Early optimism for UF women's hoops in 08-09

While my time of covering the UF women's basketball team has come to an end, next year's writer will likely be covering a NCAA Tournament game - and it turns out I'm not the only person who thinks so.

There's plenty of time for things to go wrong, but ESPN.com analyst Charlie Creme placed the Gators 40th in his very early predictions for next year's Field of 64.

UF very nearly made it in this year - a Senior Day loss to South Carolina probably killed the deal - and while the departure of Depree Bowden will hurt some, the incoming freshmen plus another year of coach Amanda Butler being in Gainesville will mean good things for the Gators.

This is all very early optimism - but it's something that's been missed for the program.