[CompSci87]

Stanford WBB has used me. For practice for years.  Plus we are 11
See above on the new commit

Bob as a practice player?

Haha, I realize Bob meant to write "men", not "me". I just couldn't resist the quip.

[CompSci87]

Stanford WBB has used me. For practice for years.  Plus we are 11
See above on the new commit

Bob as a practice player?

Haha, I realize Bob meant to write "men", not "me". I just couldn't resist the quip.

[chimera]

Nice to have these additions to the roster but it feels like we are building a strong mid-major roster, not one that will do well in the ACC.  I hope for the best, expect the worst.

[chimera]

Nice to have these additions to the roster but it feels like we are building a strong mid-major roster, not one that will do well in the ACC.  I hope for the best, expect the worst.

[CompSci87]

The optimistic view is that (hopefully) we are plucking players who were underrated coming out of high school from their lesser college programs after they've proved their worth there, like a lot of other high major programs have been doing. We'll see.

[CompSci87]

The optimistic view is that (hopefully) we are plucking players who were underrated coming out of high school from their lesser college programs after they've proved their worth there, like a lot of other high major programs have been doing. We'll see.

[76lsjumb]

Nice to have these additions to the roster but it feels like we are building a strong mid-major roster, not one that will do well in the ACC.  I hope for the best, expect the worst.

That may be true, but it’s still better than using volunteers from the bleachers (other than BobK, of course, who’s money from 3, I hear), which is what I was worried we might be looking at…

[76lsjumb]

Nice to have these additions to the roster but it feels like we are building a strong mid-major roster, not one that will do well in the ACC.  I hope for the best, expect the worst.

That may be true, but it’s still better than using volunteers from the bleachers (other than BobK, of course, who’s money from 3, I hear), which is what I was worried we might be looking at…

[chimera]

Nice to have these additions to the roster but it feels like we are building a strong mid-major roster, not one that will do well in the ACC.  I hope for the best, expect the worst.

That may be true, but it’s still better than using volunteers from the bleachers (other than BobK, of course, who’s money from 3, I hear), which is what I was worried we might be looking at…

I don't disagree, which is why I wrote nice to have the additions to the roster.  Still, it is a big jump from the MAC or American Conference to the ACC.  Our roster is way, way down from last year in terms of recruiting profile and proven P4 players.  Unless we are playing portal musical chairs against after next season, we are loading up on players who may or may not be able to hang with better or even middling P4 teams.  Gotta save some spots for 2027/2028 recruits.  The 2026 class is not a highly rated one if we go by the usual recruiting services.  The fall off has been very steep by that metric.

[chimera]

Nice to have these additions to the roster but it feels like we are building a strong mid-major roster, not one that will do well in the ACC.  I hope for the best, expect the worst.

That may be true, but it’s still better than using volunteers from the bleachers (other than BobK, of course, who’s money from 3, I hear), which is what I was worried we might be looking at…

I don't disagree, which is why I wrote nice to have the additions to the roster.  Still, it is a big jump from the MAC or American Conference to the ACC.  Our roster is way, way down from last year in terms of recruiting profile and proven P4 players.  Unless we are playing portal musical chairs against after next season, we are loading up on players who may or may not be able to hang with better or even middling P4 teams.  Gotta save some spots for 2027/2028 recruits.  The 2026 class is not a highly rated one if we go by the usual recruiting services.  The fall off has been very steep by that metric.

[stopandpop]

Nice to have these additions to the roster but it feels like we are building a strong mid-major roster, not one that will do well in the ACC.  I hope for the best, expect the worst.

That may be true, but it’s still better than using volunteers from the bleachers (other than BobK, of course, who’s money from 3, I hear), which is what I was worried we might be looking at…

I don't disagree, which is why I wrote nice to have the additions to the roster.  Still, it is a big jump from the MAC or American Conference to the ACC.  Our roster is way, way down from last year in terms of recruiting profile and proven P4 players.  Unless we are playing portal musical chairs against after next season, we are loading up on players who may or may not be able to hang with better or even middling P4 teams.  Gotta save some spots for 2027/2028 recruits.  The 2026 class is not a highly rated one if we go by the usual recruiting services.  The fall off has been very steep by that metric.

After taking a look at four of the newcomers (three transfers and one freshman), here are my thoughts.

Ines Sotelo (6'3 transfer from Michigan State) Anyone who starts for MSU is a talent.  Sotelo is long, mobile, quick and a good defender.  She is Paye's best recruit and will likely start at the #3 position.

Ilse de Vries (6'3 transfer from Miami Ohio) Normally I would not think that much of a player coming out of a mid-major, although Miami of Ohio is part of the MAC- the Mid American Conference, a better than average conference.  de Vries is not the quickest player around, but she's very crafty offensively and (via videos) can break down her defender from the high post, down to the block with strong Euro-moves and score.  It's her defense that most impresses me.  I see her at the #4 position.

