PREVIEW: Big Ten Women's Basketball Season

The women’s college basketball season is set to get underway in just a couple of weeks and the Big Ten is set for another really good season. Last season, the conference sent seven teams to the NCAA Tournament and one team to the WNIT. Iowa made it all the way to the national title game, while Maryland and Ohio State both advanced to the Elite Eight. This year, five teams are ranked in the preseason AP Poll, with the Iowa Hawkeyes leading the way at #3 The Hawkeyes were the preseason pick to win the Big Ten by the media, while Indiana and Ohio State rounded out the top three. Caitlin Clark was the preseason pick to win Big Ten Player of the Year for the third straight season.

HawkeyeReport has your Big Ten women’s basketball preview, with a quick look at all 14 teams, including key returners, additions, losses and important non-conference games.

#23 Illinois Fighting Illini

2022-23: 22-10 (11-7) NCAAT: L vs Mississippi State

Key Non-Conf: at Marquette (Nov 11), Notre Dame (Nov 18) (Wash DC)

Shauna Green led Illinois to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2003 last season and returns three All-Big Ten players, but yet, no one is really talking about them. The Illini are led by First Team All-Big Ten point guard Makira Cook (18.3 pts, 3.9 ast), but guard Genesis Bryant (15.2 pts, 40.4% 3pt) and forward Kendall Bostic (10.2 pts, 9.8 reb, 62.9% FG) were both Second Team selections. That’s good for the second most returning all-conference players in the Big Ten.

They did lose guard Adalia McKenzie (13.6 pts), but Jada Peebles could fill that roll after starting six games last year. They did add some front court depth in portal with 6’3 NC State center transfer Camille Hobby. She started every game last year for the Wolfpack, averaging 8.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. Shauna Green has something cooking in Champaign and this team is a very underrated bunch.

#9 Indiana Hoosiers

2022-23: 28-4 (16-2) NCAAT: W vs Tennessee Tech, L vs Miami, FL

Key Non-Conf: at Stanford (Nov 12), Tennessee (Nov 23) (Fort Meyers TipOff)

The Hoosiers found out how brutal March can be last season. They were the best team in the Big Ten throughout the regular season, but got knocked out of the NCAA Tournament in the second round by the Miami Hurricanes. The heart and soul of the team, Grace Berger, is no longer around, but Indiana is built to make another run at a Big Ten title.

It starts with First Team All-American center Mackenzie Holmes (22.3 pts, 7.3 reb, 68.0% FG). She is arguably the best post player in the country, but the Hoosiers also have plenty of talent around her. On the perimeter, IU has a trio of scorers. Chloe Moore-McNeil (9.5 pts, 4.8 ast) will likely take over the point guard role, while Sydney Parrish (12.0 pts, 36.7% 3pt) and Sara Scalia (9.5 pts, 34.4% 3pt) round out the group. Meanwhile, sophomore forward Yarden Garzon (11.1 pts, 45.8% 3pt) can rebound and shoot the lights out. UT Martin transfer forward Sharnecce Currie-Jelks (15.2 pts) won OVC Freshman of the Year last year and is an intruiging addition.

#3 Iowa Hawkeyes

2022-23: 31-7 (15-3) NCAAT: W vs SELA, W vs UGA, W vs Colorado, W vs Louisville, W vs South Carolina, L vs LSU

Key Non-Conf: Virginia Tech (Nov 9) (Charlotte), vs Kansas State (Nov 16), at Iowa State (Dec 6)

The Hawkeyes nearly completed a magical run to the national title last year, but came up just short in the final against LSU. A couple of big names are no longer on the roster, but with the reigning National Player of the Year Caitlin Clark, anything is possible.

The guard group can go 6-7 players deep, with veterans Gabbie Marshall and Kate Martin rounding out the backcourt starters. In the frontcourt, McKenna Warnock and Monika Czinano depart, but Big Ten 6th Player of the Year Hannah Stuelke is set for a breakout year. How Addi O’Grady plays at center could determine how far this Iowa team goes.

