Big Ten Women’s Basketball Season Preview
The women’s college basketball season is set to get underway next week and the Big Ten is looking to have their best season yet with the addition of four west coast schools. Last season, the conference sent seven teams to the NCAA Tournament, with Iowa making it all the way to the national title game for the second consecutive season. This year, six teams are ranked in the preseason AP Poll, led by newcomers USC (#3) and UCLA (#5), while Iowa, Illinois and Michigan State were amongst the teams that received votes. The Trojans, led by preseason Big Ten Player of the Year JuJu Watkins are the preseason pick to win the conference by both the coaches and the media.
HawkeyeReport has your Big Ten women’s basketball preview, with a quick look at all 18 teams, including key returners, additions, losses and important non-conference games.
Illinois Fighting Illini
2023-24: 19-15 (8-10) WBIT: W vs Missouri State, W vs Stony Brook, W vs Tulsa, W vs Washington State, W vs Villanova
Key Non-Conf: vs Florida State (Nov 7), vs Kentucky (Nov 27) (Music City Classic)
By all accounts, the regular season was quite a disappointment for the Illini last season. They began the season in the preseason AP Top 25, but they went 8-10 in Big Ten play and after a first-round loss at the Big Ten Tournament, Illinois headed to the WBIT with a 14-15 record. That’s when everything clicked. The Illini caught fire and won the inaugural WBIT, defeating a Lucy Olsen led Villanova team in the championship.
Third-year head coach Shauna Green returns four double-digit scorers, including the Big Ten’s leading returning scoring duo in Makira Cook (16.4 PPG, 4.4 AST) and Genesis Bryant (14.2 PPG, 3.5 AST). Forward Kendall Bostic also returns (12.1 PPG, 10.9 REB) after putting up 16 double-doubles last year. The addition of former four-star, 6’7 center Lety Vasconcelos from Baylor could give Illinois a dangerous frontcourt, but Vasconcelos totaled just 99 minutes for the Bears as a freshman last season. Guard Adalia McKenzie (11.0 PPG, 5.0 REB) is back, as is Big Ten All-Freshman Team guard Gretchen Dolan (4.8 PPG, 31 gms).
The postseason run to win the WBIT showed what this Illinois team can be, with 82.9% of their scoring and 73.1% of their rebounding returning this season. The Big Ten got tougher, but the Illini have a top 25 level roster that can compete with just about any of the teams on their schedule.
#25 Indiana Hoosiers
2023-24: 26-6 (15-3) NCAAT: W vs Fairfield, W vs Oklahoma, L vs South Carolina
Key Non-Conf: vs Stanford (Nov 17), Battle 4 Atlantis (Nov 23-25)
Under head coach Teri Moren, the Hoosiers have won 20+ games in each of the last nine seasons, including an Elite Eight trip in 2021. The best chance for them to break through to the Final Four came the last two years, but they came up short, with a 2nd Round exit in 2023 and a Sweet 16 loss in 2024. Now, All-American center Mackenzie Holmes and sharpshooter Sara Scalia are both gone.
Although the Hoosiers lost 45.3% of their scoring from those two, there’s plenty enough talent on the roster to keep themselves in the Top 25. Chloe Moore-McNeil (10.2 PPG, 5.0 AST) is one of the more underrated point guards in the country, while Sydney Parrish (10.8 PPG, 6.0 REB) and Yarden Garzon (11.7 PPG, 42.2% 3PT) have flourished in their roles as the supporting cast to Mackenzie Holmes. Junior Lilly Meister (3.7 PPG) and Tennessee transfer Karoline Striplin (7.2 PPG) will handle the post duties. The addition of Penn State sophomore guard Shay Ciezki (11.5 PPG, 74 3PT) was huge, as she ranked sixth in the Big Ten in made three-pointers last season.
Heading into the season, the biggest question for Indiana is: Which player will emerge from their supporting role to become the primary offensive threat? If someone steps up, their #25 preseason ranking could end up being too low.
