Kentucky Women’s Basketball Snubbed from ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top 25
As the 2024-2025 college basketball season approaches, expectations have already started to build for several programs across the country. ESPN’s annual “Way-Too-Early Top 25” rankings, released in early April, have been a talking point for fans and analysts alike. These rankings, while often speculative and subject to change, give us a glimpse into which teams are anticipated to dominate the next season. Among the schools included in the top 25 were perennial powerhouses like UConn, South Carolina, and Stanford. However, one notable omission from the list was the University of Kentucky Women’s Basketball team, a decision that has left many fans and analysts puzzled, questioning the criteria behind the rankings and the program’s future prospects.
The Kentucky Wildcats, under the leadership of head coach Kyra Elzy, have made significant strides in recent years, positioning themselves as a serious contender in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and on the national stage. Despite some struggles in the past few seasons, the Wildcats have managed to remain competitive in one of the toughest conferences in the country. So, when ESPN’s “Way-Too-Early Top 25” was revealed and Kentucky was nowhere to be found, it raised more than a few eyebrows.
On the surface, the Wildcats’ absence from the rankings may seem like a snub to the program and its supporters. After all, Kentucky has been a consistent force in women’s basketball, with a rich history that includes multiple SEC titles, NCAA Tournament appearances, and deep runs in the tournament. They have produced some of the best talent in the country, both in terms of coaching and players. And yet, for a team that has built a reputation for its competitive play, being left off the “Way-Too-Early” list might suggest a disconnect between the program’s past successes and its current perception in the broader college basketball landscape.
To understand the significance of Kentucky’s omission, it’s essential to take a look at the team’s recent performance and its standing within the SEC. Over the past few seasons, Kentucky has shown flashes of brilliance. They have consistently been competitive within the conference, despite facing tough opponents like South Carolina and LSU. Under Elzy’s leadership, Kentucky has been able to attract top-tier talent, and the Wildcats have featured several players who have gone on to play professionally in the WNBA.
In the 2023-2024 season, Kentucky finished with a solid 21-11 record, a performance that included key wins over ranked opponents and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament. While the Wildcats’ campaign fell short of a deep run in the tournament, their performance was enough to warrant consideration as one of the top teams in the nation. A squad led by star players like Robyn Benton and the emergence of younger talent offered hope for the future, making the absence from ESPN’s rankings even more surprising.
But what is it that led to Kentucky’s omission from the “Way-Too-Early Top 25”? ESPN’s rankings are often based on several factors, including a team’s performance in the previous season, the strength of their roster, and the quality of their incoming recruits. Looking at Kentucky’s situation, there are several reasons why they might have been overlooked, and it’s important to consider both the positive and negative aspects of their current standing.
One of the biggest factors working against Kentucky’s inclusion in the rankings is the level of competition within the SEC. While the Wildcats have remained competitive in the conference, they face formidable opposition from schools like South Carolina, LSU, and Tennessee. These teams have dominated in recent years, and their continued strength makes it challenging for any program to break into the upper echelon of rankings. South Carolina, for example, has been a juggernaut under head coach Dawn Staley, consistently contending for national championships and producing top-tier talent. LSU, led by head coach Kim Mulkey, has made significant strides, and their rise to prominence is evident in their recent performances and recruiting efforts.
For Kentucky, this creates a difficult situation. While the Wildcats have been able to hold their own against these teams, they have not consistently been able to surpass them. The SEC is a brutal conference, and Kentucky’s ability to compete at the highest level has been hindered by the dominance of their rivals. This may have led to a perception that Kentucky is not quite on the same level as these powerhouses, which could explain their exclusion from ESPN’s top 25.
Another potential factor in Kentucky’s omission is the team’s overall consistency. While the Wildcats have been competitive, their performances have often been marked by inconsistency. There have been stretches during the season where Kentucky has struggled to find their rhythm, particularly in high-pressure games against ranked opponents. This inconsistency in their play has made it difficult for the Wildcats to establish themselves as a truly elite program, despite their potential.
In addition to these factors, Kentucky’s recruiting efforts for the 2024-2025 season have been relatively modest compared to some of their peers. While the Wildcats have been able to attract talented players, they have not secured the level of star recruits that some of the top programs have managed to bring in. Teams like South Carolina and UConn consistently land highly touted recruits, which helps fuel their continued success. For Kentucky, this lack of top-tier incoming talent may have contributed to their exclusion from the “Way-Too-Early” rankings, as analysts often look for teams with strong recruiting classes to make a significant impact in the coming season.
Despite these challenges, Kentucky still has a lot of reasons to be optimistic about the future. The Wildcats have a strong foundation, with experienced players who can lead the team through the tough SEC schedule. Robyn Benton, who emerged as one of the top players in the league last season, will continue to be a key piece for Kentucky’s success. The Wildcats also have a solid supporting cast, with players who have shown flashes of brilliance in previous seasons and who could take on bigger roles in 2024-2025.
Furthermore, Kentucky’s coaching staff, led by Kyra Elzy, has proven its ability to adapt and get the best out of its players. Elzy, who took over as head coach in 2020, has steadily built the program and has a track record of developing talent. While Kentucky may not have been ranked in ESPN’s early list, they are a team that could surprise many in the upcoming season, especially if they can find a way to play more consistently and continue to develop their younger players.
In the end, Kentucky Women’s Basketball’s absence from ESPN’s “Way-Too-Early Top 25” is a reflection of the high level of competition in women’s college basketball. While the Wildcats may have been overlooked for now, they have the tools necessary to prove the doubters wrong. College basketball is a long season, and rankings, especially early ones, can change quickly. As Kentucky continues to develop its roster and improve its game, they could very well find themselves back in the conversation for a spot among the nation’s elite programs.
The Wildcats may have been snubbed this time, but their potential for growth, combined with the unpredictable nature of the college basketball landscape, means that they should not be counted out. Kentucky fans have seen their team rise to the occasion before, and with the right pieces in place, they could very well be a force to reckon with in the 2024-2025 season. For now, the Wildcats will have to wait until the season unfolds to show the world what they are capable of achieving.