wbbblog.com is reporting that Lisa Tesson is in the portal out of CMU. Can't confirm that yet, but would not be a surprise since she appeared to slide down to the bottom of the depth chart this year.

OU guard Kendall Hale has announced she is retiring from basketball due to injuries. Her sister Jasmine was also a Bobcat, but is reportedly graduating (although I had thought she had 1 more year of eligibility left.)

Akron has posted an initial 2023-24 roster, and in addition to Camp and Farrell missing:

Molly Neitzel not listed - looks like from her IG, she is electing not to play for a 5th year
Rachel Martindale not listed - she also had a year left I think, so not sure if she is transferring or just not using another year

Faith Stinson is still listed, but she announced yesterday on twitter that she has put her name in the portal.

No word yet on their three incoming freshman signees.

I hadn't even heard that WMU's Taylor Williams was in the portal, but today it is reported that she is transferring to Michigan. So, UT will get to play her again next year.

Big loss for WMU, as she and Ross were the vast majority of their team's performance, and Ross will be coming off a knee injury next year.

(04-01-2023 04:24 PM)northcoastRocket Wrote:  I hadn't even heard that WMU's Taylor Williams was in the portal, but today it is reported that she is transferring to Michigan. So, UT will get to play her again next year.

Big loss for WMU, as she and Ross were the vast majority of their team's performance, and Ross will be coming off a knee injury next year.

Story on Williams' transfer:
https://www.michigandaily.com/womens-bas...er-portal/

EMU gets a transfer, in Liv Westphal, 5'9 FR G from Duquesne, originally from Bethel Park, PA. She had an offer from UT coming out of HS in 2021. Redshirted one year, and played sparingly this past season playing in 16 games but only scoring in 4.

I still have not seen any official announcement about Castro's rumored 1 year contract extension, but it seems too late to be starting to look for a new coach, so I assume he's back for another year. Big question for EMU is whether the several players who did not play in any games last year are going to be back and eligible next year.

In a post on ubuffaloin5.com, it's reported that Kayla Salmons, who left the Buffalo team mid-season, has returned home to Australia and is finished playing ball in the states.

(04-02-2023 06:56 PM)northcoastRocket Wrote:  In a post on ubuffaloin5.com, it's reported that Kayla Salmons, who left the Buffalo team mid-season, has returned home to Australia and is finished playing ball in the states.

Maybe she couldn't take the snow? What did they get last winter-like 10 feet?

The early transfer portal news may be good for the rockets competitively but they are certainly disappointing for the league. It appears that many of the more talented players, including Felder, Williams, Davis, Wolfe, and most likely some of the best BGSU players will be leaving the MAC. That's not good for a league looking for respectability and the possibility of multiple entries in the big dance. It suggests that the good players see options to maximize their basketball experience outside the league.

(04-02-2023 09:45 PM)kazoorocket43 Wrote:  The early transfer portal news may be good for the rockets competitively but they are certainly disappointing for the league. It appears that many of the more talented players, including Felder, Williams, Davis, Wolfe, and most likely some of the best BGSU players will be leaving the MAC. That's not good for a league looking for respectability and the possibility of multiple entries in the big dance. It suggests that the good players see options to maximize their basketball experience outside the league.

Now that players can transfer with no penalty, bad teams seem highly likely to lose their good players, along with teams who change coaches, of course. I agree with you that the news has been bad so far, but we will see how the second half of the transfer process goes. Perhaps some MAC teams will be able to strengthen themselves through the portal, as happened last year.

(04-03-2023 05:28 AM)Lester Wrote:  

(04-02-2023 09:45 PM)kazoorocket43 Wrote:  The early transfer portal news may be good for the rockets competitively but they are certainly disappointing for the league. It appears that many of the more talented players, including Felder, Williams, Davis, Wolfe, and most likely some of the best BGSU players will be leaving the MAC. That's not good for a league looking for respectability and the possibility of multiple entries in the big dance. It suggests that the good players see options to maximize their basketball experience outside the league.

Now that players can transfer with no penalty, bad teams seem highly likely to lose their good players, along with teams who change coaches, of course. I agree with you that the news has been bad so far, but we will see how the second half of the transfer process goes. Perhaps some MAC teams will be able to strengthen themselves through the portal, as happened last year.

I understand that worry, but so far, the MAC really hasn't lost many good players at all so far. Of course, that could change some, especially once the fallout at BG is known, but coaching changes are always gonna result in losses, and some players may flip to other MAC teams.

So yes, Felder and Williams are losses for the MAC, but OU was likely not going to be a top team this year, so unlikely that will hurt the conference standing much. Williams maybe the bigger loss in that regard, but can't blame her for moving on from a perennial also-ran to Michigan, which has lost a ton to graduation and transfer already. She might start for them, but at least will be in the rotation. Davis was always going to move on as I understand, and has already played her 4 years, so those types of COVID 5th years are gonna be done in a couple years.

