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:
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.
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