SPMsportspage.com's 2008-09 Women's College Basketball Top-25 Preview

By Kenneth Black: SPM NY Columnist
Posted Tuesday, November 4, 2008

ABOVE: Maya Moore (by Duncan Williams); BELOW: Jane Appel (by Donald Barnat); Marissa Coleman (by Charles Herskowitz); Angel McCoughtry (by Tara Polen); Rashanda McCants (by Charles Herskowitz); Lauren Lacey (by David Alleyne); Carla Cortijo (by Charles Herskowitz); Samantha Prahalis (by Tara Polen) and Amber Harris (by Erik Wagner).

Six months have passed since we were viewing Tennessee cutting down the nets in celebration of their second consecutive national championship and eighth overall. There were four great players participating in that Final Four – Candace Parker, Candice Wiggins, Sylvia Fowles, and Maya Moore. A lot has happened since this event – Parker, Wiggins, and Fowles are all stars in the WNBA, leaving Moore as the best player in the college game.

Who are the best teams in the country this season? More importantly, who is the Preseason #1? Well feast your eyes on the SPMSportspage.com Preseason Top 25 to find out (last season's records are in parentheses):

1. Connecticut (36-2)

Top returning players: F Maya Moore, 6-0 Sophomore; C Tina Charles, 6-4 Junior; G Renee Montgomery, 5-7 Senior; G Kalana Greene, 5-10 Junior; F/C Kaili McLaren, 6-2 Junior; G Lorin Dixon, 5-4 Sophomore.

Top newcomers: G Tiffany Hayes, 5-10 Freshman; G Caroline Doty, 5-10 Freshman.

The Lowdown: Moore is the best player in the country and Charles and Montgomery are among the best at their positions. Greene returns from ACL injury and should combine with Moore to form one of the best perimeter defenses in the country. If Doty can provide the outside shooting the Huskies lost with the graduation of Mel Thomas, Connecticut will be back in the Final Four for Moore’s second shot at the national title. The Huskies lost 2008 National High School Player of the Year recruit Elena Delle Donne, who decided not to play college basketball.

2. Oklahoma (22-9)

Top returning players: C Courtney Paris, 6-4 Senior; G Danielle Robinson, 5-9 Sophomore; F Ashley Paris, 6-3 Senior; F Amanda Thompson, 6-0 Junior; F/G Nyeshia Stevenson, 5-9 Junior; G Rose Hammond, 5-9 Junior; F Carlee Roethlisberger, 6-1 Sophomore; C Abi Olajuwon, 6-4 Junior.

Top newcomers: G Whitney Hand, 6-1 Freshman.

The Lowdown: The Sooners have the best post player in the country in dominating center Courtney Paris, who should be the first pick in the 2009 WNBA draft. Twin sister Ashley came into her own last season, providing Oklahoma with arguably the best inside tandem this season. Starting point guard Jenna Plumley is no longer a student at OU and the 103 assists she registered last season will be hard to replace. If highly regarded frosh Hand comes in as good as advertised, the Sooners will be going to the Final Four, a place they haven’t been since 2002.

3. Stanford (35-4)

Top returning players: C Jayne Appel, 6-4 Junior; F Kayla Pederson, 6-4 Sophomore; G JJ Hones, 5-10 Junior; F Jillian Harmon, 6-1 Senior; G Roslyn Gold-Onwude, 5-10 Junior; G Jeanette Pohlen, 6-0 Sophomore.

Top newcomers: F Nneka Ogwumike, 6-2 Freshman; C Sarah Boothe, 6-5 Freshman.

The Lowdown: The Cardinal lost Candice Wiggins, the Pac-10’s all-time leading scorer, to the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx. Her departure however doesn’t leave the Cardinal’s nest bare. Appel and Pederson present a formidable twin tower duo that will leave opponents with a few bruises. Harmon played for New Zealand in the Beijing Olympics and played very well against the gold-medal winning USA national team. The question for Stanford is who will step into Wiggins’ sneakers to be the team leader and will welcome taking the game-winning shot. Hones was steady running the offense. Freshmen Ogwumike, the 2008 Gatorade National High School Player of the Year, and Boothe, both played for the USA Under-18 National Team this past summer and won gold at the FIBA Americas Tournament. Don’t be surprised to see Coach Tara Vanderveer’s squad win another Pac-10 title.

