Tennessee got one vote to be on top, but majority rules here at ESPN.com. So after crunching the numbers, Duke ruled the rankings and opens the season No. 1 in ESPN.com's preseason top 10 (full explanation of voting below):
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ESPN.COM'S PRESEASON TOP 10
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1. Duke (2), 29 points
In addition to having the best starting five in the country, the Blue Devils (31-4) also return plenty of experience from last season's Final Four team and have even more depth. Eight no longer has to be enough, especially with the nation's No. 1 recruiting class on board.
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2. Tennessee (1), 28 points
Nothing motivates a team like getting pounded by your arch-rival in the Final Four, so the Lady Vols (29-5) are probably still ticked and ready to reclaim No. 1. Can't help but think Kara Lawson and Gwen Jackson will step up their games to an All-American level as hoped.
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3. LSU, 19 points
Edged Duke for tiny-team title last year with just seven (splendid) kids by seasons' end. But the Lady Tigers (18-12) are deeper and even better now. Aiysha Smith is tough inside, Temeka Johnson is a great point guard and Seimone Augustus is as good as advertised.
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4. Texas Tech, 18 points
The Lady Raiders (20-12) return five of their top six scorers from last season, including Jia Perkins, who quickly emerged as another star in the loaded Class of 2004. The question is chemistry. If Plenette Pierson can get along, Tech is in great shape.
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5. Connecticut, 17 points
Replacing the Big Four is tough, and some might argue this is too high for the Huskies (39-0). But Diana Taurasi is enormously talented and this program is so good it has to "earn" a lower ranking. Jessica Moore needs to step up in the post and Ashley Battle must show us what she learned playing behind last season's starters.
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6. Kansas State, 16 points
The Wildcats (26-8) are a bit depth-challenged, but when you've got four starters that good, it makes up for a lot. Unlike last season, however, Kansas State won't sneak up on anyone in 2002-03.
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7. Texas, 15 points
Stacy Stephens and Heather Schreiber will bolster their combined 28-point average, Kala Bowers will continue to have a big impact and Jamie Carey will contribute immediately. Maybe this is the year the 'Horns (22-10) are as good for real as they are on paper.
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8. Stanford, 9 points
We're not sure exactly how much help Nicole Powell will get since graduation stole a few gems, but she doesn't need much -- as long as the bulging disk in her back heals. A healthy Susan King is another step in the right direction for the Cardinal (32-3), but the big question is who replaces Lindsey Yamasaki?
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9. Purdue, 5 points
All-American candidate Shereka Wright, Mary Jo Noon and Erika Valek combined for 40 points a night last season for the Boilers (24-6). But Noon should be smarter with her fouls and Valek is finally back to 100 percent after that ACL tear in March 2001, so expect that number to climb this season.
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10. Georgia, 4 points
Kara Braxton was the SEC Freshman of the Year last season. The year before, Christi Thomas won the award. And Andy Landers will continue to get a lot out of these young but talented Lady Bulldogs (19-11) again in 2002-03.
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Also receiving votes: Louisiana Tech 3, Vanderbilt 2.
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