How Good Will Tori Oehrlein be?

Curious what others think about Tori Oehrlein and how good she will be both a) right away and, more importantly, b) down the line as a junior/senior?

I've watched her highlights a lot this year and I'm very torn on what she will look like at the next level. She obviously is a great, all-time level MN high school player. It wouldn't shock me if she's a 20+ ppg scorer for the Gophers someday. I also feel like I see some things that give me slight pause.

Things that are great: she's tall, will be athletic enough for her position, seems like an elite shooter, has a great stepback. Good at pushing the ball ahead in transition, finishes well (at least I think so, I'm only watching highlights, so obviously I'm not seeing the misses). Seems to have a good motor and seems to be a high-character person.

Things that give me pause:
while she gets to the rims and finishes, her finishes look awkward and she's always finishing w/ some level of contact (ie, doesn't seem to get vertical separation athletically or create separation on the floor w/ her handle). I'm worried she's going to get eaten up by help defenders and athletic guards at the next level.
She also has a super high dribble. Maybe that's just aesthetic, but I'm wonder if she's going to struggle w/ her current ball-handling bag too?
Watching her eyes when she plays, while she is good at throwing ahead at times, she does seem to lock onto decisions and not always see the whole floor. This might entirely be a product of opponents/teammates too. She also turns around after a make and sprints back on D w/ her back to the ball. This kinda annoys me, I'm not sure if it's a lack of awareness or is she just running back to her spot in a zone, etc? But I do wonder about her feel/vision when I watch the way (at least the way I think) she's perceiving the game.
It seems like their team might play quite a bit of zone (please correct me if I'm wrong), so I worry a bit about bad habits and have no idea what her defensive ability is. But I'm also fully confident Coach P is the perfect coach to address those concerns.

Anyways, I typed way more about the potential negatives--mostly to be descriptive, it's not because I'm down on her or overly critical of her game. I want more than anything to see her succeed. But I do thing those potential concerns will drive/hinder her level of success significantly.

Curious what others think or if others have seen her play in different environments, etc.

Thanks for the insights. Great debate starter. We all want to know.

I'll say that 5' 11" record-setting Tori Oehrlein is regarded as a better talent -- and Big Ten prospect -- than speedy 5' 9" point guard Addi Mack who is starting for Maryland.

Oehrlein as a combo guard also is a fit for Coach P's system.

Can I go with "she is going to be big!" since I don't know.

No way to know. Probably why nobody is replying.

I appreciate the reply. That makes sense on the comparison to Mack. That's definitely exciting.

I do think just her shooting + adequate defense could alone equal a really good player, and that's if some of the other stuff doesn't quite develop. If it all breaks right, she could be a star.

And I think the combo-guard point is well-taken. Sometimes I'm too focused on her PG-skills and that's maybe the wrong place to focus. She's going to be in a variety of roles w/ shared BH responsibilities and like you point out, she's a great fit in Coach P's system.

CVWSuperfan said:

I appreciate the reply. That makes sense on the comparison to Mack. That's definitely exciting.

I do think just her shooting + adequate defense could alone equal a really good player, and that's if some of the other stuff doesn't quite develop. If it all breaks right, she could be a star.

And I think the combo-guard point is well-taken. Sometimes I'm too focused on her PG-skills and that's maybe the wrong place to focus. She's going to be in a variety of roles w/ shared BH responsibilities and like you point out, she's a great fit in Coach P's system.

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I used Addi Mack as an example for likelihood to succeed. Mack is not a good player comparison, however. Oehrlein is a much better "pro" guard prospect.

Based on Oehrlein's physical profile and "stat-sheet-stuffing" style of play, good NCAA player comparisons for Tori Oehrlein are LSU's Flau'jae Johnson and Michigan’s Syla Swords.


Tori Oehrlein and Syla Swords both have high-IQ basketball. While Oehrlein (5'11") and Swords (6'0") differ slightly in their primary scoring methods, they are identical in their role as "connector" combo guards who can run an entire offense from the wing.

Why the Comparison Works

• The "Stat-Sheet Stuffer" Profile: Both players are rare triple-double (or quadruple-double) threats. Oehrlein holds the Minnesota state record for career rebounds and single-game assists (21). Similarly, Swords is celebrated for her "all-around" impact, averaging 17.6 PPG, 7.5 RPG, and 5.1 APG in her final prep season.
• Offensive Initiation: Scouts project Oehrlein as a player who can "quarterback a team". This is the exact role Swords plays for Michigan, where she is often the primary playmaker despite her size.
• Defensive Versatility: Both use their length and "processing speed" to guard 1 through 3. Oehrlein’s defensive impact comes from anticipation, while Swords has been praised for her ability to pressure full-court and disrupt offensive rhythms.