4. Tennessee (36-2)

Top returning players: F/G Angie Bjorklund, 6-0 Sophomore; F/C Alex Fuller, 6-3 Senior; F/C Vicki Baugh, 6-4 Sophomore.

Top newcomers: C Kelly Cain, 6-6 Redshirt Freshman; F Glory Johnson, 6-3 Freshman; F Amber Gray, 6-1 Freshman; G/F Shekinna Stricklen, 6-2 Freshman; F Alyssia Brewer, 6-3 Freshman; F Alicia Manning, 6-1 Freshman; G Briana Bass, 5-2 Freshman.

The Lowdown: Winning their second consecutive national championship and eighth overall for the program also signaled the end of the careers of current and future WNBA all-stars Candace Parker, Alexis Hornbuckle, Nicky Anosike, and Shannon Bobbitt. However, when you’re Pat Summitt, you replace great players by securing the nation’s best recruiting class, which is what she did. Also having Bjorklund, Fuller, and Baugh as the foundation doesn’t hurt and neither does having 6-6 redshirt Kelly Cain. Yes the Lady Vols will be young and may go through some growing pains, but come tournament time no one will want to play them. The more things change…well you know the rest.

5. Maryland (33-4)

Top returning players: G Kristi Toliver, 5-7 Senior; F Marissa Coleman, 6-1 Senior; G Marah Strickland, 6-0 Sophomore.

Top newcomers: C Lynetta Kizer, 6-3 Freshman; F Demauria Liles, 6-0 Junior.

The Lowdown: The Terps return the best point guard in the country in Toliver, and one of the best wing players in Coleman. They lost their inside game however with the departures of Crystal Langhorne and Laura Harper, both top10 picks in the 2008 WNBA draft. How far Maryland goes depends on how quickly frosh Kizer and junior college player of the year Liles adapt to high-level Division 1 college basketball.

6. California (27-7)

Top returning players: F/C Ashley Walker, 6-1 Senior; F/C Devanei Hampton, 6-3 Senior; G Alexis Gray-Lawson, 5-8 Senior; G Natasha Vital, 5-8 Junior; C Rama N’diaye, 6-5 Junior; G Lauren Greif, 5-10 Junior; G/F Adrian Kelsey, 6-1 Sophomore.

Top newcomers: G Angelei Aguirre, 5-11 Freshman; F Kendra Calvin, 6-1 Freshman.

The Lowdown: The Golden Bears set a school record for wins in their history last season. The question for Cal is with all the experience and senior leadership returning, will this be the season the Bears finally win a big game and make the leap into being one of the nation’s elite teams? N’diaye suffered a torn ACL and will be out at the beginning of the season.

7. Louisville (26-10)

Top returning players: F Angel McCoughtry, 6-1 Senior; F Candyce Bingham, 6-0 Senior; C Chauntise Wright, 6-3 Senior; G Brandie Radde, 5-11 Junior; F/C Keisha Hines, 6-2 Sophomore.

Top newcomers: G Becky Burke, 5-11 Freshman; G Mary Jackson, 5-10 Freshman.

The Lowdown: The Cardinals made the NCAA Sweet 16 last season, falling to North Carolina. McCoughtry was the reigning Big East Player of the Year before Maya Moore arrived, and she proved herself to be a player when she was the leading scorer for the 2007 gold-medal-winning USA Pan Am Team. McCoughtry and Bingham form one of the top forward combos in the nation. Louisville will challenge Connecticut and Rutgers in the Big East.

8. Duke (25-10)

Top returning players: C Chante Black, 6-5 Senior; G Abby Waner, 5-10 Senior; F Joy Cheek, 6-1 Junior; G Jasmine Thomas, 5-9 Sophomore; F Carrem Gay, 6-2 Senior; C Krystal Thomas, 6-4 Sophomore; F/G Keturah Jackson, 6-0 Junior.