#14 Maryland Terrapins

2022-23: 28-7 (15-3) NCAAT: W vs Holy Cross, W vs Arizona, W vs Notre Dame, L vs South Carolina

Key Non-Conf: at South Carolina (Nov 12), at UConn (Nov 16), Washington State (Nov 23) (Cancun Challenge)

You can always bet on Brenda Freese putting together a solid Terrapins squad no matter who they lost. Diamond Miller and Abby Meyers depart, but the expectation is that Second Team All-Big Ten G Shyanne Sellers (13.9 ppg, 3.9 ast) will become the new star for the Terps.

A couple players will need to step up, but there are solid players all around Sellers. Guards Brinae Alexander (9.0 ppg, 43.9% 3pt), Lavender Briggs (39.2% 3pt) and NC State transfer Jakia Brown-Turner (9.1 ppg, 3.9 reb) are all veteran players in the backcourt. Forward Faith Masonius (6.9 ppg, 4.9 reb) returns, while All-CAA Delaware transfer forward Allie Kubek is back from an ACL injury. Maryland, on paper, is a step below the top three, but could surprise if things come together like they did last year.

Michigan Wolverines

2022-23: 23-10 (11-7) NCAAT: W vs UNLV, L vs LSU

Key Non-Conf: MTSU (Nov 18) (Battle 4 Atlantis), Florida (Dec 20) (Charlotte)

The Wolverines might be the biggest unknown in the Big Ten coming into the season. Not because we don’t know the roster, but because HC Kim Barnes Arico might be the only one that knows how the pieces will fit together.

The first part of the puzzle, the pieces that need replaced. Three of their top four scorers are gone, including two First Team All-Big Ten selections, Leigha Brown and Emily Kiser. The second part, the returning pieces. Second Team All-Big Ten G Laila Phelia (16.7 ppg, 41.7% 3pt) and F Cameron Williams (6.4 ppg, 56.8% FG). The third part, the replacement pieces. The Wolverines added three players from the transfer portal. Missouri G Lauren Hansen (12.9 ppg), Bowling Green G Elissa Brett (14.7 ppg, 6.0 reb) and WMU F Taylor Williams (14.5 ppg, 9.0 reb). Three four-star freshman should help the cause as well. How all those pieces fit together will determine how good Michigan will be.

Michigan State Spartans

2022-23: 16-14 (7-10)

Key Non-Conf: Cancun Challenge Nov 23-24: vs JMU, vs Creighton

The Spartans were much better than their 16-14 record indicated last year. An incredible 12 of their 14 losses were by ten points or less, including three overtime losses. Losing top scorers Kamaria McDaniel and Matilda Ekh is going to leave a big dent, as is the sudden lost of HC Suzy Merchant.

Bowling Green HC Robyn Fralick takes over and has some returning pieces to work with, but they must replace 40.2 of their 78.2 points per game. The biggest key will be if HM All-Big Ten G DeeDee Hagemann (9.3 ppg, 4.9 ast) can take a big step. Pair her with guards Moira Joiner (10.1 ppg) and Gabby Elliott (9.5 ppg, 5.5 reb) and MSU might have something going. Fralick also brings in a pair of MAC transfers in WMU G/F Lauren Ross (22.1 ppg, 16 gms) and BGSU G/F Jocelyn Tate (10.3 ppg, 6.2 reb). Despite the losses, MSU can still be a tough out if the players buy in to the Fralick system quickly.

Minnesota Golden Gophers

2022-23: 11-19 (4-14)

Key Non-Conf: vs UConn (Nov 19), vs Drake (Dec 2), at Kentucky (Dec 6)

New HC Dawn Plitzuweit comes over from West Virginia and inherits a really fun trio of sophomores led by Big Ten All-Freshman Mara Braun (15.6 ppg, 65 3pt FG). G Amaya Battle and F Mallory Heyer combined for 19.4 ppg and 13.0 rebounds per game to round out the trio.

