C-151's ACC Preview

[Carolina151]

The time is near. Let's take a look at the ACC this year.

Tier 1 Teams: these 3 teams will compete for a conference championship.

1) North Carolina: adds 3 P4 transfers from the portal that averaged at least 11 ppg each and the #1 prospect in the country. Returns All-ACC FR Nyla Brooks and starting F Ciera Toomey. All-ACC 2nd team member Reniya Kelly enters the season healthy for a group that should be top 3 in the ACC and contend for an ACC title. Question mark- how quickly will they gel? With early ACC games vs State and @ Cuse before New Years and 1x season games at Louisville, vs Notre Dame, and vs Duke all before the end of January– we will find out quickly if we remain in contention for our first ACC title in 19 years.

Key Returners:

• F Ciera Toomey: 8.8 ppg
• PG Reniya Kelly: 24-25 All-ACC 2nd team; 41% from 3
• G Nyla Brooks: 25-26 All-ACC FR team; 8.6 ppg; 38% from 3
• F Taissa Queroz: 49% as FR in 25-26

Additions:

• Kate Harpring: #1 HS recruit per 247; finished as GA’s all-time leading scorer with nearly 3,500 points
• Noelle Bofia: #57 ESPN; 6’5 C; early-enrollee
• Achol Akot*, 6-1, F, Jr. (12.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg) (oklahoma state)
• Sophie Burrows, 6-2, G, Jr. (11 ppg, 5.8 rpg) (Syracuse)
• Chloe Clardy, 5-9, G, Jr. (12 ppg) (Stanford)

Departures:

• Liza Astakhova, 6-2, F, Fr. (2.1 ppg) → BYU
• Taliyah Henderson, 6-1, G, Fr. (3.7 ppg) → Clemson
• Elina Aarnisalo*, 5-10, G, Soph. (10.2 ppg, 2.9 apg) → UCLA
• Lanie Grant, 5-9, G, Soph. (10.8 ppg) → TCU
• Indya Nivar: 10.6 ppg
• Nyla Harris: 11.4 ppg

2) Louisville: top-heavy team of Zam Jones, Imari Berry, and Taj Roberts will create havoc for opposing backcourts and be amongst the best guards in the league. Baker from VT creates spacing in the frontcourt with Istanbulluoglu and will allow LSU/ECU transfer Joyner a chance to bang in the inside. There appears to be a bigger drop-off following those top 6.

Key Returners:

• Taj Roberts: 13 ppg
• Imari Berry: 11 ppg
• Elif Istanbulluoglu: 10.3 ppg

Additions:

• Aryana Cradle: #36 ESPN; G
• Mya Epps: #70 ESPN; G
• Ayse Melek Demirer: 6’4 from Turkey; avg 17.4 rebounds per game
• Zamareya Jones, 5-7, G, Soph. (14.9 ppg, 3.8 apg, 1.2 spg) (State)
• Carys Baker, 6-2, F, Jr. (14.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg) (VT)
• Deniya Prawl, 6-2, G, Fr. (4 ppg) (Tennessee)
• Amiya Joyner: ECU/LSU; 10 ppg

Departures:
-Laura Ziegler: 11 ppg
-Mackenly Randolph: 8.5 ppg
-Isla Juffermans, 6-4, F, Soph. (2.3 ppg) → Charleston
-Peyton Bradley, 5-9, G, Fr. (3.8 ppg) → UAB
-Anaya Hardy, 6-3, F, Soph. (4.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg) → Notre Dame
-Skylar Jones, 6-0, G, Jr. (8.4 ppg) → Baylor

3) Duke: Duke is back again and will be another good stout defensive team. The question is- where does the shooting come from a team that averaged just 6 makes from behind the arc per game last year and loses its best 2 shooters and how quickly does the backcourt gel and produce at a high level? The backcourt and PG positions will rely on true FR Fleary and Skinner (injured last year 1:2.5 A:TO ratio in small sample size)

Key Returners:
-Toby: 17.3 ppg
-Delaney Thomas: 11 ppg
-Riley Nelson: 9.4 ppg
-Arianna Roberson: 8 ppg

Additions:
***injury Emilee Skinner: Top 10 PG from ‘25
-Autumn Fleary: #13 ESPN, PG
-Bella Flemings: #18 ESPN, G
-Sanai Green: #31 ESPN; G
-Taylor Safikanich: #49 ESPN; C
-Aaliyah Crump, 6-1, G, Fr. (7.9 ppg) (Texas)

Departures:
-Taina Mair: 11.6 PPG
-Hailey Johnson, 5-11, G, Sr. (0 ppg) → Loyola Chicago
-Anna Wikstrom, 5-11, G, Fr. (1.3 ppg) → Colorado State

 

[Carolina151]

Tier 2: These teams are going to be fringe Top 25 teams and if everything happens (along with a lot of luck) they could compete in the regular season for the title.

4) Notre Dame: Hannah Hidalgo. That’s it. That’s the only proven at the P4 level. They add Madison St. Rose from Princeton who can score, but she’s just a 29.6% 3-pt shooter in the Ivy through 4 years. As good as HH was last year, she was just a 25% 3-pt shooter in a down year in that area. This team has major, major concerns with post play, shooting, and most importantly experience. This is a 151 take, but I am always highly, highly skeptical of any player outside of say the Top 20 in the rankings each year to come in and play a major role immediately– much less expect them to be your 3-pt shooters. I stuck them at 4th in the projected conference, but if HH gets hurt– this is a team lucky to get to .500 overall.

