NCAA Women’s Basketball Kicks Off: Key Preseason Highlights and Predictions

The 2024-25 NCAA women’s basketball season is underway, and several key storylines are already making headlines. The AP preseason Top 25 poll has been released, with the South Carolina Gamecocks and UConn Huskies topping the rankings. South Carolina, fresh from their undefeated 38-0 season last year, is favored to win the SEC again.

Player of the Year predictions are also generating buzz, with notable matchups such as Watkins vs. Betts in the Big Ten and Booker vs. Morrow in the SEC. Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers are among the preseason All-Americans, highlighting their expected impact this season.

Injury news has affected some teams, with Tennessee guard Wynn ruled out for the year due to a torn Achilles tendon. Meanwhile, the Gamecocks are set to retire A'ja Wilson‘s jersey, a tribute to her significant contributions to the team.

The Mountain West Conference is also making strides, with Hawai'i set to join on a full-time basis in 2026. This expansion is seen as a positive step for the conference’s stability and growth.

For fans looking to catch the action, games like the Temple Owls vs. Sacred Heart Pioneers are scheduled for Monday, November 4, 2024, and can be streamed on ESPN Plus and followed through the CBS Sports App.