SportsPageMagazine's 2009-10 Women's College Basketball Top 25 Preview
It’s October and in this month, there are two givens: college basketball practice starts its mid-point and Sportspagemagazine.com's Top 25 college basketball rankings are unleashed for the world to see. Here’s our list for 2009-10.
The 2008-09 women's college hoop season belonged to the Huskies. Connecticut won its sixth national title in dominating fashion, winning their games by an average of 30 points.
Will the Huskies win their seventh title this season? Not if the other teams ranked in this preseason list have anything to say about it. The other teams are going to have to come with their best effort, because the defending national champions sure will. Coach Geno Auriemma will see to that.
It’s October and in this month, there are two givens: college basketball practice starts its mid-point and Sportspagemagazine.com's Top 25 college basketball rankings are unleashed for the world to see.
Here’s our list for 2009-10 (last season’s team records in parentheses):
1. CONNECTICUT (39-0)
Top returning players: F Maya Moore, 6-0 Junior; C Tina Charles, 6-4 Senior; G Kalana Greene, 5-10 Senior; G Caroline Doty, 5-10 Sophomore; G Tiffany Hayes, 5-10 Sophomore; F Kaili McLaren, 6-2 Senior; G Lorin Dixon, 5-4 Junior.
Top newcomers: C/F Heather Buck, 6-3 RS Freshman; G Kelly Faris, 5-11 Freshman;
The Lowdown: Moore is the best player in the country and Charles came into her own in establishing herself as the best center in America. Her domination of the paint continued over the summer as she led the USA to a gold medal at the World University Games. Greene is one of the premier defensive players in the country, and combined with Moore the Huskies are very tough defensively on the perimeter. Hayes was impressive in her freshman campaign and Doty comes back from an ACL injury she sustained last season. Connecticut gets the services of Buck, another big they can throw at opponents along with McLaren. The question this season is who steps in to take over for departed point guard Renee Montgomery? Those are big shoes to fill – she made the WNBA All-Rookie team over the summer.
2. STANFORD (33-5)
Top returning players: C Jayne Appel, 6-4 Senior; F Kayla Pederson, 6-4 Junior; G Jeanette Pohlen, 6-0 Junior; F Nneka Ogwumike, 6-2 Sophomore; G JJ Hones, 5-10 RS Junior; F/C Sarah Boothe, 6-5 Sophomore; G Roslyn Gold-Onwude, 5-10 RS Senior; G Lindy La Rocque, 5-8 Sophomore; G Melanie Murphy, 5-9 RS Junior.
Top newcomers: F Mikaela Ruef, 6-3 Freshman; F Joslyn Tinkle, 6-3 Freshman.
The Lowdown: Appel, Pederson, and Ogwumike all won gold over the summer. Appel and Pederson were on the USA World University Games team and Ogwumike led the USA to gold at the Under 19 World Championship, posting a monster 22-point, 20-rebound performance in the championship game against Spain. This is one frontline that will be a nightmare for any opponent to contend with but one that will miss the on-court savvy and leadership of the graduated Jillian Harmon, which was crucial in the Cardinal's run to the Final Four. The Cardinal get point guard JJ Hones back from her knee injury.
3. OHIO STATE (22-9)
Top returning players: C Jantel Lavender, 6-4 Junior; G Samantha Prahalis, 5-7 Sophomore; G Shavelle Little, 5-8 Senior; G Maria Moeller, 5-7 Senior; Brittany Johnson, 5-11 Junior; C Andrea Walker, 6-5 Senior; F Sarah Schulze, 6-1 Junior; G Allison Jackson, 5-11 Junior.
Top newcomers: G Amber Stokes, 5-10 RS Freshman; G Tayler Hill, 5-10 Freshman; C Aleksandra Dobranic, 6-4 Freshman; F Emilee Harmon, 6-2 Freshman.