Key Returners:
-Hannah Hidalgo: 25.3 PPG, NPOY candidate
-Kelly Ratigan: 1.4 ppg.

That’s it for returners.

Addition:
-Leah Macy: F; RS last year
-Jacy Abii: #9 ESPN, W
-Jenica Lewis: #28 ESPN, G
-Isabella Ragone: #35 ESPN; W
-Amari Byles: #39 ESPN; F
-Isabella Sangha: #83 ESPN; F
-Anaya Hardy, 6-3, F, Soph. (4.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg) (Louisville)
-Madison St. Rose*, 5-10, G, Sr. (15.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg) (St. Rose)

Departures:
-KK Bransford, 5-11, G, Sr. (7.4 ppg, 4 rpg) → UCLA
-Cassandra Prosper: 13.6 ppg
-Iyana Moore: 11.8 ppg
-VDJ: 8.4 ppg
-Mikayla Cowles: 7.8 ppg
-Gisela Sanchez: 5.9 ppg

5) Clemson: Poppie is one of the best coaches in the league at getting the most of his players. He’s got a sneaky athletic group of wings and posts– if they can get good PG play, this is a team that can make some noise.

Key Returners:
-Rusne Augustinaite: 10.6 ppg

Additions:
-Kimora Fields; #34 ESPN; W
-Julia Scott: #41 ESPN; F
-Meeyah Green: #55 ESPN G
-Taliyah Henderson, 6-1, G, Fr. (3.7 ppg) (North Carolina)
-Mackenzie Nelson, 5-8, G, Soph. (8 ppg, 5.7 apg) (Virginia Tech)
-Jenna Lawrence, 6-3, F, Jr. (7.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg) (Arkansas)
-Edie Clarke: 6-4 JR; 7.5 ppg, 5 rpg (St. Mary’s)
-Yakia Milton: 6-5 SR. limited minutes at Southern Cal

Departures:
-Mia Moore: 13.4 ppg
-Taylor Johnson-Matthews: 9.5 ppg
-Rachel Rose: 8.6 ppg
-Demeara Hinds: 7.9 ppg
-Raven Thompson: 7.5 ppg
Hannah Kohn, 5-9, G, Jr. (4.7 ppg) → USF

6) NC State: Wes’ teams always seem to overachieve based on what they have on paper. The program benefits from getting a game lead on the conference with conference bottom of the barrel Wake Forest being the team they are given twice. Gone are the athletic and fast Zam Jones and post Trygger. Back are All-ACC and former Vanderbilt dismissed player Khamil Pierre and do-it-all Zoe Brooks. This is a team that, on paper, once again lacks a consistent shooter and depth in the post appears to be much weaker than last year. Returns combined to shoot just 47-159 (29%) combined last season. Additions from Colorado transfer Wooten (50-142) should help. Leye, a big that shot just 44% at Auburn from the floor, does not appear to make up for what they lost in Jones and Trygger.

Key Returners:
-Khamil Pierre: 18.1 ppg/ 11 rpg (1-4 from 3 last season)
-Zoe Brooks: 17.7 ppg (11-35 from 3 last season)
-Quadence Samuels: 6.8 ppg (17-58 from 3 last season)
-Destiny Lunan: 4.8 ppg (9-30 from 3 last season)

Additions:
-Kamora Pruitt: #40 ESPN; F
-Annsley Trivett; #94 ESPN; F
-Desiree Wooten, 5-8, G, Jr. (13.4 ppg, 2.6 apg) (Colorado)
-Khady Leye, 6-2, F, Soph. (9.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg) (Auburn)
-Favour Assai: Nigeria

Departures:
Mallory Collier, 6-3, C, Jr. (2.6 ppg) → USF
Devyn Quigley, 5-11, G, Soph. (4.3 ppg) → Penn State
Tilda Trygger*, 6-6, F, Soph. (10.6 ppg, 7 rpg) → Washington
Zamareya Jones, 5-7, G, Soph. (14.9 ppg, 3.8 apg, 1.2 spg) → Louisville

 

[Carolina151]

Tier 3: average to slightly above average teams. Some of these will compete for NCAAT bids.

7) Pitt: I actually really like this Pitt teams with the additions of the two Barbot’s. They also add several more mid-major pieces that will be good and serviceable. It is a team that should compete middle of the conference and content for a spot in the NCAAT.

Additions:
-Alancia Ramsey, 6-0, F, Jr. (3 ppg) (Alabama)
-Maysen Hill, 5-11, G, Fr. (3.4 ppg) (Fordham)
-Jami Hill, 5-11, G, Jr. (5 ppg) (Charleston)
-Taylor Barbot, 5-9, G, Jr. (11.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 6 apg) (Charleston)
-Taryn Barbot, 5-10, G, Jr. (20.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.3 apg) (Charleston)
-Ande’a Cherisier, 6-1, C, Jr. (12.9 ppg, 7.7 rpg) (Delaware)
-Avery Watkins, 6-1, F, Jr. (6.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg) (Fresno State)

Departures:

Divine Tumba*, 6-2, F, Fr. (DNP) → West Virginia
Angela Le Faou, 6-5, F, Fr. (0.8 ppg) → Loyola Chicago
Raeven Boswell, G (0.7 ppg – 2024-25)
Audrey Biggs, 6-0, G, Soph. (1.6 ppg) → Miami (OH)
Jayda Queeley, 5-10, G, Fr. (2.2 ppg) → San Francisco
Nylah Wilson, 5-9, G, Fr. (4.2 ppg – 6 games) → West Virginia
Megan Hollingsworth, 6-0, G, Fr. (4.4 ppg) → Boston College
Lauren Rust, 6-0, F, Soph. (5.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg)
Carla Viegas, 5-9, G, Jr. (8.6 ppg) → Duquesne
Angel Jones, 5-4, G, Sr. (9.1 ppg)
Fatima Diakhate, 6-5, F, Jr. (9.4 ppg, 8.9 rpg) → Rutgers
Theresa Hagans Jr., 5-9, G, Fr. (12.5 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.6 spg) → SMU
Mikayla Johnson, 6-1, G, Jr. (13 ppg, 5.1 rpg) → UCF

8)Virginia Tech: borderline NCAAT team with a couple intriguing international prospects. Would expect them to be ~.500 in ACC play.

Key Returners:
-Carleigh Wenzel: 15.1 ppg (and her dad on social media, eye roll)
-Samyah Suffren: 8.8 ppg

Additions:
-Kaleo Anderson: #72 G
-Alyssa Latham, 6-2, F, Jr. (4.7 ppg) (Tennessee)
-Lauren Hurst, 6-2, G, Fr. (2.3 ppg) (Tennessee)
-Natalee Goff: D2 transfer from Emmanuel; 3rd team Conf Carolinas, 15/8; 40% from 3
-Jessica Dimaro: Nigera; played pro in Japan
-Francessa Baldasscre: Italy; avg 14 ppg on Italy U18 team

Departures:
-Spela Brecelj, 6-2, G, Fr. (0.9 ppg) → Cal Baptist
-Kayl Petersen*, 6-0, F, Soph. (2.2 ppg) → Marquette
-Sophie Swanson, 5-10, G, Jr. (2.3 ppg) → Dayton
-Mackenzie Nelson, 5-8, G, Soph. (8 ppg, 5.7 apg) → Clemson
-Carys Baker, 6-2, F, Jr. (14.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg) → Louisville
-Kilah Freelon: 9.5 ppg
-Mel Daley: 8.1 ppg

9) Virginia: They get Kymora back after a brief visit to the portal. They add a good mid-major scorer in Asare from VCU to help with the back-court, but there are major concerts in the front court behind Amanze and on the wings for a first-year coach with a ton of NIL money at his disposal.

Key Returners:
-Kymora Johnson: 19.5 ppg
-Tabatha Amanze: 9.3 ppg

Additions:
-Erica Gribble: #82 ESPN; G
-Janae Walker, 6-3, F, Jr. (2.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg) (Rutgers)
-Caterina Piatti*, 6-4, C, Fr. (4.5 ppg) (Florida)
- Mary-Anna Asare, 5-8, G, Sr. (17.4 ppg, 1.4 spg) (VCU)
-Emilie Brzonova: from Czech
-prospect from Lithuania

Departures:
-Raiane Dias Dos Santos, 5-9, G, Jr. (2.3 ppg) → Stony Brook
-Gabby White, 5-10, G, Fr. (6.1 ppg) → UNC
-Yonta Vaughn, 5-8, G, RS Jr. (7.4 ppg, 4.2 apg – 9 games)
-Sa’Myah Smith, 6-2, F, Jr. (7.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg) → Oklahoma
-Paris Clark: 9.7 ppg
-Romy Levy: 8.2 ppg
-Caitlin Weimar: 7.7 ppg

10) Syracuse: one of the top post players in the league, Izoje, returns and they snag Skinner from SMU out of the portal to run the offense… but they lost 3 double digit scorers and certainly don’t bring in a net positive.

Key Returners:
-Uche Izoje: 15.3 ppg
-Shy Hawkins: 5.4 ppg

Additions:
-Tyi Skinner, 5-5, G, Sr. (13.6 ppg, 3.6 apg) (SMU)
-Sarah Rambus, 6-3, F, Jr. (6.3 ppg) (Oregon)
-Jaleesa Molina, 6-3, F, Jr. (9.9 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.7 spg) (Temple)
-Madison Howard: 2K points in HS, outside of Top 100
-Elif CAYER: Turkey
-Celaine Ricco: France
-Destiny Robinson: outside of Top 100

Departures:
-Aurora Almon, 6-4, F, Soph. (1.2 ppg) → Florida
-Camdyn Nelson, 5-8, G, Fr. (1.4 ppg) → Northwestern
-Justus Fitzgerald, 6-1, F, Fr. (2 ppg) → Hampton
-Jasmyn Cooper, 6-1, F, Fr. (3.3 ppg) → Northwestern
-Madeline Potts, 6-0, G, Soph. (3.5 ppg) → Saint Joseph’s
-Sophie Burrows, 6-2, G, Jr. (11 ppg, 5.8 rpg) → North Carolina
-Laila Phelia: 13.7 ppg
-Dominique Darius: 12.6 ppg

11) Florida State: FSU convinced Sole Williams to return back to campus and snagged baby Nivar out of the portal to help bolster the backcourt. FR big Odom was named to the preseason All-ACC FR team:

Key Returners:
-Sole Williams: 15.1 ppg
-Emma Risch: 6.7 ppg
-Tatum Gree: 6.1ppg

Additions:
-Melissa Odom: #22 ESPN; F
-Morgan Steward: #32 ESPN; G
-Chamiyah Francis: #63 ESPN, F
-Ice Brady, 6-3, F, Jr. (2.5 ppg – 2 games) (UCONN) (out for season)
-Joy Egbuna, 6-3, F, Fr. (1.1 ppg) (Alabama)
-Savannah Henderson, 6-3, G, Jr. (3.8 ppg) (Georgia)
-Aga Makurat, 6-3, G, Jr. (3.2 ppg) (Vandy)
-Jasmine Nivar, 5-10, G, Fr. (11.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg) (Campbell)
-Timaya Lewis-Eutsey, 5-8, G, Sr. (20 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.9 apg) (Marshall)

Departures:
-Pania Davis, 6-6, C, Jr. (7.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg) → USC
-Jasmine Shavers: 12.2 ppg
-Sydney Bowles: 8.4 ppg
-Allie Kubek: 7.5 ppg

12) Cal: Cal looks to remain to be an Iron-5 type of team. They’ll up the rotation to 7 this year and depth issues will be a problem later in the season. They pick up a good guard in Dowell from Missouri and a post from Rhode Island.

Key Returners:
-Lulu Twidale: 16.2 ppg
-Gisella Maul: 9.8 ppg
-Miracle Sheppard: 8.8 ppg
-Taylor Barnes: 8.2 ppg
-Naya Ojuwuku: 6.7 ppg

Additions:
-Carly Amborn, 6-2, G, Fr. (2 ppg) (Stanford)
-Shannon Dowell, 5-10, G, Jr. (14.9 ppg, 6.1 rpg) (Missouri)
-Albina Syla, 6-5, C, Soph. (9.2 ppg, 7.1 rpg) (Rhode Island)


Departures:
-Grace McCallop, 5-10, G, Fr. (0.9 ppg) → Arkansas
-Isis Johnson-Musah, 5-10, G, Fr. (0.9 ppg) → Charlotte
-Lola Donez, 5-11, G, Soph. (2.4 ppg) → Fresno State
-Aliyahna “Puff” Morris, 5-5, G, Fr. (7 ppg, 3.1 apg) → Arizona
-Sakima Walker: 12.5 ppg

 

[Carolina151]

Tier 4: Pretty Bad teams.

12) Miami: just 11 players on roster. Return Gal Raviv and Kimpson. Adds a good mid-major in Corbitt. Brings in a handful of international players that nobody really knows about, but they’ll need to contribute immediately for them to be competitive.

Key returners:
-Gal Raviv: 16 ppg
-Amarachi Kimpson: 11.7 ppg

Additions:
-Dayana Mendes, 6-3, F, Soph. (3 ppg) (USC)
-Gianna Corbitt, 6-1, F, Soph. (15.2 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 2.2 spg) (Chattanooga)
-Jessmine Zodia: France
-Anna Liepina: Latvia
–Maja Uranker: Slovenia

Departures:
- Camille Williams, 5-11, G, Fr. (DNP) → TCU
-Mya Kone, 6-2, F, Jr. (1.1 ppg) → MTSU
-Candace Kpetikou, 6-3, C, Soph. (1.5 ppg) → UCF
-Meredith Tippner, 5-10, G, Fr. (1.7 ppg) → High Point
-Simone Pelish, 6-0, G, Fr. (2.3 ppg) → Villanova
-Danielle Osho, 6-1, F, Fr. (2.5 ppg) → Auburn
-Jessica Peterson, 6-2, C, Sr. (6 ppg, 6.4 rpg – 5 games) → Auburn
-Vittoria Blasigh, 5-9, G, Jr. (6.7 ppg) → UCF
-Rashayla Kyle: 16 ppg

13) Georgia Tech

Key Returners:
-Talaya Walker: 17.5 ppg
-Ines Noguero: 8.3 ppg
-Laniyah Foster: 7.8 ppg

Additions:
-Penda Dieng, 6-3, F, Fr. (0 ppg – 3 games) (Xavier)
-Kyndal Walker, 5-9, G, Fr. (6.8 ppg) (Maryland)
-Jordan Ode*, 6-0, G, Fr. (DNP) (Michigan State)
-Antonia Bates, 6-3, G/F, Sr. (2 ppg, 5 rpg) (Rutgers)
-Sofia Munoz, 5-8, G, Fr. (11.8 ppg, 4.1 apg) (UAB)

Departures:
-McKayla Taylor, 6-1, C, Fr. (DNP) → Alabama State
-D’Asia Thomas-Harris, 6-2, G, Jr. (5.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg) → Arkansas
-Jada Crawshaw, 6-0, F, Jr. (7.2 ppg)
-Catherine Alben: 8.8 ppg
-Savannah Samuel: 7.9 ppg

14) Stanford: Team went just 8-10 in conference and was ravaged in the transfer portal. This is a team that has no above average P4 players besides Swain. Another challenging and down year for a once great program. Has the potential to be a really, really, long season.

