Basketball
Five Big 12 Women's Basketball Transfers Making a Big Impact
2024-12-17
Last offseason, the transfer portal emerged as a powerful force in college basketball. Several high-level players made the decision to seek out new programs, and many have already left their mark. On3 takes a closer look at five transfer players who have made a significant impact in the Big 12.

Hailey van Lith: From LSU to TCU

Hailey van Lith's transfer to TCU has been a game-changer. After three successful seasons at Louisville, she had a less-than-stellar year at LSU. However, choosing to use her fifth year instead of declaring for the WNBA Draft proved to be a wise decision. With the Horned Frogs, she has been a dominant force. Last season with LSU, she averaged 11.6 points, 3.6 assists, and 1.3 steals. This season, her numbers have skyrocketed to 19.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.6 steals. She has firmly established herself as a top contender for National Player of the Year honors. Her ability to score, distribute the ball, and play defense has been a key factor in TCU's early success.Her impact on the team goes beyond just statistics. Van Lith's leadership and presence on the court have inspired her teammates. She has become a go-to player in crucial moments and has the ability to take over a game. Her transition from LSU to TCU was seamless, and she has quickly become a fan favorite.

Sydney Shaw: From Auburn to West Virginia

Sydney Shaw's college career took an interesting turn when she transferred from Auburn to West Virginia. In her first two seasons at Auburn, she was a part-time starter. But this offseason, she made the move and has seen a significant increase in her offensive output. Last season, she averaged 6.6 points. This year with the Mountaineers, her numbers have nearly doubled to 12.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2 steals.Shaw's improvement can be attributed to her new team and coaching staff. The West Virginia system has allowed her to showcase her skills and play to her strengths. She has become more confident in her abilities and has taken on a larger role on the team. Her ability to score from different areas of the court and her defensive tenacity have made her a valuable asset to the Mountaineers.

Tenin Magassa: From Rhode Island to Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State's addition of Tenin Magassa during the offseason went relatively unnoticed. Magassa, a 6-foot-6 center from France, has made a significant impact since joining the Cowgirls. She spent two seasons at Dayton and two seasons at Rhode Island before transferring to Oklahoma State for her last year.Last season with URI, she averaged 7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2 blocks. This year, her production has improved even further, averaging 9.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1.5 blocks. Magassa's size and athleticism have been a major asset for Oklahoma State. She is able to dominate in the paint, grab rebounds, and block shots. Her presence has changed the dynamics of the team's defense and has given them a new dimension on offense.

Temira Poindexter: From Tulsa to Kansas State

Temira Poindexter was one of the top scorers in the nation last year at Tulsa. When she transferred to Kansas State, there was some uncertainty about how she would adjust. But she has proven to be a seamless fit.Last season, she averaged 21 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks. With Kansas State, her numbers have slightly decreased to 11.3 points, 2.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks. However, her impact on the team goes beyond just scoring. Poindexter's leadership and ability to create scoring opportunities for her teammates have been crucial. She has become a key player in Kansas State's offense and has helped the team improve their overall performance.

Aaronette Vonleh: From Colorado to Baylor

Aaronette Vonleh was one of the best players on Colorado for the past two seasons. She started her career at Arizona before transferring to Colorado. This offseason, as Colorado made the transition to the Big 12, Vonleh followed suit and joined Baylor.Last season with Colorado, she averaged 14 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. This year with the Bears, her numbers have remained relatively consistent, averaging 14.6 points and 5.5 rebounds. Vonleh's versatility and ability to play multiple positions have made her a valuable asset to Baylor. She is able to score inside and outside, rebound effectively, and defend against different types of players. Her presence has added depth and stability to the Bears' lineup.
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