Maggie Czinano (4.9 ppg, 3.7 reb), the younger sister of Monika, is set for a bigger role this season. Meanwhile, out of the portal, the Gophers bring in veteran G Janay Sanders (13.6 ppg) from Appalachian State and 6’5 C Sophie Hart from NC State. A starting five of Braun, Battle, Sanders, Heyer and Hart, with Czinano off the bench would score points. However, if the Gophers don’t improve on their 343rd ranked scoring defense, they won’t get better in the win column.

Nebraska Cornhuskers

2022-23: 18-15 (8-10) WNIT: W vs Missouri State, W vs Northern Iowa, L vs Kansas

Key Non-Conf: at Wyoming (Nov 10), vs Creighton (Nov 19), at Kansas (Dec 20)

The Cornhuskers were supposed to be good last year. No, WNIT Sweet 16 doesn’t count. 18-15, with an 8-10 record in Big Ten play was really dissapointing given the roster they had. The good news for HC Amy Williams is that they return much of that team, so they will get a second chance.

First Team All-Big Ten G Jaz Shelley (14.5 ppg, 4.8 reb, 79 3pt FG) is one of the best guards in the conference, while Second Team All-Big Ten C Alexis Markowski (11.9 ppg, 9.8 reb) can play inside and outside. G Maddie Krull (6.1 ppg) and F Annika Stewart (5.3 ppg, 2.9 reb) will have to step into new roles to fill the voids left by the departure of G Sam Haiby and F Isabelle Bourne. Montana State transfer G Darian White (14.3 ppg, 5.7 reb, 3.6 ast) should be a big help at guard and even more so, with Allison Weidner out for the season. On paper, the Huskers are a tough out and an NCAAT team, but they were last year too.

Northwestern Wildcats

2022-23: 9-21 (2-16)

Key Non-Conf: at Notre Dame (Nov 15), Florida State (Nov 22) (Las Vegas)

Northwestern went 17-12 during the 2021-22 season and nearly made the NCAA Tournament. Last season, the ‘Cats dropped to 2-16 in Big Ten play. HC Joe McKeown is a good guy and a good coach, but NW appears to be destined for the bottom of the conference.

The Wildcats lost two key players to the portal and two to graduation, including All-Big Ten Defensive Team G Sydney Wood. Forward Caileigh Walsh (12.1 ppg, 4.7 reb) returns to lead the way, while F Paige Mott (8.9 ppg, 4.4 reb) was the third leading scorer last year. Coach McKeown added Boston University G Maggie Pina (9.4 ppg, 37.5% 3pt), but they will need someone to step up if they are going to finish higher than last in the conference.

#7 Ohio State Buckeyes

2022-23: 28-8 (12-6) NCAAT: W vs JMU, W vs North Carolina, W vs UConn, L vs Virginia Tech

Key Non-Conf: USC (Nov 6) (Las Vegas), at Tennessee (Dec 3), vs UCLA (Dec 18)

Yes, Iowa made the national title game and returns Caitlin Clark, but it is hard to argue that the Buckeyes aren’t the best team in the Big Ten on paper. HC Kevin McGuff led his team to the Elite Eight last year and they are even better this year.

Yes, losing First Team All-Big Ten G Taylor Mikesell is a big loss, but OSU has plenty of talent to cover that loss. Where do you want to start? G Jacy Sheldon (13.2 ppg, 3.5 ast) who missed half the year with an injury? Big Ten Freshman of the Year F Cotie McMahon (15.1 ppg, 5.5 reb)? Second Team All-Big Ten F Taylor Thierry (13.5 ppg, 6.5 reb)? They also return C Rebeka Mikulasikova (10.1 ppg, 61.0% 2pt) and G Rikki Harris (6.6 ppg, 4.1 reb). If that’s not enough, the Buckeyes added ACC DPOY Celeste Taylor from Duke (11.4 ppg, 2.2 stl) and Michigan State F transfer Taiyier Parks (8.3 ppg, 5.2 reb). OSU is looking for their first Final Four appearance since 1993.

