Women’s NCAA Tournament 2025 Update: All No. 1 Seeds Advance, Duke and NC State Eliminated Amid Coaching Changes

Lead: In an electrifying turn of events at the 2025 Women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament, all four No. 1 seeds—South Carolina, Stanford, UConn, and Indiana—have advanced to the Final Four. However, Sunday’s games also witnessed the end of the road for No. 2 seeds Duke and NC State, raising questions about their future as a coaching carousel begins to spin. The tournament’s dramatic landscape continues to shift as teams look ahead to next season while managing significant player changes and the ever-relevant transfer portal.

Upcoming Final Four: A Look at the Remaining Teams

• No. 1 Seeds to Watch

  • South Carolina: Dominated the Elite Eight by defeating No. 2 Duke, showcasing their power and skill on the court.
  • Stanford, UConn, and Indiana: These teams also demonstrated their prowess throughout the tournament.

• Key Matchups Ahead

  • The anticipation builds for a competitive Final Four set to take place in Dallas, Texas.
• Implications for Each Team
  • Each team has a distinct advantage; however, they must navigate the pressures of expectations as they vie for this coveted title.

South Carolina vs. Duke: The Elite Eight Showdown

Duke’s journey came to an end as they faced off against South Carolina in the Elite Eight, where they fell short in a disappointing 54-50 loss.

• Duke’s Performance

  • Record: 29-8, 14-4 in the ACC (ACC tournament champions)
  • Elimination: Their journey ended against South Carolina, highlighting the intensity of the competition.
• Key Players Moving Forward
  • Expected departures include starting guard Reigan Richardson, who has been integral to their setup.
  • Promising players like Toby Fournier (Freshman of the Year) and Ashlon Jackson will return, bolstering their chances for future success.

The Coaching Carousel: What’s Next for Duke and NC State?

As the excitement of the tournament unfolds, the coaching landscape remains dynamic, with several teams, including Duke and NC State, poised for changes.

Duke’s Future Outlook

Coach Kara Lawson’s Blue Devils are set to be a formidable force next year, with sophomore players transitioning into greater leadership roles.

• Keys for Next Season
  • Returning Core: A strong cadre of returning players, including key contributors, can enhance their victory chances.
  • Talent in Incoming Recruits: Highly ranked point guard recruit Emilee Skinner joins the roster, adding to their depth.

NC State’s Transition

NC State faced a disappointing 80-73 loss to No. 3 seed LSU in the Sweet 16, leading to reflections on a successful yet challenging season.

• Record: 28-7 overall, with an impressive 16-2 in the ACC.

• Player Departures: Anticipated losses to their guard lineup—Aziaha James, Saniya Rivers, and Madison Hayes—cast a shadow on their future.

• Despite the losses, veteran coach Wes Moore has a promising roster to work with, including top incoming recruit Destiny "Ky’She" Lunan.

• Positional Needs: The Wolfpack will seek to reinforce their guard positions and resolve areas lacking in post play to remain competitive.

What Lies Ahead for All Teams in the 2025 Season

The pathways for both Duke and NC State could pave the way for an intense pre-season as players reassess their positions and new faces enter through the transfer portal and recruitment.

• Impact of Incoming Recruits

  • The inclusion of top recruits is critical as teams look to rebuild and reposition themselves for success.
• Coaching Decisions Matter
  • Each team must be strategic in their coaching decisions to harness the full potential of returning and incoming players.

Conclusion: The Road to Recovery and Renewal

As the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament approaches its climax, the conversation about what lies ahead for Duke and NC State dominates discussions. Both teams maintain aspirational goals for the next season, leveraging their strengths and addressing weaknesses. With committed coaching and emerging talents, the future appears bright, albeit filled with challenges.

As teams prepare for the off-season, maintaining focus on holistic team development will be crucial. The ever-evolving landscape of women’s college basketball remains thrilling, teeming with talent, and ripe with opportunity.

Keywords: NCAA Women’s Basketball 2025, South Carolina, Duke Blue Devils, NC State, Elite Eight, Coaching Carousel, Transfer Portal, Women’s College Basketball Future

Hashtags: #NCAAW #MarchMadness #Duke #NCState #SouthCarolina #WomensBasketball

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