So Pierre is staying? And Blakes of course... who is the core of the team this coming season? Any more needs from the portal? I love the job Shea is doing and am excited for her and her team. Hope they are a mainstay in the top 25 this season and beat the snot out of Tennessee, among others...
Three-year starter Sacha Washington returns in the post after sitting out last season with a blood clot in her leg. She was cleared medically, but she, her coaches and family decided together it was best to sit out the year and come back fully ready. She was able to do everything basketball related that didn't require contact, so hopefully the weight room and skills training will pay off.
I think red-shirt sophomore Madison Greene will have a chance to step into Iyana Moore's role. She, in my mind, is a better all around player than Moore, but Iyana's big strength was an occasional hot streak where she could light it up. Those didn't come often enough, especially last year when Blakes and Pierre were the focus of the offense.
They still have Justine Pissott and Aga Makurat to play on the wing, and both can score. Their problem is that the pressure defense is not great for them. There is a 5'11 freshman coming in, Ava Jaye Black, who is ready built to play the 2-3 positions in Shea's system. Let's see how long it takes to adjust to the college game.
Size is still a problem (Sacha is only 6'2), and I'm hearing Del Rosario is on campus today. I don't see any way she could dislodge Washington from a starting role, but there are times in just about every game where you wish you just had a big body out there to clog up the middle. Ashley Earley is a terrific post coach, so, who knows, maybe she could help mold Del Rosario into something better. Either way, it's sort of a no-lose situation since they already have their starting post.
There are 12 players returning. I think Shea will settle for two portal players like she did her first three years. She usually goes after role players who have often become key contributors. I know she's interested in Daley from Northwestern, but so, apparently, are Notre Dame and quite a few others. I'd say we'll know what she comes up with by the end of next week.
If I get a fit of ambition after the roster is set, I might do a player breakdown on this brand spanking new Vanderbilt 2025 thread.
(Be careful asking me a question about Vandy women's basketball. As you can see, you're liable to get more answer than you really wanted).