Women’s college basketball preview

Five national storylines

Can anyone beat UConn?

Nobody did last year as Geno Auriemma rode an undefeated season to his sixth national championship. And the Huskies start 2009 right where they left off - as the unanimous best team in the country and early favorite to cut down the nets.

What’s in store for Tennessee?

The Volunteers are coming off one of their worst seasons under Pat Summitt, losing in the first round of the NCAA tournament for the first time. The team is a year older but with no seniors is still relatively young. A tough schedule and an improved SEC will make things even tougher.

The Griner Effect

Brittney Griner created a buzz long before her first college game. The 6-foot-8 Baylor freshman gained some popularity on YouTube with her flurry of dunks and already has thrown down in an exhibition game. Her athleticism and 7 1/2 foot wingspan might make her the most dominant player in college from Day One.

Missing stars

Several impact players will miss significant time, and it’ll be interesting to see how their teams respond. Tennessee will be without Amber Gray, who is recovering from a brain aneurysm doctors found during her shoulder surgery. California lost highly touted freshman Tierra Rogers when she was diagnosed with a rare heart condition. And North Carolina doesn’t know whether leading scorer and rebounder Jessica Breland will play this year after a battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which is in remission.

Player of the year race

It’ll be tough to unseat Maya Moore. But Jayne Appel showed flashes of brilliance last year, most notably a 46-point outburst in Stanford’s regional final against Iowa State in the NCAA tournament. Virginia sharpshooter Monica Wright could put together an incredible season as well.

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American Eagles

Conference: Patriot League

Coach: Matt Corkery, second season

Story Continues →