Charlotte Tuhy (6'1 transfer from Davidson of the Patriot League).  Tuhy's 11.3 rebounds/game don't impress me because they will not translate to  Power Four opponents.  Tuhy looks mechanical and not very athletic.  I don't think she will play much.

Graclyn Gilliard (5'11 freshman, Miss Indiana Basketball.  Despite the title, Gilliard is not rated among the top 100 by ESPN.  I watched video of her playing against 4A high school opponents.  She might surprise, but right now, I don't think her game is Power Four college ready.

Bottom Line- 2 very good selection; 1 not so good; the other a mystery.

[stopandpop]

Nice to have these additions to the roster but it feels like we are building a strong mid-major roster, not one that will do well in the ACC.  I hope for the best, expect the worst.

That may be true, but it’s still better than using volunteers from the bleachers (other than BobK, of course, who’s money from 3, I hear), which is what I was worried we might be looking at…

I don't disagree, which is why I wrote nice to have the additions to the roster.  Still, it is a big jump from the MAC or American Conference to the ACC.  Our roster is way, way down from last year in terms of recruiting profile and proven P4 players.  Unless we are playing portal musical chairs against after next season, we are loading up on players who may or may not be able to hang with better or even middling P4 teams.  Gotta save some spots for 2027/2028 recruits.  The 2026 class is not a highly rated one if we go by the usual recruiting services.  The fall off has been very steep by that metric.

After taking a look at four of the newcomers (three transfers and one freshman), here are my thoughts.

Ines Sotelo (6'3 transfer from Michigan State) Anyone who starts for MSU is a talent.  Sotelo is long, mobile, quick and a good defender.  She is Paye's best recruit and will likely start at the #3 position.

Ilse de Vries (6'3 transfer from Miami Ohio) Normally I would not think that much of a player coming out of a mid-major, although Miami of Ohio is part of the MAC- the Mid American Conference, a better than average conference.  de Vries is not the quickest player around, but she's very crafty offensively and (via videos) can break down her defender from the high post, down to the block with strong Euro-moves and score.  It's her defense that most impresses me.  I see her at the #4 position.

Charlotte Tuhy (6'1 transfer from Davidson of the Patriot League).  Tuhy's 11.3 rebounds/game don't impress me because they will not translate to  Power Four opponents.  Tuhy looks mechanical and not very athletic.  I don't think she will play much.

Graclyn Gilliard (5'11 freshman, Miss Indiana Basketball.  Despite the title, Gilliard is not rated among the top 100 by ESPN.  I watched video of her playing against 4A high school opponents.  She might surprise, but right now, I don't think her game is Power Four college ready.

Bottom Line- 2 very good selection; 1 not so good; the other a mystery.

[old spanish trail]

Nice to have these additions to the roster but it feels like we are building a strong mid-major roster, not one that will do well in the ACC.  I hope for the best, expect the worst.

That may be true, but it’s still better than using volunteers from the bleachers (other than BobK, of course, who’s money from 3, I hear), which is what I was worried we might be looking at…

I don't disagree, which is why I wrote nice to have the additions to the roster.  Still, it is a big jump from the MAC or American Conference to the ACC.  Our roster is way, way down from last year in terms of recruiting profile and proven P4 players.  Unless we are playing portal musical chairs against after next season, we are loading up on players who may or may not be able to hang with better or even middling P4 teams.  Gotta save some spots for 2027/2028 recruits.  The 2026 class is not a highly rated one if we go by the usual recruiting services.  The fall off has been very steep by that metric.

After taking a look at four of the newcomers (three transfers and one freshman), here are my thoughts.

Ines Sotelo (6'3 transfer from Michigan State) Anyone who starts for MSU is a talent.  Sotelo is long, mobile, quick and a good defender.  She is Paye's best recruit and will likely start at the #3 position.

Ilse de Vries (6'3 transfer from Miami Ohio) Normally I would not think that much of a player coming out of a mid-major, although Miami of Ohio is part of the MAC- the Mid American Conference, a better than average conference.  de Vries is not the quickest player around, but she's very crafty offensively and (via videos) can break down her defender from the high post, down to the block with strong Euro-moves and score.  It's her defense that most impresses me.  I see her at the #4 position.

Charlotte Tuhy (6'1 transfer from Davidson of the Patriot League).  Tuhy's 11.3 rebounds/game don't impress me because they will not translate to  Power Four opponents.  Tuhy looks mechanical and not very athletic.  I don't think she will play much.

Graclyn Gilliard (5'11 freshman, Miss Indiana Basketball.  Despite the title, Gilliard is not rated among the top 100 by ESPN.  I watched video of her playing against 4A high school opponents.  She might surprise, but right now, I don't think her game is Power Four college ready.

