Official Women's Basketball Thread

[Controversy]

6. USC Trojans​

With a healthy JuJu Watkins, the talent at USC will be undeniable. Incoming 6-0 freshman Saniyah Hall gives coach Lindsay Gottlieb three of the past four No. 1 overall recruits in the SC Next 100. If she can successfully incorporate Hall and Watkins -- who missed a year following knee surgery -- with this past season's leading scorer and 2025 top recruit Jazzy Davidson, plus two international five-star recruits (6-4 forwards Sitaya Fagan and Sara Okeke) and Kennedy Smith, USC can challenge for the Big Ten title again and a Final Four.

7. Duke Blue Devils​

Emilee Skinner was the fourth-ranked recruit last year, but injuries essentially ended her first season in Durham. If she's healthy, Kara Lawson has her replacement for Taina Mair. If Jadyn Donovan also comes back healthy, and Riley Nelson and Arianna Roberson take the next step, the Blue Devils could be even better in 2026-27. Toby Fournier is also poised to be one of the most versatile post players in the country.

8. Louisville Cardinals​

It appears four of Louisville's five starters, plus ACC Sixth Player of the Year Imari Berry, will be back next season. That's the Cardinals' top three scorers and top three rebounders -- an unusual feat in today's era of college basketball. Throw in Ariyana Cradle (SC Next 100 No. 34), a combo guard and the top recruit of Louisville's solid freshman class, and Jeff Walz has the makings of a team similar to this season: no superstar, but versatile at every position.

9. Iowa Hawkeyes​

McKenna Woliczko (SC Next 100 No 6), Iowa's highest-rated recruit since Caitlin Clark, arrives with plenty of expectations. She also arrives at a good time, with Hannah Stuelke set to depart. The 6-2 Woliczko is a good, versatile fit alongside Ava Heiden in the frontcourt and Chit Chat Wright at point guard.

10. Vanderbilt Commodores​

The return of Mikayla Blakes alone makes Vanderbilt a viable second weekend NCAA tournament team. She and Aubrey Galvan could be the best backcourt duo in the country in 2026-27. But many of the role players who helped make the Commodores an SEC contender and a No. 2 seed this past season, such as Justine Pissott, Sacha Washington and Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda, are gone.

 

[Kingcobrakai]

Tony Bennett retired because he's cut from that nick saban, jay wright cloth where he didn't want to work in the NIL days

I agree, but the why each guy decided to salvage their brands as winners in this day and age is worth a deeper look at the economics of college athletics AND how quickly programs turn on coaches nowadays.

 

[Osmar]

Angel Reese traded to Atlanta

 

[Mike18jj]

Angel Reese traded to Atlanta

yoooo wtf

 

[#1 pick]

I've been hoping we could get Angel especially for Hillmon and picks. I love Hilmon but we needed a legit defensive star who's an elite rebounder

 

[Dolo]

Angel free from Jeff

 

[phillycavsfan]

Angel Reese traded to Atlanta

We told you @CHICAGO

 

[K-Apps]

 

[Big Boss]

 

[phillycavsfan]

The Sky are such a joke franchise.

 

[Big Boss]

And all star weekend is in Chicago too

 

[CHICAGO]

THESE FOOLS COULD HAVE ATLEAST TRADED HER
FOR A TOP 2 PICK IN
THIS YEARS DRAFT.

THEY NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED



​

 

[Po pimp]

Angel was the only reason I started watching the Sky again. Team will continue to be trash.

 

[CHICAGO]

We told you @CHICAGO

YOU TOLD ME WHAT?



​

 

[Leonard Washington]

THESE FOOLS COULD HAVE ATLEAST TRADED HER
FOR A TOP 2 PICK IN
THIS YEARS DRAFT.

THEY NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED



​

Roster malpractice