2026 Transfer portal

[Charliebball]

It’s hard to read anything from UConn players average PT for an entire season. We know that the Huskies play in many blowout games where the starters sit in the 4th qtr. So if we’re going to assess Sarah and Blanca’s real PT, we need to look at the biggest games in March, during the Big Dance.

UConn blew out UTSA & Syracuse in their first 2 games with Sarah averaging 26 mpg and Blanca averaging 19 mpg. During the next 3 Big games vs UNC, ND and SC, Sarah averaged 39 mpg and Blanca averaged 24 mpg. Both players were exceptional with the exception of the SC game. I would suggest that SC’s play, more than fatigue had much to do with that.

Did you not notice Sarah being gassed in the second half of some of the tournament games? They even mentioned it on several of the broadcasts......and next season she will definitely be asked to do more to make up for Azzi's missing points.......so she will be playing more minutes but the team will need help at both ends of the court when she is on the bench....

 

[oldude]

Did you not notice Sarah being gassed in the second half of some of the tournament games? They even mentioned it on several of the broadcasts......and next season she will definitely be asked to do more to make up for Azzi's missing points.......so she will be playing more minutes but the team will need help at both ends of the court when she is on the bench....

Well, there’s a difference between breathing hard and being gassed. That being said, I expect Sarah to be on a mission next year to redeem her personal disappointment from the SC game. That will start with her getting into the best condition of her life.

 

[Hawkstar 22]

This must be the Sarah thread?

 

[faninwisc]

This must be the Sarah thread?

Well, it's certainly not a thread about transfers anymore.

 

[JDuro]

 

[packwrap]

Easy to say this after the fact. I bet that when Serah signed, everyone was jumping up and down, celebrating. If I remember correctly, even Geno said something like Serah was going to be a first-round draft pick this year.

I believe we have 6'4" Olivia Vukosa coming in. She is current Hoopgurlz #2 in Class of '26 and #1 in some other services. 😁

This type of recruit usually gets plenty of playing time, she can cover Serah Williams' minutes, and most likely more. With Olivia in for Serah, we bring the main front court group back. Sarah, Blanca, Olivia, Jana, Gandy + small ball players.

 

[ucmiami2]

People keep talking about the closing date of the portal, but my understanding is that the opening and closing dates are ONLY related to a player entering the portal - players in the portal have an undefined amount of time to find a new school and most of the 1300+ players in the portal will probably take a few more weeks to find a school (if they ever do!)

 

[Ladeeeeda]

People keep talking about the closing date of the portal, but my understanding is that the opening and closing dates are ONLY related to a player entering the portal - players in the portal have an undefined amount of time to find a new school and most of the 1300+ players in the portal will probably take a few more weeks to find a school (if they ever do!)

Correct. I can't wait for it to close, so I no longer have to worry about players from Duke jumping in. I am way less concerned about where people are going at this point!

 

[triaddukefan]

Correct. I can't wait for it to close, so I no longer have to worry about players from Duke jumping in. I am way less concerned about where people are going at this point!

I had to look up when the portal officially is closed. I got some 7 year old apple cider stored under the sink... Might have to break it open if nobody else from Duke enters. Should probably consult first with the good folks at Wake Forest Baptist Gastroenterology.

 

[AmeriConn]

Jordan Lee to South Carolina

 

[jdote33]

What's SC projected started line up as of now.

 

[TC22]

What's SC projected started line up as of now.

Probably Maddy, Tessa, Jordan, Chloe and Joyce. 2nd unit -Gotti/Jerzy/ Watkins/and whoever else we have available. Got some kids coming off injuries so have to assess them.We should be back to Dawn’s way of playing with 2 full teams. Can’t wait! We will have some great pieces to fit together.

 

[visitingcock]

What's SC projected started line up as of now.

Will vary according to time of year and opponent. Chloe will be brought back slowly in the Fall but may start by SEC play. We will start 3 guards some and 3 bigs some according to opponent

Only sure starter are Joyce and Tessa at 4 and 3

 

[Gamecockfan77]

just my conjecture but

Maddie
Tessa
Jordan Lee
Joyce
Tournebize/Watkins/Tac

You could perhaps start Kitts at three and move Tessa to bench or you could start Makeer over Tessa.

