in the game at Houston after stepping away from Kentucky in 2020.
• Kellie Harper is now leading Missouri.
• Michele Woods-Baxter took over at USF after Jose Fernandez left for a WNBA job in Dallas.

Season Kickoff and Championship

The season kicks off on November 3. Teams all over the country are chasing a spot in the national championship game, set for April 5 in Phoenix.

There are so many changes and new faces this year. Honestly, it just might be the most exciting season we’ve seen in a while.