LADY RAIDER BB Transfer Portal Tracker

[jakeboldenbrp]

As names start to enter the portal, I will do my best to update a running list of names to keep an eye on.

With 6 HS signees and losing 5 Seniors, the current roster is at a surplus on one scholarship. That would mean they need to do some gymnastics (or cuts) to shop in the transfer portal. Not to mention if the NCAA re-addresses a 5th year addition (currently tabled until April), you could return everyone expect Grannum and Arike.

In a world where they make cuts, players enter the portal, or CRI rescinds scholarships, I think they would go after an experienced center and/or a proven scorer at PG. This is just my speculation. Losing your 4 year letterman Boldyreva and not having an immediate replacement has a lot of questions marks around the position. I believe Dominguez, Phifer, and McClendon will immediately challenge for the starting spot and in years past we've seen HS centers immediately take the reins. In fact, some of the best in school history did so, Boldyreva and Alex Johnson immediately come to mind. There is already some good, scoring capable F/C that have entered the portal that would be worth exploring. The back court is deep with HS scoring talent (Verhulst 16 ppg, Swaney 19 ppg, and Baugus 22 ppg) plus returning Scott *fingers crossed* and Davis makes the scoring PG/SG a lower priority. Blakely contributed nearly 10 ppg, but her 19% 3FG was felt on the floor spacing you experienced with Wheeler.

Here is my list in no particular order:

• Caitlin Weimar, NC State F/C (6-4, SR)
  • Didn't play in '24-'25 due to injury. Scored 18.7 ppg and 10.6 rpg at Boston U in '23-'24
• Aniya Hubbard, UAB SG (5-8, JR)
  • '23 CUSA Freshman of the Year at FAU, proven scorer in this league with 17.2 ppg for the Owls
  • She essentially went MIA after transferring to UAB
• Edyn Battle, Jacksonville G (5-7, SR)
  • ASun 1st-teamer, 20.8 ppg, 2.8 apg and improved her A/TO to positive this season
• Anaya Brown, UT-Martin F (6-1, JR)
  • OVC 1st-teamer, 15 ppg with a 30% 3FG and 75% FT.
• Rachael Rose, Wofford G (5-7, SR)
  • Eerily similar numbers to Savannah Wheelers JR season at Marshall: 22 ppg, 40% 3FG, 87% FT on 5 FTA/g
  • Only played 6 games this year, Preseason SoCon POY
• Gracie Merkle, Penn State C (6-6, rSO)
  • High on my list LY and returns to the portal this year. 15.5 ppg on 67% FG and 8.6 rpg in the Big Ten.

 

[MTOleBlue]

Great post but one correction - McClendon at 6’4” would be competing for that starting C position, Phifer is a G at 6’1”. I can also see us going for an experienced C for a year to hold down the block. Going after Merkle could be a good option since she clearly is good enough to do well in a loaded Big Ten.

 

[jakeboldenbrp]

Great post but one correction - McClendon at 6’4” would be competing for that starting C position, Phifer is a G at 6’1”. I can also see us going for an experienced C for a year to hold down the block. Going after Merkle could be a good option since she clearly is good enough to do well in a loaded Big Ten.

Correct, Phifer is a utility/flex player for certain. Ingomar played a lot of 5 out so it would be fair to say she's position-less? McClendon averaged a double-double at Prattville and has a high-energy presence. In an article on her signing, CRI said she could play the 4 or 5.

 

[MTOleBlue]

I really think our biggest area of need would be an immediate post presence as a starter or backup to Milanovic, Dominguez, McClendon, etc. but also some of that depends on if Rick is back next year, because will a transfer want to sit on the bench? Or would team risk having other C/F leave if Rick continues to not play anyone off bench except out of necessity?

In terms of PG, we’ll have Harrison, Verhulst, and potentially some others who could get into that role as well - so I feel like we’ll be pretty deep. CAB will be a big loss but she’s not necessarily the kind of PG we’ve had in the past who really fits the system to a T.

 

[jakeboldenbrp]

I really think our biggest area of need would be an immediate post presence as a starter or backup to Milanovic, Dominguez, McClendon, etc. but also some of that depends on if Rick is back next year, because will a transfer want to sit on the bench? Or would team risk having other C/F leave if Rick continues to not play anyone off bench except out of necessity?

I don't think they would get a transfer that wouldn't have an immediate impact on the starting five. They already have too many on scholarship (assuming all 15 this year were on scholarship) with the 10 returning plus 6 HS signees.

 

[MTOleBlue]

I don't think they would get a transfer that wouldn't have an immediate impact on the starting five. They already have too many on scholarship (assuming all 15 this year were on scholarship) with the 10 returning plus 6 HS signees.

That’s actually another question I have had. Is the roster size changing due to recent Title IX judgements and stuff? I thought for sure I had heard the WBB teams may get an additional scholarship or two but I could be all mixed up.

 

[jakeboldenbrp]

That’s actually another question I have had. Is the roster size changing due to recent Title IX judgements and stuff? I thought for sure I had heard the WBB teams may get an additional scholarship or two but I could be all mixed up.

Mens basketball gained 2 more scholarships to match WBB as part of the antitrust settlement. To my knowledge, WBB will remain at 15.

 

[MTOleBlue]

Mens basketball gained 2 more scholarships to match WBB as part of the antitrust settlement. To my knowledge, WBB will remain at 15.

That must’ve been what I was thinking about. Thanks for clarifying. Wonder how they’re figuring the math for the incoming class… it’ll be interesting to see

 

[MTFAN61]

Would like to see what McClendon could do at the 5 spot. I like her speed & athleticism & quickness up & down the court.
At the point would like someone with some of offensive moxie & can hit at least 50% of her layup attempts.