Top Five Highlights to Watch on Women’s College Basketball Opening Day
As women’s college basketball kicks off, fans can look forward to several exciting matchups and storylines. Here are the top five highlights to watch during opening day.
1. Ole Miss’ New Faces
Ole Miss head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin has revitalized her team with eight new transfers. The squad will feature standout Ohio State transfer Cotie McMahon. Other notable transfers include Kaitlin Peterson from UCF, Debreasha Powe from Mississippi State, and Latasha Lattimore from Virginia. Ole Miss will start their season against Norfolk State, facing a mid-major team with a new head coach.
2. Key International Games
Two major games will unfold in Paris, France. The first matchup is between Baylor and Duke. This game promises an elite clash, with Duke expected to shine in the ACC this season. Notable players to watch include Toby Fournier and freshman Emilee Skinner from Duke, while Baylor relies on their key newcomers, including Taliah Scott and sophomore Yuting Deng.
The second international game features Vanderbilt versus California. Both teams exceeded expectations last season, yet each looks markedly different this time around. Mikayla Blakes is a player to keep an eye on, as she is poised for a remarkable sophomore year.
3. Aaliyah Chavez’ Highly Anticipated Debut
Aaliyah Chavez enters college as a highly-touted freshman. Playing for Oklahoma, she could be the x-factor for the team this season. Chavez will make her debut against Belmont, a strong mid-major squad. Her performance could set the tone for Oklahoma’s aspirations this year.
4. Kiyomi McMiller’s Transfer Impact
Kiyomi McMiller was a standout at Rutgers but encountered a challenging season due to off-court issues. Now, as she transfers to Penn State in the Big Ten, she carries the weight of expectations on her shoulders. McMiller is expected to play a crucial role as the Nittany Lions aim for success this season.
5. Molly Miller Takes the Helm
Molly Miller, one of the most sought-after coaches in the offseason, has joined Arizona State. Following her successful tenure at Grand Canyon, she is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Sun Devils. Arizona State will face Coppin State for Miller’s debut, providing an exciting opportunity for fans to see the new direction of the program.
- Ole Miss vs. Norfolk State – Featuring new transfers.
- Baylor vs. Duke – An elite matchup in Paris.
- Vanderbilt vs. California – Two teams with new looks.
- Aaliyah Chavez – A highly anticipated freshman debut.
- Kiyomi McMiller – Impactful transfer at Penn State.
- Molly Miller – Exciting coaching debut at ASU.
These highlights set the stage for an engaging opening day of women’s college basketball. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how each storyline unfolds in the coming season.
