As the 2023-24 NCAA Women’s basketball season looms on the horizon, the excitement is already building, and for good reason. The 2022-23 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament was an absolute game-changer, rewriting the history books and setting new records. One matchup, in particular, stood out and captured the hearts of sports enthusiasts across the nation. LSU versus Iowa became an unforgettable showdown, making it the most-watched women’s basketball game in history. ESPN’s telecast of the Tigers’ 102-85 victory over the Hawkeyes averaged a staggering 9.9 million viewers.

With the 2023-24 NCAA season less than a month away, let’s look at the top teams vying for the championship trophy.

Top teams and their players to look out for

The 2023-24 NCAA Women’s Basketball season is set to kick off on November 6, 2023! It promises to be an action-packed season, potentially featuring a pt 2 of the Angel Reese vs Caitlyn Clark rivalry. After LSU’s remarkable triumph last April, where they clinched the national championship as a No. 3 seed, expectations are high for the Tigers this year. They’ve strengthened their roster by adding top talents like Hailey Van Lith and Aneesah Morrow. With the returning star power of Angel Reese, the Tigers are a strong contender to retain the No. 1 spot.

However, LSU isn’t the only team to watch. UConn, plagued by injuries last season, is poised to make a comeback. With Paige Bueckers back in action alongside Azzi Fudd, the Huskies are eyeing a return to the Final Four after their impressive streak was broken.

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Ohio State and UCLA have also made significant moves in the transfer portal, making the competition even stronger for a spot in the Final Four. And let’s not forget about Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes who remain a strong threat to reach the Final Four.

Let’s break down the preseason Top 10 teams’ rankings for the 2023-24 season –

1. LSU Tigers: Is it really surprising though? This season, the LSU Tigers added key players like Van Lith to replace Alex Morris. Van Lith may not match Morris in defense, but her ball-handling skills and clutch shooting make her a valuable asset. With standout players like Morrow, Reese, Flau’jae Johnson, and Mikayla Williams, LSU is a strong contender to pull off a peat this season.
2. UConn Huskies: UConn’s got a trio that’s like dynamite – Bueckers, Fudd, and Edwards. Bueckers, the 2020-21 national player of the year, Fudd, known for her sharpshooting, and Edwards, a real powerhouse. Unfortunately, things weren’t quite on their side last season. When they’re on the court, they’re top-notch, but staying healthy is the big question. With other talented players like Griffin and Ducharme, bringing their game to the table, UConn’s potential is undeniable. However, health will be a key factor to watch.
3. UCLA Bruins: UCLA is on the verge of rewriting its history. Charisma Osborne decided to stick around for an extra year, and they snagged the top recruit, Lauren Betts. Kiki Rice and Emily Bessoir are also players to look out for. If Londynn Jones and Gabriela Jaquez level up, UCLA will be scoring more than ever under Coach Cori Close.
4. Ohio State Buckeyes: The Buckeyes played a mean full-court press, and it got them 28 wins and an Elite Eight appearance. Jacy Sheldon and Celeste Taylor are back and healthy. Sheldon’s steals and Taylor’s defensive prowess make that press even more dangerous. They might miss Taylor Mikesell’s shooting, but Cotie McMahon, the Big Ten freshman of the year, is a force to be reckoned with. Taylor Thierry and Rikki Harris are ready to step up and make a Final Four dream come true for Ohio State.
5. Utah Utes: The Utes came super close to sending LSU home in the Sweet 16. With all five starters back, they’re ready for another shot at glory. Alissa Pili, the Pac-12 player of the year, is a beast inside and a sharpshooter from beyond the arc. Gianna Kneepkens and Jenna Johnson, two sophomore stars, are the heart of the team. Aussie point guard Isabel Palmer adds stability, and Matyson Wilke, fresh from Wisconsin, is a new and exciting addition to the lineup.
6. Iowa Hawkeyes: The Iowa Hawkeyes are poised for an exciting season, and all eyes are on star player Caitlyn Clark. With a thrilling Big Ten tournament title and a national championship game appearance last year, there’s an air of anticipation in Iowa. The return of Gabbie Marshall and Kate Martin will provide Clark with familiar running mates, helping to mitigate the losses of Monika Czinano and McKenna Warnock. However, the key to Iowa’s success might be the development of sophomore Hannah Stuelke. Can she transition from Big Ten sixth player of the year to a double-digit scorer? The Hawkeyes are counting on it.
7. Virginia Tech Hokies: Virginia Tech is ready to make another deep run after last season’s historic Final Four appearance. With Elizabeth Kitley’s decision not to enter the WNBA draft, the Hokies have their best point-post combo in the country intact. The return of point guard Georgia Amoore, along with sharpshooter Cayla King, adds even more firepower. Transfers Rose Micheaux and Matilda Ekh will fill key roles. Amoore, known for her assists and 3-point accuracy, now has a strong supporting cast, including King, Ekh, and Carys Baker, a top recruit. The Hokies are building a dream team.
8. South Carolina Gamecocks: Despite losing five players to the WNBA draft, the South Carolina Gamecocks are still holding on strong. Kamilla Cardoso steps in to replace Aliyah Boston, and with more playing time, she’s expected to put up big numbers. Dawn Staley’s backcourt got a boost with the addition of Oregon transfer Te-Hina Paopao. Staley’s recruiting prowess is evident with a talented class of newcomers, including local point guard Milaysia Fulwiley. The Gamecocks may not be the juggernaut they were, but an SEC championship and Final Four appearance are still within reach.
9. Tennessee Lady Vols: The Tennessee Lady Vols are looking to address their guard play issues from previous years. The addition of transfers Destinee Wells and Jewel Spear brings a new backcourt dynamic. Wells, coming from Belmont, had impressive stats in the OVC last year, and Spear has been a consistent scorer in the ACC. With Rickea Jackson’s decision to stay for another season and the return of Tamari Key, the Lady Vols have bolstered their roster. Size remains a strength, with Jillian Hollingshead back in action. Turnovers are expected to decrease, making the Lady Vols a more competitive team.
10. Indiana Hoosiers: Indiana is tasked with adapting to play without Grace Berger, and it won’t be a walk in the park. Luckily, they’ve got Mackenzie Holmes, one of the most efficient post players in the Big Ten’s history, returning for a fifth year. Senior Chloe Moore-McNeil is stepping up to handle Berger’s duties and boasts a wicked assist-to-turnover ratio. Versatile players like Sara Scalia and Sydney Parrish can play all over the perimeter. Yarden Garzon, who led the Big Ten in 3-point shooting, might just be their secret weapon. Plus, keep an eye on Sharnecce Currie-Jelks, who could provide some much-needed depth.

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The 2022-2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball season set a new standard for collegiate basketball. Whether the players would be able to live up to it remains to be seen. Nevertheless, it promises action-packed games that fans can look forward to.

Who are you excited to see on the hardboard? Let us know in the comments below!

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