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Class of '66 Old Fart

NCAA Women's Bball Transfer Portal

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2 hours ago, ghostofnormandale said:

I've seen some people on twitter trying to blame the IU women not having enough NIL money as the reason for some of these transfers. This is not the case. Teri was given a bag last year for NIL and opted not to use all of it. She has to get with the times or everything she has built can derail over night. Either get on board with NIL and recruiting better athletes or this program might struggle. She is clearly the greatest women's coach that IU has ever had but Tyra Buss, Grace Berger and Mackenzie Holmes are gone and not coming back. 

I've had legit donors tell me they have very little nil.  They did get a few players paid but they lost transfers abd recruits due to la k of funds. 

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23 minutes ago, ghostofnormandale said:

She almost left last year. If she leaves, which I expect, it's not because of NIL $. 

I can tell you with 100% accuracy and confidence Yarden did not 'almost leave' last year and had zero intention to. Still trying to figure out how credible the stuff this year is.  

However, your incorrect statement that 'she almost left last year' means you have no info and are just throwing things at the wall or trolling. I am not believing anything you say based on this blatantly incorrect statement.

Whether she leaves this year or not I am still trying to figure out, but have zero to do with last year which id not even come close to happening.

Anyone can feel free to safely ignore this guy. 

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6 minutes ago, ghostofnormandale said:

I feel like most players don't put their grievances with the program out in the public before transferring. Some do I'm sure. So, it's not surprising that have not specifically heard her talk about it. 

Hmmm I think you're just throwing poop at a wall. 

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2 minutes ago, ghostofnormandale said:

And this is why I quit posting. I said 3 weeks ago that I deal for a head coach was done and that it would be announced possibly within a week. I was off by 3 days. I said it wasn't going to be a big name or home run that everyone had been talking about. I got drilled for it and deleted everything. So, I won't share anymore info on this site with anyone. 

That will show us!  Take your ball and go home!  

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Just now, Certified Sunshine Pumper said:

He went and deleted all his posts lolololol 

Good. He can go away. He posted a couple things that I know with 100% fact are untrue. Still trying to figure out if Yarden stuff this year is true but other stuff is 100% false. 

If he was confident he wouldn't have deleted all the posts. Period.

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54 minutes ago, Aaron said:

Good. He can go away. He posted a couple things that I know with 100% fact are untrue. Still trying to figure out if Yarden stuff this year is true but other stuff is 100% false. 

If he was confident he wouldn't have deleted all the posts. Period.

If you're going to talk with that much confidence then post details or go home. He went home haha 

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I often wonder what some of the top players like JuJu get/year?  I just never hear numbers when it comes to women’s basketball NIL. I also wonder what the average is per player and what we as a program could possibly afford.

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Also important to note the five players in portal so far for women are not due to lack of NIL. How much NIL the program has is a question. However, none of the ones who entered will command much if anything $$$ wise. This was an issue of them wanting to play more elsewhere.

The only returning players on the roster who could command decent to good NIL are Yarden or Shay. The rest are not people others would bang down the door for or pay a lot to which again shows how well Moren has done to get as much as she has out of current team given lack of talent. You essentially had four Big Ten level players playing this year in Syd, Chloe, Shay, and Yarden with no center or great backups and still went to NCAA Tournament and won 20 games. That is a pretty impressive coaching job.

Now key is with portal to get more players on the level of those four. Lenee is high level player after being injured and Faith has potential to be one. However, like I said getting what you did from this group of players shows what a good leader and coach Moren really is! 

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9 minutes ago, Aaron said:

Also important to note the five players in portal so far for women are not due to lack of NIL. How much NIL the program has is a question. However, none of the ones who entered will command much if anything $$$ wise. This was an issue of them wanting to play more elsewhere.