The Lowdown: Lavender won her second consecutive Big Ten Player of the Year award last season. Can she win a third? She has quickly come on to be one of the game's best centers at the collegiate level and is a hard task for anyone to guard. Prahalis provides consistency on the perimeter and the opposition must know where she is at all times. The Buckeyes share the basketball very well and the only ingredient that needs to catch up to their talent is experience gained by their younger players.
4. NORTH CAROLINA (28-7)
Top returning players: F Jessica Breland, 6-3 Senior; G Italee Lucas, 5-8 Junior; G Cetera DeGraffenreid, 5-6 Junior; F/C Chay Shegog, 6-5 Sophomore; G She’la White, 5-5 Sophomore.
Top newcomers: F Nyree Williams, 6-1 Freshman; G Candace Wood, 5-11 RS Freshman; G Krista Gross, 6-0 Freshman; F/C Waltiea Rolle, 6-6 Freshman; F Cierra Robertson-Warren, 6-4 Freshman; G Tierra Ruffin-Pratt, 5-10 Freshman.
The Lowdown: Coach Sylvia Hatchell has once again recruited one of the country’s top classes to go with the tremendous athletes she has. If Breland is healthy (she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma during the offseason) and can play with Shegog on the inside, Carolina will be lethal. Lucas, DeGraffenreid, and White are the quickest guard combination in the college game. They key the Tar Heels’ pressure defense and cause havoc for opposing backcourts.
5. NOTRE DAME (22-9)
Top returning players: G Ashley Barlow, 5-9 Senior; G Lindsay Schrader, 6-0 RS Senior; F Becca Bruszweski, 6-1 Junior; G Melissa Lechlitner, 5-7 Senior; F Devereaux Peters, 6-2 Junior; G Natalie Novosel, 5-11 Sophomore; F Erica Solomon, 6-2 Sophomore. C Erica Williamson, 6-4 Senior; F Kellie Watson, 6-2 Sophomore; G Brittany Mallory, 5-10 Junior.
Top newcomers: G Skylar Diggins, 5-9 Freshman; G Talia Turner, 5-8 Freshman.
The Lowdown: This could be the finest Notre Dame team in years. Talent and grit abound in Barlow, Schrader, Bruszweski, and Lechlitner. Novosel and Solomon had very solid frosh seasons, and if Peters can come back from injury and be the player with the vast potential she showed when she was a freshman, this could be a Final Four team. Oh, and another reason this could be a Final Four team is this player – the freshman Diggins. She’s good. Don’t take our word for it. You’ll see for yourself.
6. DUKE (27-6)
Top returning players: G Jasmine Thomas, 5-9 Junior; F Joy Cheek, 6-1 Senior; F/G Karima Christmas, 5-11 Junior; F/G Bridgette Mitchell, 6-0 Senior; C Krystal Thomas, 6-4 Junior; G/F Keturah Jackson, 6-0 Senior; G Shay Selby, 5-9 Sophomore.
Top newcomers: F Janee Johnson, 6-1 Freshman; F/G Alexis Rogers, 6-1 Freshman; C Allison Vernerey, 6-5 Freshman.
The Lowdown: The Blue Devils lost a presence inside as 6-5 post Chante Black graduated to the Connecticut Sun of the WNBA. Is the heir apparent, Krystal Thomas, ready to fill the void Black left? Guard Jasmine Thomas gives Duke speed and athleticism on the perimeter, and Christmas and Jackson can get after it defensively. Selby will have to be consistent on the perimeter for Duke to advance far in the post season.
7. OKLAHOMA (32-5)
Top returning players: G Danielle Robinson, 5-9 Junior; F Amanda Thompson, 6-0 Senior; F/G Nyeshia Stevenson, 5-9 Senior; G Rose Hammond, 5-9 Senior; F Carlee Roethlisberger, 6-1 Junior; C Abi Olajuwon, 6-4 Senior; Whitney Hand, 6-1 Sophomore; G Jasmine Hartman, 5-10 Sophomore.
Top newcomers: F Joanna McFarland, 6-3 Freshman; F Lyndsey Cloman, 6-3 Freshman.
