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College basketball preview: Award picks, predictions and surprises

Reigning national champion and Player of the Year Aliyah Boston is a frontrunner for the award again. (C. Morgan Engel/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

The 2022-23 women’s college basketball season tips off Monday, taking us on a four-month journey that culminates with the best time of the year, March Madness.

Before the games begin, Just Women’s Sports’ basketball experts explain which teams and players they’ll have their eye on during an action-packed season. JWS’ Eden Laase, Lyndsey D’Arcangelo and Rachel Galligan make their picks for end-of-season award winners and predict breakout players, surprise teams and much more.

Freshman of the Year

Laase: Lauren Betts, Stanford

Betts will have her work cut out for her, given the depth and talent of Stanford’s frontcourt, but her talent is unmatched. Eventually, I envision the No. 1 recruit carving out an important role for the 2020 national champion Cardinal — likely off the bench. Betts is a skilled passer whose touch around the rim is that of a player far beyond her age. I expect Stanford to make a deep run this season, and Betts will be a big part of that.

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Kiki Rice is the No. 2 overall recruit and No. 1 point guard in the Class of 2022. (Courtesy of USA Basketball)

D’Arcangelo: Kiki Rice, UCLA

There are a handful of freshmen who have an opportunity to make an immediate impact on their teams, including Ayanna Patterson (UConn), Janiah Barker (Texas A&M) and Lauren Betts (Stanford). But I’m going with the No. 1-ranked point guard in the nation and 2022 Gatorade Player of the Year, Kiki Rice. UCLA went 18-13 last season, and Rice is the type of player who can come in and help turn the Bears’ program around with her shot-making skills, confidence and court vision.

Galligan: Maya Nnaji, Arizona

The 6-foot-4 freshman forward out of Hopkins, Minn. is Arizona’s highest-rated recruit in program history, at No. 9 in the Class of 2022. Nnaji’s length, athleticism and versatile skill set will give Adia Barnes a much-needed offensive and defensive asset for her system. I fully expect Nnaji to get thrown into the rotation early and often, and to have an impact on Arizona from the jump as a complement to fifth-year forward Cate Reese.

Defensive Player of the Year

Laase: Aliyah Boston, South Carolina

I see a lot of repeat awards in Boston’s future, starting with the DPOY. Beyond the obviously impressive numbers (8.4 defensive boards and 2.4 blocks per game last season), Boston anchors the South Carolina defense in a way that dictates everything around her. Having an elite rim protector and rebounder like Boston allows the entire defense to be more aggressive. Even if she’s not initiating a big defensive play, like a block, Boston is making steals and forcing opponents into poor possessions, simply because her teammates know if they make a mistake going for a steal, she will be there to back them up.

D’Arcangelo: Aliyah Boston

Boston and Stanford’s Cameron Brink are two of the strongest defensive players in women’s college basketball, and that’s not going to change this year. But Boston’s endless hustle on the boards and dominance in the paint continue to set her apart. She averaged 7.4 defensive rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 1.2 steals last season, while committing only 1.4 fouls per game. Boston’s impressive combination of body control, timing and rim protection is almost uncanny, and it’s scary to think she will only keep getting better in her senior season.

Galligan: Aliyah Boston

This is a no-brainer based on the defensive dominance we have seen from Boston during her career at South Carolina. Boston’s imposing size, rim protection and rebounding ability are unmatched. Last season, the Gamecocks allowed just 50.7 points per game, ranking third in the nation. They were also first in blocks per game and in the top five in defensive and offensive rebounds per game. Their ability to frustrate and suffocate opponents offensively starts with the presence of the three-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year.

Coach of the Year

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Kellie Harper led the Vols to the Sweet 16 last season, their best finish since 2016. (Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Laase: Kellie Harper, Tennessee

The Volunteers have improved every year with Harper at the helm. They advanced to the second round in 2021 and followed that up with a Sweet 16 run last season. But that squad was plagued by injuries, keeping top players like Rae Burrell and Jordan Horston out for extended periods. Joining Horston this season are key transfers Harper secured in the offseason, most notably Rickea Jackson from Mississippi State. The Vols start the year ranked fifth in the country, and they have the tools to make a deep tournament run.

D’Arcangelo: Vic Schaefer, Texas

In his first two years as head coach, Schaefer has led Texas to back-to-back Elite Eight appearances. Ranked third overall in the AP’s Top 25 preseason poll, the Longhorns have their sights set on the Final Four. I think Scheafer has enough talent on this roster to get there. With Rori Harmon on the cusp of a breakout season and Shaylee Gonzales coming over from BYU, Texas could have its best season since 2003.

