College Sports Madness Top 44 Preview.

http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/womens-basketball/top-44-previews

I had forgotten about the annual collegesports madness top 44; but here it is. Thus far they have #44 Purdue, #27 Indiana and #18 Michigan.


#44 Purdue

Purdue nearly pulled off an epic upset in the 2017 NCAA Tournament. After beating Green Bay in the first round, the Boilermakers took top-seeded Notre Dame into overtime. With only two starters returning, Coach Sharon Versyp has some rebuilding to do. However, along with the two returning starters, Purdue also returns a slew of depth and many of those players are more than ready to step into a starting role.

2016-17 Record: 23-13, 10-6
2016-17 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Sharon Versyp
Coach Record: 354-198 at Purdue, 354-198 overall

Key Departed Players (starters in bold)
Ashley Morrissette, Guard, 16.8 ppg
Bridget Perry, Forward, 10.5 ppg
Dominique McBryde, Forward, 6.7 ppg

Key Returning Players (starters in bold)
Dominique Oden, Guard, 10.8 ppg
Andreona Keys, Guard, 9.8 ppg
Ae’Rianna Harris, Forward, 7.2 ppg
Lamina Cooper, Guard, 4.1 ppg
Nora Kiesler, Center, 1.6 ppg
Tiara Murphy, Guard, 3.4 ppg
Miracle Gray, Guard, 0.2 ppg

Key New Players
Leony Boudreau, Freshman, Guard
Fatou Diagne, Transfer Junior College, Center
Tamara Farquhar, Freshman, Guard
Dani Lawson, Freshman, Forward
Karissa McLaughlin, Freshman, Guard

Projection:
The backcourt duo of Dominique Oden and Andreona Keys will lead the team. Oden is a superb three-point shooter and connected on 36.5 percent of her 167 attempts from beyond the arc. On the year she averaged 10.8 points per game and expect that number to be closer to 20 in 2017-2018. Keys is not a great shooter, but she can score by using her 5-10 frame to attack the basket. She also dished out 3.4 assists per contest and ranked second on the team with 6.1 rebounds. Lamina Cooper and oft-injured Tiara Murphy are experienced guards who are ready to help replace the production of Ashley Morrissette. Incoming freshman Karissa McLaughlin is the future of the point guard position, but that future could begin right away. The frontcourt has a few more concerns, but Ae’Rianna Harris is a good piece to build around. If the less experienced frontcourt players are ready to step up, this is a Purdue team that will get back to the NCAA Tournament.

Projected Postseason Tournament: NCAA

By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 67.4 (121st in nation, 10th in conference)
Scoring Defense: 59.8 (68, 1)
Field-Goal Percentage: 43.2 (57, 7)
Field-Goal Defense: 37.9 (78, 2)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 4.9 (238, 13)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 33.5 (92, 7)
Free-Throw Percentage: 71.2 (119, 8)
Rebound Margin: 2.6 (104, 7)
Assists Per Game: 15.9 (32, 8)
Turnovers Per Game: 14.3 (80, 6)

Madness 2017 Women’s Basketball Recruit Rankings:
#35 Karissa McLaughlin
#100 Dani Lawson

http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/15224

#27 Indiana

Indiana has finished fourth in the Big Ten for two straight years. Last year though the Hoosiers had to settle for a trip to the WNIT, where they reached the quarterfinals. With the return of Tyra Buss and Amanda Cahill, Indiana has what it takes to get back to the NCAA Tournament. Buss, a 5-8 senior, led the team with 18.2 points per game and knocked down 60 three-pointers. Cahill will knock down plenty of three-pointers too. She connected on 39.3 percent of her attempts from beyond the arc and, at 6-2, is very difficult to defend.

2016-17 Record: 23-11, 10-6
2016-17 Postseason: WNIT
Coach: Teri Moren
Coach Record: 62-40 at Indiana, 261-170 overall

Key Departed Players (starters in bold)
Alexis Gassion, Guard, 12.4 ppg
Jenn Anderson, Center, 9.1 ppg
Karlee McBride, Guard, 6.8 ppg
Ria Gulley, Guard, 3.1 ppg

Key Returning Players (starters in bold)
Tyra Buss, Senior, Guard, 18.2 ppg
Amanda Cahill, Senior, Forward, 14.8 ppg
Kym Royster, Junior, Forward, 4.2 ppg
Bre Wickware, Sophomore, Forward, 1.2 ppg

Key New Players
Alexis Johnson, Freshman, Forward
Lindsey Marchese, Freshman, Center
Ali Patberg, Sophomore, Guard, Transfer, Notre Dame, not eligible
Jaelynn Penn, Freshman, Guard
Keyanna Warthen, Freshman, Guard
Brenna Wise, Junior, Forward, Transfer, Pitt, not eligible
Bendu Teaney, Freshman, Guard

Projection:
Buss and Cahill may be back, but the other three starters are gone. Kym Royster has some starting experience and sophomore Bre Wickware showed some potential last season, but Coach Teri Moren will have to rely heavily on her recruiting class to fill in the holes. It is a good class though. Expect big things from Jaelynn Penn from day one, while Bendu Yeaney, Keyanna Warthen and Linsey Marchese are also highly regarded newcomers who have the talent to compete in the Big Ten. While everybody finds their new roles, Buss and Cahill will have to lead the way.

