After a season full of historic performances, thrilling finishes and record-breaking television viewership, the 2024 women’s NCAA Tournament field is set. Undefeated South Carolina is the top seed, with Iowa, USC and Texas the three other programs on the No. 1 line.
All four have their sights set on Cleveland, the site of this year’s Final Four, but they aren’t alone in being potential contenders. Before the first round begins Tuesday night, here’s a look at everything you need to know to help with your bracket and prepare you for the tournament.
How good are the No. 1 seeds?
This year’s crop of No. 1 seeds features some of the best coaches and players in the country.
South Carolina (32-0)
Albany 1 Region
The Gamecocks’ roster turned over in the offseason, with its famed “Freshies” core (led by star center Aliyah Boston) graduating and moving to the pro ranks. This year’s squad has an entirely new starting lineup from the group that was undefeated heading into last year’s NCAA Tournament. Still, the 2024 SEC champions had the nation’s best defense and the No. 2-rated offense in the regular season. Coach Dawn Staley, our unanimous Coach of the Year pick, leaned on South Carolina’s depth, with nine players averaging double-digit minutes. Take particular note…