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5 questions ahead of the 2023 NCAA women’s Final Four in Dallas: How will new coaches fare?

Gary Blair’s retirement at Texas A&M left the biggest shoes to fill.

When South Carolina hoisted the trophy and cut the nets last Sunday, marking the end of the 2021-22 NCAA women’s basketball season, the countdown to the 2023 Final Four, set for March 31-April 2 in Dallas, began.

Here are five questions heading into the offseason with implications for next year’s Final Four.

1. Where will star transfers land?

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The transfer portal heated up quickly, as 1,084 players entered their name as of Wednesday — nearly matching last year’s total 1,197 in the first three days of the offseason.

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Maryland has seen the most drastic movement, as five Terps announced they’d be leaving, including Ashley Owusu and All-American Angel Reese. Missouri’s Aijha Blackwell and Kentucky’s Dre’una Edwards are a few other big names whose moves could further strengthen a powerhouse or shake up whichever conference they join.

With the NCAA’s new rule that allows players a one-time transfer without having to sit out a season, expect to see more movement than ever.

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2. How will new coaches fare?

One of the most prominent storylines last offseason was how much success elite coaches such as Kim Mulkey and Kara Lawson would have after taking over new programs. While there aren’t as many big names in this year’s coaching shuffle, two dozen D-I programs have hired or are seeking new coaches.

Gary Blair’s retirement at Texas A&M left the biggest shoes to fill. Former Georgia coach Joni Taylor will look to get the Aggies back to the tournament after they missed it for the first time in 15 seasons.

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3. Can South Carolina be stopped?

The Gamecocks controlled their destiny this season wire to wire, winning their second national title. Despite playing the nation’s toughest schedule, South Carolina went 11-0 against top-25 opponents and maintained the No. 1 spot in the polls throughout.

Dawn Staley already filled the one hole on her roster left by point guard Destanni Henderson by bringing in Georgia Tech transfer Kierra Fletcher. She also returns unanimous player of the year Aliyah Boston, fifth-year forward Victaria Saxton and Raven Johnson—the No. 2 prospect in the class of 2021, who missed most of last season because of injury.

If South Carolina can successfully defend its title, it would become just the fourth program to do so. But UConn, Stanford and other teams will be coming for its crown.

4. Which team will arise as a new Final Four contender?

The Final Four has looked almost identical for the last two tournaments. South Carolina and Stanford have made it back-to-back years while UConn has earned a spot for the last 14. They are the favorites again next year to advance to Dallas, but a few rising programs could make some noise.

With the return of fifth-year center Monika Czinano and the nation’s leading scorer, Caitlin Clark, Iowa looks to reach the Final Four for the first time in 30 years and bounce back from its early exit in 2022.

Iowa State returns its entire starting lineup after Ashley Joens passed on the 2022 WNBA Draft with the hopes of taking her team to its first Final Four.

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Texas will build on standout freshman seasons from Rori Harmon and Aaliyah Moore. Coming off back-to-back Elite Eight appearances, a Final Four seems within reach for one of the nation’s best defenses.

5. Will mid-majors continue to close the gap as the sport grows?

The rise of the mid-major simultaneously brought parity and popularity to the men’s game. While women’s hoops were once dominated by powerhouses such as UConn and Tennessee, the playing field is becoming more level.

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This year’s tournament featured six first-round upsets by double-digit teams — most of which were mid-majors — which is twice as many as the last two tournaments. Two 10-seeds advanced to the Sweet 16, and Creighton became the fourth double-digit seed ever to reach the Elite Eight.

This closing of the gap has attracted more viewers — as the national championship was the most watched since 2004. With many players opting for a fifth year and an active transfer portal, these David vs. Goliath upsets become more possible.

Find more college sports coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.