Projected Postseason Tournament: NCAA

By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 74.9 (25th in nation, 5th in conference)
Scoring Defense: 64.9 (190, 6)
Field-Goal Percentage: 44.8 (22, 5)
Field-Goal Defense: 42.0 (285, 13)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 6.4 (119, 7)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 33.9 (82, 6)
Free-Throw Percentage: 73.6 (67, 3)
Rebound Margin: 4.7 (58, 3)
Assists Per Game: 16.6 (17, 4)
Turnovers Per Game: 12.9 (26, 1)

Madness 2017 Women’s Basketball Recruit Rankings:
#45 Jaelynn Penn
#93 Bendu Yeaney
#96 Linsey Marchese
#116 Keyanna Warthen

http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/15261

#18 Michigan


Michigan was snubbed by the NCAA Tournament, but they still made the most of their trip to the WNIT. The Wolverines proved they belonged in the NCAA Tournament by winning the WNIT, culminating with a thrilling triple overtime win over Georgia Tech in the final. Michigan will look to take the next step this year and that should not be an issue with the return of Katelynn Flaherty and Hallie Thome. Flaherty, a 5-7 senior, averaged 20.2 points per game last year and connected on 36.7 percent of her 297 three-point attempts. Thome is the inside threat. She averaged 16.2 points, with 7.1 rebounds and 2.0 blocks.

2016-17 Record: 28-9, 11-5
2016-17 Postseason: WNIT
Coach: Kim Barnes Arico
Coach Record: 111-63 at Michigan, 381-269 overall

Key Departed Players (starters in bold)
Siera Thompson, Guard, 7.9 ppg
Danielle Williams, Guard, 1.9 ppg
Kysre Gondrezick, Guard, 14.9 ppg
Maria Backman, Guard, 1.2 ppg

Key Returning Players (starters in bold)
Katelynn Flaherty, Senior, Guard, 20.2 ppg
Hallie Thome, Junior, Center, 16.2 ppg
Jullian Dunston, Senior, Forward, 5.8 ppg
Nicole Munger, Junior, Guard, 5.7 ppg
Kayla Robbins, Sophomore, Forward, 2.8 ppg
Akienreh Johnson, Sophomore, Guard, 3.2 ppg
KeAsja Peace, Sophomore, Forward, 1.4 ppg

Key New Players
Hailey Brown, Freshman, Forward
Deja Church, Freshman, Guard
Priscilla Smeenge, Freshman, Guard

Projection:
Flaherty and Thome will lead the way, but they need help, especially with the departures of Siera Thompson, Danielle Williams and Kysre Gondrezick. Jullian Dunston will join Thome in the frontcourt. She is not a great scorer, but Dunston is a superb rebounder. Kayla Robbins, KeAsja Peace and freshman Hailey Brown will provide plenty of frontcourt depth. On the perimeter, Nicole Munger will need to step into a larger role. With Deja Church adding more backcourt options and the flexibility of the frontcourt, Michigan should be able to find more than enough pieces to fill in around Flaherty and Thome. If those pieces contain a surprise player or two, Michigan could push for a spot at the top of the Big Ten standings.

Projected Postseason Tournament: NCAA

By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 76.9 (18th in nation, 3rd in conference)
Scoring Defense: 61.8 (104, 3)
Field-Goal Percentage: 46.1 (13, 3)
Field-Goal Defense: 39.9 (174, 7)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 7.5 (47, 3)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 38.1 (9, 1)
Free-Throw Percentage: 72.8 (87, 5)
Rebound Margin: 4.1 (73, 5)
Assists Per Game: 16.3 (21, 5)
Turnovers Per Game: 14.2 (71, 5)

Madness 2018 WNBA Draft Rankings:
#23 Katelyn Flaherty

Madness 2017 Women’s Basketball Recruit Rankings:
#90 Deja Church
#115 Hailey Brown

http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/15270

Maryland #14


Maryland lost their top three scorers from a team that went 15-1 in Big Ten play and reached the Sweet Sixteen. Brionna Jones averaged 19.9 points and 10.9 rebounds during her senior season and was selected eighth overall in the WNBA Draft. Teammate Shatori Walker-Kimbrough was selected two picks earlier. She averaged 18.8 points per game and connected on an amazing 45.0 percent of her three-point attempts. The transfer of Destiny Slocum hurts just as much. She was poised for a big collegiate career with the Terrapins after averaging 11.5 points and 6.0 assists.

