NCAA Women's Bball Transfer Portal

[mickey one 116]

20 minutes ago, TTT said:

So much for Kubek as she goes to Florida State.

Boo! Waiting for a high-low post of Zania-Edessa, with Edessa stepping back to hit 3's. Need some positive surprises from this group.

[TTT 1,382]

Looks like Emily Rodriguez visit to Iowa May 12 and Indiana May 13.
Can it get any more difficult for IU Ladies?  Just not as easy vs many teams.  Good Grief!

T.  Moren head coach under 19 FIBA coach again in Czech Republic…..Seems like it should translate into a more high level recruiting but it doesn’t appear to be the case….Wonder if that ever becomes a full time gig for her?….doubt it would pay enough.  Maybe, a good way to experience some travel doing what you like leaving behind a legacy.

(Zoe Jackson 2026 Australia looks like she can play at 6’4”)….how good remains to be seen.

 

[mickey one 116]

9 hours ago, TTT said:

Looks like Emily Rodriguez visit to Iowa May 12 and Indiana May 13.
Can it get any more difficult for IU Ladies?  Just not as easy vs many teams.  Good Grief!

T.  Moren head coach under 19 FIBA coach again in Czech Republic…..Seems like it should translate into a more high level recruiting but it doesn’t appear to be the case….Wonder if that ever becomes a full time gig for her?….doubt it would pay enough.  Maybe, a good way to experience some travel doing what you like leaving behind a legacy.

(Zoe Jackson 2026 Australia looks like she can play at 6’4”)….how good remains to be seen.

 

I read on an Iowa blog that Emely Rodriguez was asking for $250,000/year in NIL payments. Not sure if that is true, but that raises the whole idea of paying players in college athletics. Is this such a good idea?

1. In Europe, if universities have athletic teams, they are sort of like intramurals, i.e. for fun. If you are seriously interested in a sport in Europe, you join a local athletic club and compete for that club . . . sort of like youth sports in the US.

2. In the US, we have preserved the idea of "college athletics", but it has now become some version of professional sports, where the players are paid. It is not about "student-athletes" or "amateur sports". And with the transfer portal, open bidding becomes possible on the best players.

That raises a few questions: why 4 years of eligibility? An average student at IU graduates in 4 years, but the new NIL athletes are not "average students". If the Chemistry Department at IU hired an outstanding faculty member, they would want to keep that person, and even grant them tenure to encourage lifetime work at IU. Why are the student athletes (at least in NIL sports) booted out in 4 year?

The incongruity of this all is seen in the Olivia Miles case--she literally is making TONS MORE money by playing with TCU next year and getting NIL, as opposed to entering the WNBA, which pays peanuts. Olivia Miles will probably make more money next year than everyone in TCU basketball, except for the head coach.

You can go on the internet and find out exactly how much money the roster of the Indiana Pacers is being paid. Shouldn't that be the case with college athletics and NIL now?

I love IU basketball, but NIL and the transfer portal have transformed college athletics into something different, sadly. I guess there is no going back, so it seems that some new rules, at least re "transparency" might be a good idea? Or should we continue to hide NIL payments, and pretend that it is still the "old days"?

I think I can see why CTM resisted going the "NIL route", and I can also see why she would have had to accept the "NIL universe", because that is probably the only way you can succeed in college basketball these days.

[TTT 1,382]

Indiana High School Choice, IHSAA, Indiana State Legislation……Effective June 1, 2025 any athlete (pool, tiddlywinks, basketball, football or basically any sport/athletics) can have a one time transfer for athletic reasons within three year period….for such reasons as playing time, forming a better championship team, or to improve whatever is deemed needed/wanted/necessary.  The new legislation reason is to streamline the process removing obstacles/barriers to transfer possibilities.

Yes, recruiting players among schools has always happened.  However, this new legislation does not apply to the rest of the public school students.

So, what has the public high school education experience become?  Does high school NIL version follow?  
An observation….years ago high school gyms throughout basketball season both, city, suburbs, country were pretty full and was a popular thing and often football as well.  
After millions upon millions $$ invested in new modern facilities over decades many if not most set pretty empty for most of the seasons.  Gyms often third of the way full and football facilities often a third full as well.  (Yes, there are some exceptions and in certain games/circumstances/situations).

 

[TTT 1,382]

9 hours ago, mickey one said:

I read on an Iowa blog that Emely Rodriguez was asking for $250,000/year in NIL payments. Not sure if that is true, but that raises the whole idea of paying players in college athletics. Is this such a good idea?

1. In Europe, if universities have athletic teams, they are sort of like intramurals, i.e. for fun. If you are seriously interested in a sport in Europe, you join a local athletic club and compete for that club . . . sort of like youth sports in the US.

