Previewing the Pac-12 women’s basketball race, from Arizona to Washington State

Coach: Tara VanDerveer (1,005-208 in 36 seasons at Stanford; 1,157-259 total in 43 seasons)

2021-22 report: 17-4, 6-9 Pac-12 (1st place); misplaced to South Carolina in Closing 4.

Key returners: F Cameron Brink (13.5 factors per recreation, 8.1 rebounds per recreation); G Haley Jones (13.3 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 3.7 assists per recreation); F Fran Belibi (7.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg); G Hannah Bounce (9.2 ppg)

Key losses: G Lexie Hull (graduated and enjoying professionally for WNBA’s Indiana Fever); G Lacie Hull (graduated); G Anna Wilson (graduated)

Key additions: C Lauren Betts (McDonald’s All-American, No. 1 recruit)

What to anticipate: What are you able to say about Stanford, besides that it’s on monitor to win the Pac-12 title as soon as once more? The core of Haley Jones, Cameron Brink and Fran Belibi are sufficient to provide the Cardinal a shot at making a nationwide championship push. Add Hannah Bounce, Ashten Prechtel (45% from 3-point line), sophomore Kiki Iriafen and Lauren Betts, the No. 1 recruit, and that is one other deep Stanford crew.

Coach: Adia Barnes (110-64 in six seasons at Arizona)

2021-22 report: 21-8; 10-6 Pac-12 (4th place); misplaced in second spherical of NCAA Event

Key returners: G Shaina Pellington (11.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.4 apg, 40 steals), F Cate Reese (14.3 ppg, 6 rpg), F Lauren Ware (5.7 ppg, 4.2 apg), G Helena Pueyo (3.4 ppg, 2.4 asp, 50 steals), G Madi Conner (5.1 ppg)

Key losses: F Sam Thomas (8.5 ppg, 44 steals, 29 blocks; enjoying professionally for WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and Dinamo Sassari in Sardinia); Bendu Yeaney (6.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 44 steals; transferred to OSU)

Key additions: F Esmery Martinez (transferred from West Virginia); F Lauren Fields (transferred from Oklahoma State); G/F Jade Loville (transferred from ASU); F Maya Nnaji (McDonald’s All-American, No. 9 recruit); G Kailyn Gilbert (U18 Workforce USA, No. 31 recruit); G Paris Clark (McDonald’s All-American, No. 21 recruit); G Lemyah Hylton (No. 2 worldwide recruit)

What to anticipate: With seven new gamers coming in, the Wildcats will look totally different on each ends of the courtroom. Two issues you may depend on: They will have extra scorers, and their intense protection will take the following step. Shaina Pellington, Helena Pueyo, Lauren Ware and Madi Conner have all improved over final season. Cate Reese is again from her shoulder harm. The transfers and a highly-ranked freshman class are able to put their stamp on this system. This squad is hungry to win collectively.

Coach: Cori Shut (228–121 in 11 seasons at UCLA)

2021-22 report: 18-13, 8-8 Pac-12 (seventh place); misplaced to South Dakota State within the WNIT semifinals

Key returners: G Charisma Osbourne (16.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3.9 apg); F Emily Bessoir (sat out with ACL harm final season; 7.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg in 2021-21 season); G Gina Conti (sat out final season with an harm; 13.8 ppg, 4.6 apg in 2020-21 season at Wake Forest)

Key losses: G Chantel Horvat (graduated and enjoying professionally in Poland); G Natalie Chou (graduated and enjoying professionally in Germany); G Jaelynn Penn (graduated and now a graduate assistant at UCLA); F Iimar’i Thomas (graduated and enjoying professionally in Finland)

Key additions: G Kiki Rice (McDonald’s All-American, No. 2 recruit); F Gabriela Jaquez (McDonald’s All-American, No. 19 recruit); G Londynn Jones (No. 22 recruit)

What to anticipate: The Bruins have been tormented by accidents the previous couple of seasons, and this yr is extra of the identical. Angela Dugalic suffered a season-ending torn ACL. UCLA ought to be capable to overcome the setback: The Bruins are loaded with expertise from senior guard Charmisa Osbourne to freshmen Kiki Rice, Gabriela Jaquez and Londynn Jones.

