WBB Recruiting

[1972Shocker]

A year older than the last 2 reported offerees. This 5-7 PG out of Southlake, Texas will be a high school junior next year:

https://www.maxpreps.com/tx/southlake/southlake-carroll-dragons/athletes/gianna-jordan/?careerid=vs8tt68vj0j66

Looks like she has offers of UNLV, North Texas, Utah State, Clemson, Memphis, Central Arkansas and Southern Miss.

[shoxlax]

Amaya Henderson, probably by mutual agreement, has decommitted and signed with Davenport University.

[1972Shocker]

Amaya Henderson, probably by mutual agreement, has decommitted and signed with Davenport University.

Confirmation:

Davenport is an NCAA D-II program. Whether it was mutual or unilateral perhaps this was not a particularly strong get in the first place.

[1972Shocker]

The Shockers' leading scorer and rebounder from the 2023-24 season, 6-0 Dani Abies, transferred to the Miami Hurricane. Miami also added 6-5 player from Notre Dame and a 6-3 player from Michigan in addition to returning a 6-3, 6-4, and 6-5 player from last season. Perhaps Dani was wanting to get out of the paint and play a small forward/wing position.

Not sure what Dani was wanting or what kind of NIL bag she got but it could be one thing she will get this year is far more time on the bench than as a Shocker last year. In Miami's season opening 78-53 blowout of Stetson Dani got 8 minutes of PT making 1-3 shots for 2 points. Only 1 other MIami player played fewer minutes than Dani. Dani averaged 30 minutes a game last year for the Shocks and was their go to player. What kind of PT will she get once her team gets into the teeth of their ACC schedule.

[flyingMoose]

6-0 Dani Abies, transferred to the Miami Hurricane.

There is a "Spain" culture in Miami - not Spanish-speaking, but Spain?

[1972Shocker]

There is a "Spain" culture in Miami - not Spanish-speaking, but Spain?

And that together with the Miami weather, whatever NIL deal she received, and playing for a better team very well could be a better situation for her even if she is in a reserve role.

Miami has 5 forwards on their roster. Based on the playing time so far Dani looks to be #3 on the forward depth chart behind 6-5 Natalija Marshall and 6-3 Cameron Williams both of whom appear to be in the starting lineup. Both of them are grad students.

[1972Shocker]

Nooner Inks Two on National Signing Day

Wichita State head women's basketball coach Terry Nooner announced the signing of Bella Belong and Jaida McDonald on National Signing Day.

"We're thrilled to welcome Jaida and Bella to our Shocker family," Nooner said. "We can't wait to see what these two will accomplish here at Wichita State."

Bella Belong, a 6-3 forward from Yaounde, Cameroon, was named All-Conference in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference as a freshman after averaging 8.6 points and 6.2 rebounds per game for South Plains College. She ranked third in the conference in offensive rebounds.

Belong has opened her 2024-25 sophomore campaign averaging 10.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game through the first four games for the Texans.

"Bella is a long, athletic post player with incredible potential," Nooner said. "She runs the floor like a guard and has the kind of upside that excites us as coaches."

Jaida McDonald, a 5-11 forward from Dallas, Texas, currently plays for Pensacola State College. As a freshman, McDonald averaged 12.8 points and 9.3 rebounds per game and was named Second Team All-Panhandle and a WBCA Second Team All-American.

In high school, McDonald played for Skyline High School, where she started all four years and averaged 25 points and 10 rebounds per game as a senior. She was named Second Team All-District and the Defensive Player of the Year as a senior.

"Jaida is a hard-working, athletic, and versatile forward who brings intensity to every play," Nooner said. "Her ability to score and defend multiple positions, along with her skill finishing around the basket, is exactly what we're looking for."

Belong and McDonald will join the Shockers' 2025-26 roster next fall.

[flyingMoose]

For me, this is not a good sign. You can't build a program with juco transfers. Salese last year and KP this year are the only freshmen to come to WSU?

BWDIK.

[SubGod22]

But this is addressing what appears to be a top need for the program with Nooner and that's some size and athleticism inside. If their games will translate which is always the question.

[flyingMoose]

But this is addressing what appears to be a top need for the program with Nooner and that's some size and athleticism inside. If their games will translate which is always the question.

I understand, but you have a half-season for the juco game to translate and have a season and one-half remaining. Can we not convince a freshman with similar characteristics to come here? One season to translate from travel ball and three seasons to contribute? Again, WDIK.

[SubGod22]

Don't get me wrong, I've always preferred HS recruiting. But if he feels he has some pieces to make a jump in the next year or two and you can get a couple of important pieces from the JC ranks to help get over that hump then you do it.

And this doesn't mean we won't have any HS kids. I believe the signing period is still open and there's always spring. I admit that I don't know how the women's side works as far as how much talent waits until spring instead of committing early. But you also may find a surprise late bloomer.

Trying to be optimistic. I do think there are a couple of younger pieces that need help around them and I'm hopeful that these two can help provide that next year. I want this program to be more successful.

[1972Shocker]

For me, this is not a good sign. You can't build a program with juco transfers. Salese last year and KP this year are the only freshmen to come to WSU?

BWDIK.

I contemplated making a similar post and especially think that this applies to women's basketball as the depth of the talent pool for the women is not anywhere close to what it is for the men.

We have 6 juco players on this year's roster and only 1 of those, Ornella, is a senior. So if everyone comes back we will have 7 on the roster next year. So many of these juco players take a season to adapt to D-1 ball (and even them some fail to do that).

I do think that the transfer portal and NIL is contributing to that. When a player like Dani Abies transfers after two seasons you have an immediate need you need to fill. Occasionally, you snag an Asia Strong or a Jane Asinde that work out well but even they require a transition period. Hopefully, these two ladies will be in that mode.