Bottom Line- 2 very good selection; 1 not so good; the other a mystery.

Totally agree with S and P re first 2, though I don't think either will be better than Somfai. Re today's announcements, they can shoot, and Gilliard looks like she might have a step back 3, but we need speed, quicks and ability to make own shot.

[old spanish trail]

Nice to have these additions to the roster but it feels like we are building a strong mid-major roster, not one that will do well in the ACC.  I hope for the best, expect the worst.

That may be true, but it’s still better than using volunteers from the bleachers (other than BobK, of course, who’s money from 3, I hear), which is what I was worried we might be looking at…

I don't disagree, which is why I wrote nice to have the additions to the roster.  Still, it is a big jump from the MAC or American Conference to the ACC.  Our roster is way, way down from last year in terms of recruiting profile and proven P4 players.  Unless we are playing portal musical chairs against after next season, we are loading up on players who may or may not be able to hang with better or even middling P4 teams.  Gotta save some spots for 2027/2028 recruits.  The 2026 class is not a highly rated one if we go by the usual recruiting services.  The fall off has been very steep by that metric.

After taking a look at four of the newcomers (three transfers and one freshman), here are my thoughts.

Ines Sotelo (6'3 transfer from Michigan State) Anyone who starts for MSU is a talent.  Sotelo is long, mobile, quick and a good defender.  She is Paye's best recruit and will likely start at the #3 position.

Ilse de Vries (6'3 transfer from Miami Ohio) Normally I would not think that much of a player coming out of a mid-major, although Miami of Ohio is part of the MAC- the Mid American Conference, a better than average conference.  de Vries is not the quickest player around, but she's very crafty offensively and (via videos) can break down her defender from the high post, down to the block with strong Euro-moves and score.  It's her defense that most impresses me.  I see her at the #4 position.

Charlotte Tuhy (6'1 transfer from Davidson of the Patriot League).  Tuhy's 11.3 rebounds/game don't impress me because they will not translate to  Power Four opponents.  Tuhy looks mechanical and not very athletic.  I don't think she will play much.

Graclyn Gilliard (5'11 freshman, Miss Indiana Basketball.  Despite the title, Gilliard is not rated among the top 100 by ESPN.  I watched video of her playing against 4A high school opponents.  She might surprise, but right now, I don't think her game is Power Four college ready.

Bottom Line- 2 very good selection; 1 not so good; the other a mystery.

Totally agree with S and P re first 2, though I don't think either will be better than Somfai. Re today's announcements, they can shoot, and Gilliard looks like she might have a step back 3, but we need speed, quicks and ability to make own shot.

[liveoak]

Nice to have these additions to the roster but it feels like we are building a strong mid-major roster, not one that will do well in the ACC.  I hope for the best, expect the worst.

That may be true, but it’s still better than using volunteers from the bleachers (other than BobK, of course, who’s money from 3, I hear), which is what I was worried we might be looking at…

I don't disagree, which is why I wrote nice to have the additions to the roster.  Still, it is a big jump from the MAC or American Conference to the ACC.  Our roster is way, way down from last year in terms of recruiting profile and proven P4 players.  Unless we are playing portal musical chairs against after next season, we are loading up on players who may or may not be able to hang with better or even middling P4 teams.  Gotta save some spots for 2027/2028 recruits.  The 2026 class is not a highly rated one if we go by the usual recruiting services.  The fall off has been very steep by that metric.

We are not going to get top-ranked recruits at this stage, especially if five of our top seven players just entered the portal. I'm actually impressed that the coaching staff was able to get three transfers and a new frosh recruit at this late date. I would be surprised if we picked up anyone else - we now have enough to run a scout team. I would also be surprised if we played portal musical chairs - we have always emphasized recruiting players who will stay their whole career. This year was clearly an emergency...

---

I'm happy to see our players graduate, whether in three or four years. If they graduate in three years and still want to play (and want to stay at Stanford), why can't Stanford pay them enough to stay for the extra year? I'm sure someone could find the money to pay them...

This assumes, of course, that the graduating players like the coach and teammates enough to play for the extra year.

It also assumes that it makes academic sense for the player to stay another year. IMO in most cases it doesn't. Unless you can get into a graduate program at Stanford that you actually want, you are arguably wasting a year of free tuition. I can also point out, as BC often does, that it is easy to say "someone" can find the money to pay them, but you and I aren't doing it. Even if there is money available, it may be better spent in other places. OTOH other schools may see it differently and be willing to pay more.
 
Receiving your degree is a type of "natural" separation point from Stanford. There are forces that may want you to stay, and they may be strong. However there also may be good reasons to go. The player may "like" Stanford just fine but still chooses to go do something else. The vast majority of people receiving degrees do exactly that. Athletes aren't different.