But, of the top MAC players (by efficiency,) those coming back (so far as we know) is a good list. Bass, Becki, Lockett, Cluse, Mikonowicz, Shumate, Skanes, Scott, Wiard ... etc. Graduation has hurt a lot more this year with players like Clephane, Winfield, Stone, Day, Di Augustsdottir, Thall, etc. moving on. Watch the P6 schools and it's like the trade deadline in the pros now as numerous productive, or even star, players jump from one P6 to another. So, it's not just a mid-major issue. All schools will have to do things to keep from losing good players every year.

(04-03-2023 07:06 AM)northcoastRocket Wrote:  

(04-03-2023 05:28 AM)Lester Wrote:  

(04-02-2023 09:45 PM)kazoorocket43 Wrote:  The early transfer portal news may be good for the rockets competitively but they are certainly disappointing for the league. It appears that many of the more talented players, including Felder, Williams, Davis, Wolfe, and most likely some of the best BGSU players will be leaving the MAC. That's not good for a league looking for respectability and the possibility of multiple entries in the big dance. It suggests that the good players see options to maximize their basketball experience outside the league.

Now that players can transfer with no penalty, bad teams seem highly likely to lose their good players, along with teams who change coaches, of course. I agree with you that the news has been bad so far, but we will see how the second half of the transfer process goes. Perhaps some MAC teams will be able to strengthen themselves through the portal, as happened last year.

I understand that worry, but so far, the MAC really hasn't lost many good players at all so far. Of course, that could change some, especially once the fallout at BG is known, but coaching changes are always gonna result in losses, and some players may flip to other MAC teams.

So yes, Felder and Williams are losses for the MAC, but OU was likely not going to be a top team this year, so unlikely that will hurt the conference standing much. Williams maybe the bigger loss in that regard, but can't blame her for moving on from a perennial also-ran to Michigan, which has lost a ton to graduation and transfer already. She might start for them, but at least will be in the rotation. Davis was always going to move on as I understand, and has already played her 4 years, so those types of COVID 5th years are gonna be done in a couple years.

But, of the top MAC players (by efficiency,) those coming back (so far as we know) is a good list. Bass, Becki, Lockett, Cluse, Mikonowicz, Shumate, Skanes, Scott, Wiard ... etc. Graduation has hurt a lot more this year with players like Clephane, Winfield, Stone, Day, Di Augustsdottir, Thall, etc. moving on. Watch the P6 schools and it's like the trade deadline in the pros now as numerous productive, or even star, players jump from one P6 to another. So, it's not just a mid-major issue. All schools will have to do things to keep from losing good players every year.

I assume that most of the players in the MAC are there because the P6 schools did not offer them. So when a player becomes highly effective at MAC level they become more attractive to the bigger basketball schools. And why wouldn't a good MAC player be interested in playing on a bigger stage with more talented teammates? So sure players are jumping from mid majors to P6 and from P6 to the top teams. LSU is an excellent example. Losing record two years ago and a national championship this year. While it is not only an MAC issue it appears to me that it is a more serious issue at mid major level particularly if MAC has as a goal raising the level of respect of the program. P6 schools losing transfers have a better chance of replacing them than MAC schools have in replacing Felder, Davis, Wolfe and Williams. Danger is of becoming a minor league feeding system for the big schools.

(04-03-2023 02:13 PM)kazoorocket43 Wrote:  

(04-03-2023 07:06 AM)northcoastRocket Wrote:  

(04-03-2023 05:28 AM)Lester Wrote:  

(04-02-2023 09:45 PM)kazoorocket43 Wrote:  The early transfer portal news may be good for the rockets competitively but they are certainly disappointing for the league. It appears that many of the more talented players, including Felder, Williams, Davis, Wolfe, and most likely some of the best BGSU players will be leaving the MAC. That's not good for a league looking for respectability and the possibility of multiple entries in the big dance. It suggests that the good players see options to maximize their basketball experience outside the league.

Now that players can transfer with no penalty, bad teams seem highly likely to lose their good players, along with teams who change coaches, of course. I agree with you that the news has been bad so far, but we will see how the second half of the transfer process goes. Perhaps some MAC teams will be able to strengthen themselves through the portal, as happened last year.

I understand that worry, but so far, the MAC really hasn't lost many good players at all so far. Of course, that could change some, especially once the fallout at BG is known, but coaching changes are always gonna result in losses, and some players may flip to other MAC teams.

So yes, Felder and Williams are losses for the MAC, but OU was likely not going to be a top team this year, so unlikely that will hurt the conference standing much. Williams maybe the bigger loss in that regard, but can't blame her for moving on from a perennial also-ran to Michigan, which has lost a ton to graduation and transfer already. She might start for them, but at least will be in the rotation. Davis was always going to move on as I understand, and has already played her 4 years, so those types of COVID 5th years are gonna be done in a couple years.

