Five questions that face the University of Wisconsin Badgers women’s basketball team this season:
1. Is coach Lisa Stone’s job in jeopardy?
Certainly, last year’s disappointing 16-14 record fell short of the standards now set at the UW Athletic Department. That discontent was reflected by athletic director Barry Alvarez’s decision to deny a contract extension for Stone, who has three years remaining on her deal.
Should the Badgers live down to their preseason expectations — they were picked to finish 10th in the Big Ten by both the coaches and the media — pressure likely will mount on the program. On the other hand, expectations have been diminished to the point where a finish in the middle of the Big Ten pack by a team with only one senior could be interpreted as a sign that the program is back on track.