Women’s college basketball saw significant movement this offseason with another very active transfer portal that saw rosters get shaken up a little bit as we head into the summer months. And while we still have months to go before a new season, it’s nice to see where analysts think teams stack up.
Despite the stacked competition, UNC found themselves cracking the top 10 in the way too early top 25 released by Mitchell Northam.
The Tar Heels rank ninth on the list, one of the two Atlantic Coastal Conference teams to crack the top 10, with Virginia Tech ranking fifth. Unsurprisingly, the defending champion LSU takes the throne, especially when you factor in the Tigers snagging the fiery Louisville guard Hailey Van Lith.
The biggest surprise on the list is South Carolina’s placement, which sits just one slot above UNC.
Regarding UNC’s ranking, the judgment was clear on why they ranked No. 9 and the expectations for this season. According to Northam, much of the ranking placement is due to the new additions.
Losing Kennedy Todd-Williams was a bummer for the Tar Heels, but Courtney Banghart regrouped quickly and made this UNC roster better for the future. The additions include Iowa State sharpshooter Lexi Donarksi (who is also a former Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year), young and athletic Stanford guard Indya Nivar and 6-foot-4 shot-blocker Maria Gakdeng from Boston College. Pairing those transfers with veterans Deja Kelly, Alyssa Ustby and Anya Poole – and No. 4 overall recruit Cierra Toomey – should make the Tar Heels contenders in the ACC.
The women’s basketball program team chemistry has grown every year under Courtney Banghart, and with the new talent coming in, it could be a massive year for the team.
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