women's college basketball predictions today
The 2023–24 women's collegiate basketball season is soon coming, which means underappreciated teams and players are preparing to shine. There are no certainties in this sport, but that is part of what makes it exciting.
Many narratives have arisen around LSU, UConn, and Iowa, but there will be many shocks between now and March. Keeping this in mind, here are five audacious predictions for the forthcoming season.
USC advances to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1994.
The Trojans haven't made the Sweet 16 since 1994, but coach Lindsay Gottlieb is changing that. Last season, USC surpassed expectations by entering the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2014, and it seems the squad has all the tools to build on that success.
Last season, USC's defense was strong, allowing just 55.1 points per game against opponents. The Trojans have lost their two top scorers, Kadi Sissoko and Destiny Littleton, but they return Naismith Defensive Player of the Year semifinalist Rayah Marshall, who established a single-season club record with 98 blocks last season. Marshall has also shown her ability to contribute on both ends of the floor, averaging a double-double of 12.7 points and 11.5 rebounds in 2022–23.
Gottlieb bolstered her roster with graduate transfers like Kaitlyn Davis, McKenzie Forbes, Roxane Makolo, and Kayla Padilla. But it was the Trojans' signing of No. 1 prospect JuJu Watkins in 2023 that made the most people take notice. During her final year at Sierra Canyon (Calif.), Watkins averaged 24.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.8 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game.
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