Purdue Boilermakers

2022-23: 19-11 (9-8) NCAAT: L vs St John’s

Key Non-Conf: at UCLA (Nov 6), vs Texas A&M (Nov 16), at Notre Dame (Dec 17)

Head coach Katie Geralds has this program going in the right direction, as they got to their first NCAA Tournament since 2017. The Boilers do lose eight players, but six of the eight players had minimal roles. The big loss was leading scorer Lasha Petree (14.7 ppg).

Still, Purdue returns three starters, in Second Team All-Big Ten G Jeanae Terry (6.5 ppg, 7.6 reb, 6.3 ast), HM All-Big Ten G Abbey Ellis (11.2 ppg) and F Caitlyn Harper (10.4 ppg). Guards Madison Layden and Jayla Smith are back after combining for 14.3 ppg off the bench. That’s a solid base to start with. They also bring in former top 60 recruit Mila Reynolds from Maryland, as well as her sister Amiyah, who is the #43 recruit in the country. 2023-24 should be another NCAA Tournament year in West Lafayette.

Penn State Lady Lions

2022-23: 14-17 (4-14)

Key Non-Conf: vs Kansas (Nov 13), at St John’s (Nov 16), USC (Nov 22) (Bahamas)

Penn State feels like a wild card team coming into 2023-24. The Lady Lions are set to return four of their top six scorers and will be led by Second Team All-Big Ten PG Makenna Marisa (17.5 ppg, 4.2 ast). She is the best guard in the Big Ten that you haven’t heard of.

Behind her they have G Leilani Kapinus (11.2 ppg, 6.7 reb) and G Shay Ciezki (11.8 ppg, 41.6%) who made a big impact as a true freshman. Their biggest loss was Taniyah Thompson (7.8 ppg) transferring to Georgia, but Carolyn Kieger brought in former Maryland/Virginia Tech guard Ashley Owusu. If Owusu can return to anywhere near her 2020-21 All-American self, it will be a steal for PSU. They also added G Tay Valladay (10.0 ppg, 3.8 ast) from UVA. If their 325th defense and 261st rebounding improves, PSU could be a WNIT team.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

2022-23: 12-20 (5-13)

Key Non-Conf: vs Auburn (Nov 12), vs Virginia Tech (Dec 17)

The Scarlet Knights somehow got through last season with just eight players and managed to not finish last in the standings. Good news is that they return all five starters and will have ten players on the roster. Bad news is that they ranked 204th or worse in five categories, including 344th in points per game allowed.

They will be led by Big Ten All-Freshman Team G Kaylene Smikle (17.9 ppg) and F Chyna Cornwell (9.5 ppg, 8.6 reb). G Awa Sidibe (9.3 ppg, 5.2 reb) and C Kassondra Brown (8.1 ppg, 5.2 reb) aren’t bad options either. Out of the portal they added G Destiny Adams (4.1 ppg, 3.8 reb) from UNC and top 100 recruit Mya Petticord from Texas A&M, while true freshman G Lisa Thompson is the #60 ranked recruit. They overperformed with eight players last year, so don’t count this roster out, but it seems like a similar year is in store.

Wisconsin Badgers

2022-23: 11-20 (6-12)

Key Non-Conf: at Kansas State (Nov 19), Arkansas (Nov 24) (Fort Myers TipOff)

Wisconsin went from averaging 57.9 ppg to a team that was top 100 in pace and ended up winning six games in Big Ten play. The issue is that the Badgers may have lost too much to build on last season. Three of their top four scorers are gone, including Julie Pospisilova and Maty Wilke (transferred to Utah).

Center Serah Williams (12.7 ppg, 54.3% FG) was a Big Ten All-Freshman team selection and is their best returning player, while G Brooke Schramek (10.4 ppg) also returns. After those two, the top returning player is G Halle Douglass (3.5 ppg), who was out after five games last season and second year coach Marisa Moseley did not add a transfer. Maybe someone on the roster surprises, but it appears as though the Badgers will struggle to build on last year.

Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tiers

Can make a deep run in March: Indiana, Iowa, Ohio State

Will be in the NCAAT: Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, Purdue

WNIT caliber: Michigan State, Penn State

Not the bottom of the conference: Minnesota, Rutgers

The bottom: Northwestern, Wisconsin