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Women's college basketball preview

 

Connecticut's Maya Moore, the Big East's top player the last two seasons, was the coaches' choice as the league's preseason player of the year on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009.
Connecticut's Maya Moore, the Big East's top player the last two seasons, was the coaches' choice as the league's preseason player of the year on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009.
MARK HUMPHREY / AP

mkaufman@MiamiHerald.com

Don't be surprised if UConn is the team left standing at the 2010 Women's Final Four in San Antonio. The Huskies are coming off a 39-0 season and, with talent at every position, they are capable of breaking the NCAA record for consecutive victories (70), set by -- who else? . . . UConn, from 2001-03. Here are some teams and players to watch as the season gets under way.

TOP TEAMS TO WATCH

1. UConn: The Huskies lost only one starter from their perfect season, and with Tina Charles and Maya Moore in the starting lineup, they are the team to beat again.

2. Stanford: National title runner-up for two seasons in a row, the Cardinal is tired of playing bridesmaid. Jayne Appel had surgery on her knee in June but has recovered.

3. Ohio State: With Jantel Lavender and Samantha Prahalis, how can the Buckeyes go wrong?

4. Duke: Chante Black is gone, but expect to see the Blue Devils deep into March.

5. Michigan State: The Spartans have experience and height (6-9 Allyssa DeHaan), and they could be in the national championship picture.

6. Tennessee: Pat Summitt is not used to losing in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, so she put her team to work after their first-round shocker at the hands of Ball State. The Vols always are loaded with talent, and they are hungry to prove they are back.

7. Xavier: Amber Harris is back from knee surgery, and the Musketeers are good enough to contend with traditional powers for a spot near the top.

8. Baylor: There is pressure on the freshmen, who are considered the best group of recruits in the country. Brittany Griner (6-6) has drawn the most hype -- and with good reason.

9. North Carolina: No top-10 list is complete without the Tar Heels. Rashanda McCants graduated, but Jessica Breland and freshman Tierra Ruffin-Pratt should fill the void.

10. Notre Dame: No freshman since Ruth Riley has come into Notre Dame as highly touted as Skylar Diggins.

FRESH FACES

All eyes will be on Baylor freshman Brittney Grine, right, who is 6-6 and considered the nation's top recruit by several publications. Other freshmen expected to make an instant impact include Skylar Diggins (Notre Dame), Shenay Washington (Baylor), Emilee Harmon (Ohio State), Tierra Ruffin-Pratt (North Carolina) and Cokie Reed (Texas).

LIKE FATHER, LIKE DAUGHTER

Oklahoma's senior center, Abi Olajuwon, is the daughter of former NBA great Hakeem Olajuwon. She is expected to be a key player this season after the departure of the Paris sisters -- Courtney and Ashley.

TALL ORDER

Among the nation's best front-court players are 6-9 Alyssa DeHaan of Michigan State, 6-6 Ta'Shia Phillips of Xavier, 6-5 Chay Shegog of North Carolina, 6-5 Angel Robinson of Georgia, and 6-5 Krysten Boogaard of Kansas.

ALL-NAME TEAM

Special Jennings (Xavier), Glory Johnson (Tennessee), Cetera DeGraffenreid (North Carolina), Dymond Simon (Arizona State) and Italee Lucas (North Carolina).

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