..And a Few Thoughts

If the poll is meant to indicate the rankings at the beginning of the season, I think the top four teams look right. Relative to other teams, some of the other "usual suspects" might look right is a list (top 20), but I've got some questions on:

- Stanford. Is incoming freshman Lexie Hull going to play at Brittany McPhee's level? Is soph. forward Maya Dodson going to take the next step? If not, where's the consistent scoring and leadership coming from? Tara will no doubt get them better as the season goes on but it will take a bit.

- Louisville: It's probably just me but Pitt transfer Diop or Kylee Shook ares not Myisha Hines-Allen. H-A's overall blend of scoring, rebounding, athletic ability and toughness will be very difficult to replace for that team.

- Mississippi State: Question mark. If Ms. Howard joins, that's a lot of rebounds and possible second chances. If not, who makes up for Vivians?

- Missouri: The only other double-digit point scorer besides Ms. Cunningham graduated and this was a very thin team (depth-wise) to begin with.

On the other hand, expecting some noise from:
- Oregon State. Yes, Marie Gulich is graduated, but Rueck is grooming another round of posts. Plus, he's got Destiny Slocum ready to run the whole show, which has all the other starters and main subs back. Maybe not top Ten in the beginning, but very shortly thereafter.