SEC Women's Basketball Predictions

Last year was yet another banner year for the SEC with Tennessee winning yet another NCAA National Championship. Also, a 5th-straight Final Four appearance for LSU ended with a similar ending - a narrow loss to the eventual champion. This past year it was the Volunteers ending the Tigers' season with a 47-46 loss. The SEC had a great off-season showing with 5 teams making the NCAA tournament and 2 making the WNIT bracket. Despite some key losses to Tennessee and LSU, it should still be another good year in the SEC.

Here are my predictions:

1. Vanderbilt (11-3, 25-9) - Should be breakout year for the Commodores
2. Tennessee (13-1, 36-2)
3. LSU (14-0, 31-6) - Tigers replace all 5 starters & add top recruiting class
4. Auburn (7-7, 20-12) - Pre-season Player of Year DeWanna Bonner will carry Tigers
5. Georgia (8-6, 23-10)
6. Kentucky (8-6, 17-16) - Wildcats have a good chance to make NCAA this year
7. Florida (6-8, 13-16) - Expect the Gators to make post-season this year
8. Mississippi State (4-10, 16-15) - Should make the WNIT if they can survive non-SEC
9. Ole Miss (6-8, 16-16)
10. Arkansas (2-12, 17-13)
11. South Carolina (4-10, 16-16)
12. Alabama (1-13, 8-22) Expect another dismal SEC season for Crimson Tide

I expect Vanderbilt to finally break out and edge out Volunteers and Tigers for the regular season title, but I would not be surprised if Tennessee or LSU wins the conference tournament. Both teams have strong freshman classes coming in but LSU has the edge with 5 top recruits joining the team this season - two of which are already showing how good they are in the exhibitions.