The Lowdown: Yes we know this team lost Courtney and Ashley Paris. Yes the twins are a huge loss. Yes Courtney dominated the paint. But Robinson dominated the perimeter defensively last season, Hand killed opponents with her outside shooting and her ability to make big plays, Stevenson and Thompson provided hustle and knew where to be when it was needed. These four players are back. Don’t go to sleep on Oklahoma. You’ll be in for a rude awakening if you do.
8. XAVIER (25-7)
Top returning players: F Amber Harris, 6-5 RS Junior; C Ta’shia Phillips, 6-6 Junior; F April Phillips, 6-0 Senior; F Maureen Hester, 6-1 Senior; G Special Jennings, 5-6 Junior; G Tyeasha Moss, 5-9 Sophomore; G Dee Dee Jernigan, 6-0 Senior; C Brittney Moore, 6-3 Junior.
Top newcomers: G Katie Rutan, 5-8 Freshman; G Courtney Townsend, 5-8 Freshman.
The Lowdown: Harris returns after missing all of last season with a knee injury. If she comes back to be the player she was before the injury, she’ll form a very formidable tag team in the paint with Ta’shia Phillips, one of the best kept secrets in college basketball. This is a very athletic team that should win the Atlantic 10.
9. TENNESSEE (22-11)
Top returning players: G/F Shekinna Stricklen, 6-2 Sophomore; G/F Angie Bjorklund, 6-0 Junior; F Vicki Baugh, 6-4 Junior; C Kelly Cain, 6-6 RS Sophomore; F Glory Johnson, 6-3 Sophomore; F Amber Gray, 6-1 Sophomore; F Alyssia Brewer, 6-3 Sophomore; F Alicia Manning, 6-1 Sophomore; G Briana Bass, 5-2 Sophomore; G Sydney Smallbone, 5-10 Junior.
Top newcomers: G Taber Spani, 6-1 Freshman; G Kamiko Williams, 5-11 Freshman; F/C Faith Dupree, 6-3 Freshman.
The Lowdown: Eleven losses last season, and the final defeat was in the first round of the NCAA tournament to Ball State. A few days after that loss, Coach Pat Summitt had the team back in practice, emphasizing that efforts like that will not add a ninth national championship to their program. So, all the freshman who played last year are now sophomores. Have they learned their lesson? Talent abounds on this team, and more comes with the freshman class. However, this talent is still young, and hasn’t been seasoned with experience yet. And it may take another season for that to happen. Once it does become seasoned, it won’t taste good to opponents. Stricklen could be the next great player in the class of Tennessee greats like Gordon, McCray, Holdsclaw, Catchings, and Parker.
10. BAYLOR (29-6)
Top returning players: G Melissa Jones, 5-10 Junior; G Kelli Griffin, 5-8 Junior; F Morgan Medlock, 6-1 Senior; C Ashley Field, 6-2 Sophomore; F Whitney Zachariason, 6-2 Junior.
Top newcomers: C Brittney Griner, 6-8 Freshman; F Mariah Chandler, 6-2 Freshman; G Kimetria Hayden, 5-11 Freshman; G Jordan Madden, 6-0 Freshman; G Shanay Washington, 6-1 Freshman.
The Lowdown: The Brittney Griner era begins and we all are hanging on our respective rims to see how she will do. This is another team dripping in talent that’s very young. Jones, Griffin, and Medlock have been immersed in Coach Kim Mulkey’s system and will guide the very talented freshman class. The team will miss the program’s all-time blocked shots leader Danielle Wilson, who decided to forgo her senior season. Her experience would’ve been invaluable to Griner and Chandler.
11. MICHIGAN STATE (22-11)
Top returning players: F Aisha Jefferson, 6-1 RS Senior; C Allyssa DeHaan, 6-9 Senior; F Kalisha Keane, 6-1 Junior; G Brittany Thomas, 5-10 Junior; C Lauren Aitch, 6-1 RS Senior; F Cetera Washington, 6-0 Junior; F LyKendra Johnson, 6-1 RS Sophomore; F Courtney Schiffauer, 6-1 Sophomore.