Iowa Hawkeyes
2023-24: 34-5 (15-3) NCAAT: W vs Holy Cross, W vs West Virginia, W vs Colorado, W vs LSU, W vs UConn, L vs South Carolina
Key Non-Conf: at Drake (Nov 17), vs Tennessee (Dec 7) (Brooklyn, NY), vs Iowa State (Dec 11)
Coming off of back-to-back national title game appearances, the Hawkeyes are entering a new era under first-year head coach Jan Jensen after the legendary Lisa Bluder announced her retirement early in the offseason. Despite the departure of NPOY Caitlin Clark, Kate Martin and Gabbie Marshall, there’s still enough talent on the roster for the Hawkeyes to compete for a top five finish in the Big Ten.
Villanova transfer point guard Lucy Olsen (23.3 PPG, 4.8 REB, 3.8 AST) was third in the country in scoring last season. She brings a different skillset for the table, but is fully capable of leading the Iowa offense. All-Big Ten power forward Hannah Stuelke (14.0 PPG, 6.6 REB) will move back to her natural position, while Syd Affolter (8.4 PPG, 6.4 REB) is looking to take the next step as a player and as a leader. The real intrigue is with players like Taylor McCabe (3.3 PPG, 46.1% 3PT), as well as freshman center Ava Heiden and freshman forward Teagan Mallegni. If the Hawkeyes are going to avoid having a large drop-off, those three will have to be key contributors.
#18 Maryland Terrapins
2023-24: 19-14 (9-9) NCAAT: L vs Iowa State
Key Non-Conf: vs Duke (Nov 10), at Syracuse (Nov 13)
When Maryland joined the Big Ten, they were nearly unstoppable, winning 109 of their first 122 conference games over their first seven seasons. The rest of the Big Ten has caught up recently and last season, the Terps had their fewest wins since 2004, and their earliest NCAA Tournament exit since 2010. when they missed the field entirely, playing in the WNIT.
Head coach Brenda Freese returns a couple of key components, with point guard Shyanne Sellers (15.6 PPG, 5.8 REB, 5.5 AST) and guard Bri McDaniel (12.6 PPG, 3.9 REB). However, the Terps lost four of seven players that started games last season, including second-leading scorer Jakia Brown-Turner. The reason for their preseason top 25 ranking is the massive haul that the coaching staff had in the transfer portal. In the backcourt, the Terps added Virginia guard Mir McLean (12.2 PPG, 9.6 REB), Rutgers guard Kaylene Smikle (16.1 PPG, 5.1 REB) and VCU guard Sarah Te-Biasu (16.0 PPG). In the frontcourt, the additions were just as impressive, bringing in Arkansas forward Saylor Poffenbarger (10.2 PPG, 11.2 REB) and former five-star recruit Amari DeBerry from UConn.
There’s loads of talent on this Maryland squad, but you always wonder how things will go with that many players that are used to scoring in double figures. If everything works out, the Terps could be a darkhorse in the Big Ten.
Michigan Wolverines
2023-24: 20-14 (9-9) NCAAT: L vs Kansas
Key Non-Conf: vs South Carolina (Nov 4) (Hall of Fame Series), vs Oklahoma (Dec 17) (Jumpman Invitational)
Under head coach Kim Barnes Arico, the Wolverines are averaging 21.8 wins per season and have not missed the postseason in any of her 12 seasons (7 NCAAT, 4 WNIT). Keeping that streak alive could be a tall task this season, as Michigan returns just one of eight players that started a game last season.
The Wolverines lost six players to the transfer portal, including leading scorer Laila Phelia (16.8 PPG) to Texas, while guard Lauren Hansen (11.9 PPG) graduated. So, what’s left? Guard Jordan Hobbs (9.8 PPG, 4.2 REB), guard Greta Kampschroeder (2.4 PPG, 9.1 MIN) and lots of inexperience. Five-star freshman Syla Swords and Olivia Olson could see a lot of time right away. This will be a rebuilding season in Ann Arbor.
Michigan State Spartans
2023-24: 22-9 (12-6) NCAAT: L vs North Carolina
Key Non-Conf: Acrisure Classic (Nov 26-27), West Palm Beach Classic (Dec 20-21)
It was unfortunate to see Suzy Merchant step down from head coach after 16 seasons due to health reasons, but Roby Fralick was able to come in and keep things on the tracks in year one. The Spartans went 22-9 last season, advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2021. Now, they’re looking for back-to-back trips to the tourney for the first time since 2016-2017.
