UNSCRIPTED: BIG10 Media Day

Unscripted
By Keith Edmonds
FWIS Contributing Writer

In this edition of UNSCRIPTED, I will share several insights gained from attending the BIG TEN Women’s Basketball Media Day 2025. This article will analyze which teams may emerge as favorites in the newly expanded 18-team conference and offer predictions regarding the potential championship winner. Additionally, key players who are likely to shape the upcoming season will be highlighted.

As many of you know about me, I am a huge fan of women’s basketball as I coach at the high school level and really enjoy being on “this” side of the sport as opposed to the men’s side which I coached for over 20 years. There is something about the women’s game that intrigues me, so much so that I really don’t see myself going back to coach on the men’s side in the future as it doesn’t really appeal to me in the slightest. Coming into this venue (Rosemont Convention Center, Chicago, IL) I had a better understanding of what to do, where to be at certain times, and whom I wanted to “chop it up” with during my time there because I’d learned so much the previous year. Once I got settled into my spot, I began working the room looking, probing, mettling like all of the other writers and journalists trying to get a feel for what the BIG story would be this year! I listened as coaches discussed their expectations for their particular programs this year and it didn’t take long to decipher who was most people’s favorite to win the conference, UCLA! They have the best players not only in the conference, but the COUNTRY as well in 6’8 Lauren Betts. She’s a dominant post player who will be joined by her sister Sienna who was the nation’s best player as a high school senior last year! Expectations for this team are literally National Championship or nothing which is huge! I moved throughout the room and heard interesting takes from players with extremely lofty expectations as well as players that just wanted to make their mark on the team and in this league, which was refreshing as well. The atmosphere throughout my time at the event was positive, which enabled me to ask questions freely and move beyond the initial nervousness I experienced as a “rookie” last year. Despite the high level of enthusiasm surrounding the event, where each team sent two top players as representatives for their respective schools, there was a hush that dimmed the bright lights of the Rosemont as USC’s Juju Watkins was notably absent. Last season's Associated Press National Player of the Year recently announced that she will not compete this season while recovering from an ACL injury sustained during the NCAA Tournament last spring.

It was noteworthy to hear rival coaches and athletes commend Watkins for her exceptional talent and reflect on the challenges of competing against her, while also expressing understanding of the necessity for her full recovery before returning to play. Their remarks demonstrated respect for Watkins’ abilities and concern for her well-being, as well as recognition that USC remains a competitive opponent even in her absence for the upcoming season. Overall, it was an enjoyable day and I’m very appreciative of the opportunities to do these types of things for Ink Spot. I’m looking forward to seeing the young people play and the excitement that they will bring to the court. It is noteworthy that both Purdue and Indiana have attracted limited media attention, as each program seeks to rebuild with a younger roster. Their performance in this highly competitive conference will be a key factor to monitor as the season unfolds, and I believe they will make some noise during the latter part of the season!

The coaches provided the following insights regarding the leading players and teams for this season:

2025-26 Coaches B1G Preseason Rankings:

1. UCLA
2. Maryland
3. Michigan
4. USC
5. Ohio State

2025-26 Media Rankings:

1. UCLA
2. Maryland
3. USC
4. Michigan
5. Ohio State

2025-26 All-Big Ten Pre-Season Top Players

• Hannah Stuelke (Iowa)
• Grace VanSlooten (Michigan State)
• Yarden Garzon (Maryland)’
• Jaloni Cambridge(Ohio State)
• Kaylene Smikle (Maryland)
• Lauren Betts (UCLA) – Player of the Year
• Olivia Olsen (Michigan)
• KiKi Rice (UCLA)
• Syla Swords (Michigan)
• Elle Ladine (Washington)