Transfer Portal






Iowa State guard Lexi Donarski entered the transfer portal Friday afternoon, as reported by Tommy Birch from the Des Moines Register.

The announcement came a day after fellow starter Morgan Kane announced her plan to enter the transfer portal. In the same week, Maggie Espenmiller-McGraw and Maggie Vick also entered the transfer portal, bringing the total number of players transferring up to four.

Donarski was a crucial piece in the Cyclones’ success over the last two seasons, earning herself Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in the 2021-22 season. Her defensive prowess and lockdown abilities helped the Cyclones push to the Sweet 16.

Donarski averaged over 12 points a game and three rebounds in the 2022-23 season, helping the Cyclones earn a Big 12 title. Donarksi was named to the All-Big 12 Tournament Team because of her success on both ends of the floor.

Donarski started every game during the season, averaging over 30 minutes per game. The junior guard’s impact on the team can’t be understated, as she was a key member of the big three
 


For the players, the transfer portal is great, but I wouldn't want to be a coach today with so much player movement. You basically have to recruit your own players over and over again. It can be a killer for the fans too. Don't get too attached to any one player because she might be gone tomorrow. Live in the movement, I guess.
 

For the players, the transfer portal is great, but I wouldn't want to be a coach today with so much player movement. You basically have to recruit your own players over and over again. It can be a killer for the fans too. Don't get too attached to any one player because she might be gone tomorrow. Live in the movement, I guess.
I’m not sure it’s as good for players as it immediately seems. Not everyone in the portal gets other opportunities. For some, it’s okay (grad transfers) but others lose out on a tuition free degree. Not all portal decisions are good. The extra year and more data might calm it down some, but it’s not always rosy.
 

Power 5 players will always have opportunities.
 






WHY would she leave Stanford.. and why would she go to Iowa of all the schools out there...
Caitlin Clark buzz will draw more attention to Iowa women's basketball than any other program by a wide margin. Some of that focus spills onto teammates.
Together, the two of them will have NIL opportunities unimagined.
That'd be my answer to why?
 

Caitlin Clark buzz will draw more attention to Iowa women's basketball than any other program by a wide margin. Some of that focus spills onto teammates.
Together, the two of them will have NIL opportunities unimagined.
That'd be my answer to why?
That makes sense on one level, but Palo Alto vs Iowa City? A Stanford degree on the West Coast? Plus Stanford can probably come up with some NIL money themselves.
 



Caitlin Clark buzz will draw more attention to Iowa women's basketball than any other program by a wide margin. Some of that focus spills onto teammates.
Together, the two of them will have NIL opportunities unimagined.
That'd be my answer to why?
but Brink will be the STAR on Stanford with Jones leaving.. why would you want to leave? nobody talks about anyone on Iowa BUT Clark for the most part..
 

ESPN's list of the Top 20 in the transfer portal (though maybe with 2 more because of a numbering error).

Rose clocking in at #9

9. Alanna Micheaux, 6-2, F, sophomore, Minnesota

One of the Big Ten's most improved players, Micheaux is the first Gopher to leave the program after Lindsey Whalen stepped down as coach. She went from 4.7 points and 4.1 rebounds per game as a freshman to 13.8 and 7.9 this season and was named honorable mention all-conference. With 6-5 Sophie Hart arriving from NC State, Michaeux's loss might not be felt as much, but the Michigan native could have significant value to another Power 5 program.
 


ESPN's list of the Top 20 in the transfer portal (though maybe with 2 more because of a numbering error).



13. Matilda Ekh, 6-0, G, sophomore, Michigan State

A career 39.8% 3-point shooter, Ekh could help plenty of teams looking to better stretch the floor. A consistent presence as a Spartan, Ekh only missed one game in her two seasons and started all but two. She was fourth in the Big Ten this season with 2.4 3-point field goals made per game.


Also mentioned elsewhere in an article posted by Ignatius.
 





Denae Fritz now in the transfer portal out of Iowa State. That makes five Iowa State WBB players in the past weeks. Not a good look for Coach Fennelly and his IA State WBB program. Something not right in Cycloneland.

Reminds me of the seven players that transferred out from 'Coach' Whalen last season (plus one Grad player decided not to return).
 

Denae Fritz now in the transfer portal out of Iowa State. That makes five Iowa State WBB players in the past weeks. Not a good look for Coach Fennelly and his IA State WBB program. Something not right in Cycloneland.

Reminds me of the seven players that transferred out from 'Coach' Whalen last season (plus one Grad player decided not to return).
They have a pretty stacked recruiting class coming in (3 players in the HoopGurlz top 60), also similar to the Whalen exodus. I think it's still kind of difficult to tell what the new "normal" is for a program and roster turnover now. Arizona is seemingly churning the entire roster every season now but still getting it done.
 







This actually surprises me. I would want her or Kramer. Probably not both.

Is her sister still committed to South Dakota? There may be some family connection.
Her sister is still committed to South Dakota. Maybe Mara did some recruiting of Maty last weekend. 😉
 




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