Key Returners:
-Hailee Swain: 10.2 ppg
-Eschmeyer: 5.1 ppg
-Ijowye: 2.7 ppg

Additions:
-Jordyn Wheeler: #89 ESPN; G
-Elyse Ngenda: #95 ESPN; G
-Inés Sotelo, 6-3, C, Soph. (6.8 ppg, 4 rpg, 1.2 spg) (Michigan State)
-Ilse de Vries*, 6-3, F, Soph. (12.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg) (Miami OH)
-Kiara Green: ranked well outside the top 100, C
-Gracyn Gillard: outside of top 100; Indiana Gatorade POY

Departures:
-Harper Peterson, 6-3, F, Soph. (1.1 ppg) → Tennessee
-Mary Ashley Stevenson, 6-2, F, Jr. (2 ppg) → Columbia
-Carly Amborn, 6-2, G, Fr. (2 ppg) → Cal
-Lara Somfai, 6-3, F, Fr. (10.8 ppg, 9.1 rpg) → TCU
-Chloe Clardy, 5-9, G, Jr. (12 ppg) → UNC
-Courtney Ogden, 6-1, F, Jr. (12.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg) → Michigan
-Nunu Agara, 6-2, F, Jr. (15.3 ppg, 8.7 rpg) → Maryland

15) SMU: Another long year for Adia Barnes and it couldn’t happen to a better person. At least it can’t get any worse than last year’s clown show that came to Carmichael. Post play and wings will be a major challenge. Decent guard play through King, Hagans, and Arenas.

Key Returners:
-Zahra King: 14.6 ppg

Additions:
-Shania James: #74 ESPN; G
-Zoe Osby: #98 ESPN, 6’1 F
-Adja Kane: France; drafted in WNBA draft 38th overall; averaged just 6/5 last year on 47% from field as a big.
-Camille Nasmith: ranked well outside Top 100
-Kaylin Jackson: ranked well outside Top 100; avg just 12/6 at HS level
-Theresa Hagans Jr., 5-9, G, Fr. (12.5 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.6 spg) (SMU)
-Izela Arenas, 5-8, G, Soph. (6.7 ppg) (Kansas State)
-Grace Ezebilo, 6-1, F, Jr. (6.4 ppg, 12 rpg, 1.7 spg) (Charleston)
-Kinsea Grimes, 6-0, F, Fr. (11.4 ppg, 6.6 rpg) (Coastal Carolina)

Departures:
-Elizaveta Filchagina, 6-2, F, Fr. (0.9 ppg) → Washington State
-Jazzy Gipson, 6-0, F, Fr. (0.9 ppg) → FAU
-Kaysia Woods, 6-0, G, Jr. (4 PPG – 2024-25)
-Donavia Hall, 5-10, G. Sr. (1.8 PPG – 2024-25) → WITHDRAWN
-Grace Hall, 6-2, F, Sr. (4.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg)
-Sahnya Jah, 6-0, F, Jr. (9.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg) → Cincinnati
-Paulina Paris, 5-9, G, Sr. (9.6 ppg)
-Tyi Skinner, 5-5, G, Sr. (13.6 ppg, 3.6 apg) → Syracuse
-Anaya Brown: 6.9 ppg
-Kyla Deck: 10.4 ppg
-Tyi Skinner: 9.6 ppg

16) Boston College: Wake Forest;s Grace Oliver returns home to MA. They bring in 5 international prospects. Expectations are low in Chestnut Hill.
Key Returners:
-Joceleyne Grier: 9.7 ppg

Additions:
-Megan Hollingsworth, 6-0, G, Fr. (4.4 ppg) (Pittsburgh)
-Grace Oliver, 6-1, F, Soph. (14.3 ppg, 6.1 rpg) (Wake Forest)
-Natalia Hall-Rosa, 6-0, F, Fr. (2.6 ppg) (Seton Hall)
-Samantha Davis: well outside of the top 100
-Nora Arozena: F from Spain; avg 15/15
-Daniellie Paunksnyte: Lituania
-Gabriela Bernal Ortellado: Paraguay
-Nuria Ausaverri: Spain

Departures:
-Kennedy Hall, 6-3, F, Fr. (1 ppg – 2 games) → Hampton
-Kaia Henderson, 5-6, G, Jr. (2 ppg)
-Kiera Edmonds, 6-2, F, Soph. (2.1 ppg) → Toledo
-Ava McGee, 5-10, G, Sr. (4.2 ppg)
-Amirah Anderson, 5-11, G, Fr. (7.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg) → Alabama
-Lily Carmody, 5-11, G, Soph. (12.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg) → Northwestern
-Teonni McDaniel: 8 ppg
-Kayla Rolph: 7 ppg

17) Wake Forest: bless their heart. Literally. Wake Forest is a program that is receiving essentially zero NIL funds and it shows. They bring in 5 FR ranked well outside the Top 100. This is a team who is going to lose by 30-40 each night. They simply have zero talent whatsoever.

Key Returners:
-Mary Carter: 11 ppg
-Aurora Sorbye: 7.4 ppg
-Opal Byrd: 5.4 ppg.

Additions:
-McKenzie Swanson, 6-3, F, Fr. (DNP) (Butler)
-Ramiyah Byrd, 5-11, G, Soph. (2.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg) (Cincinnati)
-Breauna Ware, 5-7, G, Jr. (5.4 ppg) (Wisconsin)
-5 FR ranked well outside Top 100.

