Connecticut won't open the season as the defending champion for the first time since 2012, which happens to be the same year Geno Auriemma brought in recruits Breanna Stewart, Moriah Jefferson and Morgan Tuck for a magical run.

The 2017 class of Megan Walker, Mikayla Coombs, Andra Espinoza-Hunter and Lexi Gordon is believed to be Auriemma's best recruiting haul since.

Walker, the No. 1 recruit in the country, was named the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year as a senior after leading her team to an undefeated season and a state title. She is currently playing (after making an appearance at the ESPYS) with future teammate Crystal Dangerfield on the USA Basketball U19 team.

Espinoza-Hunter was named the Gatorade player of the year in New York, and Coombs earned the same honor in Georgia.