Although MSU lost Moira Joiner (graduation) and DeeDee Hagemann (transfer portal), their #2 and #3 scorers, small forward Julia Ayrault (15.4 PPG, 7.3 REB) is back after a breakout, All-Big Ten season to lead the way. The other key returnees are Big Ten Sixth Player of the Year, guard Theryn Hallock (11.2 PPG, 2.6 AST) and starting guard Abbey Kimball (7.8 PPG). The big news for the Spartans came in the transfer portal, with the addition of Oregon forward Grace VanSlooten (15.0 PPG, 7.1 REB), Arizona State guard Jaddan Simmons (9.5 PPG, 3.5 AST) and Ball State guard Nyla Hampton (8.7 PPG, 4.8 AST). Those three, plus the returning players have MSU as a clear NCAA Tournament team this season.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
2023-24: 20-16 (5-13) WNIT: W vs Pacific, W vs NDSU, W vs Wyoming, W vs Troy, L vs St Louis
Key Non-Conf: vs Oregon State (Nov 16) (Briann January Classic), vs Jackson State (Dec 11)
The Golden Gophers were in good position to make the NCAA Tournament last season, but Mara Braun suffered a foot injury in January that caused them to finish 2-11 down the stretch. With 83.8% of their scoring back, the Gophers are looking to make the big dance for the first time since 2018.
Point guard Mara Braun (17.0 PPG, 4.3 REB) returns to lead the Minnesota offense, while her counterpart in the backcourt, Amaya Battle (12.1 PPG, 5.4 AST) is back as well. They are the second-highest returning scoring duo in the Big Ten behind Illinois (Cook & Bryant). At forward, sophomore Grace Grocholski (10.8 PPG, 4.6 REB) had an argument to win Big Ten Freshman of the Year last season and is the leading returning three-point shooter in the conference (79 3PT). Forward Mallory Heyer (9.5 PPG, 8.6 REB) and center Sophie Hart (10.6 PPG, 5.1 REB) are also back, giving Minnesota the exact same starting five as last season. The addition of UMass guard Alexsia Rose (11.4 PPG) and Nebraska forward Annika Stewart (3.8 PPG) will give them some depth on the bench.
In year two under head coach Dawn Plitzuweit, the Gophers are team to keep an eye on the Big Ten. They’ve got experience and scoring, but the defense (204th), needs to improve. I expect to see Minnesota in the NCAA Tournament.
#23 Nebraska Cornhuskers
2023-24: 23-12 (11-7) NCAAT: W vs Texas A&M, L vs Oregon State
Key Non-Conf: at Creighton (Nov 22), at Georgia Tech (Dec 21)
Entering her ninth season at Nebraska, head coach Amy Williams has had several good teams recently, but has yet to break through with a run in March. Last season, the Huskers won eight of their final 11 games prior to the NCAA Tournament, including a trip to the Big Ten Tournament Championship Game. They came up short of the Sweet Sixteen, extending their streak to 11 years without a trip to the second weekend.
The Huskers return All-American hopeful center Alexis Markowski (15.7 PPG, 10.5 REB) after she posted 20 double-doubles last season. They also bring back Big Ten Freshman of the Year forward Natalie Potts (10.2 PPG, 5.5 REB) and guard Logan Nissley (7.0 PPG). Junior guard Callin Hake (6.1 PPG, 37.7% 3PT) will be set for a bigger role and they added Florida guard Alberte Rimdal (7.2 PPG) from the portal. The biggest question for Nebraska comes at point guard. Can five-star true freshman Britt Prince come in and make an immediate impact as a replacement for Jaz Shelley? If the answer is yes, then the Huskers will have another tough team in Lincoln.
Northwestern Wildcats
2023-24: 9-21 (4-14)
Key Non-Conf: vs Utah (Nov 14), vs UNLV (Dec 18)
It feels like it’s been a decade since the ‘Cats were in the NCAA Tournament with Veronica Burton spearheading the intimidating ‘Blizzard’ defense. In reality, it has really only been since 2021, but Northwestern has an 18-42 record over the last two seasons, including a 6-30 mark in Big Ten play.
