The upcoming season for Missouri's women's basketball team is shrouded in uncertainty and anticipation. Will new head coach Kellie Harper be able to turn the team's fortunes around?
In a recent preseason poll, the media has predicted a challenging road for Harper's squad, ranking them 13th in the SEC. This prediction comes after a coaching change, with Harper taking over from former head coach Robin Pingeton in March. Pingeton's departure followed a disappointing 2024-25 season, where the Tigers missed the NCAA Tournament for the sixth consecutive year.
But here's where it gets interesting: Harper's former team, Tennessee, is predicted to finish fourth, while Missouri is expected to struggle. And this is the part most fans are eager to see unfold. Will Harper's new strategies and leadership make a difference?
The season opener on November 3rd against Central Arkansas at Mizzou Arena will be a crucial test. Meanwhile, the reigning SEC champion, South Carolina, is favored to win the conference again, followed by Texas and LSU in the preseason poll.
Despite the predictions, Missouri's players were notably absent from the preseason all-conference team, with Texas' Madison Booker claiming the SEC Preseason Player of the Year title.
Is this a fair assessment of Missouri's potential? The full SEC women's basketball order of finish prediction includes:
- South Carolina
- Texas
- LSU
- Tennessee
- Oklahoma
- Ole Miss
- Vanderbilt
- Kentucky
- Alabama
- Mississippi State
- Florida
- Georgia
- Missouri
- Texas A&M
- Auburn
- Arkansas
The Preseason All-SEC First and Second Teams feature a mix of talented players from various universities, leaving Missouri fans wondering what the future holds for their team. Will Harper's coaching prowess prove the predictions wrong? Only time will tell.
