Get ready for a thrilling season of women's college basketball, because the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is heating up! Duke is poised to defend its championship title, but the real buzz is around Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo, who's been crowned the Preseason Player of the Year. But here's where it gets controversial—can Duke truly dominate again, or will another powerhouse rise to challenge them?
The Duke Blue Devils, currently ranked No. 7 in The Associated Press Top 25, are the media's favorite to reclaim the ACC throne, securing 40 out of 70 first-place votes. Yet, N.C. State, last year's runner-up, isn't far behind with 25 votes, setting the stage for a fierce rivalry. And this is the part most people miss—five schools in total received at least one vote to win the conference, proving just how competitive this season could be.
N.C. State is projected to finish ahead of North Carolina, Louisville, and Notre Dame, with Stanford rounding out the top six. The rest of the rankings include Virginia, Miami, Florida State, Virginia Tech, Clemson, California, Syracuse, SMU, Georgia Tech, Pitt, Boston College, and Wake Forest. Each team brings unique strengths, making every game a must-watch.
Hannah Hidalgo, last season's standout with averages of 23.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 steals, and 3.6 assists, is stepping into a bigger leadership role for the Fighting Irish. Her 53 votes for Preseason Player of the Year edged out N.C. State's Zoe Brooks, who came in second. Hidalgo's ability to lead and perform under pressure will be crucial for Notre Dame's success.
The preseason All-ACC team is a star-studded lineup, featuring Hidalgo, Virginia's Kymora Johnson, Duke's Toby Fournier and Ashlon Jackson, Louisville's Tajianna Roberts and Laura Ziegler, N.C. State's Brooks and Khamil Pierre, North Carolina's Reniya Kelly, and Stanford's Nunu Agara. These players are expected to set the bar high for excellence in the conference.
Meanwhile, the preseason All-Freshman team is brimming with talent, including Duke's Emilee Skinner, Stanford's Hailee Swain and Lara Somfai, North Carolina's Nyla Brooks, California's Aliyahna 'Puff' Morris, and Notre Dame's Leah Macy. These newcomers are ready to make their mark and could be the game-changers their teams need.
But here’s the burning question: With so much talent across the board, will Duke's reign continue, or will an underdog rise to claim the crown? What’s your take? Do you think Duke can be dethroned, or will they solidify their dominance? Let’s hear your predictions in the comments!