2016-17 Record: 32-3, 15-1
2016-17 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Brenda Frese
Coach Record: 405-111 at Maryland, 460-141 overall

Key Departed Players (starters in bold)
Brionna Jones, Center, 19.9 ppg
Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, Guard, 18.8 ppg
Destiny Slocum, Guard, 11.5 ppg
Kiah Gillespie, Forward, 4.1 ppg
Jenna Staiti, Center, 3.0 ppg

Key Returning Players (starters in bold)
Kaila Charles, Sophomore, Guard, 9.7 ppg
Kristen Confroy, Senior, Guard, 5.1 ppg
Brianna Fraser, Junior, Forward, 6.1 ppg
Ieshia Small, Senior, Guard, 5.1 ppg
Stephanie Jones, Sophomore, Forward, 4.1 ppg
Blair Watson, Sophomore, Guard, 2.9 ppg
Sarah Myers, Sophomore, Guard, 1.4 ppg
Aja Ellison, Junior, Forward, DNP last season

Key New Players
Eleanna Christinaki, Junior, Guard/Forward, Transfer, Florida, eligible 2nd Semester
Channise Lewis, Freshman, Guard

Projection:
Sophomores Kaila Charles and Blair Watson figure to take a big step in 2017-2018. Charles showed plenty of potential as a freshman, averaging 9.7 points and 5.6 rebounds. Watson did not see as much playing time as a freshman, but the 6-0 guard has a ton of talent and will get a chance to showcase that talent this season. Other more experienced players like Kristen Confroy, Brianna Fraser and Ieshia Small will need to emerge as leaders. There are only two newcomers, but both will play a big role on this team. Eleanna Christinaki spent a season and a half at Florida. During her full season with the Gators the 6-0 wing averaged 10.4 points and 3.4 assists. She will make a huge impact once eligible following the first semester. The lone incoming freshman is Channise Lewis, a top 50 point guard. She could replace Slocum and if she does so successfully, Maryland will reload and compete for another Big Ten title.

Projected Postseason Tournament: NCAA

By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 89.3 (2nd in nation, 1st in conference)
Scoring Defense: 64.5 (179, 4)
Field-Goal Percentage: 51.0 (2, 1)
Field-Goal Defense: 39.2 (143, 6)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 6.2 (134, 8)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 37.4 (11, 2)
Free-Throw Percentage: 70.7 (138, 9)
Rebound Margin: 13.9 (2, 1)
Assists Per Game: 19.8 (4, 1)
Turnovers Per Game: 14.8 (115, 8)

Madness 2017 Women’s Basketball Recruit Rankings:
#40 Channise Lewis

http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/15307

Ohio State #4


Ohio State dominated the Big Ten last season, going 15-1. They reached the NCAA Tournament for the third straight season, but once again stalled out at the Sweet 16. With four starters returning, led by Kelsey Mitchell, the Buckeyes should be able to do better than the Sweet 16 this year. Mitchell averaged 22.6 points and 3.9 assists. She connected on an impressive 115 three-pointers and shot 43.7 percent from the floor. The two-time Big Ten player of the year is the odds on favorite to take home the honors again in 2017-2018.

2016-17 Record: 28-7, 15-1
2016-17 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Kevin McGuff
Coach Record: 95-44 at Ohio State, 350-143 overall

Key Departed Players (starters in bold)
Shayla Cooper, Forward, 10.5 ppg
Tori McCoy, Forward, 8.1 ppg
Kiara Lewis, Guard, 6.7 ppg

Key Returning Players
Kelsey Mitchell, Senior, Guard, 22.6 ppg
Stephanie Mavunga, Senior, Forward, 11.4 ppg
Sierra Calhoun, Junior, Guard, 9.5 ppg
Asia Doss, Senior, Guard, 5.7 ppg
Linnae Harper, Senior, Guard, 8.4 ppg
Alexa Hart, Senior, Forward, 4.8 ppg
Makayla Waterman, Junior, Forward, 3.3 ppg
Jensen Caretti, Sophomore, Guard, 2.4 ppg
Chelsea Mitchell, Junior, Forward, 1.5 ppg

Key New Players
Karlie Cronin, Sophomore, Guard, Transfer, SMU
Savitha Jayaraman, Freshman, Forward

Projection:
Mitchell will get plenty of help from backcourt mates Sierra Calhoun, Asia Doss and Linnae Harper. Calhoun is the shooter of the bunch and will knock down plenty of shots while the opposition is worried about Mitchell. Harper was the Sixth-Player of the Year last season and averaged 8.4 points per game. The frontcourt will be led by Stephanie Mavunga, who averaged 11.4 points and 10.8 rebounds as a junior. Mitchell and Mavunga may prove to be the best inside-outside duo in the country. However, it is the play of Alexa Hart and Makayla Waterman in the frontcourt that could make all of the difference. Those two have plenty of experience and will need to replace the lost production of Shayla Cooper and Tori McCoy. The potential problem for Ohio State is their overall depth. This team can go seven deep with a load of experience and talent, but an injury here or there could put pressure on the lack of depth.