Although Connecticut starts out on top of ESPN.com's preseason top 10 rankings for the second straight year, a couple of newcomers broke into our top five this season. But with four different teams capturing the past four NCAA titles, it seems the time for newcomers is now.
A look at the preseason top 10, which includes three teams from the Big 12:
1. Connecticut Last season: 32-3 (No. 1 seed lost to Notre Dame in national semis)
No Shea, no Svet, but a loaded batch of experienced seniors keeps UConn too good to start out anywhere else. Backcourt tough to beat with Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi handling the ball, and an athletic frontcourt will challenge any defense.
2. Vanderbilt Last season: 24-10 (No. 3 seed lost to Notre Dame in Elite Eight)
Commodores have all the bases covered on offense, especially with great inside-outside combination of Chantelle Anderson and Ashley McElhiney, and defense is a trademark of this program. Tough 3-point shooting trio keeps opponents honest.
3. Oklahoma Last season: 28-6 (No. 2 seed lost to Washington in Sweet 16)
Losing Jen Cunningham hurts, but Sooners still return Big 12 Player of the Year and do-everything senior Stacey Dales. OU may seem vulnerable inside against a taller team, but this well-coached squad has a lot of ways to make up for it.
4. Tennessee Last season: 31-2 (No. 1 seed lost to Xavier in Sweet 16)
Now that Knoxville has lost its 'Mique link, it's time for Kara Lawson and Gwen Jackson to shine. Top recruiting class, led by Shyra Ely, should contribute early. Can't help but wonder if the Lady Vols like the idea some are picking Vandy as the SEC favorite.
5. Duke Last season: 30-4 (No. 1 seed lost to SMS in Sweet 16)
Like OU, Blue Devils fit offense to match vast talent. Alana Beard is one of the most complete players in the game, and is surrounded by plenty of versatile talent in Sheana Mosch, Iciss Tillis and Rometra Craig. The Dukies will again dominate.
6. Louisiana Tech Last season: 31-5 (No. 3 seed lost to Connecticut in Elite Eight)
Returns all starters and gets added boost from Catrina Frierson, back from a torn ACL. Ayana Walker has ability to make breathtaking plays in the paint while underrated guard Brooke Lassiter handles things outside. New conference, but same story.
7. Texas Tech Last season: 25-7 (No. 2 seed lost to Purdue in Sweet 16)
Four of five starters return for Big 12's top defensive team from a year ago (59.4 ppg). Lady Raiders can match up well against anyone, especially with great inside-outside combination of Plenette Pierson and sophomore Jia Perkins.
8. Iowa State Last season: 27-6 (No. 2 seed lost to Vanderbilt in Sweet 16)
Cyclones smartly stick with game plan: Shoot when you're open or feed Angie Welle; rebound well out of the zone. Expect ISU's 3-point accuracy to be as hot as ever, and for the Cyclones to continue to play one of the country's top zone defenses.
9. Stanford Last season: 19-11 (No. 10 seed lost to OU in second round)
We've said it before and we'll say it again: This really is the year Stanford will return to old glory. With Susan King back at point, who knows what Nicole Powell will be able to do. We're guessing the sophomore will continue to light it up.
10. Florida Last season: 24-6 (No. 3 seed lost to Washington in second round)
Won school-record 11 SEC games last season before late-season setbacks. Secret of success in 2001-02 rests on Brandi McCain's shoulders. Can she lead a promising group of youngsters in the always-tough SEC?
ESPN's Nancy Lieberman and Beth Mowins, and ESPN.com columnist Mechelle Voepel and women's college basketball editor Melanie Jackson contributed to this report.
