2011 - 2012 NCAA Women's Basketball Preview

2011-12 NCAA Women Basketball Title Contenders

Here is our look at some of the best teams in women's college basketball for the upcoming season.

1 Baylor Lady Bears (2010-11 Record: 34-3)

The Lady Bears will have the early favorite for women's college player of the year in Brittney Griner. Last year she averaged 23 points and 8 rebounds a game as a sophomore. Along with Griner Baylor will have Odyssey Sims back to lead the team. Baylor will have anearly test when they play at Tennessee (11/27) and host Connecticut (12/8).

2 Tennessee Lady Volunteers (2010-11 Record: 34-3)

It has been three seasons since Tennessee has been to a Final Four, the last time was in 2008 when they won it all. This will be the last chance this group of seniors has to get there. It has been a tough off-season in Knoxville after Pat Summitt announced that she was diagnosed with early onset dementia. The roster is loaded with talent and this should be the year Tennessee gets back to the Final Four. Look for Meighan Simmons to take over more of a scoring role his season.

Here's a great place to go for more info about the Tennessee Lady Vols.

3 Notre Dame Lady Irish (2010-11 Record: 31-8)

Last year Notre Dame made it all the way to the National Championship game, losing to Texas A&M. Now can the program build on the success? Notre Dame lost Becca Bruszewski to graduation, but everyone else is back. The return of fifth year senior Brittany Mallory is huge and Sklyar Diggins is set to have a strong 2011-12 season.

Baylor University sophomore center Brittney Griner (42) glances at the scoreboard in the second half of the Montana State University vs. Baylor University women's basketball game at the Ferrell Center on Saturday November 13, 2010 in Waco, Texas. Baylor University won 93-56.

4 Texas A&M Lady Aggies (2010-11 Record: 33-5 National Champions)

The Aggies did not exactly come out of nowhere last season, they went 27-5 before the regular season, but most did not pick them to win it all last season. The key to a return to the Final Four will be transfer Kelsey Bone. She will become the main option in the post for Texas A&M. If this teams gels with Bone, they have a shot at a repeat.

5 Connecticut Lady Huskies (2010-11 Record: 36-2)

After two straight NCAA titles, the Lady Huskies lost to Notre Dame in the Final Four. Connecticut will have to find a way to replace Maya Moore, but there is plenty of talent to choose from. Three players who averaged double figures in points return: Tiffany Hayes (13.7), Bria Hartley (12.4), and Stefanie Dolson (10.2). Plus another top five recruiting class comes in.

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