The 2023-24 women’s college basketball season is quickly approaching, which means teams and players that are being overlooked are getting ready to prove themselves. There are no guarantees in this sport, but that’s what makes it fun.
A lot of storylines have emerged surrounding LSU, UConn and Iowa, but a lot of surprises will arise between now and March. With that in mind, here are five bold predictions for the upcoming season.
USC makes first Sweet 16 since 1994
The Trojans haven’t reached the Sweet 16 since 1994, but coach Lindsay Gottlieb is turning the program around. USC exceeded expectations last season by making the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2014, and it seems the team has all the ingredients to build off of that success.
USC had a solid defense last season, holding opponents to just 55.1 points per game. The team did lose its two leading scorers, Kadi Sissoko and Destiny Littleton, but the Trojans are returning Naismith Defensive Player of the Year semifinalist Rayah Marshall, who set a single-season program record with 98 blocks a season ago. Marshall also proved she can contribute on both ends of the court as she averaged a double-double of 12.7 points and 11.5 rebounds in…