They return three starters, including their top two scorers, guard Melannie Daley (13.3 PPG) and forward Caleigh Walsh (13.0 PPG, 5.3 REB). Head coach Joe McKeown did bring in Brown transfer Kyla Jones (17.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG), but Northwestern needs defense, and lots of it. They ranked dead last in the country in points per possession allowed (1.11) and last in the Big Ten in scoring margin (-16.8) by nearly two points.
#14 Ohio State Buckeyes
2023-24: 25-6 (16-2) NCAAT: W vs Maine, L vs Duke
Key Non-Conf: at Belmont (Nov 17), vs Stanford (Dec 20) (Bay Area Classic)
Last year was supposed to be the season that delivered the Buckeyes their first Final Four since 1993. The were ranked #2 in the AP Poll for three consecutive weeks and finished the regular season with a 25-5 record. However, their run in March was cut short by seven seed Duke in the second round. There’s plenty to replace, as Jacy Sheldon, Celeste Taylor and Rebeka Mikulasikova have all moved on.
The Buckeyes will be led by back their front court, with star forward Cotie McMahon (14.4 PPG, 6.3 REB) and Kentucky transfer center Ajae Petty (14.2 PPG, 10.6 REB). The addition of Petty will be a big boost in the rebounding department after OSU ranked 242nd in total rebounding last season. Taylor Theirry (11.3 PPG, 5.3 REB) returns, while Oregon guard Chance Gray (13.9 PPG, 3.0 AST) was the other big splash in the portal for Kevin McGuff. There’s also a ton of excitement surrounding five-star point guard Jaloni Cambridge.
The Buckeyes return just 37.7% of their scoring, but landing Petty and Gray in the portal significantly changes the picture. Depth and experience off the bench is a question mark, but OSU has the star power in their starting lineup.
Oregon Ducks
2023-24: 11-21 (2-16 Pac 12)
Key Non-Conf: vs Baylor (Nov 10), vs Auburn (Nov 20), vs South Dakota State (Nov 26) (North Shore Showcase)
Head coach Kelly Graves has taken Oregon to five NCAA Tournaments, including a run to the Final Four with Sabrina Ionescu in 2019. While the Final Four is well out of reach for this coming season, Graves is looking to get the Ducks back to the competing in March after a disaster season last year.
Oregon lost Grace Van Slooten and Chance Grey, their top two scorers, to the transfer portal, but the roster actually got deeper with the additions they made. Miami Ohio guard Peyton Scott (15.4 PPG, 5.4 REB ’23) was injured in the season opener last year, but returns this season. North Carolina transfer Deja Kelly (16.3 PPG, 3.9 REB) and BYU transfer Nani Falatea (15.3 PPG, 4.5 AST ’23) were big additions to play alongside Scott at guard. The Ducks interior could amongst the tallest in the country with 6’4 Texas transfer forward Amina Muhammad (6.1 PPG, 4.3 REB) and 6’8 center Phillipina Kyei (12.6 PPG, 11.9 REB). They also brought in a pair of mid-major transfers, with UCSB forward Alexis Whitfield (15.1 PPG, 9.8 REB) and Siena guard Elisa Mevius (12.0 PPG, 6.8 REB, 5.1 AST) both contributing a bunch at their previous stops.
There’s no doubt that the Ducks roster is much deeper than last season, but it could take some time for the team to gel together on the floor and for the coaching staff to find the right rotations. The quicker they can get things going smoothly, the better the chance that Oregon plays in a postseason tournament.
Purdue Boilermakers
2023-24: 15-19 (5-13)
Key Non-Conf: vs Notre Dame (Nov 10), vs South Carolina (Nov 30) (Fort Myers Tip-Off), vs Kentucky (Dec 14)
The Boilermakers made the NCAA Tournament in 2023, but head coach Katie Geralds and Co. were unable to take advantage of the momentum last season and dropped to 15-19 overall. Now, it appears the program is back to square one, as they lose all five starters, including Freshman All-American center Mary Ashley Stevenson, who opted to transfer to Stanford.
