A team that lost all of its starters, one that’s been chronically injured, one that graduated key role players, and another that seemingly came out of nowhere. That’s the lineup of competitors for the Final Four. And while there are big-name teams and star players, if you look back at the start of the season, this group is somewhat of a surprise.
South Carolina, Iowa, UConn and NC State all took their own uncharted paths to Cleveland.
South Carolina Gamecocks
After losing their entire starting five, and first player off the bench — Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, Victaria Saxton, Brea Beal, Kierra Fletcher and Laeticia Amihere — the Gamecocks were supposed to be rebuilding.