Who's winning the 2026 national title (UConn? UCLA? South Carolina? LSU?) and other preseason picks, predictions.

But the UConn women's basketball team's fifth-year senior received some unexpected recognition Wednesday when she was named to the 20-player watch list for the Cheryl Miller Award that honors the nation's top small forward. The announcement was made by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and Women's Basketball Coaches Association.

Sarah Strong had one of the best freshman seasons anyone could ever wish to have. After becoming the only North Carolinian ever to be honored as Naismith High School Player of the Year, she dominated in her debut NCAA season.

UConn women’s basketball redshirt senior Caroline Ducharme was named to the top-20 watchlist for the Cheryl Miller Award on Wednesday. Ducharme missed nearly all of the last two seasons due to a series of head and neck injuries but looks to make her full-time return to the court this year after a grueling recovery journey.

Between 2008 and 2010, the UConn Huskies women’s basketball team didn’t just dominate the sport — they redefined it. Under Geno Auriemma, the Huskies went an a

Duke's recruiting has also continued to improve. In each of the past two years Lawson has landed a top-10 high school player: Toby Fournier, the 2025 ACC rookie of the year, and Emilee Skinner, who should be the Blue Devils' starting point guard when they open the season Nov. 3 against Baylor in Paris.

UConn women’s basketball star Sarah Strong was named to the AP preseason All-America team after earning second team honors as a freshman.

Former Long Island Lutheran stars Kayleigh Heckel, Syla Swords and Kate Koval, and Bay Shore's Kaylene Smikle are players to watch this season.