The only returning players on the roster who could command decent to good NIL are Yarden or Shay. The rest are not people others would bang down the door for or pay a lot to which again shows how well Moren has done to get as much as she has out of current team given lack of talent. You essentially had four Big Ten level players playing this year in Syd, Chloe, Shay, and Yarden with no center or great backups and still went to NCAA Tournament and won 20 games. That is a pretty impressive coaching job.

Now key is with portal to get more players on the level of those four. Lenee is high level player after being injured and Faith has potential to be one. However, like I said getting what you did from this group of players shows what a good leader and coach Moren really is! 

Right on man I believe it no doubt, but a program like ours should never be in a position to only have four Big Ten players on the roster to begin with so hopefully she gets this figured out.

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6 minutes ago, TTT said:

Might want to consult Maryland Ladies coach.  She recently replaced her whole team and right now she’s Maryland is doing fairly well.

I mean she has been there for years at Maryland and won a national title. Def a model to look at.

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1 hour ago, Aaron said:

I mean she has been there for years at Maryland and won a national title. Def a model to look at.

Overall, pretty elite coach that coached elite players who were disgruntled by the way she may have coached them but didn’t put up with their negativity, attitude and etc (nice way to put it).  Yet, she goes on pretty much successful just being herself with high talent and physical players for the most part.  Congrats to her.  Kinda gruff but also in her way respectable.  She does it her way.

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Utah star Gianna Kneepkens just entered portal and would fit IU perfectly as three-point shooter and starting guard. Wonder if Moren tampered with her when they played last week:).

When I saw her play last week, I though "Teri Moren player".

Unlike people who wanted McMahon and some of the other stars which felt a bridge to far, this one feels realistic given how she would fit in system and Moren saw her first hand last week. 

Would look great next to current guards who start and is a bit bigger and more athletic like Moren said she wants. No idea if Hoosiers are interested or can afford her, but this one actually feels within somewhat of realm of possibility. 

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TTT     1,294

TTT
FEATURED

Column | Gracie Merkle has become a liability for Penn State

 
 

Center Gracie Merkle (44) shoots the ball during the Penn State women's basketball game against Rutgers at the Bryce Jordan Center on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Scarlet Knights beat the Nittany Lions 73-77.

Samantha DiCamillo
 

Coming into the 2024-25 campaign, 6-foot-6 center Gracie Merkle was hailed as the biggest acquisition for Penn State.

"We are thrilled to welcome Gracie to our Penn State family," coach Carolyn Kieger told Penn State Athletics. "Her dominance in the post is unparalleled.”

Merkle led Bellarmine in scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage last season – the latter of which she led the nation, draining 70.2% of her shots.

 

Through 12 games, Merkle displayed that success at Penn State, leading the team with 20.3 points per game. Her scoring ranked in the top five in the Big Ten, and Merkle’s play was unstoppable.

That was, until the final game of 2024, when she was shut out against Minnesota. With only one field goal attempt in 21 minutes, Merkle was empty for the first time.

While she’s found the net in each game since, the Bellarmine transfer hasn’t returned to her early-season level of productivity. Arguably, she’s been worse, and her play has been a liability for the blue and white.

Physically, Merkle has all the attributes of a successful center. She’s 6-foot-6 and has the height to out-rebound opponents. She also has a large frame, giving her the ability to work in the paint.

However, Merkle doesn’t often out-rebound opponents and her paint play is minimal.

When the Mount Washington, Kentucky, native is on the court, she simply stands under the basket waiting for a pass and an opportunity to score. This worked through the first two months as she put up double-digit field goal attempts in nine games.  However, teams began scouting how she scored and planned against that, which was highlighted against Minnesota. Double-teamed and denied down low, Merkle hasn’t found another way to score.

 

With her big frame, Merkle has the size to work from the high post and back down defenders to the basket. She has the body to be physical and fight for points – but she doesn’t.

Instead, she stands as a liability to the Lady Lions, committing 2.4 fouls per game and 3.2 turnovers per game.

When Merkle does occasionally drive, she does so forcefully – too forcefully with her frame. She often commits a charging foul and turns the ball over as a result.