Why Flau'jae Johnson is the Ideal Comparison

• Physical Prototype: At 5'11", both possess the "modern guard" frame—long enough to defend multiple positions and strong enough to finish through contact.
• High-Volume All-Around Stats: Like Johnson , Oehrlein is a "quadruple-double" threat who impacts the game far beyond scoring. Oehrlein holds the Minnesota state record for assists (21 in a game) while also leading the state in career rebounds. Johnson similarly operates as a primary scorer, elite transition finisher, and a high-level rebounder for her position.
• Positional Versatility: Scouts project Oehrlein as a player who can "quarterback a team" from the point or dominate as a scoring wing. This mirrors Johnson’s role at LSU, where she often initiates the offense but is equally dangerous as an off-ball slasher.
• Three-Level Scoring: Oehrlein is an elite 59.8% shooter from the field with deep range, which aligns with Johnson's evolution into one of the SEC's most efficient three-level scorers.

Both players are 5'11" combo guard/wing hybrids who excel at playing "bigger" than their size while maintaining elite perimeter skills.


Comparison Table: Oehrlein vs. The "Big Guard" Prototype



Note: In a different thread I said Oehrlein could project to PG when Battle leaves. I really don't know. She kind of could be a field general from the wing area.

This is real interesting with the positionless, motion offense Coach P runs. I don't know except Oehrlein is a combo guard, wing tall PG with IQ and scoring machine.

Tori Oehrlein is a "hand-in-glove" fit for Coach Dawn Plitzuweit’s system because she naturally embodies the positionless versatility and defensive toughness that the Gophers' program is built on.

As the all-time leading scorer in Minnesota high school history, her transition to the Big Ten in 2026 is expected to be seamless due to several key alignment factors:

1. Positionless "Big Guard" Profile

Plitzuweit’s offense is a Read and React Motion System that eliminates traditional roles, requiring all five players to handle the ball, pass, and shoot.

• The Fit: Oehrlein is a 5'11" combo guard who can "quarterback a team" or excel as an off-ball scoring wing.
• Playmaking: She holds the state record for career rebounds and is one of only two players in MN history with 1,000+ points, rebounds, and assists, making her an ideal secondary or primary initiator in a positionless flow.

2. High-IQ Motion Navigation

The Gophers use a structured 5-out motion with heavy off-ball screening (the "gauntlet") to create open looks.

• The Fit: Oehrlein is described as an "elite decision-maker" who thrives in decision compression under pressure.
• Efficiency: Her high basketball IQ allows her to process "rhythmic reads" and "off-ball manipulation," which are core requirements for Plitzuweit's low-turnover, high-efficiency offense.

3. Defensive "Disruptor" Mentality

Plitzuweit’s "defense-first" system ranks among the nation's best in scoring defense and requires guards who can switch 1-through-3.

• The Fit: Oehrlein is physically prepared for the Big Ten, with a reputation for "gritty" play and high-intensity anticipation.
• Statistical Proof: In high school, she has averaged over 7.0 steals and 1.9 blocks per game, demonstrating the "defensive disruptiveness" Plitzuweit demands.

4. System Statistics Comparison


Oehrlein joins a deep perimeter rotation but her unique blend of rebounding and playmaking from the wing gives her a path to immediate impact as a "connector" in the Gophers' rotation.

QUESTION: Could Tori Oehrlein step into Amaya Battle's spot rather than having to compete with Braun, Grocholski, or McKinney for one of their 2-3-4 spots?

ANSWER:
Tori Oehrlein is widely viewed as the natural heir to Amaya Battle (graduating class of 2026), and her arrival is expected to significantly reduce the Gophers' need to pursue a replacement in the transfer portal.

Why Oehrlein is the Perfect Replacement

• The Point Guard Narrative: While listed as a guard/wing, Oehrlein’s long-term projection is a Power 5 point guard. She recently surpassed Lindsay Whalen's No. 2 spot on the state's all-time assist leaderboard, highlighting her capability as a primary floor general.
• Ready-Made Skills: Unlike many incoming freshmen, Oehrlein already possesses the court vision and "quarterback" mentality required to run Coach Dawn Plitzuweit's positionless motion offense.
• Direct Opportunity: Oehrlein herself has noted that Battle’s graduation creates an immediate opening at the point, stating, "They don’t have a point guard after that, so there’s an opportunity to play early on".

Impact on the Starting Lineup

Oehrlein’s versatility actually protects her from having to displace established stars like Mara Braun, Grace Grocholski, or Tori McKinney. Instead, she completes the puzzle:

The Connector: Because she is 5'11" with elite rebounding and passing, she can initiate the offense while Braun and Grocholski focus on their elite perimeter scoring.

