Number of players on the Top 25 list:
Oregon: 3
Connecticut: 3
Stanford: 2
Oregon State: 2
Baylor: 1
Texas A&M: 1
Maryland: 1
Miami: 1
UCLA: 1
Arizona: 1
Princeton: 1
Kentucky: 1
Arkansas: 1
West Virginia: 1
Florida State: 1
Kansas State: 1
Louisville: 1
Purdue: 1
Seton Hall: 1
If we assume, just for the heck of it, that this assessment of best players in the nation is on target, then it would appear to be a very sound bet that the NCAA Championship game will be a battle between Oregon and Connecticut since both programs have three of the top 25.
With all the mind-blowing size and with a once-in-a-generation-level player in Sabrina Ionescu, along with the superior competition they’ll have down the stretch to prepare for the tournament, I imagine that Oregon would have the edge. The PAC-12 is nothing short of amazing this year. Wow.
But then, I don’t think Connecticut has ever lost in a national championship game, so you never know. I do believe, even with three of the top 25 players on the roster, that Conn. would have to play their best game of the season to do it, though.
Moving on, these numbers would indicate that Stanford and Oregon State should be in the Final Four with each program being blessed with two of the Top 25 players. I have always admired Tara and her program, and I would be over-the-moon happy for them if they do reach the Final Four.
P.S. I’m not sure why some folks here are so sure that Connecticut is going to have a “down” year. Even without a Tina Charles-like post, it seems to me like they're not hurting all that much. lol