The Lady Lions have committed too many turnovers to succeed this season, but Merkle’s frequent dropped passes in the paint have turned what should’ve been easy points into turnovers.

Against Rutgers on Sunday, Merkle came off the bench for the first time this season after starting 20 straight games for the blue and white. When asked why Merkle came off the bench, Kieger offered a simple, yet telling answer.

“Practice. Whoever practices hard earns it,” Kieger said.

Merkle has been seen as one of the slower players on the court, and while her large frame can slow her down, her level of hustle isn’t on par with the rest of the Lady Lions.

Some thoughts on Gracie Merkle playing at Penn State.

Af first when she was in the portal I thought Yes.  After reading this I said No.  Now, I say push her to be great with some good coaching and let’s go…..one reason I am tired of seeing all the pop ups on this thread.

Get her in shape and it would allow IU Ladies to play over the top.  Quick moves to the basket with authority and confidence with good decision making to kick out.  Can’t teach 6’6.”  Maybe, just needs coaching and she can join Ciezki.

 

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TTT     1,294

T_member_9135.png
  •  
Posted March 19 FEATURED

Column | Gracie Merkle has become a liability for Penn State

    Center Gracie Merkle (44) shoots the ball during the Penn State women's basketball game against Rutgers at the Bryce Jordan Center on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Scarlet Knights beat the Nittany Lions 73-77.
Samantha DiCamillo  

Coming into the 2024-25 campaign, 6-foot-6 center Gracie Merkle was hailed as the biggest acquisition for Penn State.

"We are thrilled to welcome Gracie to our Penn State family," coach Carolyn Kieger told Penn State Athletics. "Her dominance in the post is unparalleled.”

Merkle led Bellarmine in scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage last season – the latter of which she led the nation, draining 70.2% of her shots.

 

Through 12 games, Merkle displayed that success at Penn State, leading the team with 20.3 points per game. Her scoring ranked in the top five in the Big Ten, and Merkle’s play was unstoppable.

That was, until the final game of 2024, when she was shut out against Minnesota. With only one field goal attempt in 21 minutes, Merkle was empty for the first time.

While she’s found the net in each game since, the Bellarmine transfer hasn’t returned to her early-season level of productivity. Arguably, she’s been worse, and her play has been a liability for the blue and white.

Physically, Merkle has all the attributes of a successful center. She’s 6-foot-6 and has the height to out-rebound opponents. She also has a large frame, giving her the ability to work in the paint.

However, Merkle doesn’t often out-rebound opponents and her paint play is minimal.

When the Mount Washington, Kentucky, native is on the court, she simply stands under the basket waiting for a pass and an opportunity to score. This worked through the first two months as she put up double-digit field goal attempts in nine games.  However, teams began scouting how she scored and planned against that, which was highlighted against Minnesota. Double-teamed and denied down low, Merkle hasn’t found another way to score.

 

With her big frame, Merkle has the size to work from the high post and back down defenders to the basket. She has the body to be physical and fight for points – but she doesn’t.

Instead, she stands as a liability to the Lady Lions, committing 2.4 fouls per game and 3.2 turnovers per game.

When Merkle does occasionally drive, she does so forcefully – too forcefully with her frame. She often commits a charging foul and turns the ball over as a result.

The Lady Lions have committed too many turnovers to succeed this season, but Merkle’s frequent dropped passes in the paint have turned what should’ve been easy points into turnovers.

Against Rutgers on Sunday, Merkle came off the bench for the first time this season after starting 20 straight games for the blue and white. When asked why Merkle came off the bench, Kieger offered a simple, yet telling answer.

“Practice. Whoever practices hard earns it,” Kieger said.

Merkle has been seen as one of the slower players on the court, and while her large frame can slow her down, her level of hustle isn’t on par with the rest of the Lady Lions.

Some thoughts on Gracie Merkle playing at Penn State.

 
 

Ooooof. Our Starting center next year.


