From a South Carolina repeat to UConn ending its title drought: Six teams that could win it all

As we look ahead to the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, there is no shortage of storylines, excitement, and anticipation. Each season brings with it new talent, fresh challenges, and the ever-present hope for a championship run. For the teams vying for a national title, this is a critical time to peak at the right moment. Several teams stand out, each with its own set of strengths, weaknesses, and compelling narratives. Among the frontrunners are powerhouses like South Carolina, looking to repeat, and UConn, with its eye on ending a championship drought.

Let’s explore six teams with a legitimate chance to win it all and the reasons why they could be cutting down the nets in April.

1. South Carolina Gamecocks: Can They Repeat?

Key Strengths:

• Dominant Frontcourt: With Aliyah Boston (a likely top WNBA pick) leading the charge, South Carolina’s frontcourt is perhaps the best in the nation. Boston, along with players like Kamilla Cardoso, provides unmatched rebounding and interior defense, allowing the Gamecocks to dominate in the paint.
• Depth: South Carolina is loaded with talent. From experienced players like Zia Cooke to rising stars such as Chloe Kitts, the Gamecocks have depth across the board. Their rotation is filled with elite-level talent at every position.
• Stability under Dawn Staley: Head coach Dawn Staley has built an environment of excellence in Columbia. She has proven her ability to get the best out of her players, especially on the biggest stages.

Key Challenges:

• Offensive Consistency: While their defense is elite, South Carolina can sometimes struggle to maintain offensive rhythm. In critical moments, their reliance on interior play might not be enough if they face an opponent with a strong perimeter game.
• Pressure of Repeating: Repeating as champions is one of the hardest feats in college basketball. South Carolina’s target on their back will be larger than ever.

Outlook: South Carolina is the team to beat heading into the tournament. Their combination of size, talent, depth, and championship experience makes them a formidable contender. With a repeat title in their sights, the Gamecocks have the tools to go all the way again.

2. UConn Huskies: Ending a Title Drought

Key Strengths:

• Breanna Stewart’s Legacy Continues: Although Stewart has long graduated, UConn’s tradition of dominant, versatile forwards remains intact. Players like Aaliyah Edwards and Dorka Juhász continue the Huskies’ legacy of elite post play and rebounding.
• Guard Play: Nika Mühl has developed into one of the best point guards in the country, orchestrating the offense with a deft touch. The Huskies are known for their unselfish ball movement and ability to break down defenses.
• Experience and Leadership: UConn has been here before. With multiple national championships under their belt, the Huskies know what it takes to win in March. Their experience in high-pressure games gives them a huge advantage.

Key Challenges:

• Injury Concerns: UConn has dealt with injuries to key players throughout the season, which has sometimes affected their consistency. Staying healthy as the tournament progresses is critical for them.
• Depth Issues: UConn’s depth has been a question mark in some seasons. If key players like Azzi Fudd struggle or get into foul trouble, the Huskies’ depth may become a concern.

Outlook: UConn has been a perennial powerhouse, and despite recent setbacks, they are more than capable of winning a national championship. With the right mix of experience, talent, and coaching, the Huskies will be a serious threat to end their title drought.

3. Stanford Cardinal: A Steady Contender

Key Strengths:

• Elite Coaching: Head coach Tara VanDerveer is one of the most decorated coaches in women’s basketball. She has the ability to adapt her game plans to any opponent and has repeatedly demonstrated her ability to win big games.
• Versatile Roster: Stanford has one of the most balanced rosters in the nation. Players like Cameron Brink, Hannah Jump, and Ashten Prechtel provide flexibility in both offense and defense. They can win games inside and out.
• Defense: Stanford has long been known for its defensive prowess, and this season is no different. They are difficult to score against and can shut down opponents with their smothering defense.

Key Challenges:

• Youth and Inexperience: Despite having great talent, Stanford lacks the tournament-tested depth it’s had in years past. Players like Kiki Iriafen and Indigo Balcazar are still developing and could face challenges under tournament pressure.
• Offensive Efficiency: While Stanford is defensively sound, their offense can sometimes struggle against high-powered teams. They will need to maintain fluid ball movement and shooting accuracy to make a deep run.

Outlook: Stanford is always in the mix. Their blend of elite coaching, defensive tenacity, and balance on both ends of the floor make them a formidable contender. If their offense clicks at the right time, they could very well be cutting down the nets.

4. LSU Tigers: A New Power Emerges

Key Strengths:

• Angel Reese: LSU’s standout forward, Angel Reese, is one of the best players in the country. Her ability to score, rebound, and defend has made LSU a force to be reckoned with. She can dominate games from start to finish.
• Guard Play: With Flau’jae Johnson and Alexis Morris, LSU has a dynamic backcourt that complements Reese’s play in the frontcourt. Their ability to stretch defenses with their shooting and playmaking makes LSU difficult to guard.
• Toughness: Head coach Kim Mulkey has instilled a tough, physical mindset in her players. LSU is relentless on both ends of the floor, and they won’t back down from any opponent.

Key Challenges:

• Inconsistent Play: While LSU is dangerous, they can sometimes be prone to lapses in consistency, especially in close games. Ensuring that they stay focused for an entire game will be key to making a deep run.
• Defensive Depth: While their defense is solid, LSU will need to ensure that they don’t get caught in high-scoring affairs that might require more defensive depth than they can offer.

Outlook: LSU has all the pieces to make a championship run, especially with a player like Reese leading the way. If they continue to play with toughness and consistency, they will be a force to reckon with in the postseason.

5. Indiana Hoosiers: A Rising Force

Key Strengths:

• Balanced Offense: Indiana has one of the most balanced offenses in the nation, with players like Mackenzie Holmes dominating in the paint and Grace Berger providing scoring and leadership from the perimeter.
• Defensive Tenacity: The Hoosiers are known for their defensive prowess. They are physical and can shut down opponents by forcing turnovers and securing rebounds.
• Strong Leadership: Under head coach Teri Moren, Indiana has developed a culture of success. The Hoosiers are mentally tough, and they believe in their system.

Key Challenges:

• Big-Game Experience: While Indiana has been dominant in the regular season, they still need to prove themselves on the biggest stage in the NCAA Tournament. The experience of competing in high-pressure games will be critical.
• Depth Concerns: Indiana does not have the same level of depth as some of the other top teams. If they get into foul trouble or face injury concerns, it could derail their championship hopes.

Outlook: Indiana is one of the most well-rounded teams in the country. With their balance on offense and defense, they will be a serious contender if they can maintain their focus and avoid injuries.

6. UCLA Bruins: Always Dangerous

Key Strengths:

• Courage Under Pressure: UCLA has a reputation for thriving under pressure, and their recent tournament appearances have solidified this. Players like Charisma Osborne provide scoring and leadership when it counts.
• Elite Coaching: Head coach Cori Close is one of the most respected coaches in women’s basketball. She consistently gets the best out of her players, especially in big games.
• Balanced Attack: UCLA plays a well-rounded style of basketball. They can score in transition, hit outside shots, and protect the rim defensively.

Key Challenges:

• Inconsistent Shooting: UCLA has had some trouble finding consistent shooting, especially from beyond the arc. If they are unable to find offensive flow, their tournament run could be short-lived.
• Lack of Depth: UCLA’s bench is not as deep as some of the other top teams, which could lead to fatigue during the tournament.

Outlook: UCLA is always a tough team to face, and they have the experience and leadership to make a deep run. If they can find their rhythm offensively, they will be a tough opponent for anyone.