ROSEMONT, Ill. (AP) — With UCLA having recently secured a national title and Southern Cal aiming for one of its own with star Juju Watkins returning from injury, women's basketball in Los Angeles is garnering increased attention. "If you intend to come," USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb said at Big Ten media days, "you should probably get your tickets early."
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The success of these West Coast teams poses challenges for the rest of the Big Ten. Since both schools joined the Big Ten from the Pac-12, each has topped the conference standings, and UCLA has won the conference tournament twice. The Bruins reached the Final Four two seasons ago and clinched the championship last April.
Although UCLA faces gaps to fill this season, it is expected to remain a top-25 caliber team. Watkins, who missed the previous season with a torn ACL, is rejoining a top recruiting class aimed at helping USC regain its elite status in women's basketball. "I’m just excited to be back, and whatever comes with that will come," Watkins commented. "We’re preparing for a great season ahead. I’m ecstatic."
The pressing question for the rest of the conference is whether any traditional Big Ten teams can challenge this West Coast dominance. Iowa and Michigan appear to be the strongest contenders to disrupt the California grip, although up to eight other Big Ten teams could also appear in the preseason Top 25.
"Our league is stronger and tougher than it has ever been," said Michigan coach Kim Barnes Arico. "Every night, you’re going to face a top-25 opponent in our league. It’s incredibly, incredibly challenging."
The Big Ten has faced similar situations in the past. When Maryland transitioned from the ACC in 2014, the Terrapins claimed at least a share of first place in six of the following seven seasons. Before the latest expansion, both Ohio State and Indiana had topped the standings, but since then, UCLA and USC have claimed the forefront.
UCLA is working to fill the losses of six players who were among the first 18 picked in the WNBA Draft, but five returnees, including sophomore Sienna Betts and junior Timea Gardiner, are set to take on larger roles this season. "We’re not trying to repeat an outcome; we’re trying to repeat a process," Gardiner stated. "We have an amazing group committed to giving everything we can each day."
Southern Cal has bolstered its roster by signing the No. 1 and No. 5 recruits in the country, alongside impactful transfers, forming a promising backcourt with Watkins and Jazzy Davidson. Last season, the Trojans finished with an 18-14 record without the preseason Big Ten player of the year. Gottlieb, when asked about the prospect of having a super team, maintained a measured stance: "We've just tried to assemble a team that can have championship aspirations."
Regardless of the label, the ongoing challenge for the rest of the Big Ten remains unchanged. "It’s great for our league," said Purdue coach Katie Gearlds. "UCLA winning the championship last year and USC’s potential with Juju back healthy elevates our games and draws attention. Everyone here wants to find a way to beat them, but it’s cool that we have them in our league and that they are as good as they are."