We are just two weeks in, but the 2024-25 women’s college basketball regular season is heating up. Some teams are thriving, others are still trying to figure out who they are and what lineup will give them the best chance for a big win. Road tests, home upsets — we’ve had a little bit of everything to start this season. On Monday’s episode of Locked On Women’s Basketball, analyst and host Missy Heidrick is joined by SF Gate sports editor Alex Simon, who is also an AP women’s basketball voter, to break it all down. How does this week’s poll shake out?
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Missy and Alex discuss the evolving landscape of women’s college basketball early in the 2024 season, highlighting teams like South Carolina, UConn, Iowa State and Oklahoma, among others. South Carolina, despite some early struggles, remains a dominant force. The Gamecocks, under coach Dawn Staley, have a tough schedule ahead but are poised to challenge teams across the country. Despite losing star Kamilla Cardoso, the team’s ability to adapt by playing both bigger and smaller lineups has shown positive results. As Alex notes, “this is clearly … the most talented team in the country from the top of the roster to the bottom.”
Later, Alex highlights an emerging Oklahoma program. The Sooners have added significant talent, notably through the transfer portal with Reagan Beers, which has made their already-solid squad even deeper. Their upcoming road games, including tough matchups against UNLV and Louisville, will be crucial in testing their resilience.
“If this team stays healthy, yeah, automatic Sweet 16 team and some damage can be done from there,” Alex predicts.
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