Shocking Upsets, Star Transfers, and Bold Predictions: What to Expect in the 2024-25 Women’s College Basketball Season!

The stage is set for the 2024-25 women’s college basketball season, with fans eagerly anticipating another exciting year on the court.

Last season was marked by unforgettable performances and standout players who have now moved on, leaving teams reconfiguring and strategizing for another run at the national championship.

The strength of South Carolina remains impressive, as they continue to be a dominating force in the NCAA tournament.

Meanwhile, changes are afoot across the Big Ten and other conferences, as teams like Iowa City adapt to new player lineups.

The ACC and Big 12 are also gearing up for intense competition.

Key players like Maddy Siegrist have made significant impacts, while the transfer portal continues to reshape team rosters.

The upcoming season promises high stakes and thrilling matches as teams battle for spots in the Elite Eight and beyond.

Champion: South Carolina

South Carolina has established itself as a powerhouse in college basketball, capturing its second national championship in three years.

Despite the loss of Kamilla Cardoso to the WNBA, the team remains robust.

Dawn Staley, the renowned coach, operates the team with an inclusive leadership approach. As she says, their strategy relies on a “collection of voices” rather than just one person.

This belief system is not only practical but essential for protecting the team from falling apart after losing key players.

The team faces challenges, however, including the suspension of Ashlyn Watkins, their 6-foot-3 forward, due to legal issues.

Yet, they are still in a strong position for another great season.

Key players like MiLaysia Fulwiley, who is known for her impressive plays, offer excitement and promise.

Te-Hina Paopao, another standout, boasts the highest 3-point shooting percentage in the nation from last season, providing a sharp offensive edge.

Raven Johnson’s defensive skills were evident as she restricted opposing players during crucial moments of the championship game.

The coach also praised players like Chloe Kitts and Sania Feagin for their dedication and improvement over the summer.

Together, this roster keeps South Carolina in the conversation for yet another successful campaign.

Loser: Iowa

Over the past season, Iowa found itself leaning heavily on Caitlin Clark, a key offensive player, to reach the national title game for the second year running.

With Clark now advancing to the WNBA, the Hawkeyes face significant changes. They’ve also bid farewell to other standout players, including Kate Martin, Gabbie Marshall, and Molly Davis.

Beyond player departures, the team navigates a shift in leadership. Lisa Bluder, who served as the head coach, retired at the end of the season.

Jan Jensen, who was the associate head coach, has stepped into the leadership role, tasked with guiding the team through a rebuilding phase.

The Big Ten landscape is becoming more competitive, with new teams like USC and UCLA joining the fray.

Challenges for the new coach also come from within the team. Although Sydney Affolter showed promise during the NCAA Tournament, she’s currently sidelined due to knee surgery, adding another obstacle to Iowa’s journey.

Jensen and the Hawkeyes certainly face an uphill battle in a tough Big Ten conference, needing to adapt quickly to new dynamics.

Champion: LSU

The LSU Tigers are gearing up for another promising season in women’s college basketball.

Even though they’ve lost Angel Reese, known for her impressive double-doubles, the team remains strong with returning players.

Aneesah Morrow stands out as a versatile athlete, having averaged 16.4 points and 10 rebounds per game. Her abilities on defense are evident with her leading the team in steals and blocks.

Key players such as Flau’jae Johnson, Mikaylah Williams, and Sa’Myah Smith will also play vital roles.

Smith only played seven games last season due to a knee injury, but she’s expected to make a significant impact upon her return.

LSU has also enhanced their roster through the transfer portal. They brought in talent like Kailyn Gilbert from Arizona, Jersey Wolfenbarger from Arkansas, and Shayeann Day-Wilson, who earned recognition as the 2022 ACC Freshman of the Year during her time at Duke.

Underperforming: UConn

The Connecticut Huskies are facing a challenging start to their season due to injuries affecting several key players.

Despite their potential for a standout lineup with talents like Paige Bueckers and incoming star Sarah Strong, setbacks plague their roster.

Injured Players:

• Azzi Fudd: Unfortunately sidelined with a torn ACL, she is expected back before others, but her absence is significant.

• Caroline Ducharme: Dealing with head and neck issues, her return remains uncertain, creating another gap in the team’s strength.

• Aubrey Griffin: Her torn ACL means a delayed return, with coach Geno Auriemma expecting her to come back after Fudd.

Coach Geno Auriemma is cautiously managing the team’s lineup, navigating these obstacles with measured optimism.

While expressing hope for Fudd’s timely recovery before crucial games, he acknowledges that these setbacks will test the team’s depth and resilience.

Positive News:

• Jana El Alfy and Ayanna Patterson are making encouraging progress. Their recovery from Achilles and knee issues provides some bright spots for the Huskies.

• Morgan Cheli, a promising freshman, deals with residual issues from high school but is gradually increasing her activity.

