Twas the night before the season and all through the country, not a basketball was unused or play not being run. As coaches, players, trainers, and fans prepare themselves for this much anticipated season, I take a look at who my Preseason top 10 teams, 25 players I suggest watching this season, my player of the year, freshman of the year and so much more!
Eric’s Preseason Top 10:
- Stanford- When you win the title, you’re #1 till knocked off in my book
- South Carolina- Depth, rebounding and physical defense will be their calling card this year
- UConn- Let’s see what the magician Bueckers has in store for year two in Storrs
- NC State- Everything they do on both sides with start and end with Cunane
- Louisville- Jeff Walz seems poised for a breakthrough after knocking on final four/title door last few seasons
- Maryland- Without question, starting the season as best team in DEEP Big Ten. Scoring from all five positions
- Iowa- One of the most productive duos in the country and Clark and Czinano
- Indiana- Experience, depth and Berger’s all-around game will anchor this year throughout the season
- Iowa State- Ashley Joens is nearly unstoppable and will try and help the Cyclones take over the Big 12.
- Michigan- Naz Hillmon is their bread and butter, but this team will go as far as their guard play allows them to this season
Eric’s 25 Players to Watch (in no particular order)
-Caitlin Clark- Iowa
-Aliyah Boston- South Carolina
-Rhyne Howard- Kentucky
-Naz Nillmon- Michigan
-Elissa Cunane- NC State
-Kadi Sissoko- Minnesota
-Paige Bueckers- UConn
-Shakira Austin- Ole Miss
-Adalia McKenzie- Illinois
-Ashley Joens- Iowa State
-Monika Czinano- Iowa
-NaLyssa Smith- Baylor
-Grace Berger- Indiana
-Kamilla Cardoso- South Carolina
-Haley Jones- Stanford
-Ayoke Lee- Kansas State
-Kierstan Bell- Florida Gulf Coast
-Paige Meyer- South Dakota State
-Hailey Van Lith- Louisville
-Ashley Owusu- Maryland
-Alyssa Ustby- North Carolina
-Charisma Osborne- UCLA
-Rae Burrell- Tennessee
-Jenna Johnson- Utah
-Celeste Taylor- Duke
-Nia Clouden- Michigan State
My Picks:
Final Four: South Carolina, Stanford, Louisville, and UConn
Championship Pick: South Carolina over UConn
Player of the Year: Aliyah Boston-South Carolina
Last season, she was a close range shot away from sending her team past the eventual champs Stanford. She is one of the most dominate post players in the game with a capable outside shot to round out her game. I expect her to be the best player in NCAAW basketball this season.
Freshman of the Year: Jersey Wolfenbarger- Arkansas
A 6’5 wing player is not something you see every day. In Coach Neighbors system, I expect her to thrive and explode from day one.