Departures:
-Kennedy Moore, 6-2, F, Soph. (2.8 ppg) → Montana
-Raven Preston, 5-11, G, Jr. (8.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg – 9 games) → App State
-Caitlyn Jones, 5-8, G, Fr. (8.3 ppg, 2.6 apg) → UCF
-Milan Brown, 5-8, G, Fr. (9 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1 spg) → Georgia
-Grace Oliver, 6-1, F, Soph. (14.3 ppg, 6.1 rpg) → Boston College

 

[6string]

Quite a piece of work. Did your boss know what you were up to?

 

[3397char]

I was about to write that you forgot Stanford when I thought I was near the end. Nope, you didn't. I just did not realize how far they have fallen

 

[HeelOne]

Thanks 151!

Two thoughts: I really wish Henderson would have stayed and I will never underestimate ND.

 

[23UNC]

Mia Moore is returning for Clemson. Announced today. That helps them a lot.

 

[Jriv23]

The time is near. Let's take a look at the ACC this year.

Tier 1 Teams: these 3 teams will compete for a conference championship.

1) North Carolina: adds 3 P4 transfers from the portal that averaged at least 11 ppg each and the #1 prospect in the country. Returns All-ACC FR Nyla Brooks and starting F Ciera Toomey. All-ACC 2nd team member Reniya Kelly enters the season healthy for a group that should be top 3 in the ACC and contend for an ACC title. Question mark- how quickly will they gel? With early ACC games vs State and @ Cuse before New Years and 1x season games at Louisville, vs Notre Dame, and vs Duke all before the end of January– we will find out quickly if we remain in contention for our first ACC title in 19 years.

Key Returners:

• F Ciera Toomey: 8.8 ppg
• PG Reniya Kelly: 24-25 All-ACC 2nd team; 41% from 3
• G Nyla Brooks: 25-26 All-ACC FR team; 8.6 ppg; 38% from 3
• F Taissa Queroz: 49% as FR in 25-26

Additions:

• Kate Harpring: #1 HS recruit per 247; finished as GA’s all-time leading scorer with nearly 3,500 points
• Noelle Bofia: #57 ESPN; 6’5 C; early-enrollee
• Achol Akot*, 6-1, F, Jr. (12.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg) (oklahoma state)
• Sophie Burrows, 6-2, G, Jr. (11 ppg, 5.8 rpg) (Syracuse)
• Chloe Clardy, 5-9, G, Jr. (12 ppg) (Stanford)

Departures:

• Liza Astakhova, 6-2, F, Fr. (2.1 ppg) → BYU
• Taliyah Henderson, 6-1, G, Fr. (3.7 ppg) → Clemson
• Elina Aarnisalo*, 5-10, G, Soph. (10.2 ppg, 2.9 apg) → UCLA
• Lanie Grant, 5-9, G, Soph. (10.8 ppg) → TCU
• Indya Nivar: 10.6 ppg
• Nyla Harris: 11.4 ppg

2) Louisville: top-heavy team of Zam Jones, Imari Berry, and Taj Roberts will create havoc for opposing backcourts and be amongst the best guards in the league. Baker from VT creates spacing in the frontcourt with Istanbulluoglu and will allow LSU/ECU transfer Joyner a chance to bang in the inside. There appears to be a bigger drop-off following those top 6.

Key Returners:

• Taj Roberts: 13 ppg
• Imari Berry: 11 ppg
• Elif Istanbulluoglu: 10.3 ppg

Additions:

• Aryana Cradle: #36 ESPN; G
• Mya Epps: #70 ESPN; G
• Ayse Melek Demirer: 6’4 from Turkey; avg 17.4 rebounds per game
• Zamareya Jones, 5-7, G, Soph. (14.9 ppg, 3.8 apg, 1.2 spg) (State)
• Carys Baker, 6-2, F, Jr. (14.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg) (VT)
• Deniya Prawl, 6-2, G, Fr. (4 ppg) (Tennessee)
• Amiya Joyner: ECU/LSU; 10 ppg

Departures:
-Laura Ziegler: 11 ppg
-Mackenly Randolph: 8.5 ppg
-Isla Juffermans, 6-4, F, Soph. (2.3 ppg) → Charleston
-Peyton Bradley, 5-9, G, Fr. (3.8 ppg) → UAB
-Anaya Hardy, 6-3, F, Soph. (4.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg) → Notre Dame
-Skylar Jones, 6-0, G, Jr. (8.4 ppg) → Baylor

3) Duke: Duke is back again and will be another good stout defensive team. The question is- where does the shooting come from a team that averaged just 6 makes from behind the arc per game last year and loses its best 2 shooters and how quickly does the backcourt gel and produce at a high level? The backcourt and PG positions will rely on true FR Fleary and Skinner (injured last year 1:2.5 A:TO ratio in small sample size)

Key Returners:
-Toby: 17.3 ppg
-Delaney Thomas: 11 ppg
-Riley Nelson: 9.4 ppg
-Arianna Roberson: 8 ppg

Additions:
***injury Emilee Skinner: Top 10 PG from ‘25
-Autumn Fleary: #13 ESPN, PG
-Bella Flemings: #18 ESPN, G
-Sanai Green: #31 ESPN; G
-Taylor Safikanich: #49 ESPN; C
-Aaliyah Crump, 6-1, G, Fr. (7.9 ppg) (Texas)

Departures:
-Taina Mair: 11.6 PPG
-Hailey Johnson, 5-11, G, Sr. (0 ppg) → Loyola Chicago
-Anna Wikstrom, 5-11, G, Fr. (1.3 ppg) → Colorado State

There are four teams that will compete for the ACC conference championship. You left out ND, Carolina 151. There are a tier 1 team because of HH. They beat us last year with two players and you have to respect that. I know some of you may not like ND, but the facts do not lie. They made it to the Elite Eight and we did not. We all saw and know that HH was the difference maker for them last year. She carried the team on her back with little to no help. This is why she is up for National Player of the year again this year. There is no only player in the ACC who is representing the ACC for NPOY but here. This is why she will probably win the ACC player of the year for the 3rd time which will put her in rare space. There are only two other players who have played in the ACC to accomplish this feat. That being Elana. Beard and Kitley. Carolina151 you cannot ignore the facts.