Galligan: Kenny Brooks, Virginia Tech

Brooks has assembled a squad that’s projected to finish second in the ACC, with three players on the all-preseason list for the first time in program history. Veteran returners Elizabeth Kitley, Georgia Amoore, Cayla King and Kayana Traylor accounted for 67 percent of Virginia Tech’s scoring last season. With Ashley Owusu (Maryland transfer) and Taylor Soule (Boston College transfer) entering the mix this season, the Hokies have the firepower to make a deep NCAA Tournament run. Brooks has a longstanding reputation of development and could very well be in the conversation for Coach of the Year toward the end of the season.

Player of the Year

Laase: Aliyah Boston, South Carolina

I’m picking Boston on the same criteria as I did last season: the top player on a top team who is elite on both offense and defense. Nine times out of 10, I’ll choose the same player for DPOY and POY, simply because I put a lot of stock into defensive abilities. We’ve already gone over Boston’s defensive prowess, but her offense is equally impressive. She averaged 16.8 points and 12.5 rebounds a game last season while shooting 54 percent from the field. That level of efficiency is exemplary when you consider the kind of defensive matchups, double teams and contact she is facing night in and night out.

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Caitlin Clark has been a Player of the Year contender in each of her first two seasons. (G Fiume/Getty Images)

D’Arcangelo: Caitlin Clark, Iowa

A dynamic scorer with incredible court vision, Clark led the nation in both points (27) and assists (eight) per game in 2022. But having the ball in her hands the majority of the time hindered her ability to get open looks. With Central Michigan transfer Molly Davis in the Hawkeyes’ backcourt as an additional ball handler, Clark will be free to come off screens and even post up against smaller guards. She worked on her strength and conditioning in the offseason, raising her game to yet another level. In 2021, Paige Bueckers won the POY race. Last season, it was Aliyah Boston. This year, I think it’s Clark’s turn.

Galligan: Aliyah Boston

For me, it comes down to the most dominant player in the country on the most dominant team in the country. Boston’s greatness has been on full display over the course of her three years at South Carolina, and I believe this season will be her best yet for the preseason favorites.

All-American Team

Laase: Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark, Ashley Joens, Haley Jones, Elizabeth Kitley

D’Arcangelo: Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark, Haley Jones, Azzi Fudd, Elizabeth Kitley

Galligan: Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark, Haley Van Lith, Haley Jones, Elizabeth Kitley

Breakout player

Laase: Ashley Owusu, Virginia Tech / Destiny Adams, North Carolina

I’m picking two players this time around because I think they will break out in different ways.

Owusu isn’t your typical breakout player because she is a well-known and established talent, having averaged 14.3 points and 3.7 assists per game last season. But Maryland clearly wasn’t a good situation for the guard, whose numbers actually decreased from her sophomore to junior season. At Virginia Tech, she will play in tandem with Elizabeth Kitley and be able to run the offense while also serving as a top-scoring option. I expect a rebirth for Owusu.

Adams is completely different — and maybe a slightly niche — choice. Adams didn’t put up big numbers as a freshman last season, playing just 8.3 minutes per game, but the 6-3 forward has everything coaches look for in a player. Her build, aggression, versatility and athleticism will all come in handy for the Tar Heels this year. North Carolina made it to the Sweet 16 last year thanks to Alyssa Utsby and Deja Kelly, but increased production from Adams could push them even farther in 2022-23.

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Rori Harmon was the first freshman in Texas history to earn All-American honors with an honorable mention last season. (Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

D’Arcangelo: Rori Harmon, Texas

Harmon’s freshman season was already impressive, with the guard averaging 11 points, five assists and 2.4 steals for the Longhorns. But it was her performance in the Big 12 tournament that made people across the country start to pay attention. Harmon won the Big 12 tournament MVP after scoring 66 points in a three-game span and leading Texas to a championship. The Big 12 Freshman of the Year may only be 5-6, but she plays beyond her size and she’s primed for a breakout season.

Galligan: Elizabeth Kitley, Virginia Tech

I think this will be a breakout year for Kitley from a name-recognition standpoint. With the roster they have in place this season, the Hokies are primed for success, giving the reigning ACC Player of the Year an opportunity to emerge in the national spotlight. The 6-6 forward has developed into a top WNBA prospect after averaging 18.1 points and 9.8 rebounds per game and shooting 55 percent from the field last season. This is the season women’s basketball fans across the country really start to pay attention.