I'll note however that Dawn has traditionally cut minutes rather than removed upperclassmen from starting lineup.

I would guess that Lee, Tessa, Makerer, Edwards, Kitts, Watkins Maddie will all get 20-25 minutes if on team and healthy.

Rest likely depends on where Tac, Tournebize, Ayla, and freshmen are.

I'd guess Jerzy would get near the starters minutes.

 

[asuwish]

Disagree. It's a nearly perfect fit and we are not deep at all at G.

We have lots of 4s but not that many 1,2, and 3s.

Jerzy probably thought the 2 guard spot was hers. Tessa thought it was hers. They need a back up pg but not a 2 guard.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

Jerzy probably thought the 2 guard spot was hers. Tessa thought it was hers. They need a back up pg but not a 2 guard.

SCar needed a defensive stopper and a floor spacer as much as anything.

Lee fills the two roles very well and her presence allows room for others to handle backup PG minutes (out of position) by committee.

It might prompt some transfers this year or next but no ones role would seemingly be diminished by this.

We aren't a play everyone 30 minutes type operation to begin with and are replacing theee starters.

 

[BRS24]

U turn! Good for the Hoos

 

[Centerstream]

U turn! Good for the Hoos

Thank you for returning the swerves back to transfer portal entry news. But I have a (sarcastic question)...what will be Va's starting five be next season? 🤣

 

[cancontent]

Thank you for returning the swerves back to transfer portal entry news. But I have a (sarcastic question)...what will be Va's starting five be next season? 🤣

You just had to throw out a question that could potentially cause another swerve hey? 🤣🤣🤣

 

[bballnut90]

Updated 4/17
Still in the portal:
PG:


SG:
Kaylene Smikle, Maryland, SG - 17.9 ppg during 2024-25 season, 1 year eligibility left
Kiyomi McMiller, Penn State, SG - 21.6 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 4.5 apg, 2 years eligibility left
KK Bransford, Notre Dame, SG - 7.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 1 year eligibility left
Kailyn Gilbert, LSU, SG - 9.1 ppg in 2024-25, 1 year eligibility left


SF:
Skylar Forbes, Marquette, SF - 15.5 ppg, 4.9 rpb, 1 year eligibility left

PF:
Addy Brown, Iowa State, PF - 11.9 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 5.3 apg, 2 years eligibilty left. Visiting Notre Dame, Vandy and Oklahoma
Essence Cody, Alabama, PF - 11.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 1 year eligibility left
S'Myah Smith, Virginia, PF - 7.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1 year eligibility left
Aaliyah Moore, Texas, PF - 7.9 points, 4.6 rebounds in 2024-25, 1 year eligibility left
Ice Brady, UCONN, PF - former top 5 recruit, 2 years eligibility left

C:
Audi Crooks, Iowa State, C - 25.9 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 64.9% FG, 1 year eligibility left. Rumored to Oklahoma State
Me'arah O'Neal, Florida, C - 13.6 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 52.9% FG, 2 years eligibility left. Rumored LSU interest
Gracie Merkle, Penn State, C -19.2 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 1 year eligibility left


Decommitted Recruits:
Oliviyah Edwards, PF, #2 recruit Visiting South Carolina, Texas and Louisville
Trinity Jones, SG, #11 recruit. Visiting Maryland


Committed List:

PG:
Liv McGill, Florida, PG - 22.6 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 6.3 apg, 2 years eligibility left. Committed to Oklahoma State
Kymora Johnson, UVA, PG - 19.5 ppg, 5.9 apg, 1 year eligibility left. Re-committed to Virginia
Zam Jones, NC State, PG - 14.9 ppg, 3.8 apg, 2 years eligibility left. Committed to Louisville
Jadyn Wooten, Oklahoma State, PG - 12.8 ppg, 5.4 apg, 2 years eligibility left. Committed to TCU
Jada Richard, LSU, PG - 9.5 ppg, 3.3 apg, 2 years eligibility left. Committed to Ole Miss
Jada Williams, Iowa State, PG - 15.3 ppg, 7.7 apg, 1 year eligibility left. Committed to LSU
Elina Aarnisalo, North Carolina, PG - 10.2 ppg, 2 years eligibility left. Committed to UCLA
Mia Pauldo, Tennessee, PG - 10.4 ppg, former #9 recruit, 3 years eligibility left. Committed to Rutgers