 

[Jriv23]

Quite a piece of work. Did your boss know what you were up to?

I agree with you that that is a great piece of work; however, ND is a Tier 1 team that is the only flaw I see in your assessment Carolina151. HH is a generational talent and you cannot ignore greatness when you see it. As I stated before, she carried that team on her back all the way to the Elite Eight. We did not make it to the Elite Eight. I think so of you forgot that fact. ND also beat us with two main players.

 

[uman1]

Nice work. Very detailed.

 

[Dscottp169]

Tier 4: Pretty Bad teams.

12) Miami: just 11 players on roster. Return Gal Raviv and Kimpson. Adds a good mid-major in Corbitt. Brings in a handful of international players that nobody really knows about, but they’ll need to contribute immediately for them to be competitive.

Key returners:
-Gal Raviv: 16 ppg
-Amarachi Kimpson: 11.7 ppg

Additions:
-Dayana Mendes, 6-3, F, Soph. (3 ppg) (USC)
-Gianna Corbitt, 6-1, F, Soph. (15.2 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 2.2 spg) (Chattanooga)
-Jessmine Zodia: France
-Anna Liepina: Latvia
–Maja Uranker: Slovenia

Departures:
- Camille Williams, 5-11, G, Fr. (DNP) → TCU
-Mya Kone, 6-2, F, Jr. (1.1 ppg) → MTSU
-Candace Kpetikou, 6-3, C, Soph. (1.5 ppg) → UCF
-Meredith Tippner, 5-10, G, Fr. (1.7 ppg) → High Point
-Simone Pelish, 6-0, G, Fr. (2.3 ppg) → Villanova
-Danielle Osho, 6-1, F, Fr. (2.5 ppg) → Auburn
-Jessica Peterson, 6-2, C, Sr. (6 ppg, 6.4 rpg – 5 games) → Auburn
-Vittoria Blasigh, 5-9, G, Jr. (6.7 ppg) → UCF
-Rashayla Kyle: 16 ppg

13) Georgia Tech

Key Returners:
-Talaya Walker: 17.5 ppg
-Ines Noguero: 8.3 ppg
-Laniyah Foster: 7.8 ppg

Additions:
-Penda Dieng, 6-3, F, Fr. (0 ppg – 3 games) (Xavier)
-Kyndal Walker, 5-9, G, Fr. (6.8 ppg) (Maryland)
-Jordan Ode*, 6-0, G, Fr. (DNP) (Michigan State)
-Antonia Bates, 6-3, G/F, Sr. (2 ppg, 5 rpg) (Rutgers)
-Sofia Munoz, 5-8, G, Fr. (11.8 ppg, 4.1 apg) (UAB)

Departures:
-McKayla Taylor, 6-1, C, Fr. (DNP) → Alabama State
-D’Asia Thomas-Harris, 6-2, G, Jr. (5.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg) → Arkansas
-Jada Crawshaw, 6-0, F, Jr. (7.2 ppg)
-Catherine Alben: 8.8 ppg
-Savannah Samuel: 7.9 ppg

14) Stanford: Team went just 8-10 in conference and was ravaged in the transfer portal. This is a team that has no above average P4 players besides Swain. Another challenging and down year for a once great program. Has the potential to be a really, really, long season.

Key Returners:
-Hailee Swain: 10.2 ppg
-Eschmeyer: 5.1 ppg
-Ijowye: 2.7 ppg

Additions:
-Jordyn Wheeler: #89 ESPN; G
-Elyse Ngenda: #95 ESPN; G
-Inés Sotelo, 6-3, C, Soph. (6.8 ppg, 4 rpg, 1.2 spg) (Michigan State)
-Ilse de Vries*, 6-3, F, Soph. (12.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg) (Miami OH)
-Kiara Green: ranked well outside the top 100, C
-Gracyn Gillard: outside of top 100; Indiana Gatorade POY

Departures:
-Harper Peterson, 6-3, F, Soph. (1.1 ppg) → Tennessee
-Mary Ashley Stevenson, 6-2, F, Jr. (2 ppg) → Columbia
-Carly Amborn, 6-2, G, Fr. (2 ppg) → Cal
-Lara Somfai, 6-3, F, Fr. (10.8 ppg, 9.1 rpg) → TCU
-Chloe Clardy, 5-9, G, Jr. (12 ppg) → UNC
-Courtney Ogden, 6-1, F, Jr. (12.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg) → Michigan
-Nunu Agara, 6-2, F, Jr. (15.3 ppg, 8.7 rpg) → Maryland

15) SMU: Another long year for Adia Barnes and it couldn’t happen to a better person. At least it can’t get any worse than last year’s clown show that came to Carmichael. Post play and wings will be a major challenge. Decent guard play through King, Hagans, and Arenas.