Yes, this is certainly true...but if you like the team and the program (and the money), players can work out their class schedule to graduate after Winter Quarter of their fourth year. I do not think that all three of our grad transfers were absolutely planning on graduating this spring. I suspect that they made their final decision after the season started. 

 There seems to be money for other sports - why wouldn't the Athletic Department spend it on women's basketball players?

[liveoak]

Nice to have these additions to the roster but it feels like we are building a strong mid-major roster, not one that will do well in the ACC.  I hope for the best, expect the worst.

That may be true, but it’s still better than using volunteers from the bleachers (other than BobK, of course, who’s money from 3, I hear), which is what I was worried we might be looking at…

I don't disagree, which is why I wrote nice to have the additions to the roster.  Still, it is a big jump from the MAC or American Conference to the ACC.  Our roster is way, way down from last year in terms of recruiting profile and proven P4 players.  Unless we are playing portal musical chairs against after next season, we are loading up on players who may or may not be able to hang with better or even middling P4 teams.  Gotta save some spots for 2027/2028 recruits.  The 2026 class is not a highly rated one if we go by the usual recruiting services.  The fall off has been very steep by that metric.

We are not going to get top-ranked recruits at this stage, especially if five of our top seven players just entered the portal. I'm actually impressed that the coaching staff was able to get three transfers and a new frosh recruit at this late date. I would be surprised if we picked up anyone else - we now have enough to run a scout team. I would also be surprised if we played portal musical chairs - we have always emphasized recruiting players who will stay their whole career. This year was clearly an emergency...

---

I'm happy to see our players graduate, whether in three or four years. If they graduate in three years and still want to play (and want to stay at Stanford), why can't Stanford pay them enough to stay for the extra year? I'm sure someone could find the money to pay them...

This assumes, of course, that the graduating players like the coach and teammates enough to play for the extra year.

It also assumes that it makes academic sense for the player to stay another year. IMO in most cases it doesn't. Unless you can get into a graduate program at Stanford that you actually want, you are arguably wasting a year of free tuition. I can also point out, as BC often does, that it is easy to say "someone" can find the money to pay them, but you and I aren't doing it. Even if there is money available, it may be better spent in other places. OTOH other schools may see it differently and be willing to pay more.
 
Receiving your degree is a type of "natural" separation point from Stanford. There are forces that may want you to stay, and they may be strong. However there also may be good reasons to go. The player may "like" Stanford just fine but still chooses to go do something else. The vast majority of people receiving degrees do exactly that. Athletes aren't different.

Yes, this is certainly true...but if you like the team and the program (and the money), players can work out their class schedule to graduate after Winter Quarter of their fourth year. I do not think that all three of our grad transfers were absolutely planning on graduating this spring. I suspect that they made their final decision after the season started. 

 There seems to be money for other sports - why wouldn't the Athletic Department spend it on women's basketball players?

[Goose]

Yes, this is certainly true...but if you like the team and the program (and the money), players can work out their class schedule to graduate after Winter Quarter of their fourth year. I do not think that all three of our grad transfers were absolutely planning on graduating this spring. I suspect that they made their final decision after the season started. 

Yes, "liking the team" and liking the money is pretty much a prerequisite to someone deciding to stay. IMO playing on a team that was not living up to expectations this year and probably next year is going to create a lot of tensions. Paye (and Tara for that matter) strike me as being "serious" coaches who may not be all that fun to be around when things are not going well. However, for the right money, that may not matter. What definitely does matter, and in most cases decisive is how remaining at Stanford fits into the player's future goals.
 
Staying around just because you "like" your situation is for most people a non-starter. You came to Stanford to get a degree, experience college life, play basketball, and get paid (to the extent possible). You have done those things.  After being at Stanford for 3 years, there is a large "Been there, done that" factor. What is to be gained by staying? Going someplace else that may fit your future goals better can be very attractive.
 
If you are paid "enough", it makes sense to stay. If there are basketball goals that you can clearly best reach by staying another year, it may make sense to stay. If there are specific academic goals that you can best attain by staying at Stanford, it makes sense to stay.  Otherwise, it doesn't and you are best served by getting on with your life. This is especially true when you can be compensated well at your new school and can pursue an additional degree.  It is also quite possible the new alternative may actually be socially more attractive (or at least different) than staying at Stanford. IMO for these reasons the vast majority of athletes who can graduate in 3 years will do so. In most cases, the "special" conditions that might keep them at Stanford don't exist.

[Goose]

Yes, this is certainly true...but if you like the team and the program (and the money), players can work out their class schedule to graduate after Winter Quarter of their fourth year. I do not think that all three of our grad transfers were absolutely planning on graduating this spring. I suspect that they made their final decision after the season started. 