SG:
Dani Carnegie, Georgia, SG - 17.8 ppg, 3.2 apg, 2 years eligibility left. Committed to Iowa
Jordan Lee, Texas, SG - 13.2 ppg, 2 years eligibility left. Committed to South Carolina
Talaysia Cooper, Tennessee, SG - 16.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1 year eligibility left. Committed to Ole Miss
Jordan Speiser, Kansas State, SG - 10.2 ppg, former #16 recruit, 3 years eligibility left. Committed to Oklahoma
Madison St. Rose, Princeston, SG - 15.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1 year eligibility left. Committed to Notre Dame
Lanie Grant, North Carolina, SG - 10.8 ppg, 2 years eligibility left. Committed to TCU
Zya Vann, Oklahoma, SG - 10.4 ppg, 2 years eligibility left. Committed to Texas
Rashunda Jones, Michigan State, 11.7 ppg, 1 year eligibility left. Committed to Arizona State
Deniya Prawl, Tennessee, SG - 4.0 ppg, former #17 recruit, 3 years eligibility left. Committed to Louisville
Bella Hines, LSU, SG - 4.2 ppg, 3 years eligibility left. Committed to TCU

SF:
Aaliyah Crump, Texas, SF - 7.9 ppg, former #5 recruit, 3 years eligibility left. Committed to Duke
Jaida Civil, Tennessee, SF - 6.4 ppg, former #20 recruit, 3 years eligibility left. Committed to Ole Miss
Laila Reynolds, Florida, SF - 12.1 ppg, 1 year eligibility left. Committed to LSU
Courtney Ogden, Stanford, SF - 12.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1 year eligibility left. Committed to Michigan

PF:
Lara Somfai, Stanford, PF - 10.8 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 3 years eligibility left. Committed to TCU
Mia Woolfolk, Georgia, PF - 13.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2 years eligibility left. Committed to Vanderbilt
Justice Carlton, Texas, PF - 8.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2 years eligibility left. Committed to Houston
Nunu Agara, Stanford, PF - 15.3 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 1 year eligibility left. Committed to Maryland
Achol Akot, Oklahoma State, PF - 12.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1 year eligibility left. Committed to North Carolina

C:
Tilda Trygger, NC State, C - 10.6 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2 years eligibility left. Committed to Washington

 

[HuskyNan]

Wow

 

[Dillon77]

Wow

Actually, this isn't as much of a surprise as one might think.

• KK put into the portal two years ago and pulled her name out, came back and rehabbed a lower leg injury all year, then played last year. Once she was back on all cylinders, she was a great help in the late-season run.
• She's going to be an ND graduate so that's good news for all concerned.
• A few weeks back it was her intention to come back but the between the lines stuff was....if I get a settlement that I like.

Apparently, that didn't happen.
- It would've been great to have her leadership skills back and tough-nosed playing style, but ND does have three 6'2" highly-rated wings and a 5'10" sharpshooter.

The player Hannah Hidalgo was closest to was Cass Prosper, so when Hannah said she'd stay after Cass went pro, that was the key commitment. She's still got her buddies Leah Macey and Kelly Ratigan. I have a feeling she and Jacy Abii will hit it off just fine.

 

[VA Huskie]

Thank you for returning the swerves back to transfer portal entry news. But I have a (sarcastic question)...what will be Va's starting five be next season? 🤣

I have little idea. McGee is now returning and she mostly started before her injury early this past season. Don’t know if the other players who entered the portal have committed anywhere (except the kid who committed to NC). Amanze? Smith? They certainly need to get some kids from the portal. Mo recommitting should help with that.

 

[VA Huskie]

Actually, this isn't as much of a surprise as one might think.