2. In the US, we have preserved the idea of "college athletics", but it has now become some version of professional sports, where the players are paid. It is not about "student-athletes" or "amateur sports". And with the transfer portal, open bidding becomes possible on the best players.

That raises a few questions: why 4 years of eligibility? An average student at IU graduates in 4 years, but the new NIL athletes are not "average students". If the Chemistry Department at IU hired an outstanding faculty member, they would want to keep that person, and even grant them tenure to encourage lifetime work at IU. Why are the student athletes (at least in NIL sports) booted out in 4 year?

The incongruity of this all is seen in the Olivia Miles case--she literally is making TONS MORE money by playing with TCU next year and getting NIL, as opposed to entering the WNBA, which pays peanuts. Olivia Miles will probably make more money next year than everyone in TCU basketball, except for the head coach.

You can go on the internet and find out exactly how much money the roster of the Indiana Pacers is being paid. Shouldn't that be the case with college athletics and NIL now?

I love IU basketball, but NIL and the transfer portal have transformed college athletics into something different, sadly. I guess there is no going back, so it seems that some new rules, at least re "transparency" might be a good idea? Or should we continue to hide NIL payments, and pretend that it is still the "old days"?

I think I can see why CTM resisted going the "NIL route", and I can also see why she would have had to accept the "NIL universe", because that is probably the only way you can succeed in college basketball these days.

I guess IU could offer $250,001/year Lol.  

A choice…..Turn it off and shut it down as a fan or not.  Find something else to do.  Sports/Athletics can do and be what they choose and a fan or ex- fan can be or do what he or she chooses.

[mickey one 116]

No one would be here if they were not a fan. The question is how NIL/portal has transformed college basketball. It looks like a team would need at least about $5 to $10 m. per year to be competitive at the highest level, on the women's side. Does IU have it? How does it get it? How will it be distributed? 

Keep in mind that even in professional sports, it is not open-ended bidding for players. There is the draft, and then structured contracts depending on your level in the draft, and salary caps for each team. If professional sports teams did not have those features, teams would probably be bankrupted by out-of-control bidding wars. It is only when players hit free agency that bidding wars erupt.

How is all this even possible for professional sports? Collective bargaining agreements (CBA) between the owners and players' unions impose order on what could be chaos and bankruptcy. Just turn on ESPN--all the commentators are expert in salary cap discussions, how much the "hit" is for signing a player, etc.  It is part and parcel of professional sports. Is any such thing as a CBA necessary or even possible at the college level?

If the NCAA does not impose some kind of order and fairness on the process, could it turn into the "Wild West" when it comes to bidding and money in college athletics?

[TTT 1,382]

10 minutes ago, mickey one said:

No one would be here if they were not a fan. The question is how NIL/portal has transformed college basketball. It looks like a team would need at least about $5 to $10 m. per year to be competitive at the highest level, on the women's side. Does IU have it? How does it get it? How will it be distributed? 

Keep in mind that even in professional sports, it is not open-ended bidding for players. There is the draft, and then structured contracts depending on your level in the draft, and salary caps for each team. If professional sports teams did not have those features, teams would probably be bankrupted by out-of-control bidding wars. It is only when players hit free agency that bidding wars erupt.

How is all this even possible for professional sports? Collective bargaining agreements (CBA) between the owners and players' unions impose order on what could be chaos and bankruptcy. Just turn on ESPN--all the commentators are expert in salary cap discussions, how much the "hit" is for signing a player, etc.  It is part and parcel of professional sports. Is any such thing as a CBA necessary or even possible at the college level?

If the NCAA does not impose some kind of order and fairness on the process, could it turn into the "Wild West" when it comes to bidding and money in college athletics?

Couple years ago T. Moren attitude was that some rules and regulations of fairness and distribution were going to be needed.  How silly of her to even think about addressing common sense and integrity solutions.

[mickey one 116]

Apparently, NCAA schools can spend up to $23.1 m./year as a cap (Sports Illustrated says $20.5 m). I don't know how IU has decided to spend that, or how different teams (like football, men's and women's basketball) can compete within the school for that money.

["NCAA schools will be able to spend a maximum of $23.1 million each year, and that cap will increase on a yearly basis during the ten-year-long settlement agreement. The spending limit is based on a formula that gives NCAA athletes 22% of the money the average power conference school makes from media rights deals, ticket sales, and sponsorships. Time will tell if this settlement raises more questions than answers for NCAA schools." From McCarter & English attorney website.]

[TTT 1,382]

Emily Rodriguez visit Iowa today 5/12 and IU Ladies 5/13.