But, of the top MAC players (by efficiency,) those coming back (so far as we know) is a good list. Bass, Becki, Lockett, Cluse, Mikonowicz, Shumate, Skanes, Scott, Wiard ... etc. Graduation has hurt a lot more this year with players like Clephane, Winfield, Stone, Day, Di Augustsdottir, Thall, etc. moving on. Watch the P6 schools and it's like the trade deadline in the pros now as numerous productive, or even star, players jump from one P6 to another. So, it's not just a mid-major issue. All schools will have to do things to keep from losing good players every year.

I assume that most of the players in the MAC are there because the P6 schools did not offer them. So when a player becomes highly effective at MAC level they become more attractive to the bigger basketball schools. And why wouldn't a good MAC player be interested in playing on a bigger stage with more talented teammates? So sure players are jumping from mid majors to P6 and from P6 to the top teams. LSU is an excellent example. Losing record two years ago and a national championship this year. While it is not only an MAC issue it appears to me that it is a more serious issue at mid major level particularly if MAC has as a goal raising the level of respect of the program. P6 schools losing transfers have a better chance of replacing them than MAC schools have in replacing Felder, Davis, Wolfe and Williams. Danger is of becoming a minor league feeding system for the big schools.

It might end up that way at some point, but it really isn't there yet. Only a few top players from the MAC transferring up, and most of those have been due to coaching changes, COVID 5th year decisions, and escaping from bad teams/situations. I am sure that the low majors look up at conferences like the MAC and think the same thing.

Maybe that will change in the future, but we will have to see. There have always been transfers up and down, but it's just that now with the portal people can track them very closely.

UT has not been hurt badly in transfers-out over the years, but they have been helped a lot by transfers-in. UT has had tons of contributors that were transfers "down" from bigger name schools like Bre Harris (Michigan), Tara Overaitis (Michigan State), Haylie Linn (Indiana), Dana Creighton (Indiana), Crunch Jones (Illinois), Nan Garcia (Penn State), Hanna Noveroske (Indiana). Even Jane Roman (one of UT's all-time greats) came from Rice, who I am sure many outside the MAC would see as a step down. So, it works both ways, and if you hinder the ability for MAC players to transfer out, you will also hinger the possibility for players to transfer in too.

We will see if the portal helps or hurts the MAC this year. You have to reserve judgment since the bad news comes first. I do think that the bad news has been significant, with four very good players transferring out. Things may balance out, though. Thanks as always, northcoast, for keeping us well informed on the transfers in and out of the conference.

OK, so maybe we should start worrying about the MAC being drained of it's star players...

CMU's Sydney Harris is in the portal. Spectacular shooter, I'm sure she will get offers from places.

and wbbblog is reporting that WMU's Lauren Ross is also in the portal, although I cannot confirm. If true, wonder if Taylor Williams' decision had anything to do with this, and could she also end up at Michigan? Of course, coming off an injury, wonder if she will get as many looks as she might have otherwise.

(04-04-2023 12:02 PM)northcoastRocket Wrote:  OK, so maybe we should start worrying about the MAC being drained of it's star players...

CMU's Sydney Harris is in the portal. Spectacular shooter, I'm sure she will get offers from places.

and wbbblog is reporting that WMU's Lauren Ross is also in the portal, although I cannot confirm. If true, wonder if Taylor Williams' decision had anything to do with this, and could she also end up at Michigan? Of course, coming off an injury, wonder if she will get as many looks as she might have otherwise.

Damn, I had been pleasantly surprised that no one had bolted from Central yet. This situation has to be so frustrating for coaches trying to build a team. I don't begrudge the players the right to move, though.

It appears Jocelyn Tate has hit the portal for BG.

(04-05-2023 12:33 PM)Redwingtom Wrote:  It appears Jocelyn Tate has hit the portal for BG.

Doubt she will be alone.

(04-05-2023 12:53 PM)kazoorocket43 Wrote:  

(04-05-2023 12:33 PM)Redwingtom Wrote:  It appears Jocelyn Tate has hit the portal for BG.

Doubt she will be alone.

Maybe, depends on who the new coach is. Tate may even come back.

I think the other starters will hang around...which are only Fleming, Velasco, Hampton and Sharps who has already transferred once. Brett and Day are gone.

Hill and Dziekan are due to become starters and have hugely increased minutes, so it doesn't make much sense for them to go anywhere.

But again...all depends upon the new hire most likely.

(04-05-2023 02:33 PM)Redwingtom Wrote:  

(04-05-2023 12:53 PM)kazoorocket43 Wrote:  

(04-05-2023 12:33 PM)Redwingtom Wrote:  It appears Jocelyn Tate has hit the portal for BG.

Doubt she will be alone.

Maybe, depends on who the new coach is. Tate may even come back.

I think the other starters will hang around...which are only Fleming, Velasco, Hampton and Sharps who has already transferred once. Brett and Day are gone.

Hill and Dziekan are due to become starters and have hugely increased minutes, so it doesn't make much sense for them to go anywhere.

But again...all depends upon the new hire most likely.

Being reported that Hampton and Brett are both in the portal now. (Brett has another year available.) Can't independently confirm any of those right now, but those are the three players that I would think could end up at Michigan State next year.