No Direct Rivalry: McKinney is an elite defender, and Braun/Grocholski are the primary scoring wings. Oehrlein fits in as the primary playmaker (Battle's role) rather than competing for their specific "wing" minutes.

Positionless Synergy: In Plitzuweit’s system, she won't be a "pure" point guard but rather the most gifted ball-handler in a lineup that allows all four guards to be interchangeable threats.

By the time Oehrlein joins the Minnesota Gophers for the 2026-27 season, she is projected to step directly into a starting role, effectively keeping the Gophers' core talent on the floor together rather than in competition with one another.



QUESTION: And then what about Natlaie Kussow who is an even better prospect, although different, a real scoring star. Maybe she would be the 6th (wo)man at the 2-3-4 spots until the next season when another player graduates.


ANSWER:
That is exactly how a coach like Dawn Plitzuweit would maximize a "super-prospect" like Natalie Kussow. While Oehrlein is the high-IQ "engine," Kussow is a 6'1" dynamic bucket-getter who thrives in the open floor. Kussow is widely considered a top-25 national recruit (ranked as high as #14) and brings a higher offensive ceiling than almost anyone in the current rotation.

The "6th Woman" Strategy for 2026-27

Plitzuweit loves a deep rotation, and Kussow’s ability to play the 2, 3, or 4 makes her the ultimate "chess piece" off the bench.

• The Immediate Role: As a freshman, Kussow can provide an "instant offense" spark. Because she has the size of a wing but the handle of a guard, she can sub in for any of the starters (Oehrlein, Braun, or Grocholski) without the team losing size or scoring punch.
• Defensive Versatility: At 6'1", she fits the Gophers' "tough defense" mantra by being able to switch onto bigger forwards, allowing the Gophers to play a terrifyingly long "small ball" lineup.

The Seamless Transition to Starter

The timeline for Kussow to take over a starting spot is practically written in stone due to the Gophers' eligibility cycle:

1. 2026-27 (Freshman Year): Kussow plays the "Super Sub" role, gaining Big Ten experience while playing behind veterans.
2. 2027-28 (Sophomore Year): This is when the "changing of the guard" happens. Mara Braun and Grace Grocholski will eventually graduate or move on, leaving a massive scoring vacuum. Kussow—having already spent a year in the system—steps into a primary scoring role.

The "Oehrlein + Kussow" Era

By 2027, the Gophers' identity will shift to the Oehrlein-Kussow era.

• Oehrlein will be the veteran "Quarterback"
• Kussow will be the "Elite Closer"

This duo gives Minnesota two players over 5'11" who can both bring the ball up the court, creating a nightmare for opponents trying to match up with their length and skill.

WinMinGophers! said:

I used Addi Mack as an example for likelihood to succeed. Mack is not a good player comparison, however. Oehrlein is a much better "pro" guard prospect.

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Yes, I followed it. I'm saying I appreciate the comparison from an impact level. I've watched Mack plenty and know they are very different as players.

When she played Greenway last year I felt she didn’t compete…. I want to see her compete if they play again…

A good comparison might be Rebekah Dahlman, now second place in scoring behind Oehrlein. They are about the same size and both played for a non-metro team. Dahlman started at Vanderbilt, played pretty good in the beginning and slowly declined before transferring to DePaul. Career at DePaul was not quite as good as at Vanderbilt. A decent college career but I think we're hoping for more from Oehrlein?

McDonald All-American is the only sure indicator of success.

Anything else is a statistical probability -- will be better or worse than ranked, standard deviation up or down. Nobody can say for sure.

Nothing like putting a lot of pressure on the kid. People keep hoping for a Messiah from Mid-Minnesota.

gophersoa said:

A good comparison might be Rebekah Dahlman, now second place in scoring behind Oehrlein. They are about the same size and both played for a non-metro team. Dahlman started at Vanderbilt, played pretty good in the beginning and slowly declined before transferring to DePaul. Career at DePaul was not quite as good as at Vanderbilt. A decent college career but I think we're hoping for more from Oehrlein?

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She dealt with some health injuries if i remember right, so I’m guessing that would be why her play declined.

walleye said:

Nothing like putting a lot of pressure on the kid. People keep hoping for a Messiah from Mid-Minnesota.

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If she has as nice a freshman year at Tori M. had, I'd would consider that a grand slam homer. If she's able to earn 10-12 minutes a game and be a functional rotation piece, that would be what I am hoping for. If she ends up going through growing pains like Asuma did in his freshman year, but shows progress (which we might not see because it will likely happen in practice) that's what I pretty much expect.

Remember Tori got minutes because Mara was injured.

Whytetale said:

Remember Tori got minutes because Mara was injured.

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And Taylor Woodson, too.