Top newcomers: C Kelsey Smith, 6-4 Freshman; G Jasmine Thomas, 5-7 Freshman; G Tracy Nogle, 5-11 Freshman.
The Lowdown: The promising young players on this team are now upperclassmen. If this team is going to be a major player on the elite stage, it has to show it now. DeHaan has the potential to dominate every game she plays, but at times you forget she’s on the court -- and she’s 6-9 with ability. She was the nation’s third-best shot blocker, and when she’s a factor Michigan State usually wins. The Spartans have more than adequate help for their dominant post player on their front line with Jefferson and Johnson. When this team comes to play, they are very good.
12. VIRGINIA (24-10)
Top returning players: G Monica Wright, 5-11 Senior; G Paulisha Kellam, 5-8 RS Junior; F Chelsey Shine, 6-2 Sophomore; G Ariana Moorer, 5-7 Sophomore; G Whitny Edwards, 5-11 Sophomore.
Top newcomers: G China Crosby, 5-6 Freshman; C Simone Egwu, 6-3 Freshman; F/C Erinn Thompson, 6-4 Freshman; G Lexie Gerson, 5-11 Freshman; F Telia McCall, 6-1 Freshman.
The Lowdown: The Cavaliers have to fill the voids left by graduating interior players Lyndra Littles and Aisha Mohammad, but return one of the ACC’s best in Wright, who has the ability to take over any game she wants. The freshmen post players Coach Debbie Ryan recruited will have to step up quickly. Point guard Kellam returns from a knee injury.
13. FLORIDA STATE (26-8)
Top returning players: F/C Jacinta Monroe, 6-4 Senior; G Courtney Ward, 5-7 Junior; F Cayla Moore, 6-2 Senior; C Cierra Bravard, 6-4 Sophomore; G/F Alysha Harvin, 5-10 Senior; G Angel Gray, 5-9 Senior; G Christian Hunnicutt, 5-10 Junior.
Top newcomers: G/F Chasity Clayton, 6-1 RS Freshman; G/F Alexa Deluzio, 5-10 RS Freshman; F Chelsea Davis, 6-3 Freshman; G Leonor Rodriguez, 5-10 Freshman.
The Lowdown: Florida State is the defending co-champion of the ACC. However, the Seminoles lost two of their top three leading scorers to graduation, so other players will have to contribute immediately to assist Monroe. Monroe is a force in the post and gets help from Bravard. Ward and Harvin assist the inside game from the perimeter.
14. RUTGERS (21-13)
Top returning players: G Brittany Ray, 5-9 Senior; G Khadijah Rushdan, 5-9 Junior; C Rashidat Junaid, 6-4 Senior; G/F April Sykes, 6-0 Sophomore; G Nikki Speed, 5-8 Sophomore; F Myia McCurdy, 6-1 Senior; F Chelsey Lee, 6-2 Sophomore.
Top newcomers: F/C Monique Oliver, 6-2 Freshman; G Erica Wheeler, 5-7 Freshman; C/F Christine Huber, 6-4 Freshman.
The Lowdown: Last season was a struggle, even with Epiphanny Prince, who left to pursue a professional career overseas. No doubt the Scarlet Knights will miss Prince’s nearly 20 points per game. They’ll also miss Kia Vaughn’s size inside. However, if anyone knows anything about Rutgers, they finish their seasons stronger than they start. Hard lessons came to players like Ray, Rushdan, and all the rest of their teammates. Those lessons were learned at the end of the season and this team made yet another NCAA tournament run. Lessons learned will be valuable at the start of this season. McCurdy brings senior leadership, defense, and experience. Sykes, Speed, and Lee played much better the latter part of the season. They’re athletic and can create havoc defensively. If the freshman Oliver is a factor sooner than later, it won’t be a good night for any Scarlet Knight foes.
