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Women's College Basketball

Transfer Targets: The Hotly Contested Race for Hailey Van Lith and Raegan Beers

While college basketball may be finished, transfer portal season has begun and does not seem to be ending anytime soon.

Three weeks have passed since we released our inaugural rating, and a lot has happened in the sports world. A new national champion has been crowned. We no longer have Tara VanDerveer. Knoxville employed Kim Caldwell. We will continue to provide updates because it is difficult to believe that over the course of the next week or two, more well-known players will join the portal. In the interim, have a peek at the portal’s top 15 prospects:

1. Raegan Beers

Oregon State sophomore forward

Key stats: 17.5 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 66 FG%

It seemed inevitable that Beers would follow Beavers into the portal now that there were so many of them inside. She will have a lot of offers because she was selected for the first team of the Pac-12, was previously named the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, and was the conference’s Sixth Player of the Year. She is a superb defender and offensive player who has the potential to be a key member of practically every program in the nation. Beers is only a sophomore, but based on Pivot Analysis, she shoots 69 percent at the rim and has a style of play similar to Mackenzie Holmes. For every fan of women’s basketball, the Pac-12 is gone. Beers was not on any nationally televised games until the 2024 postseason because she was playing in the Pac-12 (and at Oregon State, specifically). But, considering her skill set and the quality of clubs that are expected to call her, she could become well-known by the upcoming season.

Arkansas freshman guard

Key stats: 22.1 PPG, 3.3 rebounds per game RPG, 41 FG %

With her offensive prowess and three years left of eligibility, Scott will be among the most sought-after gateway players. Only Hannah Hidalgo of Notre Dame and JuJu Watkins of USC scored more points per game than Scott this season among freshman throughout the country. She needs to improve on her 3-point shooting (she only shot 30% from beyond the arc), but she can score at three levels all by herself. Despite being only five feet nine inches tall, she remains a dangerous player who can score points. This season, she committed more than four fouls per game and made 84 percent of her free throws when she got to the line.

Princeton senior guard

Key stats: 15.8 PPG, 5.0 APG, 3.5 RPG, 49 FG%

Chen accessed the portal in early September since players in the Ivy League are not permitted to employ bonus years offered by the pandemic within the league. Her objectives have been known to the coaches. The two-time All-Ivy League first-team selection will be able to choose from a number of colleges. The fact that two classes’ worth of Ivy League players—this season’s trio from USC and last season’s Abby Meyers from Maryland—have succeeded in major leagues is undoubtedly helpful. Chen is an excellent choice for clubs looking to add a high-value, low-risk point guard because of her seasoned expertise, strong motor, and ability to create plays and distribute the ball while protecting the basket.

 

Oregon State junior guard

Key stats: 10.7 PPG, 5.0 APG, 4.1 RPG, 39 FG%

It is not shocking to see several Beavers in the portal given that Oregon State is now a member of the West Coast Conference and is probably looking to hold onto their status as a top conference. Von Oelhoffen will be a desirable addition for a school trying to replace a departing point guard or for a club wanting to supplement a younger point guard with her seasoned experience, as she has one season left of eligibility. She can withstand contact and is a powerful shooter coming off screens and in spot-up scenarios, standing 5-11 and having a good build. This season, she shot a career-high 46 percent from the midrange, according to Pivot Analysis. Although she has not shot well consistently this season, her 3-point percentage as a rookie is 43%.

Arkansas redshirt sophomore guard

Key stats: 10.2 PPG, 11.2 RPG (9.4 defensive RPG), 36 FG%

Poffenbarger enrolled early in 2021 at UConn, but following the season, he moved to Arkansas. After 67 games as the Razorbacks’ starting point guard, she is back in action. Poffenbarger’s 9.4 defensive rebounds per game—only Lauren Gustin of BYU has averaged more this season—and her remarkable jumper percentage (from 23 percent to 33 percent) from beyond the arc will attract the attention of coaches. Major coaches will show interest in a large guard who can clean up the glass and cause defensive havoc (averaging 2.5 steals and blocks per game) whenever she steps through the gate. For some programs, Poffenbarger’s two additional years of eligibility will also be advantageous.

Oregon State sophomore forward

Key stats: 11.6 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 45 FG%, 40 3 PT FG%

Gardiner, with his stature, skill, and two seasons left of eligibility, is an intriguing prospect. Since the Beavers did not have any nationally televised regular-season games, fans may not be as familiar with her, but if you watched her play in the NCAA Tournament, you will see why she is ranked so highly. Gardiner, a 6-3 forward, is a prolific 3-point shooter with five tries a game. He can also score in the paint against bigger opponents. She will bring strong defensive discipline to her future squad in addition to her exceptional defensive rebounding skills, as playing in Oregon State’s system calls for it.

Texas A&M sophomore forward

Key stats: 12.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 48 FG%

Barker has two more years of eligibility and a solid SEC record as a versatile player, so she should be able to choose from a number of universities. She scored 21 points apiece in her two greatest scoring outings of the season against LSU and Ole Miss, two defensive teams. She was among the top four percent of players this season, according to Synergy, giving up just.553 points per possession. Barker needs to reduce her turnovers (2.7 per game), but this 6-4 forward is a highly sought-after transfer because of her defensive prowess and ability to score in the paint.

