The women's basketball transfer portal is a wild ride, and the Big Ten is no exception. With the season still months away, the conference is already buzzing with excitement over the moves that could shape the upcoming year. While some teams are making bold moves to fill key holes, others are facing the challenge of replacing their star players. Let's take a closer look at the top additions and departures that are shaking up the Big Ten.
The Departures
1. Gracie Merkle, Penn State to Minnesota
Gracie Merkle is a force to be reckoned with in the post. With a career field goal percentage of 69.9%, she's one of the most efficient scorers in the country. Her departure from Penn State is a big loss for the Lady Lions, who struggled to replace her production. But for Minnesota, she's a huge addition. The Gophers, who missed the Sweet Sixteen last season, are now looking to make a run at the tournament this year, and Merkle could be the key to their success.
2. Kaylene Smikle, Maryland to Tennessee
Kaylene Smikle is a scoring machine. When healthy, she's one of the top scorers in the Big Ten. Her departure from Maryland is a big blow for the Terrapins, who are now looking to fill the void left by her absence. But for Tennessee, she's a welcome addition. The Volunteers, who are rebuilding under first-year head coach Gary Redus II, are now looking to add some scoring punch to their roster.
3. Kiyomi McMiller, Penn State to Florida
Kiyomi McMiller is a scoring threat who can fill up the stat sheet. Her departure from Penn State is a big loss for the Lady Lions, who struggled to replace her production. But for Florida, she's a welcome addition. The Gators, who are looking to rebuild under new head coach Kellie Harper, are now looking to add some scoring punch to their roster.
4. Rashunda Jones, Michigan State to Arizona State
Rashunda Jones is a point guard who can do it all. Her departure from Michigan State is a big loss for the Spartans, who are now looking to fill the void left by her absence. But for Arizona State, she's a welcome addition. The Sun Devils, who are looking to build on their success last season, are now looking to add some leadership and experience to their roster.
5. Jessica Petrie, Nebraska to Indiana
Jessica Petrie is a solid player who can contribute in multiple ways. Her departure from Nebraska is a big loss for the Cornhuskers, who are now looking to fill the void left by her absence. But for Indiana, she's a welcome addition. The Hoosiers, who are looking to rebuild under new head coach Kellie Harper, are now looking to add some scoring punch to their roster.
The Additions
1. Addy Brown, Iowa State to UCLA
Addy Brown is a versatile player who can do it all. Her addition to UCLA is a huge boost for the Bruins, who are looking to rebuild after losing several key players from last season's national championship team. With her talent and experience, Brown could be the key to UCLA's success this season.
2. Dani Carnegie, Georgia to Iowa
Dani Carnegie is a scoring guard who can get downhill and create her own shot. Her addition to Iowa is a huge boost for the Hawkeyes, who are looking to add some scoring punch to their roster. With her talent and experience, Carnegie could be the key to Iowa's success this season.
3. Nunu Agara, Stanford to Maryland
Nunu Agara is a two-time Second Team All-ACC selection who can score in double figures and rebound at a high level. Her addition to Maryland is a huge boost for the Terrapins, who are looking to add some scoring punch and interior threat to their roster. With her talent and experience, Agara could be the key to Maryland's success this season.
4. Gracie Merkle, Penn State to Minnesota
Yes, we've already mentioned Gracie Merkle, but her addition to Minnesota is too big to ignore. The Gophers, who are looking to make a run at the Sweet Sixteen, are now looking to add some scoring punch and interior threat to their roster. With Merkle's talent and experience, she could be the key to Minnesota's success this season.
5. Mia Pauldo and Mya Pauldo, Tennessee to Rutgers
Mia Pauldo is a former five-star recruit who can score in double figures. Her addition to Rutgers is a huge boost for the Scarlet Knights, who are looking to add some scoring punch and talent to their roster. With her talent and experience, Mia Pauldo could be the key to Rutgers' success this season.
The Takeaway
The Big Ten transfer portal is a wild ride, and the moves made so far are shaping up to be an exciting season. With some teams making bold moves to fill key holes and others facing the challenge of replacing their star players, the conference is sure to be a competitive and exciting place to watch this year.