Surprise team

Laase: UNLV

The No. 13-seed Rebels gave No. 4-seed Arizona everything it could handle in the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament before falling 71-67. UNLV returns its top six scorers and a heap of athleticism this season. I expect them to win the Mountain West and earn a tournament bid. Due to an unimpressive non-conference slate, I don’t anticipate UNLV getting a ton of attention until the postseason. But when they get there, this team could make a deep tournament run.

D’Arcangelo: Syracuse

Syracuse head coach Felisha Legette-Jack has the potential to win Coach of the Year in her first season at the helm. The Orange are looking to rebound after a public coaching scandal, players transferring in droves and consecutive mediocre seasons. Legette-Jack brings stability and passion to her alma mater, both qualities the program needs. She also brought senior Dyaisha Fair — the fifth-leading scorer in the nation at 23.4 points per game — and last season’s MAC Freshman of the Year Georgia Wooley with her from Buffalo. Syracuse has the talent to hold its own in the ACC and make a splash late in the season.

Galligan: Penn State

Coach Carolyn Kieger has steadily improved Penn State’s win totals the last three seasons while changing the culture with players who fit her style. The team’s roster has versatility, length and depth at all five positions. The Nittany Lions will be led by senior Makenna Marisa, one of the top guards in the Big Ten with the potential to rise up the national ranks after averaging 22.2 points per game her junior year. East Carolina transfer Taniah Thompson should also make an immediate impact for Penn State as Kieger’s team takes the next step in its evolution.

Pick for NCAA champion

Laase: South Carolina

D’Arcangelo: South Carolina

Galligan: South Carolina

Eden Laase is a Staff Writer at Just Women’s Sports. Follow her on Twitter @eden_laase.

Lyndsey D’Arcangelo is a contributing writer at Just Women’s Sports, covering the WNBA and college basketball. She also contributes to The Athletic and is the co-author of “Hail Mary: The Rise and Fall of the National Women’s Football League.” Follow Lyndsey on Twitter @darcangel21.

Rachel Galligan is a basketball analyst at Just Women’s Sports. A former professional basketball player and collegiate coach, she also contributes to Winsidr. Follow Rachel on Twitter @RachGall.

Sam Kerr Acquitted of Harassment Charges in London Trial

Chelsea striker Sam Kerr and her partner, USWNT midfielder Kristie Mewis, are escorted into London's Crown Court prior to her trial.
Australian striker Sam Kerr's harassment trial ended in an acquittal early Tuesday morning. (Jonathan Brady/PA Images via Getty Images)

Chelsea FC star Sam Kerr was found not guilty of racially harassing a London police officer on Tuesday. A Kingston Crown Court jury acquitted the striker of all charges after four hours of deliberation.

The 31-year-old Australia national was tried for allegedly causing "racially aggravated harassment, alarm, or distress" to PC Stephen Lovell. The allegations followed a heated January 2023 dispute between a local taxi driver and Kerr and her fiancée, USWNT star Kristie Mewis.

Kerr, who identifies as Anglo-Indian, did not deny calling the officer "stupid and white." Instead, she argued that the police treated her differently due to her skin color. Kerr called her words a "poorly" expressed comment on the officer's "power and privilege."

After the verdict, Kerr released her own statement on social media. "I can finally put this challenging period behind me," she wrote.

"While I apologise for expressing myself poorly on what was a traumatic evening, I have always maintained that I did not intend to insult or harm anyone and I am thankful that the jury unanimously agreed."

"I would like to thank my partner Kristie, my family, friends and all the fans for their love and support, especially those who attended court each day."

Kerr looks ahead with harassment trial now in the rearview

Kerr spent the last year recovering from a January 2024 ACL tear. However, she recently re-signed with the London club after originally joining the WSL frontrunners in 2019.

The prolific goalscorer is on track to return to the pitch for both club and country in approximately two months. While this leaves her out of selection for the upcoming 2025 SheBelieves Cup, Kerr could rejoin in time for Australia's April friendlies against South Korea.

This morning, The Athletic reported that Kerr left the proceedings surrounded by family. As she exited, she flashed a "friendly smile" and told the court officer she "hoped to never see them again."

UConn Skids, Notre Dame Soars in Latest AP Poll Top 25 NCAA Basketball Rankings

The Notre Dame basketball bench celebrates a basket during a game.
The Irish were awarded their highest AP Poll ranking since 2019 this week. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

A recent string of Top 10 upsets made its mark on Monday's updated AP Top 25 Poll, as undefeated No. 1 UCLA continues holding court above the shifting chaos.