Villanova junior guard

Key stats: 23.3 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.8 APG

When Maddy Siegrist, a WNBA Draft pick from the previous season, was not available, Olsen took over as Villanova’s main scorer and proved she could handle the pressure. Olsen is a good choice for one-year perimeter players who are capable of competing on both ends. She can quickly make an impact as a scorer, distributor, and defender, but she will need to control her fouls (2.3 per game) and turnovers (2.5 per game).

LSU senior guard

Key stats: 11.6 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 3.6 APG, 38 FG%

Van Lith did not have a particularly impressive body of work while at LSU, but generally, her resume makes her a top-10 transfer portal recruit, especially if (or when) she ends up at a school that lets her return to her role as an off-ball guard. Although her shooting % has decreased this season across the board, she still possesses skills that, given the correct setup, may be effective. According to Synergy, Van Lith scored over half of her points as a spot-up shooter or as the ballhandler in pick-and-rolls while a junior at Louisville, averaging 19.7 points per game. In her fifth year, Van Lith still has the potential to be a significant player.

Penn junior guard

Key stats: 14.8 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 2.3 APG, 39 3PT%

If you have heard this before, stop me: A seasoned Penn guard with long-range skill has logged into the transfer site. Indeed, you would not be incorrect if this sounds like a scene from Kayla Padilla’s past. For her last season, Padilla’s former teammate, who is a superior rebounder but may not be nearly as prolific scorer, is searching for a place to call home. Over the course of her three years at Penn, Obi averaged 33 minutes per game and made 39 percent of her triples. She also has a strong motor. She has started 82 games for the Quakers, and given Padilla’s ability to slot in so perfectly around Watkins at USC, you’ve got to think Trojans coach Lindsay Gottlieb (and others) has an eye on Obi.

Kentucky senior forward

Key stats: 14.2 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 51 FG%

The presence of several Wildcats in the portal after Kentucky fired Kyra Elzy is not shocking. Petty attended LSU for her first two seasons before leaving following the change in coaching. This season, the 6-3 forward who anchored the paint for Kentucky led the team in both scoring and rebounds. Petty attempted almost 97% of her shots from the rim, where she was successful 52% of the time (her career high was 57% last season). She excelled at drawing fouls as well (5.3 per game). She averaged 2.2 total steals and blocks per game while playing defense. She needs to cut down on turnovers and grow better at making free throws, especially when she gets as close to the line as she can. Petty is a fantastic fit for a squad that wants to increase its inside presence.

North Carolina senior guard

Key stats: 16.3 PPG, 3.2 APG, 3.9 RPG, 35 FG%

As the main weapon for the Tar Heels, Kelly is a proven scorer who has averaged at least 16 points per game over the previous three seasons. She is comfortable shooting in the midrange and in the paint, but her 3-point shooting has never been her strongest suit. She is a capable perimeter defender who can hold her own against 5-8 guards on the glass. Could the native of Texas end up closer to home? Or is it possible that she will join the Big Ten as a perimeter player and potential stopgap scorer for a club that needs a younger guard?

Syracuse freshman forward

Key stats: 8.6 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 46 FG%

Latham made the ACC All-Freshman team this season after having a stellar rookie campaign. She possesses every trait needed to be an all-conference player. The 6-2 forward has three years of eligibility to contribute to a program, and she has previous experience playing with Dyaisha Fair, a prolific scorer. Latham is a productive defender who was successful for the Orange on the offensive boards. Even as a freshman, she was in the top 20 players in Hakeem percentage, which is the total of a player’s steal and block %.

Michigan junior guard

Key stats: 16.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.2 SPG

We at The Athletic were really taken aback by this move. The native of Cincinnati has fit right in with Kim Barnes Arico’s scheme, and the Wolverines were most dependent on her in the aftermath of Naz Hillmon. Though she has established herself as a formidable 3-point shooter from either corner, Phelia spends the majority of her offensive effort within 15 feet of the hoop. Although she is not well-known for her defense, her expertise and scoring prowess will make her a target for many teams.

Penn State sophomore guard

Key stats: 11.5 PPG, 2.4 APG, 42 FG%

Ciezki would be an especially alluring addition to a team that needs a 3-point shooter. As a rookie, she shot 42% from beyond the arc; this season, she has shooting 37%, with 60% of her tries coming from 3-point range. Like Lauren Hansen, Ciezki is a transfer, but she has two more years of eligibility left, so she will be a more consistent presence in her program going forward rather than just a one-year fill-in.

Kentucky senior guard

Key stats: 12.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.4 APG, 34 FG%

Originally from Kentucky, Scherr attended Oregon for her first two seasons before using the gateway to move to a more local school. Since Elzy was fired, she is searching for a new place to call home. Scherr’s shooting has declined this season, but with the correct scheme, any roster would benefit from having an experienced guard like her. (Her career has 87 starts.) Scherr ranks in the top 15% of players in terms of thefts, blocks, and assists per game, demonstrating his talent at creating plays both on offense and defense. To advance to her next stop, though, she will have to reduce her turnover and foul rate.

Transfer decisions

PLAYER FORMER TEAM NEW TEAM
Georgia Amoore
Virginia Tech
Kentucky
Mama Dembele
Missouri
South Florida
Paulina Paris
North Carolina
Arizona
Jersey Wolfenbarger
Arkansas
LSU
Izzy Higginbottom
Arkansas State
Arkansas
Clara Strack
Virginia Tech
Kentucky
Grace Townsend
Richmond
North Carolina

(Photos of Hailey Van Lith and Raegan Beers: Sarah Stier / Getty Images,  Andy Lyons / Getty Images)

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