Yes, "liking the team" and liking the money is pretty much a prerequisite to someone deciding to stay. IMO playing on a team that was not living up to expectations this year and probably next year is going to create a lot of tensions. Paye (and Tara for that matter) strike me as being "serious" coaches who may not be all that fun to be around when things are not going well. However, for the right money, that may not matter. What definitely does matter, and in most cases decisive is how remaining at Stanford fits into the player's future goals.
 
Staying around just because you "like" your situation is for most people a non-starter. You came to Stanford to get a degree, experience college life, play basketball, and get paid (to the extent possible). You have done those things.  After being at Stanford for 3 years, there is a large "Been there, done that" factor. What is to be gained by staying? Going someplace else that may fit your future goals better can be very attractive.
 
If you are paid "enough", it makes sense to stay. If there are basketball goals that you can clearly best reach by staying another year, it may make sense to stay. If there are specific academic goals that you can best attain by staying at Stanford, it makes sense to stay.  Otherwise, it doesn't and you are best served by getting on with your life. This is especially true when you can be compensated well at your new school and can pursue an additional degree.  It is also quite possible the new alternative may actually be socially more attractive (or at least different) than staying at Stanford. IMO for these reasons the vast majority of athletes who can graduate in 3 years will do so. In most cases, the "special" conditions that might keep them at Stanford don't exist.

[PVTree]

As long as a player gets their Stanford Degree, I can understand a player chasing the money for their last year of eligibility or getting into a master's program that they want to pursue. 

Unless the pay difference is hiuge (Canady), I would hope that a player doesn't bolt before getting a degree for an extra $100k. 

Not getting along with the coach is a strong cause to transfer, but it should not be done lightly.

[PVTree]

As long as a player gets their Stanford Degree, I can understand a player chasing the money for their last year of eligibility or getting into a master's program that they want to pursue. 

Unless the pay difference is hiuge (Canady), I would hope that a player doesn't bolt before getting a degree for an extra $100k. 

Not getting along with the coach is a strong cause to transfer, but it should not be done lightly.

[Goose]

As long as a player gets their Stanford Degree, I can understand a player chasing the money for their last year of eligibility or getting into a master's program that they want to pursue.

Me too. I can also see a player grad transferring in order to play in a system that will use her in different roles than Stanford did. If said player believes they have a future in women's basketball burnishing their resume elsewhere may make sense.

Unless the pay difference is hiuge (Canady), I would hope that a player doesn't bolt before getting a degree for an extra $100k.

IMO it depends on the player and what they want to do in their future. If they intend to pursue an academic career or an "advanced" degree, having an undergraduate degree from Stanford will undoubtedly help them "get in" to their next school. If they intend to go into the workforce in a technical field, a Stanford degree definitely helps. There are particular majors in other areas where this is also true. OTOH many (most?) students will pursue jobs that really don't care much where you got your degree. You may need to have one, but from where doesn't matter. That has always been true, but it is even "more true" today. Things like https://www.linkedin.com/news/story/degr...s-8720242/ demonstrate this situation. In other words, having a Stanford degree in STS in and of itself probably opens very few doors, if any.
 
Given that, the extra 100K may make total sense. In most cases, the decision to transfer isn't based on a single factor, but if there is no overwhelming reason to stay, leaving for 100K may make perfect sense.

Not getting along with the coach is a strong cause to transfer, but it should not be done lightly.

True. However, in a world where there is no penalty for transferring and where you aren't primarily in college to get an education, but rather to play a sport it may make eminent sense. If you and the coach are at odds, you probably won't get as much playing time as you would elsewhere. Unless Stanford's NIL was significantly higher, leaving is probably a better choice.

[Goose]

As long as a player gets their Stanford Degree, I can understand a player chasing the money for their last year of eligibility or getting into a master's program that they want to pursue.

Me too. I can also see a player grad transferring in order to play in a system that will use her in different roles than Stanford did. If said player believes they have a future in women's basketball burnishing their resume elsewhere may make sense.

Unless the pay difference is hiuge (Canady), I would hope that a player doesn't bolt before getting a degree for an extra $100k.

IMO it depends on the player and what they want to do in their future. If they intend to pursue an academic career or an "advanced" degree, having an undergraduate degree from Stanford will undoubtedly help them "get in" to their next school. If they intend to go into the workforce in a technical field, a Stanford degree definitely helps. There are particular majors in other areas where this is also true. OTOH many (most?) students will pursue jobs that really don't care much where you got your degree. You may need to have one, but from where doesn't matter. That has always been true, but it is even "more true" today. Things like https://www.linkedin.com/news/story/degr...s-8720242/ demonstrate this situation. In other words, having a Stanford degree in STS in and of itself probably opens very few doors, if any.
 
Given that, the extra 100K may make total sense. In most cases, the decision to transfer isn't based on a single factor, but if there is no overwhelming reason to stay, leaving for 100K may make perfect sense.

Not getting along with the coach is a strong cause to transfer, but it should not be done lightly.