15. ARIZONA STATE (26-9)
Top returning players: G Dymond Simon, 5-5 Senior; G Danielle Orsillo, 5-9 Senior; F/C Kayli Murphy, 6-2 Senior; F Becca Tobin, 6-5 Junior; G/F Kimberly Brandon, 6-2 Sophomore; G Gabby Fage, 5-11 Senior.
Top newcomers: F/C Kali Bennett, RS Sophomore; F/C Joy Burke, 6-5 Freshman; F Janae Fulcher, 6-3 RS Freshman; G Deja Mann, 5-7 Freshman; G Sabrina McKinney, 5-5 Freshman; G Haley Parsons, 5-5 RS Freshman.
The Lowdown: Losing Briann January to the WNBA was a major loss, as is losing Simon who is redshirting this season (again) rehabbing an injury. Osillo, Murphy, and the additions to the roster this season will keep the Sun Devils in the hunt in the Pac-10.
16. LSU (19-11)
Top Returning Players: G Allison Hightower, 5-10 Senior; F LaSondra Barrett, 6-2 Sophomore; G Katherine Graham, 5-11 Junior; F Courtney Jones, 6-2 Sophomore; G Andrea Kelly, 5-9 Senior; G Latear Eason, 5-8 Junior; G Destini Hughes, 5-10 Sophomore.
Top newcomers: G Bianca Lutley, 5-11 Freshman; G Adrienne Webb, 5-9 Freshman.
The Lowdown: Hightower’s last go-around with the Tigers is probably the most athletically talented team she’s played on since Sylvia Fowles left. Coach Van Chancellor’s team will get after it defensively and force a tempo not to their opponent's liking. Barrett is long and athletic. This team does not lack in quickness.
17. GEORGIA TECH (22-10)
Top returning players: G/F Alex Montgomery, 6-1 Junior; G Deja Foster, 6-0 Junior; F Brigitte Ardossi, 6-2 Senior; C Sasha Goodlett, 6-5 Sophomore; G Mo Bennett, 5-10 Sophomore; C LaQuananisha Adams, 6-4 Sophomore.
Top newcomers: C Shayla Bivens, 6-5 Freshman; G/F Jasmine Blain, 6-2 Freshman; F Danielle Hamilton-Carter, 6-4 Freshman; G Sharena Taylor, 5-9 Freshman.
The Lowdown: Montgomery is back to lead a team that’s had three consecutive 20-win seasons. She’s the team’s leading scorer and rebounder and is the player they go to in crunch time. Foster will have to be strong with the ball and Ardossi will have to stay consistent for the Yellow Jackets to continue to be a major factor in the ACC.
18. DEPAUL (23-10)
Top Returning Players: G Deirdre Naughton, 5-10 Senior; F Keisha Hampton, 6-2 Sophomore; G Sam Quigley, 5-6 Junior; F Felicia Chester, 6-3 Junior; G China Threatt, 5-9 Senior; G Deanna Ortiz, 5-10 Sophomore; F Taylor Pikes, 6-2 Sophomore.
Top newcomers: G Anna Martin, 5-9 Freshman; G Shy Johnson, 5-4 Sophomore; F Katherine Harry, 6-3 Freshman.
The Lowdown: It’s amazing that the Blue Demons don’t get more recognition. Coach Doug Bruno has built a consistent winner during tenure at DePaul and they always seem to stay below the radar in the Big East. But teams in this league know never to underestimate the Blue Demons. Bruno’s teams always share the basketball, have good perimeter shooters, have active athletic post players and are fundamentally sound. Naughton is deadly from the perimeter, Quigley can hit from outside as well as penetrate and dish, Hampton, and Chester are active on the interior and in combination should somehow make up for the loss of graduated post Natasha Williams. Threatt was huge threat off the bench last season.
19. TEXAS (21-12)
Top returning players: G Brittainey Raven, 6-0 Senior; G Kathleen Nash, 6-2 Junior; F Earnesia Williams, 6-1 Senior; G Erika Arrarian, 5-10 Senior; G Ashleigh Fontenette, 5-8 Sophomore; C Ashley Gayle, 6-4 Sophomore; G Yvonne Anderson, 5-7 Sophomore.
