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The challenge for Delaware this season was always going to be proving it had a supporting cast capable of keeping its show running through March. The Blue Hens, with Elena Delle Donne sidelined indefinitely, just didn't figure to have to do it this early in the season.

After a summer spent playing for Team Canada, Natalie Achonwa returned to South Bend ready for a new role -- which is exactly what Notre Dame needs from the 6-foot-3 junior forward.

The 2011-12 season is going to be a hard act to follow for the mid-major community. But Delaware starts out on top of the preseason top-10 rankings.

Niveen Rasheed had every intention of going to college in California. But what started as simply hearing out a sales pitch has resulted in one of the most successful basketball careers in Ivy League history.

From San Diego State to Boston College, here are some teams to keep an eye on outside the Top 25 this season.