Top newcomers: G Shay Selby, 5-9 Freshman; F/G Kathleen Scheer, 6-2 Freshman;

The Lowdown: The Blue Devils were unpredictable last year getting used to a new coach. Have they adjusted to the point that this program is now Coach Joanne P. McCallie’s? If Black improves on last season’s stats (14.1 ppg and 7.1 rpg), which she is capable of doing, and if Waner can provide consistent shooting from the perimeter, Duke could be ACC champions.

9. Rutgers (27-7)

Top returning players: G Epiphanny Prince, 5-9 Junior; C Kia Vaughn, 6-4 Senior; G/F Heather Zurich, 6-1 Senior; C Rashidat Junaid, 6-4 Junior; F Myia McCurdy, 6-1 Junior; G Khadijah Rushdan, 5-9 Redshirt Freshman; G Brittany Ray, 5-9 Junior.

Top Newcomers: F/G Brooklyn Pope, 6-1 Freshman; G Nikki Speed, 5-8 Freshman; G/F April Sykes, 6-0 Freshman; F/G Jasmine Dixon, 5-11 Freshman.

The Lowdown: Essence Carson and Matee Ajavon are playing in the WNBA, leaving two huge holes for Coach C. Vivian Stringer to fill. She’s done that and then some by raking in the second-best recruiting class in the country. The Scarlet Knights return the exciting Prince, who scored 33 points in a win over Connecticut last season, and center Vaughn, one of the strongest posts in the college game today. Junaid and redshirt freshman Rushdan, a former high school All-American, are also on hand. It may take the freshmen some time before they master the famous 55 defense, but the question that begs to be asked is will Rutgers play a more up-tempo style to take advantage of the young athletic talent they have?

10. North Carolina (33-3)

Top returning players: F/G Rashanda McCants, 6-1 Senior; G Cetera DeGraffenreid, 5-6 Sophomore; F Jessica Breland, 6-3 Junior; G Italee Lucas, 5-8 Sophomore; G Alex Miller, 5-6 Senior; G Heather Claytor, 5-8 Senior; F Iman McFarland, 6-3 Senior.

Top newcomers: F/C Chay Shegog, 6-5 Freshman; G She’la White, 5-5 Freshman.

The Lowdown: Erlana Larkins and LaToya Pringle are both in the WNBA now, but the Tar Heels still have the athletes to press full court. It’s McCants' turn to be the focal point of the offense with DeGraffenreid running the show. Breland, McFarland, and frosh Shegog will be counted upon to rebound in order for North Carolina to run.

11. Texas A&M (29-8)

Top returning players: G Takia Starks, 5-8 Senior; G/F Danielle Gant, 5-11 Senior; C La Toya Micheaux, 6-3 Senior; G Sydney Colson, 5-8 Sophomore (tore ACL in June); F Damitria Buchanan, 6-2 Junior.

Top Newcomers: G/F Tanisha Smith 6-0 Junior; G Skylar Collins, 5-9 Freshman.

The Lowdown: Do you think this program isn’t on the rise? Two of the Aggies starters, A’Quonesia Franklin and Morenike Atunrase both made WNBA teams. Starks, cousin of former New York Knicks star John Starks, and Gant are both versatile and explosive. Coach Gary Blair’s team suffered a blow when projected starting point guard Colson went down with a knee injury in June. According to the team's web site, Colson will likely miss pre-seaspn workouts and part of non-conference play.

12. Oklahoma State (27-8)

Top returning players: G Andrea Riley, 5-5 Junior; F Shaunte Smith, 6-0 Senior; G Taylor Hardeman, 5-10 senior; G Kristin Hernandez, 5-9 Sophomore; C Megan Byford, 6-2 Junior.

Top newcomer: G Kelsey Hatcher, 5-10 Freshman.

The Lowdown: Riley can be spectacular as evidenced by the 45-point game she had in the win against Oklahoma last season. Should the Cowgirls return to the NCAA Tournament this season, Riley will have to serve a one-game suspension for striking former LSU player Erica White in last season’s tournament.

13. Arizona State (22-11)

Top returning players: F/C Lauren Lacy, 6-3 Senior; G Briann January, 5-8 Senior; C Sybil Dosty, 6-3 Senior; G Dymond Simon, 5-5 Junior; C Kirsten Thompson, 6-6 Senior; F/C Kayli Murphy, 6-2 Junior. G Danielle Orsillo, 5-9 Senior.