The Boilers added a couple of mid-major transfers: Akron forward Reagan Bass (16.4 PPG, 9.9 REB) and Stephen F Austin guard Destini Lombard (10.1 PPG, 4.0 AST). But it’s concerning that Purdue’s top holdovers from last season are sophomore guards Rashunda Jones (7.8 PPG) and Sophie Swanson (7.1 PPG). I think it will be tough for Purdue to match last year’s 15-win total, with 16 games coming against projected NCAA Tournament teams.
Penn State Lady Lions
2023-24: 22-13 (9-9) WBIT: W vs George Mason, W vs Belmont, W vs Mississippi State, L vs Villanova
Key Non-Conf: vs Georgia (Nov 23) (WBCA Showcase), at Kansas (Dec 15)
The Lady Lions had their best season since 2013-14 last year, winning 22 games and advancing all the way to the WBIT semifinals. Unfortunately for Penn State, they are having the largest roster reset of anyone in the conference. All seven players that started a game last season are gone and just 17.0% of their scoring returns. That’s last in the Big Ten.
Head coach Carolyn Kieger brought in three transfers headlined by Michigan State guard Gabby Elliott (9.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG ’22). The other two additions: Bellarmine center Gracie Merkle (15.1 PPG, 11.0 RPG) and Louisiana forward Tamera Johnson (10.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG), were both large contributors at their previous schools. Similar to Purdue, the concern lies in how little is returning, as guards Jayla Oden (5.6 PPG) and Moriah Murray (4.3 PPG) are the top players back.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
2023-24: 8-24 (2-16)
Key Non-Conf: at Virginia Tech (Nov 19), vs Princeton (Nov 24), vs Marquette (Nov 29)
Rutgers last made the NCAA Tournament in 2021, when they went 14-5, with seven games canceled due to Covid-19. Since then, the Scarlet Knights have had legendary head coach C. Vivian Stringer retire, and they have severely declined. Over the last three seasons, Rutgers has a 31-64 record, including a 10-43 mark in Big Ten play.
Entering her third season as head coach, Coquese Washington is still working to get the Scarlet Knights back to a competitive level in the Big Ten. They return three starters, including forward Destiny Adams (15.6 PPG, 7.9 REB) and guard Mya Petticord (10.2 PPG, 3.4 REB). The big loss over the offseason was when guard Kaylene Smikle (16.1 PPG, 15 gms) opted to transfer in conference to Maryland. Their biggest focus will be improving on their 337th ranked defense (1.02 pts per possession).
#5 UCLA Bruins
2023-24: 27-7 (13-5 Pac 12) NCAAT: W vs Cal Baptist, W vs Creighton, L vs LSU
Key Non-Conf: vs Louisville (Nov 4) (Aflac Oui-Play), vs South Carolina (Nov 24), vs Creighton (Dec 20) (Bay Area Classic)
The Bruins have made the NCAA Tournament eight times in 13 seasons under head coach Cori Close, but the program is still searching for that elusive Final Four appearance. Last season, UCLA spent eight weeks at #2 in the AP Poll and entered the tournament as a two seed, but dropped out in the Sweet Sixteen with a loss to LSU. This year, in their first year as a member of the Big Ten, the Bruins may have their best shot at a Final Four appearance.
UCLA returns 72.8% of their scoring, including five of their top six scorers. Center Lauren Betts (14.9 PPG, 9.3 REB) and guard Kiki Rice (13.2 PPG, 5.7 REB, 4.5 AST) are the stars that everybody knows, but there’s a lot more. Guard Londynn Jones (11.8 PPG, 87 3PT), guard Gabriela Jaquez (10.0 PPG, 5.6 REB) and forward Angela Dugalic (8.7 PPG, 6.5 REB) are all back too.
That in itself would be a good team, but head coach Cori Close hit it out of the park in the transfer portal. The Bruins added to their frontcourt, bringing in former five-star forward Janiah Barker (12.2 PPG, 7.6 REB) from Texas A&M and Oregon State forward Timea Gardiner (11.6 PPG, 7.0 REB). The final addition was Washington State guard Charlisse Leger-Walker (13.2 PPG, 6.5 REB, 5.1 AST), but she is not expected to play right away due to a knee injury she suffered last season. The Bruins have one of the most talented rosters in the country and will be unstoppable on the glass (ranked 1st ’24). They are a contender to win the Big Ten and the national title.