Sent from my iPad using BtownBanners mobile app

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21 minutes ago, TTT said:

TTT     1,294

TTT
FEATURED

Column | Gracie Merkle has become a liability for Penn State

 
 

Center Gracie Merkle (44) shoots the ball during the Penn State women's basketball game against Rutgers at the Bryce Jordan Center on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Scarlet Knights beat the Nittany Lions 73-77.

Samantha DiCamillo
 

Coming into the 2024-25 campaign, 6-foot-6 center Gracie Merkle was hailed as the biggest acquisition for Penn State.

"We are thrilled to welcome Gracie to our Penn State family," coach Carolyn Kieger told Penn State Athletics. "Her dominance in the post is unparalleled.”

Merkle led Bellarmine in scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage last season – the latter of which she led the nation, draining 70.2% of her shots.

 

Through 12 games, Merkle displayed that success at Penn State, leading the team with 20.3 points per game. Her scoring ranked in the top five in the Big Ten, and Merkle’s play was unstoppable.

That was, until the final game of 2024, when she was shut out against Minnesota. With only one field goal attempt in 21 minutes, Merkle was empty for the first time.

While she’s found the net in each game since, the Bellarmine transfer hasn’t returned to her early-season level of productivity. Arguably, she’s been worse, and her play has been a liability for the blue and white.

Physically, Merkle has all the attributes of a successful center. She’s 6-foot-6 and has the height to out-rebound opponents. She also has a large frame, giving her the ability to work in the paint.

However, Merkle doesn’t often out-rebound opponents and her paint play is minimal.

When the Mount Washington, Kentucky, native is on the court, she simply stands under the basket waiting for a pass and an opportunity to score. This worked through the first two months as she put up double-digit field goal attempts in nine games.  However, teams began scouting how she scored and planned against that, which was highlighted against Minnesota. Double-teamed and denied down low, Merkle hasn’t found another way to score.

 

With her big frame, Merkle has the size to work from the high post and back down defenders to the basket. She has the body to be physical and fight for points – but she doesn’t.

Instead, she stands as a liability to the Lady Lions, committing 2.4 fouls per game and 3.2 turnovers per game.

When Merkle does occasionally drive, she does so forcefully – too forcefully with her frame. She often commits a charging foul and turns the ball over as a result.

The Lady Lions have committed too many turnovers to succeed this season, but Merkle’s frequent dropped passes in the paint have turned what should’ve been easy points into turnovers.

Against Rutgers on Sunday, Merkle came off the bench for the first time this season after starting 20 straight games for the blue and white. When asked why Merkle came off the bench, Kieger offered a simple, yet telling answer.

“Practice. Whoever practices hard earns it,” Kieger said.

Merkle has been seen as one of the slower players on the court, and while her large frame can slow her down, her level of hustle isn’t on par with the rest of the Lady Lions.

Some thoughts on Gracie Merkle playing at Penn State.

Af first when she was in the portal I thought Yes.  After reading this I said No.  Now, I say push her to be great with some good coaching and let’s go…..one reason I am tired of seeing all the pop ups on this thread.

Get her in shape and it would allow IU Ladies to play over the top.  Quick moves to the basket with authority and confidence with good decision making to kick out.  Can’t teach 6’6.”  Maybe, just needs coaching and she can join Ciezki.

 

My additional thoughts last 2 paragraphs.  Plus maybe Faith will do a little something next year when she quits being scared….Faith did play volleyball in high school as well I think. Conditioning and strength training can help both players.

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12 minutes ago, WayneFleekHoosier said:


Ooooof. Our Starting center next year.


Sent from my iPad using BtownBanners mobile app

She is visiting IU and there is no ooof. She is exactly the center they need and more athletic and finishes around basket much closer to what Holmes did and starting center they need.

That PSU program is a basket case and Merkle is uber talented. Under Moren and a good culture she will fit perfectly. Just like some of the people on the men's team will thrive next year in other systems and culture next year when put with right situation, the inverse is true with Moren taking on supposed head case. She would bring best out in her. 