Notre Dame rose to No. 2 for the first time since 2019, buoyed by strong performances against Stanford and then-No. 21 Cal last week.

Climbing to No. 3 was Texas, who claimed the boost by ending South Carolina's multi-year SEC unbeaten streak on Sunday. As a result, the defending champion Gamecocks fell from No. 2 to No. 4.

On the other hand, No. 15 Tennessee is on the upswing, as last Thursday's upset win over UConn lifted the Vols four spots while sending the Huskies skidding from No. 5 to No. 7.

No. 20 Oklahoma State achieved the week's biggest win, however, as Saturday's 85-55 blowout victory over then-No. 12 Kansas Sate gave the Cowgirls a five-spot boost.

Texas guard Rori Harmon dribbles past South Carolina's MiLaysia Fulwiley during a 2025 NCAA basketball game.
Both Texas and South Carolina are projected NCAA tournament No. 1 seeds. (Adam Davis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Teams jockey for AP Poll positions as March Madness looms

While a jump in the rankings certainly provides bragging rights, it also impacts both conference and NCAA tournament seeding as the regular season winds down.

ESPN's Bracketology currently has UCLA, South Carolina, Notre Dame, and Texas taking the NCAA tournament's four No. 1 seeds. Notably, two of those teams — the Bruins and the Longhorns — are rookies in their respective conferences, showcasing significant dominance fresh out of the realignment gate.

Meanwhile, other major players like LSU, USC, and UConn still have time to pad their resumes en route to their conference showdowns, which will tip off in early March.

AP College Basketball Top 25: Week 15

1. UCLA (23-0, Big Ten)
2. Notre Dame (21-2, ACC)
3. Texas (24-2, SEC)
4. South Carolina (22-2, SEC)
5. LSU (25-1, SEC)
6. USC (21-2, Big Ten)
7. UConn (22-3, Big East)
8. Kentucky (19-3, SEC)
9. Ohio State (20-3, Big Ten)
10. NC State (19-4, ACC)
11. TCU (22-3, Big 12)
12. North Carolina (21-4, ACC)
13. Duke (19-5, ACC)
14. Kansas State (22-3, Big 12)
15. Tennessee (17-6, SEC)
16. Oklahoma (18-6, SEC)
17. Maryland (19-5, Big Ten)
18. West Virginia (19-4, Big 12)
19. Georgia Tech (20-4, ACC)
20. Oklahoma State (19-4, Big 12)
21. Alabama (20-5, SEC)
22. Michigan State (18-5, Big Ten)
23. Florida State (19-5, ACC)
24. Creighton (20-4, Big East)
25. Baylor (20-5, Big 12)

Napheesa Collier Talks the Future of Unrivaled on ‘Sports Are Fun!’ with Kelley O’Hara

Cover image for Sports Are Fun! with Kelley O'Hara showing Unrivaled co-founder and WNBA star Napheesa Collier.
WNBA star and Unrivaled co-founder Napheesa Collier guest stars on this week's 'Sports Are Fun!'

Welcome to another episode of Sports Are Fun! presented by TurboTax.

The second episode of Sports Are Fun! dropped today, with soccer icon Kelley O'Hara, sports journalist Greydy Diaz, and JWS intern BJ professing their hottest takes all things women's sports — joined this week by WNBA superstar and Unrivaled 3×3 Basketball co-founder Napheesa Collier.

"It felt like everyone is making money off of women's sports except for the women in the sports," Collier said, reflecting on developing the offseason league's profit-sharing business model.

"And so, we offer the highest average team salary in women's sports, and we're giving equity to everyone who's playing."

In addition to chatting with Collier about all things Unrivaled, the crew also gets into even more WNBA offseason moves, Midge Purce's return to Gotham, Hope Solo's TST team, South Carolina and UConn's upcoming NCAA battle, and so much more.

Collier gives 'Sports Are Fun!' the inside scoop on Unrivaled

Guest star Napheesa Collier takes the group on a deep dive into offseason league Unrivaled. She talks through everything from dealing with injuries and living with teammates 24/7 to handling a business and going head-to-head in this week's 1v1 tournament.

"I mean, we're all in in one place, right? Our locker rooms are all in one hallway, we share food spaces, training spaces like cold tubs, saunas — all communal areas except for locker rooms." Collier says, describing the league's Miami campus. "It's really fun to see that behind-the-scenes stuff happening in real time."