Top newcomer: G Jazlyn Davis, 5-9 Junior;

The Lowdown: After making it to the Elite Eight in 2007, the Sun Devils did not make it that far last season, falling to Duke in the second round of the NCAA tournament. The team is led by dynamic point guard January, the reigning Pac-10 defensive player of the year. Orsillo returning from knee injury should provide a spark.

14. Virginia (24-10)

Top returning players: G Monica Wright, 5-11 Junior; F Lyndra Littles, 6-1 Senior; C Aisha Mohammed, 6-3 Senior; G Paulisha Kellam, 5-8 Junior.

Top newcomers: F Chelsey Shine, 6-2 Freshman; G Ariana Moorer, 5-7 Freshman.

The Lowdown: Point guard Sharnee Zoll and the 200-plus assists she dished off are gone, but the Cavaliers return just about everyone else. Wright, Littles, Mohammed and Kellam will see to it that Virginia is heard from in the ACC.

15. Notre Dame (25-9)

Top returning players: G Ashley Barlow, 5-9 Junior; G Lindsay Schrader, 6-0 Senior; F Devereaux Peters, 6-2 Sophomore; C Erica Williamson, 6-4 Junior; G Brittany Mallory, 5-10 Sophomore; G Melissa Lechlitner, 5-7 Junior; F Becca Bruszewski, 6-1 Sophomore.

Top newcomers: G Natalie Novosel, 5-11 Freshman; F Erica Solomon, 6-2 Freshman.

The Lowdown: The Fighting Irish lost WNBA draftee Charel Allen and Tulyah Gaines, but return Barlow, Schrader, Peters (from knee injury), and Williamson, all of whom played significant minutes last season. If Peters lives up to her potential as an inside presence, Notre Dame will be tough.

16. Texas (22-13)

Top returning players: G Brittainey Raven, 6-0 Junior; F Ashley Lindsey, 6-4 Senior; G Carla Coritjo, 5-7 Senior; G Kathleen Nash, 6-2 Sophomore; F Earnesia Williams, 6-1 Senior; G Erika Arriaran, 5-10 Junior

Top newcomers: C Ashley Gayle, 6-4 Freshman; G Yvonne Anderson, 5-7 Freshman.

The Lowdown: Coach Gail Goestenkors first season at the Longhorn helm was a successful one as the team won over 20 games and made the NCAA tournament. Arriaran comes back from knee injury and Texas is counting on freshman Gayle, a McDonald’s All-American, to be a force inside.

17. Vanderbilt (25-9)

Top returning players: G/F Christina Wirth, 6-1 Senior; G Jennifer Risper, 5-9 Senior; G Merideth Marsh, 5-9 Junior; G Jessica Mooney, 5-8 Junior; F Hannah Tuomi, 6-0 Sophomore; G Jence Rhoads, 5-11 Sophomore.

Top newcomers: F Jordan Coleman, 5-11 Freshman; G Tia Gibbs, 5-9 Freshman.

The Lowdown: Wirth, one of the best all-around players in the SEC, averaged 13.1 points by shooting 47.3 percent from the floor and 41.5 percent from 3-point land. This was a very young team a year ago that was good enough to win 25 games.

18. Florida State (19-14)

Top returning players: G Tanae Davis-Cain, 5-11 Senior; G Mara Freshour, 6-1 Senior; F/C Jacinta Monroe, 6-4 Junior; G Courtney Ward, 5-7 Sophomore; F Cayla Moore, 6-2 Junior.

Top newcomers: C Cierra Bravard, 6-4 Freshman; G/F Chasity Clayton, 6-1 Freshman.

The Lowdown: The Seminoles have experience and have their top three players returning in Davis-Cain, Freshnour, and Moore. Last season brought them an NCAA invite and another should be coming this season. They could surprise some of their higher-ranked ACC opponents.

