Last year’s Women’s College Basketball season was super exciting. I was privileged to sit in a packed arena down in Dallas for the NCAA Division 1 Championship game. There was huge star power in the gym with Angel Reese of LSU and Caitlin Clark with Iowa. The building was electric, and the game did not disappoint. It left me longing for more. Here’s what I am excited to watch in the 2023-2024 season.
1. LSU Tigers
LSU had a compelling run culminating in the program’s first national championship. Kim Mulkey did an outstanding job bringing in top talent, but it goes further than that. It is her ability to bring the team together and keep them on the same page. I am excited to see if she can do it again with the new pieces she added. How will she incorporate Hailey Van Lith with Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson? Will the freshman Mikalah Williams and Aaliyah Del Rosario make an impact on the season? It is going to be fun to see if they can two-peat.
Personally, it will be very exciting to watch Del Rosario in college as my daughter Grace was given the assignment to guard her during three games in her final AAU season. She also guarded her once again at the Who’s Next all-star game in Dallas. Watching my 5′ 10″ daughter guard the 6′ 6″ Del Rosario was so much fun. Who knows? Maybe they will meet again on the court sometime in the next four years.
2. Connecticut Huskies
Who wouldn’t be excited to follow the comeback of Paige Beuckers this coming season? I love her energy and the impact it has on her teammates. I am looking to see how Azzi Fudd and Aaliyah Edward’s offensive games benefit from having Beuckers at the point. Also, how will Niki Muhl’s role change with the return of Bueckers? So many stories to watch.
Once again, my family has a personal connection with the Huskies. Wisconsin’s own, Kamorea (KK) Arnold joined Connecticut’s squad this summer. She is one of the top freshmen in the country. My daughter Grace and KK have battled against each other since they were in 3rd grade. In fact, my daughter’s Minnesota Gophers will be playing the Huskies on November 17th. I will be in the stands for that one.
3. Iowa Hawkeyes
Caitlynn Clark is a phenomenon and worth the price of admission. It is so much fun to watch her play. I am interested to see how the team will do with the loss of Monika Cziano and McKenna Warnock. I did see that Gabbie Marshall and Kate Martin have made the decision to stay their extra year. Let’s be real, though, when you have Clark on the floor, you are going to continue to be a team to be reckoned with this coming season. It will be fun to see how the team gels as the season moves along.
4. Minnesota Golden Gophers
Yes, I know. I am biased here since my daughter, Grace Grocholski, is an incoming freshman. There are, however, interesting storylines here. Coach Dawn Plitzuweit is the new coach in Minnesota, replacing the legend Lindsey Whalen. As a head coach, Coach Dawn has won everywhere she has been. It will be interesting to see how she will mold the young talent on the team into her basketball system. Will she be able to turn the program into a winner this season? I am excited to see how they perform with early tests against Connecticut and Kentucky before having to battle the always-tough Big 10 schedule.
Conclusion
What are you excited to see this coming season? Let me know your thoughts by sending me an email to youthbasketballparent@gmail.com. If you enjoy the content, please subscribe at www.youthbasketballparent.com.