Women's Final Four returns with familiar teams but new storylines

All four No. 1 seeds — UConn, UCLA, Texas and South Carolina — reached this year's Final Four again; each program has roster moves or added experience that make this weekend different from last year.

All four No. 1 seeds — UConn, UCLA, Texas and South Carolina — returned to the women's Final Four this year. That repetition has prompted debates about parity in the sport. Each program, however, has undergone changes in personnel or experience since last season. Those differences suggest the matchups this weekend will not simply be a replay of last year. Key facts: - UConn, UCLA, Texas and South Carolina are the same four No. 1 seeds that reached last year's Final Four. - South Carolina made several offseason moves: it added transfer scorer Ta'Niya Latson and 6'6" transfer Madina Okot, and invested in the development of sophomore Joyce Edwards; only one starter from last year's title game will suit up for South Carolina this weekend. - UConn coach Geno Auriemma noted that last year's title game does not determine the rematch and described South Carolina as a changed, more difficult opponent because of added pieces and size. - UCLA and Texas have Final Four experience now and say that familiarity with the event has changed how their teams approach the weekend. - The women's Final Four has seen tightly contested outcomes before when top seeds aligned; the last tournament with all four No. 1 seeds was in 2018, and a full repeat of the same four programs previously occurred in 1996. Summary: Returning No. 1 seeds bring added depth and experience, and coaches describe this Final Four as a series of new matchups rather than a rerun. Semifinal games are scheduled for Friday, with the winners advancing to the championship game.