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Teams are starting to establish themselves as we approach the end of non-conference play. We’ve seen some great, competitive basketball, previewing how March may look. Some teams have already separated themselves from the pack, possibly solidifying themselves as contenders early on into the season. Here are five teams I believe could be championship contenders heading into conference play.
UCLA
Starting with the No.1 team in the nation, the University of California Los Angeles have shown that they’re arguably the best all around team in the nation. A team comprised of killer guard play, fierce wings, and a defensive anchor big has looked like the formula for success this season.
Match that with good depth, you have a contender on your hands. Heading into the season, the Bruins were already considered one of the best teams in the nation. But after ending the University of South Carolina’s win streak in commanding fashion, it became clear that they were the team to beat this season. Being one of the few undefeated teams left, it’ll be interesting to see how they fare in their first year competing in the Big Ten Conference.
South Carolina
After going undefeated and winning the 2024 NCAA Championship, the South Carolina Gamecocks have their eyes on repeating. With most of their team returning and bringing in yet another top recruit, this team looks to become better than before. They faced some struggles early on this season, losing to UCLA as previously mentioned, but have since returned to their dominant brand of basketball.
This team has already been tested a good bit during non-conference play and will only be tested even more when conference play starts. in the midst of that, they face a reloaded UConn squad who’s looking to get back at them for last year’s loss. But this group has shown that there isn’t much they can’t handle. Dawn Staley has established a winning culture, and any team she’s coaching is a team to go against.
Notre Dame
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have looked mighty impressive so far this season and they’re not even at full strength quite yet. With impressive victories against USC and UConn, they’ve become one of the toughest teams in the nation.
Sophomore guard Hannah Hidalgo has taken a big leap and looks like the best player in the nation. Senior Olivia Miles has returned to the lineup seamlessly, picking up where she left off. Together, they are the toughest duo in the nation. Still without some of their frontcourt talent, one could only imagine how much better they’ll be at full strength.
UConn
The University of Connecticut have started the season on a good note with a 10-1 record. Paige Bueckers in her senior season has been phenomenal, reminding folks of why she’s one of the best players in the country. This season, the Huskies brought in Harvard transfer Kaitlyn Chen and freshman standout Sarah Strong who have already made their impacts on this team.
With Azzi Fudd returning soon, you would have to think this is one of the best teams in the nation. This team has been tested a few times but have some tough matchups ahead of them, playing USC this weekend. After losing a tough battle against Notre Dame weeks ago, we’ll see how they respond against another one of the nation’s top teams.
USC
The University of Southern California have came back with a reloaded roster, a nice blend of established transfers and young talent. Led by the young phenom Juju Watkins and top draft prospect Kiki Iriafen, the Trojans have already established themselves as one of the best teams in the nation.
With their only loss coming to Notre Dame, USC had some struggles early on but have been working out the kinks in their game. The more they play with each other, the better this team will be in my opinion. They have another tough test ahead of them, playing UConn this weekend. Then they begin their first year of Big Ten conference play. Once this team learns how to play to their strengths more, they’ll definitely be one of the scariest in the nation.
An avid sports fan and journalist who’s main focus is the lovely game of basketball. If I’m not covering the game, I’m either playing ball or watching it.