19. Ohio State (22-9)

Top returning players: C Jantel Lavender, 6-4 Sophomore; G Ashlee Trebilcock, 5-9 Senior; F Star Allen, 5-11 Senior; G Shavelle Little, 5-8 Junior; G Maria Moeller, 5-7 Junior; Brittany Johnson, 5-11 Sophomore.

Top newcomers: G Samantha Prahalis, 5-7 Freshman; G Amber Stokes, 5-10 Freshman.

The Lowdown: Lavender was the Big Ten Player of the Year as a freshman and everyone is back with the exception of the departed Marscilla Packer.

20. Baylor (25-7)

Top returning players: F Rachel Allison, 6-1 Senior; G Jhasmin Player, 5-10 Senior; G/F Jessica Morrow, 6-0 Senior; C Danielle Wilson, 6-3 Junior; G Melissa Jones, 5-10 Sophomore; G Kelli Griffin, 5-8 Sophomore.

Top newcomers: F Morgan Medlock, 6-1 Junior; F Whitney Zachariason, 6-2 Sophomore.

The Lowdown: The Bears have senior guard Player back from the left knee injury she sustained during the latter part of last season. Angela Tisdale will be missed, but Allison is back to at least post the 13.1 ppg and 8.5 rpg per game she contributed last season.

21. Auburn (20-12)

Top returning players: G DeWanna Bonner, 6-4 Senior; G Sherell Hobbs, 5-11 Senior; G Alli Smalley, 5-8 Sophomore; G Whitney Boddie, 5-9 Senior; F Trevesha Jackson, 6-0 Senior; F Jordan Greenleaf, 6-1 Junior; C KeKe Carrier, 6-7 Junior.

Top newcomer: F/C Chantel Hilliard, 6-2 Freshman.

The Lowdown: The versatile Bonner is one of the best-kept secrets nationally, but those in the SEC know exactly who she is. Coach Nell Fortner has potentially constructed the best team of her tenure at Auburn thus far. The Tigers also regain the services of the 6-7 Carrier, who sat out last season. If she can regain the form she had two years ago when she was among the SEC leaders in blocks, Auburn could return to the glory days they enjoyed in the late 1980s-early 1990s..

22. Xavier (24-9)

Top returning players: F Amber Harris, 6-5 Junior; C Ta’shia Phillips, 6-6 Sophomore; G Jerri Taylor, 5-7 Senior; G Tudy Reed, 5-11 Senior; F April Phillips, 6-0 Junior; F Maureen Hester, 6-1 Junior; G Special Jennings, 5-6 Sophomore.

Top newcomer: G Tyeasha Moss, 5-9 Freshman.

The Lowdown: Harris and Phillips form one of the best twin tower tandems in the country, and the team didn’t lose anyone to graduation. Coach Kevin McGruff’s Muskateers should win the Atlantic 10 and could be a factor in the NCAAs.

23. Michigan State (23-14)

Top returning players: C Allyssa DeHaan, 6-9 Junior; F Kalisha Keane, 6-1 Sophomore; G Brittany Thomas, 5-10 Sophomore; C Lauren Aitch, 6-1 Red Shirt Junior; F Cetera Washington, 6-0 Sophomore;

Top newcomers: F LyKendra Johnson, 6-1 Red Shirt Freshman; F Courtney Schiffauer, 6-1 Freshman.

The Lowdown: The Spartans made it to the WNIT championship where they lost to Marquette. DeHaan (14.4 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 4.0 blocks) is a force in the middle. Keane and Thomas had fine freshmen seasons and will be even better with the year of experience. Coach Suzy Merchant’s team could contend for Big 10 title.

24. Marquette (21-14)

Top returning players: G Krystal Ellis, 5-9 Senior; G Angel Robinson, 5-8 Sophomore; G Janelle Harris, 6-0 Sophomore; C Kelly Lam, 6-3 Junior; F Joycelyn Mellen, 6-3 Redshirt Sophomore; F Marissa Thrower, 5-11 Senior.

The Lowdown: The Golden Eagles ended a somewhat disappointing season on a high note as they won the postseason WNIT championship. Ellis is one of the most exciting players in the Big East and if she can get help from any of the bigs Marquette could be back in the NCAAs.