[TTT 1,382]

Bryn Martin originally committed to Washington has reopened her recruitment. 6’1” ( some list at 6’) 4 at 92 espn player profile.  Springboro OH.  (Several major programs were recruiting her)

[Hoosierfanyuh 7,044]

https://x.com/taliagoodmanwbb/status/1922060235164025055?s=46

[TTT 1,382]

10 minutes ago, Hoosierfanyuh said:

https://x.com/taliagoodmanwbb/status/1922060235164025055?s=46

How much does Merkle slow down a team that wants to get out and run?  Was she signed or can you change your mind after signing? Or does the coach and player both have to come to agreement?

[TTT 1,382]

Meanwhile, IU Ladies Jade Ondineme juco sophomore committed to IU at 6’3” (also see listed at 6’2”) Northwest Florida State Community College…….whatever this means.

[Hoosierfanyuh 7,044]

1 hour ago, TTT said:

Meanwhile, IU Ladies Jade Ondineme juco sophomore committed to IU at 6’3” (also see listed at 6’2”) Northwest Florida State Community College…….whatever this means.

https://x.com/raoul_000/status/1922056641266044975?s=46

[TTT 1,382]

What a one sided lottery jackpot similar to Currie -Jelks…..this one will work better….but Jade Ondineme arguably 6’2 or 6’3” depending where you look at rosters with not much in dominant performance statistically from community juco college to a major league solid Ladies basketball program in one of the top Ladies basketball conferences……Jade Ondineme definitely hit the lottery jackpot from her perspective.  And at the very least IU Ladies got a practice body.

[TTT 1,382]

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Explaining the weirdest transfer portal story in women’s college basketball this season

Gracie Merkle transferred from Penn State to Maryland in April. On Monday, she announced she was returning to Penn State. Let’s break down how that happened.

By Mitchell Northam@primetimeMitch  May 13, 2025, 8:55am EDT 

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Mitchell Northam is a Senior Writer for SB Nation, covering women's college sports at Breakaway. 

This story is part of a group of stories called 

 

In the span of 56 days, Gracie Merkle transferred from Penn State to Maryland and back to Penn State.

Yes, really.

Well, sort of.

Merkle, a 6-foot-6 redshirt junior center, entered the transfer portal on March 25 with a do-not-contact tag. Despite playing for the worst team in the Big Ten — the Nittany Lions went 1-17 in conference play last season — Merkle was a highly sought-after transfer after averaging 15.5 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. She was fourth-nationally in field goal percentage, making 67 percent of her shots with her soft touch around the rim.

On April 5, she announced on her Instagram that she was committing to Maryland, complete with a graphic featuring her in a Terrapins’ jersey with the caption “GO TERPS.” Merkle became a key building block of one of the strongest transfer portal classes assembled this offseason, as Terps coach Brenda Frese also landed commitments from ACC Tournament MVP Oluchi Okananwa from Duke and Indiana’s Yarden Garzon, an All-Big Ten selection and 3-and-D specialist.

Merkle even recorded a video for the Terps’ social channels, saying how “excited” she was to join the team. She added in a statement issued by Maryland on April 8 that said: “I chose Maryland because of the winning culture. I developed a belief in the coaching staff and a relationship with the players as soon as I stepped on campus. The development I’m looking for is proven with Coach Frese.”

As it turns out, the statement, the news release, the video, the graphic, the photo shoot, the social media posts — it was all a waste of time.

Because Merkle is not going to play basketball at the University of Maryland.

She backpedaled on Monday night and announced that, indeed, she’s staying at Penn State.

“Plot twist! After much thought, prayer and communication with my family, I have been released from UMD per my request,” Merkle wrote on Instagram. “I am very thankful for the opportunity but I have decided to return to Penn State University!!!! As always, I appreciate all the love and support.”

So, how did this happen? How did a player transfer to a new school and then back out of it a month later?

SB Nation spoke to a few coaches, agents and other sources around women’s college basketball to better understand the system and the circumstances.

So, who is Gracie Merkle?

She’s a pretty good collegiate center from Mount Washington, Kentucky. She began her college career at the mid-major level at Bellarmine where she averaged 14.6 points and 10.6 rebounds as a true freshman and ranked second nationally in shooting percentage with a 70.1 percent mark. She was also 16th nationally in rebounds per game and won the ASUN Rookie of the Year award.

After sitting out her sophomore season due to an injury, Merkle transferred to Penn State where she continued to put up similar numbers against stiff competition in the Big Ten. While the Nittany Lions struggled, going 10-19, Merkle had a solid season and was an All-Big Ten honorable mention selection.

There weren’t many true post players in the portal this year, so Merkle was coveted as someone who could score in the paint, rebound and protect the rim at a high level.

In early April she signed with Maryland.

What did Merkle sign?

Merkle signed something commonly referred to as a financial agreement, a source confirmed, which is what all transfers are asked to sign when they go to a new school.

