The 2020-21 NCAA women’s basketball season is underway and it is already clear that this will be a season like no other. With the COVID-19 pandemic changing everything about how teams schedule and play, there is a lot of uncertainty, but there is also an abundance of excitement.
Some of the best players in the country are back, while an extremely talented group of newcomers are trying to conquer the country.
Let’s not forget: Baylor is still the national champion in title. Will the Bears return to the Final Four? Will Dawn Staley and South Carolina return to the top of the mountain to win their second national championship? Is anyone going to ruin the South Carolina Four Finals party, UConn, Stanford and Baylor?
I have no doubt that the NCAA Women’s Tournament is going in the same direction as the men’s tournament and the tournament will be held in a small geographical location. Although this has not been confirmed at this point, it seems highly likely that we are going there. This can greatly change the way the women’s tournament unfolds. Depending on the location, many teams will lose the luxury of playing home games in the first two rounds and playing closer to home in the regionals.
While we wait to see what happens with the tournament venue, starting today we have a first look at who can make it to the weekend. Here are my predictions:
Last four
South Carolina: If there is a block to the Final Four this season, it’s Gamecocks. They are talented, deep, have a good balance between youth and experience and have one of the best coaches in the country, Dawn Staley. They have the best center in the country in Aliyah Boston and undoubtedly a point guard in the top three in Zia Cooke. Gamecocks will be challenged over the course of the regular season in a much stronger SEC, and will be looking forward to an opportunity they didn’t have last year at the NCAA Tournament.
UConn: The Huskies have not won a national championship since 2016. For Geno Auriemma and the UConn faithful, this probably seems like an eternity. After defeats on the horn in his appearances in the Four Finals of 2017 and 2018 and another defeat in the national semifinal in 2019, Auriemma enters the 2020-21 season with high hopes and a fantastic freshman in Paige Bueckers. Pay attention to that name. You will hear a lot about the Bueckers in the next four years. It all starts now.
Arizona: I love this Wildcats team. The Pac-12 is loaded again this year, so it’s quite possible that they could end up with number 2 or even number 3 in the tournament. I believe Arizona is going to win Pac-12 and probably get a number one seed. Aari McDonald is an absolute star. It can not only illuminate the offensive side, but it can also stop and defend. This team goes as it does, but coach Adia Barnes also returns some fantastic players in Cate Reese and Sam Thomas, bringing instrong transfers in Trinity Baptiste and Bendu Yeaney. Freshman Lauren Ware will probably take some time to adjust to college play, especially in Pac-12, but in March, she will be a great addition to a strong, deep and talented versatile team. Although I didn’t win them the title, I wouldn’t be surprised if they did.
Oregon: Two Pac-12 teams in Final Four? Sure, they lost Sabrina Ionescu, Ruthy Hebard and Satou Sabally – three of the first eight choices in the 2020 WNBA Draft – but this team is deep and talented. The question is, how quickly does your incredible freshman group adapt to the college game. Returnees Jaz Shelley, Erin Boley and Taylor Chavez can shoot and the Ducks add the internal presence of Sedona Prince, who was out last season, as well as point guard Taylor Mikesell. Previously, I said to remember the name: Paige Bueckers. I’ll give you one more: Te-Hina Paopao. Does. Do not sleep. In. This one. Kid. It will dominate the Pac-12 and the country.
national Championship
UConn on South Carolina: Huskies go well with Gamecocks. Olivia Nelson-Ododa can be a defensive force in the middle and work to contain Boston, which many teams will not be able to do this season. The Bueckers-Cooke clash will be worth it. It will probably all come down to role players in a tight game. Both teams are great and will be in this position many times over the next few years. Christyn Williams of UConn could be the difference.
Four finalists
Arkansas: We just saw the Razorbacks take Baylor down this weekend and Arkansas is experienced and can really score. The question still remains: can he play defense enough to make a long run in March? If that happens, this is a Final Four team.
Top 10 team that could win everything
NC State: Wolfpack is another very experienced and talented team. Wes Moore achieved a major road victory over South Carolina last week and moved to third place on CBS Sports Top 25 power ratings. They are offensively balanced, good inside and out and defend. They will be really tough in March.
National player of the year
Aliyah Boston, South Carolina: Boston is the best post player in the country and can be dominant at both ends of the field. Boston’s ability to score both in and out, rebound and block shots will help guide a loaded Gamecocks team.
National coach of the year
Adia Barnes, Arizona: Barnes led the Wildcats to a record of 24 wins and 7 losses last season and returned to a strong core led by player of the year candidate, Aari McDonald. Arizona continues to improve and the Cats are getting a loaded Pac-12 this year.