Nobody is arguing against one hard fact heading into the 2022-23 season: South Carolina will be tough to dethrone.
After coming to terms with that indisputable piece of information, there’s plenty to debate. And that’s exactly what The Athletic’s women’s basketball experts did.
The transfer portal elevated some teams and decimated others. Injuries (hello, Paige Bueckers) have left some teams (hello, UConn) out of preseason predictions — an unusual omission for the Final Four mainstays. The season will belong to seniors and fifth-year players, but bank on some freshmen who will catch our attention, notably at UCLA.
Our experts didn’t agree on much while making predictions, which may indicate we’re in for a fun and unpredictable season. Let’s hope.
Freshman of the Year
Lyndsey D’Arcangelo: Kiki Rice, UCLA
As the No. 2 high school recruit and the No. 1 ranked point guard in the nation, the expectations for Rice are high. UCLA went 18-13 last season and are in need of a program player who can help turn things around. Rice has the opportunity and talent to make an immediate impact.
Shannon Ryan: Rice
Look for the nation’s No. 1 point guard prospect to provide a needed spark for the revitalized Bruins. She brings a winning pedigree after leading ESPN’s No. 1-ranked…