Despite these hurdles, Auriemma remains focused on bringing his players back to full strength. The Huskies aren’t at full capacity yet but aim to overcome their injury woes and redefine their season trajectory.

Challenges Facing the Pac-12

The Pac-12 conference faces significant challenges as it undergoes major changes. The departure of most of its member schools has left it with only Oregon State and Washington State remaining.

These two have shown potential, with Washington State notably securing a victory in the Pac-12 Tournament in 2023 and reaching the Elite Eight. Still, they were generally not seen as dominant forces in the conference.

In an effort to rebuild, the Pac-12 has added schools from the Mountain West and the West Coast Conference. Four teams—Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, and San Diego State—will join the conference.

The track record of these new members in recent NCAA tournaments is not as strong as that of the departing teams. Boise State participated in the NCAA Tournament in 2019, while Colorado State, Fresno State, and San Diego State last appeared even earlier.

Among the new additions, Gonzaga stands out, having recently made it to the Sweet 16.

The conference’s future success will likely depend on how these new teams perform and integrate into the existing framework, posing both opportunities and challenges ahead.

Champion: USC

USC women’s basketball team is turning heads again. After their impressive run to the Final Four last season, they’ve undergone significant changes.

Although they lost key players like McKenzie Forbes, Kaitlyn Davis, and Kayla Padilla, the team remains strong.

JuJu Watkins leads the charge, following a remarkable freshman season where she earned a reputation for her stellar play. Her impact on the court is undeniable.

In addition to Watkins’ prowess, USC bolstered its roster with Kiki Iriafen from Stanford and Talia von Oelhoffen from Oregon State.

Their arrival ensures that the Trojans maintain their competitive edge in the Big Ten.

The team also boasts the nation’s top-ranked freshman class, adding depth and promise for future seasons.

USC has shifted from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten, yet their reputation precedes them.

Both coaches and media have high expectations for the Trojans, ranking them as preseason favorites.

JuJu Watkins stands out as the Preseason Player of the Year, with Kiki Iriafen joining her on the All-Big Ten Team. This combination of returning talent and new firepower positions USC as a formidable contender in the upcoming season.

Champion: Texas

Texas Women’s Basketball is focused on a promising path this season.

Although they will be without DeYona Gaston and Shaylee Gonzales, the Longhorns have reasons to look forward to upcoming games.

Rori Harmon, who had been sidelined last season due to a knee injury, is back in action and has impressed many with her recovery.

Coach Vic Schaefer praises Harmon’s ability to impact both defensively and in basic gameplay tactics, such as blocking out opponents, stating her presence makes a significant difference.

A shining light amid the challenges has been the emergence of Madison Booker.

Originally a wing player in high school, Booker was thrust into the role of point guard during Harmon’s absence.

She excelled in this position, earning accolades including Big 12 Freshman of the Year and Player of the Year—an impressive feat for a freshman.

Her talent was further recognized with the Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year award.

Even NBA standout Kevin Durant acknowledges Booker’s potential. In his reflections, he noted that her skills will only sharpen with experience, predicting a bright future as she continues to develop.

The Texas roster, with its blend of talent like Harmon and Booker, holds potential for exciting performances ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Teams Excelled in Recruiting for Women’s College Basketball?

Certain teams have really outshined others in their recruitment efforts this season.

Programs like LSU and Baylor have successfully attracted top talent, positioning themselves for strong performances next year.

Their recruiting strategies have been smart and effective, thanks to a focus on both seasoned players and promising newcomers.

What Coaching Changes Are Affecting Women’s Basketball Teams This Offseason?

The offseason has seen several coaching shifts that are worth noting.

For instance, Iowa’s staff has undergone significant changes with new appointments. These new coaches bring fresh strategies and perspectives that could noticeably change team dynamics in the upcoming season.

Which Departing Players Will Have the Biggest Impact on Their College Teams?

With some players leaving for the WNBA, teams are facing significant challenges.

Notably, stars like Angel Reese have moved on, leaving gaps in talent and leadership.

Their departures have teams reshuffling plans and relying on new leaders to step up and fill these voids.

How Has the Transfer Portal Changed the Game for Women’s College Basketball?

The transfer portal has become a pivotal part of team building, with schools like North Carolina and Arkansas benefitting from savvy acquisitions.

These moves have the potential to significantly shift competitiveness, as teams leverage new talent to climb the ranks.

Which Teams Are Poised for Major Improvements Next Season?

Several teams are on the watchlist for potential breakout performances next year.

Programs such as Gonzaga are expected to rise higher in the standings, driven by their recent winning streaks and strategic improvements on the roster.

Which Teams Fell Short in Their Offseason Efforts?

While some programs thrived, others didn’t quite hit their marks in offseason activities.

Teams like USC may not have met their own high expectations during this period, facing setbacks or missed opportunities in recruiting and transfers that will challenge them when the season begins.