How Reese and Van Lith mesh will be watched with a microscope throughout the season and is already one of 2023-24's top storylines. The production and leadership that left with Alexis Morris is potentially back with Van Lith, and she pairs with Angel Reese to give LSU two All-Americans. The recent addition of Van Lith, the top acquisition from the transfer portal, pushes the Tigers past UConn for the top spot. The defending champs begin next season where they ended this one: at No. Still, enough transfer portal dust has settled for another look at the rankings. Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers won't be the only players making an impact on the championship race fifth-year seniors across the country will have a major say.Īnd with impact transfers such as Aneesah Morrow, Endyia Rogers and Kennedy Fauntleroy still searching for 2023-24 destinations, this top 25 is bound to change again. All three plucked talented players from the portal, and the Bruins and Hokies also benefited from veterans like Charisma Osborne and Elizabeth Kitley using the extra year of eligibility from the NCAA's COVID-19 waiver. UCLA, Ohio State and Virginia Tech are the three other notable risers since our top 25 on the final night of the 2022-23 season.

How Hailey Van Lith's transfer impacts NCAA champion LSU.

Jeff Walz remains one of the most aggressive coaches when it comes to the portal, even when it takes away his best player, and the Cardinals added six new players, including three who made all-conference teams. Ironically, Louisville made the biggest move upward despite losing Van Lith. Van Lith's move to Baton Rouge necessitated a change at the top. The sport moves much more quickly.Īnd so we update ESPN's Way-Too-Early Top 25 before spring turns into summer - and exactly one month after LSU was crowned NCAA champion. Thursday's news that Hailey Van Lith is joining LSU after leaving Louisville feels almost as big as the Tigers winning the national title last month. Every conversation about college basketball these days includes at least a mention of the transfer portal.

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