Full Breakdown
Arizona Wildcats Projected for Historic Low in Big 12 Preseason Poll
10/10/2025, 5:06:35 PM
Arizona's Preseason Ranking and Historical Context
In the 2025-26 Big 12 preseason coaches poll, the Arizona Wildcats women's basketball team was ranked 14th out of 16 teams, receiving only 47 points. This ranking marks the lowest projected finish in the program's history, surpassing their previous worst of 12th place in the Pac-12 under former head coach Niya Butts. The Wildcats' disappointing performance in the 2024-25 season, where they finished 19-15 overall and 10-8 in the Big 12, contributed to this bleak outlook. Arizona missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the pandemic-affected 2020 season.
Key Figures and Coaching Changes
Becky Burke, entering her first season as head coach, faces significant challenges with a largely remade roster. The only returning player from the previous season is redshirt junior forward Montaya Dew, who averaged 2.5 points in 29 games. Dew is currently recovering from her second knee injury, limiting Arizona's experience on the court. The Wildcats were also shut out of preseason all-conference selections for the second consecutive year, indicating a lack of confidence from coaches regarding their competitiveness in the league.
Coaches' Expectations and Comparisons
The coaches' poll reflects a stark contrast to Arizona's previous season, where they were projected to finish seventh but ended up eighth. The current ranking suggests a significant decline in expectations, reminiscent of the 2017-18 season when Arizona finished 11th in the Pac-12. In comparison, TCU was selected to win the Big 12 for the first time in program history, receiving 219 points and 10 first-place votes.
Official Statements and Responses
Becky Burke expressed optimism about her team's potential, stating, “I think it’s going to be a year that everyone’s pleasantly surprised. I think we’re going to be a lot more competitive than people think.” This sentiment reflects her belief that the Wildcats can defy the low expectations set by the coaches.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of Arizona's ranking point to the team's lack of experienced players, as none have started in a Power 4 game. The absence of preseason all-conference selections further emphasizes the skepticism surrounding the Wildcats' ability to compete effectively in the Big 12. The coaches' doubts about the remade roster's competitiveness are echoed by analysts who note the challenges of rebuilding a team in a highly competitive conference.
Upcoming Challenges and Season Outlook
As the Wildcats prepare for the upcoming season, they will need to overcome significant obstacles, including injuries and a lack of depth. The team will aim to prove the doubters wrong when they begin their season on November 3, 2025. The upcoming media poll, set to be released the week of October 27, may provide further insights into the Wildcats' standing as they navigate a challenging season ahead.