• KK put into the portal two years ago and pulled her name out, came back and rehabbed a lower leg injury all year, then played last year. Once she was back on all cylinders, she was a great help in the late-season run.
• She's going to be an ND graduate so that's good news for all concerned.
• A few weeks back it was her intention to come back but the between the lines stuff was....if I get a settlement that I like.

Apparently, that didn't happen.
- It would've been great to have her leadership skills back and tough-nosed playing style, but ND does have three 6'2" highly-rated wings and a 5'10" sharpshooter.

The player Hannah Hidalgo was closest to was Cass Prosper, so when Hannah said she'd stay after Cass went pro, that was the key commitment. She's still got her buddies Leah Macey and Kelly Ratigan. I have a feeling she and Jacy Abii will hit it off just fine.

We’ll take her at UVA😀

 

[azfan]

Updated 4/17
Still in the portal:
PG:
Jada Richard, LSU, PG - 9.5 ppg, 3.3 apg, 2 years eligibility left. Rumored interest with Ole Miss

SG:
Kaylene Smikle, Maryland, SG - 17.9 ppg during 2024-25 season, 1 year eligibility left
Kiyomi McMiller, Penn State, SG - 21.6 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 4.5 apg, 2 years eligibility left
Kailyn Gilbert, LSU, SG - 9.1 ppg in 2024-25, 1 year eligibility left

SF:
Skylar Forbes, Marquette, SF - 15.5 ppg, 4.9 rpb, 1 year eligibility left

PF:
Addy Brown, Iowa State, PF - 11.9 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 5.3 apg, 2 years eligibilty left. Visiting Notre Dame, Vandy and Oklahoma
Justice Carlton, Texas, PF - 8.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2 years eligibility left. Reportedly visited Houston
Essence Cody, Alabama, PF - 11.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 1 year eligibility left
S'Myah Smith, Virginia, PF - 7.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1 year eligibility left
Aaliyah Moore, Texas, PF - 7.9 points, 4.6 rebounds in 2024-25, 1 year eligibility left
Ice Brady, UCONN, PF - former top 5 recruit, 2 years eligibility left

C:
Audi Crooks, Iowa State, C - 25.9 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 64.9% FG, 1 year eligibility left.
Me'arah O'Neal, Florida, C - 13.6 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 52.9% FG, 2 years eligibility left. Rumored LSU interest
Tilda Trygger, NC State, C - 10.6 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2 years eligibility left. Visiting Maryland
Gracie Merkle, Penn State, C -19.2 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 1 year eligibility left


Decommitted Recruits:
Oliviyah Edwards, PF, #2 recruit Visiting South Carolina and Louisville
Trinity Jones, SG, #11 recruit. Visiting Maryland


Committed List:

PG:
Liv McGill, Florida, PG - 22.6 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 6.3 apg, 2 years eligibility left. Committed to Oklahoma State
Kymora Johnson, UVA, PG - 19.5 ppg, 5.9 apg, 1 year eligibility left. Re-committed to Virginia
Zam Jones, NC State, PG - 14.9 ppg, 3.8 apg, 2 years eligibility left. Committed to Louisville
Jadyn Wooten, Oklahoma State, PG - 12.8 ppg, 5.4 apg, 2 years eligibility left. Committed to TCU
Jada Williams, Iowa State, PG - 15.3 ppg, 7.7 apg, 1 year eligibility left. Committed to LSU
Elina Aarnisalo, North Carolina, PG - 10.2 ppg, 2 years eligibility left. Committed to UCLA
Mia Pauldo, Tennessee, PG - 10.4 ppg, former #9 recruit, 3 years eligibility left. Committed to Rutgers

SG:
Dani Carnegie, Georgia, SG - 17.8 ppg, 3.2 apg, 2 years eligibility left. Committed to Iowa
Jordan Lee, Texas, SG - 13.2 ppg, 2 years eligibility left. Committed to South Carolina
Talaysia Cooper, Tennessee, SG - 16.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1 year eligibility left. Committed to Ole Miss
Jordan Speiser, Kansas State, SG - 10.2 ppg, former #16 recruit, 3 years eligibility left. Committed to Oklahoma
Lanie Grant, North Carolina, SG - 10.8 ppg, 2 years eligibility left. Committed to TCU
Zya Vann, Oklahoma, SG - 10.4 ppg, 2 years eligibility left. Committed to Texas
Rashunda Jones, Michigan State, 11.7 ppg, 1 year eligibility left. Committed to Arizona State
Deniya Prawl, Tennessee, SG - 4.0 ppg, former #17 recruit, 3 years eligibility left. Committed to Louisville
Bella Hines, LSU, SG - 4.2 ppg, 3 years eligibility left. Committed to TCU