True. However, in a world where there is no penalty for transferring and where you aren't primarily in college to get an education, but rather to play a sport it may make eminent sense. If you and the coach are at odds, you probably won't get as much playing time as you would elsewhere. Unless Stanford's NIL was significantly higher, leaving is probably a better choice.

[joemontes]

Highly probable starting 5 for 2026-2027:

F - DE VRIES        6'3      Jr
F - SOTELO          6'3      Jr
C - ESCHMEYER    6'5      So
G - SWAIN           5'11     So
G - IJIWOYE         5'6      Jr

At this point, I have no idea who among the 7 reserves will be part of the regular rotation.

Reserves:
F - TUHY             6'1      So
F - EZIKE             6'2     So
C - UMEH            6'4     RS So
C - GREEN           6'5      Fr
G - GILLIARD       5'11    Fr
G - WHEELER       6'0      Fr
G - NGENDA         5'8      Fr

Where will 3-point shooting come from?

[joemontes]

Highly probable starting 5 for 2026-2027:

F - DE VRIES        6'3      Jr
F - SOTELO          6'3      Jr
C - ESCHMEYER    6'5      So
G - SWAIN           5'11     So
G - IJIWOYE         5'6      Jr

At this point, I have no idea who among the 7 reserves will be part of the regular rotation.

Reserves:
F - TUHY             6'1      So
F - EZIKE             6'2     So
C - UMEH            6'4     RS So
C - GREEN           6'5      Fr
G - GILLIARD       5'11    Fr
G - WHEELER       6'0      Fr
G - NGENDA         5'8      Fr

Where will 3-point shooting come from?

[crackpot]

Highly probable starting 5 for 2026-2027:

F - DE VRIES        6'3      Jr
F - SOTELO          6'3      Jr
C - ESCHMEYER    6'5      So
G - SWAIN           5'11     So
G - IJIWOYE         5'6      Jr

At this point, I have no idea who among the 7 reserves will be part of the regular rotation.

Reserves:
F - TUHY             6'1      So
F - EZIKE             6'2     So
C - UMEH            6'4     RS So
C - GREEN           6'5      Fr
G - GILLIARD       5'11    Fr
G - WHEELER       6'0      Fr
G - NGENDA         5'8      Fr

Where will 3-point shooting come from?

In yesterday's Nigeria v. Sparks game, Ezike made a beautiful 3 on an assist by Ijiwoye. I had to pick my jaw up off of the floor! Who knew we had another 3-point shooter sitting on the bench?!!

[crackpot]

Highly probable starting 5 for 2026-2027:

F - DE VRIES        6'3      Jr
F - SOTELO          6'3      Jr
C - ESCHMEYER    6'5      So
G - SWAIN           5'11     So
G - IJIWOYE         5'6      Jr

At this point, I have no idea who among the 7 reserves will be part of the regular rotation.

Reserves:
F - TUHY             6'1      So
F - EZIKE             6'2     So
C - UMEH            6'4     RS So
C - GREEN           6'5      Fr
G - GILLIARD       5'11    Fr
G - WHEELER       6'0      Fr
G - NGENDA         5'8      Fr

Where will 3-point shooting come from?

In yesterday's Nigeria v. Sparks game, Ezike made a beautiful 3 on an assist by Ijiwoye. I had to pick my jaw up off of the floor! Who knew we had another 3-point shooter sitting on the bench?!!

[BosCard]

Highly probable starting 5 for 2026-2027:

F - DE VRIES        6'3      Jr
F - SOTELO          6'3      Jr
C - ESCHMEYER    6'5      So
G - SWAIN           5'11     So
G - IJIWOYE         5'6      Jr

At this point, I have no idea who among the 7 reserves will be part of the regular rotation.

Reserves:
F - TUHY             6'1      So
F - EZIKE             6'2     So
C - UMEH            6'4     RS So
C - GREEN           6'5      Fr
G - GILLIARD       5'11    Fr
G - WHEELER       6'0      Fr
G - NGENDA         5'8      Fr

Where will 3-point shooting come from?

I could see Ijiwoye coming in off the bench as the backup point guard because a) we don’t have a backup PG and b) optimizing Swain’s ability to drive means spacing the floor.  Last year teams wanted Ijiwoye, Agara and Somfai to shoot the 3 (because they were 15%, 19% and 29% three point shooters) and so their defenders backed off them and clogged the paint.  So Swain driving or Agara in the post always had multiple defenders guarding them.  If Gilliard, Wheeler or Ngenda are good defenders and have some floor spacing offense, I could see one of them starting.

[BosCard]

Highly probable starting 5 for 2026-2027:

F - DE VRIES        6'3      Jr
F - SOTELO          6'3      Jr
C - ESCHMEYER    6'5      So
G - SWAIN           5'11     So
G - IJIWOYE         5'6      Jr

At this point, I have no idea who among the 7 reserves will be part of the regular rotation.