"I have my own room, which is unlike what happened in college," she continues with a laugh. "I would compare it more to the Wubble, except, you know, we have free will this time around. But the the close proximity I actually really like — I think it's really fun. I think it's super convenient, just having everyone in one space. Cutting back on travel also is so, so nice."

Of course, the future is bright for the first-year league. For its second season, Unrivaled is planning to take the show on the road, dropping into cities around the country to give fans a front-row seat to the 3×3 action.

"We are planning to do on-the-road games where we go to a city for a night and we basically play in a full arena and then we make it a whole event for the fans," Collier says, detailing Unrivaled's plans for a takeover tour similar to what the PWHL is currently staging around North America. "Definitely not all the games — just a couple. You can hit markets that aren't necessarily cities where you can bring [regular-season] basketball."

Sports Are Fun! graphic featuring soccer legend Kelley O'Hara.
'Sports Are Fun!' places Kelley O'Hara at the intersection of women's sports and fun. (Just Women's Sports)

About 'Sports Are Fun!' with Kelley O'Hara

'Sports Are Fun!' is a show that’ll remind you why you fell in love with women's sports in the first place. Join World Cup champ, Olympic gold medalist, and aspiring barista Kelley O'Hara as she sits down with sports journalist Greydy Diaz and a revolving cast of co-hosts and friends. Together, they're talking the biggest, funnest, and most need-to-know stories in the world of women’s sports.

From on-court drama to off-field shenanigans, to candid (and silly) chats with the most important personalities in the space, this show screams "Sports Are Fun!"

Subscribe to Just Women's Sports on YouTube to never miss an episode.

Unrivaled 1v1 Tournament Busts Brackets in First-Round Blowouts

Mist star Breanna Stewart looks on during an Unrivaled game.
Breanna Stewart fell 12-0 to Mist teammate Aaliyah Edwards in Monday's 1v1 tournament opener. (Rich Storry/Getty Images)

Unrivaled 3×3 Basketball launched its inaugural 1v1 tournament on Monday night, with a slate of first-round upsets already busting a few brackets.

The evening's biggest twist came courtesy of Unrivaled co-founder and No. 1 seed Breanna Stewart's matchup against No. 8 seed Aaliyah Edwards, with Edwards earning a marquee victory by shutting out her Mist teammate 12-0 in less than two minutes of gameplay.

Due to a spat of injuries affecting the 1v1 contest, a lone second-round bye emerged in the bracket just beyond the Stewart-Edwards matchup. Consequently, Monday's victory punched Edwards's ticket all the way into the tournament's quarterfinal round.

"Tough night for me but shoutout to my Mistie @AaliyahEdwards_!!! Keep that thing going and go get that bag 💰!!" Stewart posted in support after her loss.

Also claiming a massive upset win on Monday was the Lunar Owls' Shakira Austin, who ousted Rose BC's Chelsea "Point Gawd" Gray with a dominant 12-2 scoreline.

The significant margins of victory across the 1v1 contest are in large part due to the tournament's "make-it, take-it" rule.

In a break from traditional 5×5 play and Unrivaled's 3×3 format, the unique 1v1 rule rewards scoring with both points on the board as well as continued ball possession. Therefore, athletes can string together long scoring stretches as long as they don't relinquish the ball.

The Laces' Jackie Young tries to defend a shot from the Lunar Owls' Shakira Austin during and Unrivaled 3x3 game.
With Shakira Austin's Monday upset win, all five Lunar Owls remain in the 1v1 competition. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Lunar Owls show out as 15 players remain in 1v1 tournament

With a $350,000 total purse on the line, intensity on the Unrivaled court ramped up in the head-to-head competition.

Putting the first round behind them, 15 players remain in the running for the $200,000 first-place prize.

Notably, all five Lunar Owls players who entered the 1v1 competition — Unrivaled co-founder Napheesa Collier, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Allisha Gray, Courtney Williams, and the aforementioned Austin — survived Monday's bouts.

This gives the squad, who also leads the 3×3 league as the only remaining undefeated team, the best shot at claiming the $10,000-per-teammate payout should one of them win the 1v1 title.

Rose BC's Kahleah Copper lays up a shot during an Unrivaled game.
Tuesday's Unrivaled 1v1 action will tip off with Kahleah Copper against Allisha Gray. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

How to watch Tuesday's Unrivaled 1v1 tournament

Tuesday's session includes both the second round and quarterfinals of the 1v1 competition.

The action tips off with a blockbuster 7 PM ET battle between Rose BC's Kahleah Copper and the Lunar Owls' Allisha Gray.

Live coverage will air on TruTV.

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