UConn Tops AP Women’s Basketball Preseason Poll
In the latest Associated Press Top 25 preseason women’s basketball poll, the University of Connecticut (UConn) has retained its title as the No. 1 team in the nation, following their victorious campaign last season. The poll was released on Tuesday and shows UConn receiving 27 out of a possible 31 first-place votes from a national media panel.
Top Rankings Overview
South Carolina, who finished as last season’s runner-up to UConn, secured the second position in the poll, earning the remaining four first-place votes. This marks the fifth time in six years that the Gamecocks, under coach Dawn Staley, have been recognized in the top five of the preseason rankings. The top five teams are rounded out by UCLA and Texas, which take the third and fourth spots respectively, while LSU is positioned fifth.
Notable Rankings
Oklahoma appears at sixth, marking its highest preseason ranking since achieving fourth place in 2008. The top ten is completed by Duke, Tennessee, North Carolina State, and Maryland.
UConn’s Leadership and Strategy
UConn’s success is attributed to standout players such as sophomore Sarah Strong and super senior Azzi Fudd. This is the 13th time since 1995 that UConn has held the No. 1 preseason rank, and the first time since 2017.
Head coach Geno Auriemma expressed a balanced perspective on the honor: “Hopefully it’s a little bit of a confidence builder and not, ‘Oh my God!’” He emphasized the importance of perspective, stating the team is not focused on proving themselves but rather on consistent performance throughout the season.
Auriemma acknowledged that eight out of the twelve previous times UConn was ranked first resulted in national championships, mentioning that successful seasons require “great leadership” and “a little bit of luck.” He reflected on the times the Huskies fell short, noting the impact of injuries and luck.
Historical Context
Remarkably, this marks the first instance in the 50-year history of the women’s poll where the top four teams from the previous season’s final poll have carried over into the preseason rankings. Last year’s final poll was notable for being one of only two seasons where the AP released a Top 25 after the championship game.
Conference Representation
The Southeastern Conference dominates this year’s rankings, securing eight slots in the Top 25, with five teams positioned within the top ten. The Big Ten follows closely with six teams, while the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has five representatives and the Big 12 features four. The Atlantic-10 and Big East each claim one spot in the rankings.
Emerging Teams to Watch
Michigan’s Rebound
Ranked at No. 13, Michigan marks its highest preseason placement since 2021. With a squad that includes three promising freshmen, expectations are high after their 23-11 record last season, reflecting the potential of Syla Swords, Mila Holloway, and Olivia Olson.
Vanderbilt’s Resurrection
Vanderbilt makes a long-awaited entrance at No. 19, their first ranking in the preseason since 2012. Sophomore Mikayla Blakes, who averaged 23.3 points last season, leads the way for the team under coach Shea Ralph.
Historic Richmond Achievement
In a groundbreaking moment, Richmond secures its first-ever ranking at No. 24, following a successful previous season that included a win in their inaugural NCAA Tournament match. Coach Aaron Roussell emphasized the significance of this achievement: “It says a lot about where the program is right now.”
Conclusion
As the season unfolds, the spotlight will remain on these teams to see how they navigate the pressure of their preseason rankings and perform on the court.