Top newcomers: C Cokie Reed, 6-4 Freshman; G Lauren Flores, 5-7 Freshman;
The Lowdown: Raven, Nash, and Williams are going to bring it every game. What the Longhorns need is consistency in the post, and hopefully find it among Gayle and/or the freshman Reed.
20. VANDERBILT (26-9)
Top returning players: F Hannah Tuomi, 6-0 Junior; G Merideth Marsh, 5-6 Senior; G Jessica Mooney, 5-8 Senior; G Jence Rhoads, 5-11 Junior; F Jordan Coleman, 5-11 Sophomore.
Top newcomers: G Elan Brown, 6-0 Freshman; F Tiffany Clarke, 6-0 Freshman; C Stephanie Holzer, 6-4 Freshman; G Gabby Smith, 5-10 Freshman; G Angela Puelo, 5-9 Junior.
The Lowdown: Wirth, one of the best all-around players in the SEC, took her game to the Indiana Fever of the WNBA. Tuomi returns and gets help from Marsh and Mooney. The freshman class will be called upon to make contributions to keep the Commodores moving along in the conference.
21. MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE (28-6)
Top returning players: F Alysha Clark, 5-10 RS Senior; F Brandi Brown, 6-3 Senior; G Chelsia Lymon, 5-5 Senior; G Jackie Pickel, 5-10 Senior; F Emily Queen, 6-1 Junior; G Anne Marie Lanning, 5-11 Junior; G Dana Garrett, 5-11 Senior.
Top newcomers: G Jamila Ajanaku, 6-1 Freshman; G Icelyn Elie, 6-1 Freshman; F Dymon Raynor, 6-3 Freshman; G Kortni Jones, 5-9 Freshman; F Lauren March, 6-2 Freshman.
The Lowdown: Clark can flat out score the basketball as she led the nation in that category with 27.5 per game. She can hit the boards too, averaging nearly 10 caroms per game. There are a lot of seniors on this team, and anyone taking them lightly will be dealt a loss. Just ask LSU. They lost to the Blue Raiders last year.
22. SAN DIEGO STATE (24-8)
Top returning players: G Jene Morris, 5-9 Senior; C Paris Johnson, 6-4 Junior; G Quenese Davis, 5-10 Senior; G Jerica Wiliams, 5-8 Junior; G Coco Davis, 5-9 Junior; F Candace Chambers, 6-1 Sophomore.
Top newcomers: G Ashley Duffy, 5-9 Freshman; G Kiyana Stamps, 5-9 Freshman.
The Lowdown: Guard Jene Morris is exciting to watch, led the team in scoring with 16.1 points and proved she can play some defense averaging 3.3 steals per game. Her play, along with the play of center Johnson, led the Aztecs to their first NCAA bid in 12 years last year. Johnson averaged 8.3 rebounds last year and blocked nearly three shots per game.
23. CALIFORNIA (27-7)
Top returning players: G Alexis Gray-Lawson, 5-8 RS Senior; Natasha Vital, 5-8 Senior; C Rama N’diaye, 6-5 Senior; G Lauren Greif, 5-10 Senior; G/F Adrian Kelsey, 6-1 Junior.
Top newcomers: F/C DeNesha Stallworth, 6-3 Freshman; F Tierra Rogers, 5-11 Freshman; F Gennifer Brandon, 6-2 Freshman; F/C Talia Caldwell, 6-3 Freshman; G Layshia Clarendon, 5-9 Freshman; F Breanna Heater, 6-3 Freshman; G Eliza Pierre, 5-7 Freshman.
The Lowdown: Five players return from last year’s team, led by Gray-Lawson, who averaged 12.2 points per game. With the graduations of Ashley Walker and Devanei Hampton, Gray-Lawson and the highly touted freshman class will be counted on to keep Cal on the map as one of the top programs in college basketball. The biggest names in the freshman class are Stallworth and Rogers, whose names adorned every high school All-American list. But the Golden Bears lost Rogers from the playing ranks when she was diagnosed with a rare heart condition. All the best in your recovery Tierra. We’re very glad you’re ok.