The thing is, these financial agreements are a bit different from what high school recruits used to sign when they committed to colleges — a National Letter of Intent. NLIs don’t exist anymore though after the NCAA eliminated them in October, ending the program that began in 1964.

An NLI was a formal and binding agreement between a player and the program they were choosing to attend. They were hard to get out of.

The new financial agreements are anything but that. The loopholes are easy to exploit.

One Power 4 assistant coach put it this way: “You can get out of a financial agreement anytime now as long as you haven’t stepped on campus and started getting aid… These are basically verbal commitments.”

The NLI was eliminated as the NCAA anticipates more changes from the House settlement, which will pave the way for schools to share revenue directly with players.

One agent referred to the financial agreements as “just MOUs” or memorandums of understanding, another form of a non-binding agreement.

“Financial aid agreement basically means nothing until you physically attend a class,” another Power 4 assistant coach said.

A source familiar with Merkle’s situation confirmed to SB Nation that, aside from her visit during her recruitment, she never stepped on campus and never enrolled in classes in College Park.

Once a player signs a financial agreement with a school, other programs are supposed to be prohibited from communicating with them about recruiting, according to NCAA guidelines.

But isn’t the transfer portal closed? How did Merkle go back to Penn State?

Indeed, the transfer portal is closed. But Merkle never had to reenter the portal because she never exited it. She didn’t start working out with Maryland, she didn’t attend classes there and didn’t receive financial aid.

And once a player enters the transfer portal, they’re technically in it for the season. When a player signs a financial agreement with a new school, the portal will show that, but the player will still exist in the portal.

One veteran coach summed it up this way: “Since she went in for the 2024-25 season, even if she signed and it signified as much in the portal, she’s still in there… If I open up the portal right now and look up (MiLaysia) Fulwiley, I’ll see that she’s signed to LSU, but she’s still listed. So, does that still count as being in there?”

This actually already happened in women’s college basketball during this portal cycle. Auburn’s Kaitlyn Duhon, a solid defender who has averaged 4.9 points per game for her career, signed with Texas A&M on April 1. Weeks later, she announced she was going back to Auburn.

Last year, football player Kadyn Proctor transferred from Alabama to Iowa, but less than two months later returned to Alabama before ever participating in a practice with the Hawkeyes.

“It’s so weird how it all works,” another coach told SB Nation.

What does this mean for Maryland and Penn State?

Merkle likely would’ve been the Terps’ starting center next season, especially following the departure of Allie Kubek — a 6-foot-2 forward who entered the portal and transferred to Florida State after the arrivals of Merkle, Garzon and Okananwa were announced.

The Terps still have a solid roster capable of making a deep March Madness run, but Garzon is now their tallest listed player at 6-foot-3, and she’s at her best when she can play along the wings instead of spending the majority of her time down in the paint. Brenda Frese has played small-ball lineups over the past few years, but having a true formidable post like Merkle would’ve been a luxury.

In addition to Merkle’s return, Penn State added dynamic Rutgers guard Kiyomi McMiller through the portal. A former Jordan Brand All-American, she averaged 18.7 points as a true freshman for the Scarlet Knights. Because of various benchings, suspensions and other circumstances, McMiller only played in 21 of 33 games for Rutgers this season.

The Big Ten has yet to set its women’s basketball schedule for the 2025-26 season, but the meeting between Maryland and Penn State will be one to circle on the calendar.

((Based on Lexi Bargesser work out posts (getting professional help) in the gym trying to get better…Would like to see her withdraw from Colorado State and return to IU and compete for playing time)).

(not sure on Garzon)

…..don’t expect either player to return.  But it would be an interesting story.

[ronzo4IU 434]

Any word on Emily Rodrigues?  Sure hope we can add her!

[TTT 1,382]

Emely Rodriguez….T. Moren doing her part with the typical good pictures  (4) including T. Moren and E. R. dressed in IU Ladies black uniform.

[ronzo4IU 434]

13 hours ago, TTT said:

Emely Rodriguez….T. Moren doing her part with the typical good pictures  (4) including T. Moren and E. R. dressed in IU Ladies black uniform.

This would be awesome;)

[mickey one 116]

20 hours ago, ronzo4IU said:

This would be awesome;)

Rodriguez certainly looks like she has a lot of talent and potential, but to the extent it has come down to Iowa & Indiana for her, it doesn't seem like a "sure thing" that she would break into the starting lineup at either place. At IU, you've got some considerable talent, some of it proven, some of it potential--like Beaumont, Caffey, Makalusky, Stotijn, Kiaku, Spreen, not to mention Ciezki; and then at least 2 bigs, be that Zania, Edessa, et al.  Like with Kayleigh Heckel considering UConn--"are you sure you are going to break into the starting lineup there?".

Good for IU to have the extra competition. Few positions nailed down in front of her at this point, so it depends on her confidence to compete for it.