I agree, Purcell didn't hit the portal very hard but he did sign a top 10/15 high school class and is in the process of signing another top 10 class for next year as well so we will have some talent as long as we can keep them.
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Appears that all of the current roster players are on campus for summer school and workouts accept for Madison Francis who was invited to the USA Under 19 National Team trials starting up June 19.
If the team had to play a game today (summer event) with the players currently on campus doing summer session and workouts.
(Starting Lineup..First 5)
-6-2 Kharyssa Richardson
- 6-3 Nataliyah Gray
-5-11 Chandler Prater
- 5-9 Destiny Mcphaul
- 5-8 Saniyah King
First Sub In... Trayanna Crisp
(Next 3)
- 5-8 Trayanna Crisp
- 6-1, 6-2 Jaylah Lampley
- 6-6 Faith Wylder
Note...
Can play an uptempo pressing style with this group, especially having junior college transfer Awa Fane available to help the guards. Her skill set appears well suited for this style and is very capable of pushing for playing time.
Not enough size to effectively compete in the top tier.
Gonna be a tough season for the Lady Dawgs.
Not sure what you are talking about. Purcell signed a top 10 to 15 class (depending on what sight you look at) this year, 2025.
ESPN has our 2025 class at #11:
https://www.espn.com/womens-college-...class-rankings
247 has our 2025 class at #14:
https://247sports.com/season/2025-wo...eteamrankings/
He has also already gotten commitments from 2 top 60 girls in the class of 2026, Lani Smallwood and Andrea Flores:
https://247sports.com/Player/andrea-flores-46153830/
https://247sports.com/Player/lani-smallwood-46153037/
Purcell did have somewhat of a down off season in the portal but he recruited well with High School players and all three of those 2025 girls can play. They all have size and length as well (6'1" to 6'3"), Madison Francis will play a lot early and will probably start as a 3 or stretch 4. I understand we are in the portal age but that doesn't necessarily apply to Womens basketball as much as Mens basketball or football. Top high school players aren't as far off than the College players with the Women's game. If a girl is averaging 25 in High School at a 5A or 6A school, it typically translates to College
So you?re saying we have more size and talent than what?s been posted?
Im gonna continue to hold Rocio Jimenez out of any player rotation listings for now. Let her go through these summer workouts and see how her physical status responds. Reevaluate her status during the fall. (Note) Her physical well being extends past the game of basketball.
She's on the roster and she's at practice so all we can do is assume she's ready to go until we hear she's not. This is her 3rd year at State, she's never touched the floor... if she's still not ready Purcell should have addressed that in the portal, JUCO rankings or high school and got another true big since we lost all 3 of our Center.(2 to transfer and 1 to graduation).
Im counting her in until I hear otherwise but thats on Purcell if he didn't get a true big and we still sit here with 4 remaining scholarships. I do like the fact that we have some size and length at the forward and wing spots, that will help but in the SEC you have to have that true big to anchor the middle. Yes we have 6'6 Wilder as well but is she ready?
I agree that incoming freshman Madison Francis is projected to start in the frontcourt. I have her as a starter as well. Also, Coach Purcell indicated that he felt that she is a "special player". Appears she's not expected to arrive until some point after her participation with the USA Under 19 National Team trials and team. Freshman Nataliyah Gray is a starter up front as well. Gray is a double double waiting to happen even as a freshman. The 3rd freshman Jaylah Lampley, the highest rated of the three. Is she ready? We shall see.
Dushawn London analysis from 247 Sports reported a few weeks ago that Miss. State was one of the teams in contract with Colorado transfer Ayianna Johnson. She's listed as a 6-3 center/power, appears she plays both positions as needed.. Noted for her strength and toughness in the post area. Haven't heard anything else regarding her since..been a few weeks The coaches have been keeping info regarding these transfers pretty much under wraps.They could pick up this player or easily be a totally different player or no player at all..this stuff goes in multiple directions.
I will say this, from a far this team looks average on paper. We have some solid pieces and good incoming Freshman but nothing to think we will be a top half team. But if you really followed last year's team our only big loss is Okot. We will definitely miss Jerk and Powe because they were dawgs and leaders but neither had blow away seasons from an impact and percentage standpoint, if you watched the games you know what I mean.
As for Mcphaul and Prater they both played starter minutes, were 2nd and 3rd in fg% behind Okot, and were 1st and 2nd on the team in free throw % playing 20 plus minutes a game a piece. They are solid returners. The biggest question is how ready our Freshman will be because I can see them playing alot. The verdict is also still out for the transfers, im not sure how they will fit in yet to be honest