NCAA women’s basketball preview: Texas ranked No. 5

There is no offseason in women’s basketball. Once the WNBA season ends, it’s time for college basketball teams to kick off.

Given the star power in the NCAA women’s landscape, the upcoming season is highly anticipated. My father, Douglas Lundberg, took on a passion project of creating preseason rankings for the 2024-2025 season. I’ve prepared to reveal them starting at 10:1 and move on to Texas.

5. Texas

Last year: 33-5, lost in Elite Eight to North Carolina State 76-66

Most important returnees: Madison Booker/6-1/F/Sun; Aaliyah Moore/6-1/F/Sr; Taylor Jones/6-4/F/Sr; Shay Holle/6-0/G/Sr; Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda/6-2/G/Jr

Returning from injury: Rori Harmon/5-6/G/Sr

Newbies: Kyla Oldacre/6-6/C/Jr; Laila Phelia/6-0/G/Sr; Jordan Lee/6-0/G/Fr;
Judge Carlton/6-1/F/Fr; Bryanna Preston/5-9/D/Fr

The case for Texas:

This squad is a deep and talented mix of returnees, transfers and newcomers. The headliner is Madison Booker, who was a second-team All-American and Big 12 Player of the Year as a freshman. She is a prolific scorer at all three levels.

Rori Harmon returns from injury and resumes his point guard duties. She is a strong presenter and brings defensive intensity. Aaliyah Moore, Taylor Jones, Shay Holle and Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda are all returning rotation players.

Two important transfers are making headlines among the new arrivals. Miami’s Kyla Oldacre provides key size to pair with Jones. Michigan’s Laila Phelia is another prolific scorer alongside Booker.

Texas had a highly rated recruiting class led by No. 9 Jordan Lee and No. 12 Judge Carlton, both of whom are ready to play, according to coach Vic Schaefer.

What can go wrong:

Transition to the SEC: A league change always brings uncertainty, especially when the new league includes South Carolina and LSU, the two most recent national champions.

3-point shooting: Despite the depth and talent of the roster, three-point shooting is a big question mark.