Coach: Kelly Graves (190-75 in eight seasons at Oregon; 617-277 total mark in 28 seasons in Division I and junior faculty)

2021-22 report: 20-12; 11-6 Pac-12 (tied for 2nd)

Key returners: G Te-Hina Paopao (13.6 ppg, 3.3 apg); G Endiya Rogers (14.3 ppg, 3.1 apg)

Key losses: F Nyara Sabally (graduated, enjoying professionally and training); G Taylor Bigby (transferred to USC); F Kylee Watson (transferred to Notre Dame); G Maddie Scherr (transferred to Kentucky); G Sydney Parrish (transferred to Indiana); F Sedona Prince (career-ending elbow harm)

Key additions: G Taya Hanson (transferred from ASU); G Probability Grey (McDonald’s All-American, No. 7 recruit); F Grace VanSlooten (McDonald’s All-American, No. 13 recruit)

What to anticipate: A Kelly Graves-coached crew is at all times disciplined. Count on the identical this season. Sedona Prince was primed for a giant yr, however went down with a season- and career-ending elbow harm. The Geese pulled within the nation’s No. 2 recruiting class, and it is going to be attention-grabbing to look at how shortly Grace VanSlooten and Probability Grey match into the rotation.

Coach: Kamie Ethridge (51–64 in 4 seasons at WSU; 134–108 total in eight seasons)

2021-22 report: 19-11, 11-6 Pac-12 (tied for 2nd); misplaced in first spherical of NCAA Event

Key returners: G Charlisse Leger-Walker (16.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg); F Ula Motuga (6.6 ppg, 6 rpg); G Johanna Teder (10.2 ppg); C Bella Murekatete (10.2 ppg, 7rpg)

Key losses: G Krystal Leger-Walker (graduated and enjoying professionally in New Zealand); G Shir Levy (graduated)

Key additions: G Cia Eklöf (Finnland’s nationwide crew); G Astera Tuhina (Kosovo’s nationwide crew)

What to anticipate: All of it begins with Charlisse Leger-Walker. With the Pac-12’s reigning Most Improved Participant Bella Murekatete and Johanna Teder again, the Cougars as soon as once more will as soon as once more combat for one of many prime spots within the league.

Coach: Scott Rueck (257-117 in 12 seasons at OSU; 545–205 total in 26 years in Division I and junior faculty)

2021-22 report: 17-4, 6-9 Pac-12 (eighth place); misplaced to UCLA in WNIT quarterfinals

Key returners: G Talia Von Oelhoffen (13.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3 apg); G AJ Marotte (4.5 ppg); F/C Jelena Mitrovic (5.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg)

Key losses: F Taya Corsdale (transferred to Duke); G Greta Kampschroeder (transferred to Michigan); F Ellie Mack (graduated); F Kennedy Brown (transferred to Duke); F Taylor Jones (transferred to Texas)

Key additions: G Bendu Yeaney (transferred from Arizona); F Timea Gardiner (McDonald’s All-American, No. 6 recruit); F Reagan Beers (McDonald’s All-American, No. 10 recruit); Shalexxus Aaron (two-time switch from Texas Southern)

What to anticipate: Oregon State missed the NCAAs final season for the primary time in seven years. Just one starter returns from final yr’s squad, but it surely’s key one in sophomore guard Talia Von Oelhoffen. OSU added Arizona’s Bendu Yeaney, who helped the Wildcats make a run to the 2021 nationwide title recreation. Coach Scott Rueck has a guard-heavy roster and questions stay with how his rotation will get crammed out; freshmen would possibly soar into beginning roles early.

Coach: Lynne Roberts (112-99 in seven seasons at Utah; 333-274 total in 20 seasons)

2021-22 report: 21-12, 8-7 Pac-12 (sixth place); misplaced to Texas within the second spherical of the NCAA Event

Key returners: G Gianna Kneepkens (11.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg); F Jenna Johnson (12 ppg, 4.1 rpg); G Kennady McQueen (9.6 ppg, 3.7 rpg); F Peyton McFarland (6.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg)

Key losses: F Andrea Torres (graduated); G Dru Gylten (grad switch to South Dakota State); G Brynna Maxwell (transferred to Gonzaga); G Kemery Martin (transferred to Cal)

Key additions: F Alissa Pili (transferred from USC)

What to anticipate: The Utes made it to their first NCAA Event in additional than a decade final season and are hoping to make it back-to-back appearances. They’ll go so far as sophomore duo of Gianna Kneepkens and Jenna Johnson takes them. The addition of Alissa Pili, a former Pac-12 Freshman of the 12 months at USC, makes the Utes a tricky out in league video games.