24. MISSISSIPPI STATE (23-10)
Top returning players: G Alexis Rack, 5-7 Senior; G/F Armelie Lumanu, 5-9 Senior; F Chanel Mokango, 6-5 Senior; G/F Tysheka Grimes, 6-0 Senior; G/F Mary Kathryn Govero, 5-11 Junior; G Diamber Johnson, 5-7 Sophomore.
Top newcomer: G Ashley Jones, 5-11 Freshman.
The Lowdown: A disciplined, well-balanced team, the Bulldogs return four starters. Rack is the key player who makes the Bulldogs' bite worse than its bark. She averaged nearly 15 points a game last season, and led the team in assists. There is a lot of senior leadership on this squad.
25. SOUTH DAKOTA STATE (32-3)
Top returning players: G Jill Young, 5-8 Sophomore; G/F Kristin Rotert, 6-0 Junior; F Maria Boever, 6-1 Senior; F Ketty Cornemann, 5-11 Senior; G Alison Anderson, 5-7 Senior.
Top newcomers: G Tara Heiser, 5-9 Freshman; G Steph Paluch, 5-9 Freshman; F Leah Deitel, 6-1 Freshman; G Ashley Eide, 5-9 Freshman; C Caia Westergard, 6-5 RS Freshman; C Katie Lingle, 6-2 Freshman.
The Lowdown: The Jackrabbits burst on the scene last season and became the team no one wanted to play. Although all-everything player Jennifer Warkenthien has departed, the team does return three double-figure scorers in Young, Rotert, and Boever. This is a very disciplined fundamental team that can pop from beyond the arc. They shot nearly 36 percent from the 3-point line as a team.
Now that you know who comprises our top 25, here are 15 teams who could break into the top 25:
Boston College (23-12): Center Carolyn Swords and forward Stefanie Murphy combined to score 26.2 points and grab 15.5 rebounds per game last year.
Bowling Green (29-5): Tracy Pontius, Lauren Prochaska and nearly everyone else returns.
Florida (24-8): Jennifer Mosser, Steffi Sorensen, and Jordan Jones will provide the Gators with great guard play. Will be a team not many in the SEC will want to face.
Georgetown (20-14): The Hoyas reached the WNIT quarterfinals and return all but one player.
Georgia (18-14): Coach Andy Landers team returns just about everyone from last season’s NCAA team.
Illinois (10-21): All Big Ten center Jenna Smith returns. The Illini have a top recruiting class that will have to perform, but it’s possible.
Iowa State (27-9): Lost a lot of players to graduation, but Alison Lacey and Kelsey Bolte are back.
Kansas (22-14): If Angel Goodrich has fully recovered from her knee injury before last season started, this team will be very good.
Louisville (34-5): Angel McCoughtry and Candyce Bingham may be gone, but center Chauntise Wright returns along with some very talented players who got a lot of experience last year. Coach Jeff Walz has built a foundation on which to grow this program.
Maryland (31-5) – the Terrapins lost four starters but a strong recruiting class playing with Center Lynetta Kizer (11.1 points, 7.3 rebounds per game) could elevate Maryland.
Minnesota (20-12): The Gophers lost Emily Fox but every other player returns.
Pittsburgh (25-8): Shavonte Zellous (Detroit Shock WNBA) and Xenia Stewart may be gone, but Sophronia Sallard, Taneisha Harrison and Pepper Wilson will keep the Panthers near shouting distance of the top 25.
Temple (21-10): Coach Tonya Cordoza won 21 games in her rookie season. She should be able to keep Temple at that level with Kristen McCarthy.
Texas A&M (27-8): The Aggies lost Danielle Grant and Takia Starks, but Tyra White and Sydney Colson have the potential to keep the team flirting for the top 25.
UCLA (19-12): Head coach Nikki Caldwell netted a pretty good recruiting class and has instilled a winning attitude in the program.