Candace Parker, a 6-foot-4 sophomore, can play all five positions. Parker's Place
Coach Pat Summitt thinks Candace Parker could be the best player ever. For now, the Tennessee star is ESPN.com's Preseason Player of the Year and headlines our All-America team. Story
Marching On
After an offseason spent memorializing Maggie Dixon, it's time for the Army women to return to the court. There is a Patriot League title to defend. There is success begging to be built upon. Story
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'Land Of Plenty
A year ago, Maryland had talent and high hopes, but was short on experience. But then came that NCAA title. Now, the Terps have more to offer in every category -- including expectations. Voepel
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A Time To Heel
Most everyone likes the Terps as preseason No. 1. Everyone except bracket expert Charlie Creme, who put the Tar Heels on top of his projection.
• Creme: 1-64 | Chat wrap  | ESPN.com's Top 25
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Wait And C
Now that a certain LSU superstar is gone, who will be the player of the year? Last month, our experts tabbed three underclassmen -- Candace, Courtney and Candice -- as frontrunners. Story
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On The Rise
Beyond the traditional heavyweights there's an increasing number of very good programs with potential to be even more -- like Mark Trakh's USC, writes Graham Hays. Story
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| EXPERTS' FIRST-TEAM ALL-AMERICANS |
| NANCY LIEBERMAN |
MECHELLE VOEPEL |
1. Jessica Davenport
Ohio State |
1. Crystal Langhorne
Maryland |
2. Ivory Latta
North Carolina |
2. Ivory Latta
North Carolina |
3. Courtney Paris
Oklahoma |
3. Courtney Paris
Oklahoma |
4. Candace Parker
Tennessee |
4. Candace Parker
Tennessee |
5. Candice Wiggins
Stanford |
5. Candice Wiggins
Stanford |
| GRAHAM HAYS |
BETH MOWINS |
1. Tasha Humphrey
Georgia |
1. Jessica Dickson
South Florida |
2. Ivory Latta
North Carolina |
2. Crystal Langhorne
Maryland |
3. Courtney Paris
Oklahoma |
3. Ivory Latta
North Carolina |
4. Candace Parker
Tennessee |
4. Candace Parker
Tennessee |
5. Candice Wiggins
Stanford |
5. Candice Wiggins
Stanford |
| QUESTIONS OF THE DAY |
| Candace Parker is the best collegian since _____? |
 Diana Taurasi. Parker deserves tremendous praise for her ability and versatility. We talk about Parker and her gifts, which allow her to do so many things near the basket and on the perimeter.
Now let's see if she can match Taurasi's ability to elevate the play of her teammates and win national championships. -- Beth Mowins
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| Who's the nation's best defender? |
 Statistics are at their most dangerous when applied to defense. Offensive statistics certainly can be twisted and turned to fit a particular need, but they generally reflect some positive contribution toward scoring a basket, the ultimate objective behind everything that happens on the court. Defensive statistics, especially steals and blocks, aren't quite as reliable. A player who gambles repeatedly might earn steals in the box score, but the baskets scored as a result of failed gambles can't be statistically traced back to her.
But, dang it, sometimes you just can't ignore the numbers, and Tulsa's Jillian Robbins is at least the most underrated defender in college basketball. The senior forward averaged 2.2 blocks and 2.7 steals during her first three seasons, including 2.3 blocks and 2.9 steals in 32 games last season. How rare is that dual threat at her size? Robbins, who is listed at 6 feet, 1 inch, was the only player taller than 6 feet to rank among the top 30 in steals last season. And she was the shortest player among the top 30 in blocks last season. -- Graham Hays
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