Who is still in the transfer portal that might make sense for the Iowa Hawkeyes?
What an offseason this has been for women’s college basketball.
After one of the greatest tournaments in history, the race is on for these teams to reach even bigger heights in 2023-24. A number of top players hit the portal this offseason, looking more like the football version of the transfer portal.
From established stars Hailey Van Lith and Aneesah Morrow to talented youngsters waiting for a breakout such as Lauren Betts, there’s something for everyone in the portal!
Unfortunately for the Hawkeyes, they haven’t brought in anyone yet even though some of the portal’s top players have made their way to greener pastures.
Just like one of the worst snubs in American Idol history Chris Daughtry said in his hit song “It’s Not Over,” it is definitely not over yet for the Hawkeyes. There are many talented players still looking for a new home to ply their trade. Plenty of potential Hawkeyes out there!
As we get ready to leave the month of April, here is an updated look at the crazy women’s college basketball transfer portal.
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Who has found a new home
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Unfortunately for the Hawkeyes, multiple top players in the transfer portal have already found new homes. Top target Lauren Betts is staying on the West Coast, joining UCLA.
Former Cal guard Jayda Curry is moving eastward, joining Louisville as their Hailey Van Lith replacement. She is joined by former James Madison forward Kiki Jefferson.
While North Carolina lost a top player in the portal in Kennedy Todd-Williams to Ole Miss, they did gain a big-time addition in former Iowa State guard Lexi Donarski.
Among some other top transfers, former Duke guard Celeste Taylor is heading to the Big Ten, joining the Ohio State Buckeyes. Lehigh wing Frannie Hottinger is making a big conference move to Marquette. Te-Hina Paopao, a player I really would have liked to see on the Hawkeyes, is going from Oregon to South Carolina.
Hailey Van Lith, Guard, Louisville
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Yes, Hailey Van Lith is still officially on the market. Seen as the top player available currently, the Louisville graduate student brings big tournament experience to whichever lucky program earns her signature.
Unfortunately for Iowa fans, it doesn’t seem likely that she’s coming to Iowa City. HVL has been heavily linked to the reigning national champions in LSU, which just really, really stinks.
Aneesah Morrow, Forward, Depaul
Morrow is the other top player still available in the transfer portal. A double-double machine, Morrow brings All-American pedigree to her next team. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear she will be coming to Iowa City either. The Hawkeyes were not included in her top three destinations.
Endyia Rogers, Guard, Oregon
Endyia Rogers is an interesting candidate. A short while ago, she was set for the WNBA draft before removing her name and subsequently entering the transfer portal. While she could return to Oregon, she may be looking to join a program with national championship aspirations, such as Iowa.
Ila Lane, Center, UCSB
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Ila Lane’s 2022-23 stats: 11.8 points, 8.2 rebounds per game; 54.5% FG
Lauren Betts wasn’t the only tall center from the West Coast to hit the portal this year. Senior center Ila Lane is an interesting mid-major prospect for a team like Iowa. She has ideal size at 6 feet, 4 inches and was a first-team All-Big West member last year.
She led the league in field goal percentage, rebounding, and double-doubles this year. Sounds like the mid-major version of Monika Czinano to me.
Erynn Barnum, Forward, Arkansas
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Erynn Barnum’s 2022-23 stats: 15.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.0 blocks per game; 55.6% FG
Arkansas forward Erynn Barnum is an interesting portal candidate. She’s a very effective interior player, but, she definitely wouldn’t be able to play alongside Hannah Stuelke. Could she fill Monika Czinano’s shoes at center? Would she even want to leave the SEC?
Diamond Johnson, Guard, North Carolina State
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Diamond Johnson 2022-23 stats: 12.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.3 steals per game; 41.6% FG, 36.2% 3-point FG
Could Diamond Johnson make her way back to the Big Ten? After starting her career at Rutgers, Johnson really found her game the last two seasons in Raleigh. Last year, she averaged 12.3 points per game and shot 36% from three on about six attempts per game.
Kennedy Fauntleroy, Guard, Georgetown
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Kennedy Fauntleroy 2022-23 stats: 10.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 2.4 steals; 35.6% FG, 36.4% 3-point FG
Kennedy Fauntleroy has a lot of good basketball ahead of her and could be an interesting longterm addition to the Hawkeyes. Of course, everyone is focusing on next year and maximizing Caitlin Clark, but what about after?
Fauntleroy showed a ton of potential for the Hoyas last year, shooting 36.4% from three on around four attempts per game. She could be a sneaky good depth addition even for this year.
Lauren Gustin, Forward, BYU
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Lauren Gustin 2022-23 stats: 16.1 points, 16.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists per game; 49.6% FG
Let’s stick with the mid-majors with Lauren Gustin. Of course, she played in the WCC, but the 6-foot-1 forward was one of the best rebounders in the nation last year, grabbing 16.7 boards per game. That was the best average in the nation. She also scored 16 points per game as well. Maybe not a full-time starter, but could be a useful addition.
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