SF:
Aaliyah Crump, Texas, SF - 7.9 ppg, former #5 recruit, 3 years eligibility left. Committed to Duke
Jaida Civil, Tennessee, SF - 6.4 ppg, former #20 recruit, 3 years eligibility left. Committed to Ole Miss
Laila Reynolds, Florida, SF - 12.1 ppg, 1 year eligibility left. Committed to LSU
Courtney Ogden, Stanford, SF - 12.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1 year eligibility left. Committed to Michigan

PF:
Lara Somfai, Stanford, PF - 10.8 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 3 years eligibility left. Committed to TCU
Mia Woolfolk, Georgia, PF - 13.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2 years eligibility left. Committed to Vanderbilt
Nunu Agara, Stanford, PF - 15.3 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 1 year eligibility left. Committed to Maryland
Achol Akot, Oklahoma State, PF - 12.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1 year eligibility left. Committed to North Carolina

VERY much appreciate this..... And I'll appreciate it even more if Mly Miller can convince a big

 

[Dillon77]

Well take her at UVA😀

Bet you would! Actually, I can see she and Kymora working well. KK has an undergrad degree...wonder what grad courses she might be after!

 

[DRR25]

U turn! Good for the Hoos

No surprises there. Just my opinion but I don't think Johnson was really a potential transfer candidate to S. Carolina as Lee and Edwards were/are. I think this was a case of Dawn Staley asking Kymora to come meet with her about Kymora's experience in UVA's WBB program, Coach Mox, etc. because Staley cares about her alma mater. She mentioned that she wanted to find out what happened, wanted to talk with Coach Mox and the AD. Johnson could provide some first hand insight and entering the portal got her a better NIL deal with UVA, a place she loves.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

No surprises there. Just my opinion but I don't think Johnson was really a potential transfer candidate to S. Carolina as Lee and Edwards were/are. I think this was a case of Dawn Staley asking Kymora to come meet with her about Kymora's experience in UVA's WBB program, Coach Mox, etc. because Staley cares about her alma mater.

A phone call or text would've sufficed.

 

[visitingcock]

A phone call or text would've sufficed.

As I understand it, she is a hometown girl in Charlottesville and daughter of a big UVA fan whose formulative fan era was during the Dawn years at UVA. The Dawn player era included 3 straight Final Fours to launch 11 straight sweet 16 appearances. Dawn is simply the legend of UVA wbb.

When Kymora led UVA to the sweet 16 this year, she, her mom, her city, her team and school’s fans were overjoyed after a long fall from the glory years. But that joy crashed when her coach was fired. Her loyalty to her school wavered in that period of uncertainty with no coach and she entered the portal. She (and her Mom) naturally looked at the coach who is the legend of UVA basketball.

In the end, her interview with her new coach, who is highly respected in Virginia, resolved her doubts and re-strengthened her lifetime of loyalty. She recommitted to her school.

I admire her loyalty which is exceedingly rare in this NIL/portal era and I have become a big fan. Go Kymora! I hope your final season sees you lead your school to the best season since the glory years.( for those who say that UVA increased their NIL offer, I say it her decision was more noble than mere money).

(Note) UVA’s 11 straight sweet 16 appearances from 1987 thru 1997 put them in a rarefied Group of only ten or so schools to maintain that level of national relevance for a decade or more.

 

[DRR25]

A phone call or text would've sufficed.

Not with regard to the latter part of my comment. So, Kymora goes to the new coach's office, holds up her cell phone and says "I have Dawn Staley on the line and we're talking NIL"? I do not think Kymora Johnson was "only in it for the money" but going on a visit helped her.