25. Marist (32-3)

Top returning players: F Rachelle Fitz, 6-0 Junior; G Julianne Viani, 5-7 Redshirt Senior; G Erica Allenspach, 5-8 Sophomore; G/F Lynzee Johnson, 5-10 Junior; G Elise Caron, 5-5 Sophomore.

Top newcomers: F Brandy Gang, 6-2 Freshman; G Kristine Best, 5-4 Freshman; G Corielle Yarde, 5-8 Freshman.

The Lowdown: They probably won’t have the same record as last season’s, but with Fitz and Viani leading the way, this team will continue to give anyone a game. This team has won an NCAA game the last two years.

Well there you have it, the 2008-09 SPMsportspage.com women’s pre-season top 25. Aren’t you excited for the season to start? Before we leave you, here are 15 other teams that could break into the top 25 before the season culminates at the final four in St. Louis:

Boston College (21-12) – The Eagles have size in 6-6 center Carolyn Swords (13.7ppg, 7.3 rpg last season) and 6-4 forward Stephanie Murphy (14.5 ppg, 7.7 rpg), both sophomores who had sensational freshman seasons. Murphy was ACC Rookie of the Year.

Georgia (23-10) – This is unfamiliar territory for the Lady Bulldogs, as they’ve been a staple in every publication’s preseason top 25 for years. Four-time All-American Tasha Humphrey has departed for the Washington Mystics. Ashley Houts and Angel Robinson are back to help the Lady Dogs in their quest to regain their status among the elite.

Georgia Tech (22-10) – Sophomore Alex Montgomery is hoping to lead the Yellow Jackets back to the NCAA Tournament. Playing with a freshman class that’s been rated as high as 6th best in the country should help.

George Washington (27-7) – Former assistant Mike Bozeman takes over as head coach as legendary coach Joe McKeown has moved on to Northwestern. The Colonials have 6-4 senior center Jessica Adair but will miss Kimberly Beck (Seattle Storm) and Sarah-Jo Lawrence.

Iowa (21-11) – Led by 5-6 senior point guard Kristi Smith, the defending Big Ten co-champions hope to win that title without sharing it this time.

Iowa State (21-13) – Lacey Alison, Nicky Wieben, Heather Ezell, and Kelsey Bolte form a solid foundation for the Cyclones to build a successful season on.

Kansas State (22-10) – Guard Shalee Lehning and forwards Marlies Gipson and Ashley Sweat are back to lead the Wildcats to another run in the NCAA tournament.

LSU (31-6) – The Sylvia Fowles (Chicago Sky) era is over, as the starting 5 that led the Lady Tiger program to its fifth consecutive final four has departed. Junior guard Allison Hightower will lead a club that has 7 freshmen including 3 McDonald’s All-Americans (Destiny Hughes, Ayana Dunning, and LaSondra Barrett) who will get a chance to play immediately.

Nebraska (21-12) – The Huskers return four starters from last year’s club, including 6-2 senior forward Kelsey Griffin.

Old Dominion (31-5) – Tiffany Green and Jessica Canady will lead a group that has enough to overcome the departures of TJ Jordan and Shahida Williams to win another CAA championship.

Pittsburgh (24-11) – Mercedes Walker and Mallorie Winn are gone, but Shavonte Zellous (18.2 ppg), Jania Sims, and Xenia Stewart return. Junior Sophronia Sallard had a great NCAA tournament last season.

Purdue (19-15) – The Boilermakers welcome back Lyndsay Wisdom-Hylton, who missed all of last year with an ACL injury. They also welcome 4 recruits in a class that’s been ranked as high as #7 by some recruiting services.

Southern California (17-13) – There will be 5 former McDonald’s High School All-Americans on this year’s team to assist Camille LeNoir in leading the team back to the tournament.

Syracuse (22-9) – Four starters return from a break out season for the Orange. The recruiting class includes junior college All-American Juanita Ward, a former McDonald’s All-American who was nominated for the Naismith National Player of the Year award her senior season of high school.

Utah (27-5) – Leilani Mitchell (New York Liberty) may be gone, but leading scorer Morgan Warburton is back to lead the Utes as they seek to defend their Mountain West Conference regular season title.