The University of Oklahoma (OU) women's basketball team is gearing up for an exciting new season, fresh off a third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. With a challenging schedule ahead, the Sooners are set to face off against a host of formidable opponents, including former Big 12 rival Kansas State, as well as matchups with Virginia, Michigan, and Wichita State. The team will also clash with Payton Verhulst's former squad, Louisville, before diving into their inaugural SEC play, which kicks off at home against Texas on January 2nd.

Navigating a Gauntlet of Challenges

The Sooners' 2024-25 schedule is packed with intriguing matchups that will test the team's mettle. After opening the season against Southern, a squad that stunned OU early last year, the Sooners will face off against Virginia, Western Carolina, and Wichita State in quick succession. The team will then travel to UNLV before participating in the Ball Dawgs Classic in Las Vegas, where they could potentially square off against former Big 12 foe Kansas State.The Sooners' challenging slate continues with a trip to Louisville for an SEC/ACC Challenge matchup, followed by a clash with Michigan in Charlotte, North Carolina. The team will then host a series of home games against Alabama State, Oral Roberts, and New Mexico State before diving into their SEC conference play.

Embracing the SEC Challenge

The Sooners' inaugural SEC campaign promises to be a true test of their mettle. They'll open conference play at home against Texas, a perennial powerhouse, before hitting the road to face off against Tennessee and Mississippi State. The team will then return home to host Texas A&M and Missouri, followed by a trip to South Carolina.As the SEC schedule heats up, the Sooners will face off against Georgia, LSU, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Auburn, Missouri (again), Vanderbilt, Arkansas, and Florida, all before closing out the regular season against Alabama. Each of these matchups will present unique challenges, and the Sooners will need to bring their A-game to emerge victorious.

Embracing the Underdog Mentality

Despite the daunting schedule, the Sooners are embracing the underdog mentality. Head coach Sherri Coale has instilled a sense of resilience and determination in her players, who are eager to prove themselves against the SEC's elite. The team's depth and versatility will be crucial as they navigate the gauntlet of challenges ahead.Key players like Liz Scott, who learned valuable lessons from her time on the bench last season, will be instrumental in leading the Sooners to success. The addition of Payton Verhulst, a transfer from Louisville, will also provide a significant boost to the team's offensive firepower.

Poised for a Breakout Season

As the Sooners embark on their 2024-25 campaign, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. The team's challenging schedule presents an opportunity for them to showcase their talent and prove their mettle against some of the best programs in the country. With a mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers, the Sooners are poised to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament and cement their status as a force to be reckoned with in the SEC.

As the Syracuse University men's basketball team gears up for the 2024-25 season, a new era of excitement and potential is on the horizon. Under the guidance of coach Adrian Autry, the Orange are poised to make a significant impact, with a roster brimming with fresh talent and a renewed focus on defense and rebounding.

Unlocking the Orange's Full Potential

Defensive Dominance and Rebounding Prowess

Coach Autry has made it clear that for the Orange to achieve their lofty goals this season, a renewed emphasis on defense and rebounding will be crucial. "We need to play better defense and rebound," Autry stated emphatically. "I think for us to really try to have this season that we want to have, that's gonna be imperative that we do that. Rebound the basketball, keep people out of the lane and keep people off the foul line. I think that's gonna be a big thing for us."The team's performance in their two exhibition games has provided a glimpse of their potential in these areas. With convincing wins over Clarion (101-73) and Slippery Rock (96-51), the Orange have demonstrated their ability to stifle opponents and control the boards. Autry was impressed with his team's efforts, but he knows there is still work to be done to ensure this level of play carries over into the regular season.

Blending New Faces and Established Talent

The 2024-25 Syracuse roster features a mix of new additions and returning players, creating an intriguing dynamic. The team has welcomed several key transfers and recruits, including Lucas Taylor, Jaquan Carlos, Eddie Lampkin, and Jyare Davis, who are expected to play pivotal roles this season. Alongside these new faces, the Orange will rely on the leadership and experience of top recruit Donnie Freeman and returning players like Chris Bell and J.J. Starling.The players have acknowledged the importance of finding chemistry and understanding each other's games. "I feel like just being a bunch of guys from a bunch of different places just finding that chemistry and seeing how we all mesh in pretty well," said Bell. "I feel like the guards as leaders of the offense, they've kind of done a really good job with that. Also adding Eddie in there in that leading the offense perspective as well, keeping everybody in tune and just taking good shots."For the veteran players, the transition has been a bit different. "It's definitely a little different," admitted Davis. "I think when you're a senior at a school you've been at for four years, it's a little different. You kind of have a level of comfortability with the coaches, a level of comfortability with what you're doing as a team. I think all of us are still getting adjusted."Despite the challenges of blending new and old, the players are confident in their ability to come together and excel. "Our chemistry is already at a pretty high level just because we compete every day in practice against each other," said Starling. "We push each other and we know that we're gonna trust each other when the game comes."

Facing Off Against In-State Rivals

The 2024-25 season will feature a unique matchup as the Orange host LeMoyne, another Syracuse-based Division 1 program, at the JMA Wireless Dome. This will mark the first time the two schools have faced off as Division 1 opponents, with LeMoyne making the jump in the 2023-24 season.The anticipation surrounding this local rivalry is palpable, as the two teams prepare to battle it out on the court. Fans of both programs are eagerly awaiting the clash, which promises to be a thrilling and hard-fought contest.As the Orange embark on their journey towards a successful season, the team's focus on defense, rebounding, and team chemistry will be crucial. With a blend of new talent and experienced leadership, Syracuse is poised to make a statement and reclaim their place among the elite programs in college basketball.