The TCU women's basketball team has a lot to prove this season, and their journey begins with a prestigious ranking! Where do they stand among the nation's elite?
The Associated Press has spoken, placing the TCU women's squad at an impressive No. 17 in their preseason Top 25 poll. This marks a historic moment for the program, as it's the highest preseason ranking they've ever achieved. But here's where the story gets even more exciting...
Last season, the Horned Frogs dominated the Big 12, claiming both the regular-season and conference tournament titles. Led by the formidable Hailey Van Lith, they marched into the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, solidifying their best season ever. It's a tough act to follow, but the team is ready for the challenge.
With the departure of key players like Van Lith, Sedona Prince, and Madison Conner, the Frogs turned to the transfer portal for a fresh start. They welcomed All-American Olivia Miles, who leads a talented transfer class. Donovyn Hunter and Taylor Bigby also return to the roster, providing much-needed experience. And this is where the plot thickens: despite their recent success, TCU faces a tougher battle within their own conference.
The Big 12 coaches have chosen TCU to win the conference title, and Miles is predicted to be the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year. However, in the AP preseason rankings, Iowa State and Baylor, both from the Big 12, are ranked ahead of TCU. And the controversy doesn't end there—Oklahoma State, another Big 12 rival, also made the rankings. So, are the AP voters undervaluing TCU's potential, or is there more to the story?
The season kicks off with TCU facing North Carolina A&T on November 6th at Schollmaier Arena. As the Frogs aim to prove their worth, the nation's top spot is held by defending champions UConn, followed by South Carolina, UCLA, Texas, and LSU. Will TCU rise above expectations and silence their doubters? Only time will tell.
What do you think? Are the AP rankings fair, or does TCU deserve a higher spot? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
