UCLA and USC Women's Basketball Prepare for Big Ten Season

Since leaving the Pac-12 for the Big Ten two years ago, both schools have topped conference standings, with UCLA winning the conference tournament twice and capturing the national title last April. Although UCLA needs to fill some gaps this season, they remain a strong contender, expected to rank in the top 25 nationally.

Watkins, who missed last season due to a torn ACL, expressed her enthusiasm about returning, stating, "I'm just excited to be back and whatever comes with that will come. I know the team is excited. We’re preparing for a great season ahead. I'm ecstatic."

As the Big Ten landscape adjusts, teams like Iowa and Michigan are viewed as potential challengers to UCLA and USC's dominance. Michigan coach Kim Barnes Arico emphasized the competitive nature of the league, noting that every game presents a challenge against a top-25 opponent. Historical precedence shows that the Big Ten has experienced shifts before, such as when Maryland joined from the ACC in 2014 and dominated for several seasons.

While UCLA prepares after seeing six players selected in the WNBA Draft, they return five athletes taking on larger roles, including sophomore Sienna Betts and junior Timea Gardiner. Gardiner mentioned their focus on the process of improvement rather than solely on outcomes.

USC has bolstered its roster by adding the top two recruits and several impactful transfers to complement Watkins and Jazzy Davidson. After finishing last season with an 18-14 record, the Trojans aim for their first Final Four appearance in 40 years. Gottlieb refrained from labeling her team a "super team," but acknowledged their championship aspirations and the talent within the squad.

Purdue coach Katie Gearlds remarked on the positive impact of UCLA and USC's competitive presence in the league, stating that it elevates overall performance and draws more attention to women's basketball. Reporting by the Associated Press.