Reserves:
F - TUHY             6'1      So
F - EZIKE             6'2     So
C - UMEH            6'4     RS So
C - GREEN           6'5      Fr
G - GILLIARD       5'11    Fr
G - WHEELER       6'0      Fr
G - NGENDA         5'8      Fr

Where will 3-point shooting come from?

I could see Ijiwoye coming in off the bench as the backup point guard because a) we don’t have a backup PG and b) optimizing Swain’s ability to drive means spacing the floor.  Last year teams wanted Ijiwoye, Agara and Somfai to shoot the 3 (because they were 15%, 19% and 29% three point shooters) and so their defenders backed off them and clogged the paint.  So Swain driving or Agara in the post always had multiple defenders guarding them.  If Gilliard, Wheeler or Ngenda are good defenders and have some floor spacing offense, I could see one of them starting.

[JohnR34231]

Highly probable starting 5 for 2026-2027:

F - DE VRIES        6'3      Jr
F - SOTELO          6'3      Jr
C - ESCHMEYER    6'5      So
G - SWAIN           5'11     So
G - IJIWOYE         5'6      Jr

At this point, I have no idea who among the 7 reserves will be part of the regular rotation.

Reserves:
F - TUHY             6'1      So
F - EZIKE             6'2     So
C - UMEH            6'4     RS So
C - GREEN           6'5      Fr
G - GILLIARD       5'11    Fr
G - WHEELER       6'0      Fr
G - NGENDA         5'8      Fr

Where will 3-point shooting come from?

In yesterday's Nigeria v. Sparks game, Ezike made a beautiful 3 on an assist by Ijiwoye. I had to pick my jaw up off of the floor! Who knew we had another 3-point shooter sitting on the bench?!!

That"s the good news. The bad news is that was the only basket she got in six attempts.
Of course she was playing against people like Cameron Brink and Kelsey Plum.

[JohnR34231]

Highly probable starting 5 for 2026-2027:

F - DE VRIES        6'3      Jr
F - SOTELO          6'3      Jr
C - ESCHMEYER    6'5      So
G - SWAIN           5'11     So
G - IJIWOYE         5'6      Jr

At this point, I have no idea who among the 7 reserves will be part of the regular rotation.

Reserves:
F - TUHY             6'1      So
F - EZIKE             6'2     So
C - UMEH            6'4     RS So
C - GREEN           6'5      Fr
G - GILLIARD       5'11    Fr
G - WHEELER       6'0      Fr
G - NGENDA         5'8      Fr

Where will 3-point shooting come from?

In yesterday's Nigeria v. Sparks game, Ezike made a beautiful 3 on an assist by Ijiwoye. I had to pick my jaw up off of the floor! Who knew we had another 3-point shooter sitting on the bench?!!

That"s the good news. The bad news is that was the only basket she got in six attempts.
Of course she was playing against people like Cameron Brink and Kelsey Plum.

[76lsjumb]

Just got through listening to the basketball webinar. The world’s largest elephant in the room…never mentioned once from what I heard.

[76lsjumb]

Just got through listening to the basketball webinar. The world’s largest elephant in the room…never mentioned once from what I heard.

[crackpot]

Just got through listening to the basketball webinar. The world’s largest elephant in the room…never mentioned once from what I heard.

I want that hour of my life back.

In summary:

• coaching college basketball is HARD. You should be grateful we're taking the time
  
• You should be grateful for KP
  
• Donahoe isn't paying attention and/or thinks we aren't
  

He said Lara was the only freshman to leave. I guess Carly doesn't count? And that all of our incoming freshman are nationally ranked. He thanked us for our questions but didn't answer one.

[crackpot]

Just got through listening to the basketball webinar. The world’s largest elephant in the room…never mentioned once from what I heard.

I want that hour of my life back.

In summary:

• coaching college basketball is HARD. You should be grateful we're taking the time
  
• You should be grateful for KP
  
• Donahoe isn't paying attention and/or thinks we aren't
  

He said Lara was the only freshman to leave. I guess Carly doesn't count? And that all of our incoming freshman are nationally ranked. He thanked us for our questions but didn't answer one.

[JohnR34231]

Just got through listening to the basketball webinar. The world’s largest elephant in the room…never mentioned once from what I heard.

I want that hour of my life back.

In summary:

• coaching college basketball is HARD. You should be grateful we're taking the time
  
• You should be grateful for KP
  
• Donahoe isn't paying attention and/or thinks we aren't
  

He said Lara was the only freshman to leave. I guess Carly doesn't count? And that all of our incoming freshman are nationally ranked. He thanked us for our questions but didn't answer one.

The guy truly has his own reality, doesn't he?
Well, that seems to be the style these days.

