What's Happening?
The University of Southern California (USC) women's basketball team has been ranked No. 16 in the preseason USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. This ranking comes as the team prepares for the upcoming college basketball season, which is set to begin in less
than two weeks. The Trojans, led by coach Lindsay Gottlieb, are one of four Big Ten teams to make it into the top 25 of the poll. Other Big Ten teams in the rankings include UCLA at No. 4, Maryland at No. 10, and Michigan at No. 15. Despite the absence of their star player Juju Watkins, who is out for the entire 2025-2026 season due to an ACL injury, the team is expected to remain competitive. Sophomore Kennedy Smith is anticipated to lead the team in Watkins' absence. The Trojans will kick off their season on November 4 against New Mexico State at the Galen Center.
Why It's Important?
The ranking of USC at No. 16 in the preseason poll highlights the team's potential to be a strong contender in the upcoming season, even without their key player, Juju Watkins. This ranking not only reflects the team's depth and talent but also sets expectations for their performance in the Big Ten conference and the NCAA Tournament. The absence of Watkins, a significant player, could have impacted the team's morale and performance, but the ranking suggests confidence in the remaining players and coaching staff. The team's ability to maintain a high ranking without their star player could influence recruitment and the perception of the program's resilience and depth.
What's Next?
USC will begin their season on November 4 against New Mexico State, providing an opportunity to assess how the team performs without Juju Watkins. The team's performance in the early games will be crucial in setting the tone for the rest of the season. Observers will be keen to see how sophomore Kennedy Smith steps up to fill the void left by Watkins. The team's progress will be closely watched by fans and analysts, particularly in how they adapt their strategies and play style to compensate for the loss of their star player.