#3 USC Trojans
2023-24: 29-6 (13-5 Pac 12) NCAAT: W vs Corpus Christi, W vs Kansas, W vs Baylor, L vs UConn
Key Non-Conf: vs Ole Miss (Nov 4) (Aflac Oui-Play), vs Notre Dame (Nov 23), at UConn (Dec 21)
In just three seasons, Lindsay Gottlieb has turned the Trojans program into a national title contender. USC came up short against Connecticut in the Elite Eight last season, but they will have one of the top rosters in the country this season led by the nation’s best player in JuJu Watkins.
JuJu Watkins (27.1 PPG, 7.3 REB) had arguably the greatest freshman season ever, with a freshman record 920 points, including 51 in a win over Stanford. She is the best player in college basketball and will team up with Stanford transfer forward Kiki Iriafen (19.4 PPG, 11.0 REB). They are the best duo in college basketball. Also, in the frontcourt is 6’4 center Rayah Marshall (10.2 PPG, 10.5 REB), but after her, the Trojans don’t have a ton returning. They bring back 53.7% of their scoring and just 29.2% of their three-pointers. Oregon State transfer guard Talia von Oelhoffen (10.7 PPG, 5.0 AST) has made 169 threes in her career and was a big land in the transfer portal. The freshman class, led by guard Kennedy Smith (#6 overall), will contribute immediately, with three five-stars and three four-stars
The Watkins/Iriafen duo will be a joy to watch and if the talented freshman class lives up to expectations, the Trojans will have plenty of weapons to not only win the Big Ten, but possibly win a national title.
Washington Huskies
2023-24: 16-15 (6-12 Pac 12) WBIT: L vs Georgetown
Key Non-Conf: vs LSU (Nov 25) (Pink Flamingo Championship), vs Utah (Dec 14)
Washington has not appeared in the NCAA Tournament since Kelsey Plum’s senior season, but third-year head coach Tina Langley is trying to get the Huskies back in the dance after earning a WBIT bid last season. They’ll have a shot, as they return 72.6% of their scoring, 70.9% of their three-point shooting and 68.8% of their rebounding.
While they do lose their top three-point shooter, guard Lauren Schwartz (11.8 PPG), the Huskies were a balanced team with five players totaling 100+ made field goals. Four of those five are back this season. Foward Dalayah Daniels (11.9 PPG, 7.2 REB) was an All-Pac 12 honorable mention, while Elle Ladine, Hannah Stines and Sayvia Sellers all knocked down 30+ threes last season. It will be interesting to see what impact Yale transfer forward Brenna McDonald (8.4 PPG, 6.1 REB) and Eastern Michigan transfer center Tayra Eke (9.5 PPG, 7.3 REB) can have. Washington’s pace of play ranked 326th, which allowed them to hold their opponent to 70 points or less in 24 of 31 games.
Wisconsin Badgers
2023-24: 15-17 (6-12) WNIT: W vs Southern Indiana, W vs Illinois State, L vs St Louis
Key Non-Conf: at South Dakota State (Nov 13), Cancun Challenge (Nov 28-30)
The Badgers currently have the longest NCAA Tournament drought in the Big Ten, with their last appearance coming back in 2010. Despite finishing 10th or worse in the Big Ten in each of the last 12 seasons, Wisconsin is seemingly headed in the right direction under head coach Marisa Moseley.
Coming off their first postseason tournament appearance since 2011, the Badgers return three starters and three of their top four scorers. They will be led by Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year center Serah Williams (17.4 PPG, 10.7 REB, 2.8 BLK), who finished with 20 double-doubles a year ago. Point guard Ronnie Porter (10.4 PPG, 5.5 REB, 4.1 AST) is back as the Big Ten’s leading returner in steals (61), while Marisa Moseley added Horizon League Freshman of the Year Carter McCray (15.7 PPG, 11.2 REB) from Northern Kentucky. It will be quite the challenge to improve on last year’s success with the increase in conference difficulty, but the Badgers could make a return trip to the WNIT.
Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tiers
Can make the Final Four: USC, UCLA
Top 25 Team: Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, Ohio State
Will make the NCAAT: Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska
WBIT/WNIT caliber: Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin
The bottom five: Penn State, Michigan, Northwestern, Purdue, Rutgers
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