[JohnR34231]

Just got through listening to the basketball webinar. The world’s largest elephant in the room…never mentioned once from what I heard.

I want that hour of my life back.

In summary:

• coaching college basketball is HARD. You should be grateful we're taking the time
  
• You should be grateful for KP
  
• Donahoe isn't paying attention and/or thinks we aren't
  

He said Lara was the only freshman to leave. I guess Carly doesn't count? And that all of our incoming freshman are nationally ranked. He thanked us for our questions but didn't answer one.

The guy truly has his own reality, doesn't he?
Well, that seems to be the style these days.

[PalmTree]

Just got through listening to the basketball webinar. The world’s largest elephant in the room…never mentioned once from what I heard.

I want that hour of my life back.

In summary:

• coaching college basketball is HARD. You should be grateful we're taking the time
  
• You should be grateful for KP
  
• Donahoe isn't paying attention and/or thinks we aren't
  

He said Lara was the only freshman to leave. I guess Carly doesn't count? And that all of our incoming freshman are nationally ranked. He thanked us for our questions but didn't answer one.

As far as how today's session went, you could pretty much guess this glossing over was coming, based on what the PR machine cranked out to FB and IG these last couple of weeks. There was heavy emphasis on program history and the "Sisterhood", with KP shown front and center in many of the posts (e.g. with the Ogwumikes; with Cameron, Shay and Nora before the Sparks - Nigerian NT game, and with Tavita Pritchard). The machine was operating in full on high gear, pedal to the metal mode for sure.   

The program's last post before today's session, from yesterday - again with KP shown front and center with Inés - was probably the clincher.  It included Sotelo's quote on her decision to sign including,"... it was easy to see how everyone in the program helps and supports each other...". Co-inky-dink? I think not.  

As far as Donahoe's demeanor/statements - looks like we got a dose of demure, instead of the de-Muir some of us were hoping for. AFAIC, best of luck to the program going forward - it's going to need it.

[PalmTree]

Just got through listening to the basketball webinar. The world’s largest elephant in the room…never mentioned once from what I heard.

I want that hour of my life back.

In summary:

• coaching college basketball is HARD. You should be grateful we're taking the time
  
• You should be grateful for KP
  
• Donahoe isn't paying attention and/or thinks we aren't
  

He said Lara was the only freshman to leave. I guess Carly doesn't count? And that all of our incoming freshman are nationally ranked. He thanked us for our questions but didn't answer one.

As far as how today's session went, you could pretty much guess this glossing over was coming, based on what the PR machine cranked out to FB and IG these last couple of weeks. There was heavy emphasis on program history and the "Sisterhood", with KP shown front and center in many of the posts (e.g. with the Ogwumikes; with Cameron, Shay and Nora before the Sparks - Nigerian NT game, and with Tavita Pritchard). The machine was operating in full on high gear, pedal to the metal mode for sure.   

The program's last post before today's session, from yesterday - again with KP shown front and center with Inés - was probably the clincher.  It included Sotelo's quote on her decision to sign including,"... it was easy to see how everyone in the program helps and supports each other...". Co-inky-dink? I think not.  

As far as Donahoe's demeanor/statements - looks like we got a dose of demure, instead of the de-Muir some of us were hoping for. AFAIC, best of luck to the program going forward - it's going to need it.

[crackpot]

There was with heavy emphasis on program history and the "Sisterhood", with KP shown front and center in many of the posts (e.g. with the Ogwumike'; with Cameron, Shay and Nora before the Sparks - Nigerian NT game, and with Tavita Pritchard). The machine was operating in full on high gear, pedal to the metal mode for sure.   

Yeah, the "I just started my 20th year" as if that's reason enough not to get rid of someone.

I had to run out to my yard and pull weeds (and I HATE pulling weeds) to try to calm down after this gaslighting session. While I didn't expect they would answer every question, I thought they would make an effort to at least answer some of them, with a side of humility (even false) and mea culpa. Instead it was "You're stupid for even asking!" "Everything is great."

And if I had a drink every time KP said "exciting" I would've been dead before the EMTs got here.

[crackpot]

There was with heavy emphasis on program history and the "Sisterhood", with KP shown front and center in many of the posts (e.g. with the Ogwumike'; with Cameron, Shay and Nora before the Sparks - Nigerian NT game, and with Tavita Pritchard). The machine was operating in full on high gear, pedal to the metal mode for sure.   

Yeah, the "I just started my 20th year" as if that's reason enough not to get rid of someone.

I had to run out to my yard and pull weeds (and I HATE pulling weeds) to try to calm down after this gaslighting session. While I didn't expect they would answer every question, I thought they would make an effort to at least answer some of them, with a side of humility (even false) and mea culpa. Instead it was "You're stupid for even asking!" "Everything is great."

And if I had a drink every time KP said "exciting" I would've been dead before the EMTs got here.