I have no worries and the answer at center they desperately need.

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Played for Indiana Elite.  She is reportedly 6' 6" tall.  Very hard to push around in the post.  Led 1-15 (Big 10) Penn State in points, rebounds, and blocks.  Freshmen at Bellarmine, soph at PSU. 
This is the new normal.  I personally will miss Lilly and don't like the new normal.  But that's for sure how it is.

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22 minutes ago, TTT said:

TTT     1,294

TTT
FEATURED

Column | Gracie Merkle has become a liability for Penn State

 
 

Center Gracie Merkle (44) shoots the ball during the Penn State women's basketball game against Rutgers at the Bryce Jordan Center on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Scarlet Knights beat the Nittany Lions 73-77.

Samantha DiCamillo
 

Coming into the 2024-25 campaign, 6-foot-6 center Gracie Merkle was hailed as the biggest acquisition for Penn State.

"We are thrilled to welcome Gracie to our Penn State family," coach Carolyn Kieger told Penn State Athletics. "Her dominance in the post is unparalleled.”

Merkle led Bellarmine in scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage last season – the latter of which she led the nation, draining 70.2% of her shots.

 

Through 12 games, Merkle displayed that success at Penn State, leading the team with 20.3 points per game. Her scoring ranked in the top five in the Big Ten, and Merkle’s play was unstoppable.

That was, until the final game of 2024, when she was shut out against Minnesota. With only one field goal attempt in 21 minutes, Merkle was empty for the first time.

While she’s found the net in each game since, the Bellarmine transfer hasn’t returned to her early-season level of productivity. Arguably, she’s been worse, and her play has been a liability for the blue and white.

Physically, Merkle has all the attributes of a successful center. She’s 6-foot-6 and has the height to out-rebound opponents. She also has a large frame, giving her the ability to work in the paint.

However, Merkle doesn’t often out-rebound opponents and her paint play is minimal.

When the Mount Washington, Kentucky, native is on the court, she simply stands under the basket waiting for a pass and an opportunity to score. This worked through the first two months as she put up double-digit field goal attempts in nine games.  However, teams began scouting how she scored and planned against that, which was highlighted against Minnesota. Double-teamed and denied down low, Merkle hasn’t found another way to score.

 

With her big frame, Merkle has the size to work from the high post and back down defenders to the basket. She has the body to be physical and fight for points – but she doesn’t.

Instead, she stands as a liability to the Lady Lions, committing 2.4 fouls per game and 3.2 turnovers per game.

When Merkle does occasionally drive, she does so forcefully – too forcefully with her frame. She often commits a charging foul and turns the ball over as a result.

The Lady Lions have committed too many turnovers to succeed this season, but Merkle’s frequent dropped passes in the paint have turned what should’ve been easy points into turnovers.

Against Rutgers on Sunday, Merkle came off the bench for the first time this season after starting 20 straight games for the blue and white. When asked why Merkle came off the bench, Kieger offered a simple, yet telling answer.

“Practice. Whoever practices hard earns it,” Kieger said.

Merkle has been seen as one of the slower players on the court, and while her large frame can slow her down, her level of hustle isn’t on par with the rest of the Lady Lions.

Some thoughts on Gracie Merkle playing at Penn State.

Af first when she was in the portal I thought Yes.  After reading this I said No.  Now, I say push her to be great with some good coaching and let’s go…..one reason I am tired of seeing all the pop ups on this thread.

Get her in shape and it would allow IU Ladies to play over the top.  Quick moves to the basket with authority and confidence with good decision making to kick out.  Can’t teach 6’6.”  Maybe, just needs coaching and she can join Ciezki.

 

An FYI, after that article was written she closed year on a terrible team as strong as she started it and looked really good down stretch. Notice Jan. 27 date on article.

She was very good in November, December, and February and did very well against multiple power five teams in those months

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