In Reply to: A bit skeptical posted by Cachorro on May 01, 2025 at 11:42:03
First, there were probably 3 teams that were better than us last season. UConn (clearly). We figured SC out. If you stop Watkins, you stop sc. And, we figured that out (largely thanks to Michigan).
UConn has added an outstanding big. And, let's face it, they would have beaten us without Bueckers. I think they'll repeat. Maybe easily. SoCaro has added a big that can compete w/ Betts and the best scorer in the country. They will be tough.
SC still has Kennedy Smith. And, they're adding possibly the best HS player in the country. Seems like kind of a Watkins clone. And, I'm not sure who else they have. Unless their other Freshmen are outstanding, or they hit it big in the portal (wasn't Kneepkins the last bigtime player?), I think they'll be down unless Watkins comes back healthy.
Tennessee seems like they added talent. I hope Barker has an awesome season. I don't know enough about their team to speculate.
I think, in theory, the only teams that should be real competition for us in March/April are SoCaro, and UConn will handle us easily.
The three wildcards for us, imo .... are:
What do we have in Bilic and can we get her on the court. I've read that she's the best Euro import this year and that she's a slasher. She could be a game changer for us. We didn't have a slasher last season.
(this won't be popular) Does CCC re-tool the offense.
But, my money says UConn wins it all next season.
Next up would be us and SoCaro. Maybe slight edge to SoCaro.
Then us.
Next up for me is Tennessee.
A total wildcard is Ole Miss. They've totally turned their roster over, including adding Cotie McMahon. And, Coach Yo is beyond hungry, she's hangry. As my dad would say "she's not here for any light courtin'"