Coach: JR Payne (94-84 in six seasons at Colorado; 195-197 total in 13 years)

2021-22 report: 22-9; 9-7 Pac-12 (fifth place)

Key returners: G Jaylyn Sherrod (9.2 ppg, 3.8 apg); C Quay Miller (10.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg); Frida Formann (7.5 ppg), G Kindyll Wetta (4.5 ppg)

Key losses: F Mya Hollingshead (graduated and performs professionally); G Aubrey Knight (graduated); F Peanut Tuitele (transferred to Cal); G Leslia Finau (transferred to Cal Baptist)

Key additions: C Aaronette Vonleh (transferred from Arizona)

What to anticipate: Jaylyn Sherrod is primed to guide the Buffaloes. There are skilled items round her, together with reigning Pac-12 Sixth Participant of the 12 months Quay Miller, Frida Formann and All-Pac-12 Defensive Workforce and All-Freshman Workforce member Kindyll Wetta. CU is raring to make it to the NCAAs for the second consecutive yr.

Coach: Natasha Adair (first yr at ASU; 167–143 total in 10 years)

2021-22 report: 12-14; 4-9 Pac-12 (ninth place)

Key returners: G Jaddan Simmons (9.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg); Imogen Greenslade (2.2 ppg, 2.4 rpg)

Key losses: G/F Jade Loville (transferred to Arizona); Taya Hanson (transferred to Oregon); Mael Gilles (graduated, skilled participant); Katelyn Levings (transferred to Tulsa)

Key additions: G Tyi Skinner (transferred from Delaware); G Treasure Hunt (transferred from Kentucky); C Kayla Mokwuah (transferred from TCU); G Morasha Wiggins (transferred from North Carolina)

What to anticipate: It is the beginning of a brand new period for the Solar Devils after 25 years with coach Charli Turner Thorne, who retired final spring. Count on some rising pains, as Natasha Adair, who has had success at different stops taking up for long-tenured coaches, begins to make this her program. Look to switch Treasure Hunt and Jaddan Simmons to offer the punch on offense.

Coach: Lindsay Gottlieb (12-16 in first season at USC; 191-105 total in 9 seasons)

2021-22 report: 12-16, 5-12 Pac-12 (tenth place)

Key returners: G/F Rayah Marshall (11.2 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 1.3 spg); G Alyson Miura (6 ppg, 39% from 3-point line)

Key losses: F Alissa Pili (transferred to Utah); F Jordan Sanders (graduated); C Angel Jackson (transferred to Jackson State); G Desiree Caldwell (graduated); F Jordyn Jenkins (transferred to USTA)

Key additions: G Future Littleton (transferred from South Carolina); F Koi Love (two-time switch from Arizona); G Taylor Bigby (transferred from Oregon); F Kadi Sissoko (transferred from Minnesota)

What to anticipate: Beth Burns will coach USC at the start of the season whereas Lindsay Gottlieb is on maternity go away. It’s onerous to interchange a participant like Alissa Pili, the previous Pac-12 Freshman of the 12 months, however the Trojans will strive. Gottlieb added a ton of expertise by way of the switch portal, none greater than Future Littleton from South Carolina.

Coach: Tina Langley (7-16 in first season at UW;133–77 total in seven seasons)

2021-22 report: 7-16, 2-12 Pac-12 (twelfth place)

Key returners: F Emma Grothaus (12.6 ppg, 9.2 rpg); F Haley Van Dyke (11 ppg, 7.7 rpg); F Lauren Schwartz (10.3 ppg, 2.3 apg)

Key losses: C Nancy Mulkey (graduated); G Missy Peterson (graduated)

Key additions: F Dalayah Daniels (transferred from Cal); G Hannah Stines (No. 9 greatest guard in school; No. 39 total)

What to anticipate: UW continues to be a piece in progress beneath second-year coach Tina Langley. The trio of Emma Grothaus (Lisa Leslie Award watch listing), Haley Van Dyke and Lauren Schwartz and Cal switch Dalayah Daniels will paved the way.

Coach: Charmin Smith (12-19 in two seasons as head coach at Cal)

2021-22 report: 11-13, 2-10 Pac-12 (eleventh place)

Key returners: G Jayda Curry (18.6 ppg, 2.8 apg), F Evelien Lutje Schipholt (9.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg), G Leilani McIntosh (6.7 ppg, 4.2 asg)

Key losses: G/F Dalayah Daniels (transferred to Washington); G Cailyn Crocker (transferred to Colorado State)

Key additions: F Peanut Tuitele (transferred from Colorado); G Kemery Martin (transferred from Utah); G Karisma Ortiz (transferred from Texas); F Claudia Langarita (transferred from USF)

What to anticipate: Cal is coming off a couple of tough years, and whereas they’ve added some attention-grabbing items from the switch portal, the Golden Bears are nonetheless a great distance from transferring as much as the following rung within the league. If they will’t transfer as much as the center of the Pac, how for much longer with they persist with Charmin Smith?