Overview
- UConn is labeled the team to beat with Azzi Fudd, Sarah Strong and KK Arnold back, plus transfers Kayleigh Heckel (USC) and Serah Williams (Wisconsin), while Paige Bueckers has moved on to the WNBA.
- UCLA slots in at No. 2 after last year’s Final Four run, Texas is No. 3 with Madison Booker and Rori Harmon returning, and South Carolina lands at No. 4.
- South Carolina’s outlook shifts with guard Chloe Kitts out for the season due to a torn right ACL, offset in part by the arrival of top transfer Ta’Niya Latson; the AP had the Gamecocks No. 2.
- USC is ranked No. 17 with JuJu Watkins sidelined for the season and Kiki Iriafen in the WNBA, though the Post notes reasons for optimism remain.
- The Post’s Kenney projects a Final Four of UConn, UCLA, Texas and Duke, and predicts UCLA as national champion.