by Rob Clough
The first polls are starting to trickle in, and Duke is a consensus pick
at #5. Defending champ UConn is #1 of course, followed in most polls by
Tennessee, Georgia, and Purdue. Athlon inexplicably ranked UNC at #15
but didn't include Virginia or NC State! (With Teasley and Higgins out,
UNC has many more questions to answer than the Hoos or Pack, though they
still have plenty of talent.)
Basketball News has Duke ranked #3, with Virginia #12 and UNC #20. The
polls are counting out NC State with Summer Erb's graduation. While
State did collapse without her late in the season, I fully expect State's
talent and depth to make up for it this year. State will be back in the
polls sooner rather than later.