The SLAM rankings have caused a frenzy on the Boneyard, as many UConn fans feel UConn should be ranked higher.

Granted, SLAM had Texas #1 last year, and some UConn fans complained. After all, UConn did not lose anyone from the 2003 National Championship team. The SLAM writer believed that Texas' recruits, specifically Tiffany Jackson, and the lack of major losses from Texas put them over the top. In other words, while neither team lost anyone, Texas' incoming players were that much better, in the SLAM writer's estimation.

And for the past two years, Geno Auriemma has reminded us that he had Diana Taurasi, and the other teams did not. Now, he does not. There is also a question of Jessica Moore's status, as she recovers from an ACL injury. Coupled with Liz Sherwood's transfer, UConn could be two posts down to start the season. In other words, I can certainly understand the SLAM writer's reasoning.

This year, however, I do believe UConn should get the benefit of the doubt. Georgia is iffy, especially with rumors flying about the status of one of the team's star players. [UPDATE: rumors untrue.] Baylor is certainly top 10, but probably closer to 6 or 7 than to the top. UConn added an elite recruit (or, as Brick Oettinger would say, a 'high big time prospect') in Charde Houston and a top 20-25 player in Mel Thomas.

I would rank LSU as the top team, as the Final Four squad returns Seimone Augustus, Temeka Johnson, and a number of role players, while adding the best incoming post player in Sylvia Fowles, plus two elite guards in Quianna Chaney and Erica White. I have not decided if UConn is #2 or if Tennessee is #2, but both of those two teams would round out my top three.