The upcoming women’s college basketball season in the Big Ten conference is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet, with the addition of powerhouse teams like USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington. The absence of star player Caitlin Clark at Iowa will present a new challenge for the teams, but it will also make the competition more exciting and intense.
USC and UCLA are expected to be top contenders in the conference, with high expectations following their strong performances in the Pac-12 conference. USC, in particular, is gaining momentum with standout player JuJu Watkins, who was named the preseason Player of the Year after an impressive freshman season. The team has also strengthened with key transfers and a top freshman class.
While Iowa may not be the favorite this season, there is still hope for the team to make an impact, despite the loss of several key players and their head coach retiring. Other teams to watch out for include Ohio State, Indiana, and Maryland, as well as the dark horse Nebraska, which showed promise last season.
The conference schedule will see each team face 16 opponents once and one team twice, with a focus on balanced matchups and integration of the new members. Coaches are optimistic about the new season and the level of competition that will be on display, with a shared goal of bringing a national championship back to the Big Ten. With a mix of experienced players, talented newcomers, and strong coaching, the stage is set for a thrilling and competitive women’s basketball season in the Big Ten.
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