Key Returners:
-Zahra King: 14.6 ppg

Additions:
-Shania James: #74 ESPN; G
-Zoe Osby: #98 ESPN, 6’1 F
-Adja Kane: France; drafted in WNBA draft 38th overall; averaged just 6/5 last year on 47% from field as a big.
-Camille Nasmith: ranked well outside Top 100
-Kaylin Jackson: ranked well outside Top 100; avg just 12/6 at HS level
-Theresa Hagans Jr., 5-9, G, Fr. (12.5 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.6 spg) (SMU)
-Izela Arenas, 5-8, G, Soph. (6.7 ppg) (Kansas State)
-Grace Ezebilo, 6-1, F, Jr. (6.4 ppg, 12 rpg, 1.7 spg) (Charleston)
-Kinsea Grimes, 6-0, F, Fr. (11.4 ppg, 6.6 rpg) (Coastal Carolina)

Departures:
-Elizaveta Filchagina, 6-2, F, Fr. (0.9 ppg) → Washington State
-Jazzy Gipson, 6-0, F, Fr. (0.9 ppg) → FAU
-Kaysia Woods, 6-0, G, Jr. (4 PPG – 2024-25)
-Donavia Hall, 5-10, G. Sr. (1.8 PPG – 2024-25) → WITHDRAWN
-Grace Hall, 6-2, F, Sr. (4.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg)
-Sahnya Jah, 6-0, F, Jr. (9.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg) → Cincinnati
-Paulina Paris, 5-9, G, Sr. (9.6 ppg)
-Tyi Skinner, 5-5, G, Sr. (13.6 ppg, 3.6 apg) → Syracuse
-Anaya Brown: 6.9 ppg
-Kyla Deck: 10.4 ppg
-Tyi Skinner: 9.6 ppg

16) Boston College: Wake Forest;s Grace Oliver returns home to MA. They bring in 5 international prospects. Expectations are low in Chestnut Hill.
Key Returners:
-Joceleyne Grier: 9.7 ppg

Additions:
-Megan Hollingsworth, 6-0, G, Fr. (4.4 ppg) (Pittsburgh)
-Grace Oliver, 6-1, F, Soph. (14.3 ppg, 6.1 rpg) (Wake Forest)
-Natalia Hall-Rosa, 6-0, F, Fr. (2.6 ppg) (Seton Hall)
-Samantha Davis: well outside of the top 100
-Nora Arozena: F from Spain; avg 15/15
-Daniellie Paunksnyte: Lituania
-Gabriela Bernal Ortellado: Paraguay
-Nuria Ausaverri: Spain

Departures:
-Kennedy Hall, 6-3, F, Fr. (1 ppg – 2 games) → Hampton
-Kaia Henderson, 5-6, G, Jr. (2 ppg)
-Kiera Edmonds, 6-2, F, Soph. (2.1 ppg) → Toledo
-Ava McGee, 5-10, G, Sr. (4.2 ppg)
-Amirah Anderson, 5-11, G, Fr. (7.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg) → Alabama
-Lily Carmody, 5-11, G, Soph. (12.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg) → Northwestern
-Teonni McDaniel: 8 ppg
-Kayla Rolph: 7 ppg

17) Wake Forest: bless their heart. Literally. Wake Forest is a program that is receiving essentially zero NIL funds and it shows. They bring in 5 FR ranked well outside the Top 100. This is a team who is going to lose by 30-40 each night. They simply have zero talent whatsoever.

Key Returners:
-Mary Carter: 11 ppg
-Aurora Sorbye: 7.4 ppg
-Opal Byrd: 5.4 ppg.

Additions:
-McKenzie Swanson, 6-3, F, Fr. (DNP) (Butler)
-Ramiyah Byrd, 5-11, G, Soph. (2.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg) (Cincinnati)
-Breauna Ware, 5-7, G, Jr. (5.4 ppg) (Wisconsin)
-5 FR ranked well outside Top 100.

Departures:
-Kennedy Moore, 6-2, F, Soph. (2.8 ppg) → Montana
-Raven Preston, 5-11, G, Jr. (8.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg – 9 games) → App State
-Caitlyn Jones, 5-8, G, Fr. (8.3 ppg, 2.6 apg) → UCF
-Milan Brown, 5-8, G, Fr. (9 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1 spg) → Georgia
-Grace Oliver, 6-1, F, Soph. (14.3 ppg, 6.1 rpg) → Boston College

Please explain the vitriol toward Coach Barnes. I thought she was a well-liked coach in general. What have I missed about her?

 

[Dscottp169]

Thanks 151!

Two thoughts: I really wish Henderson would have stayed and I will never underestimate ND.

Spot on for ND. Those freshman are going to play big minutes and will be rocking by mid-January!

 

[Jriv23]

Please explain the vitriol toward Coach Barnes. I thought she was a well-liked coach in general. What have I missed about her?

I agree what is the vitriol towards Coach Barnes? I want to know too. She just got in the ACC. I do not know what she did in the PAC 12 but she was not in our conference. The only thing that I remember was that we went to Arizona and put them at their place during the NCAAT.

 

[Mtns2Sea]

Nice job, Carolina 151. Thanks! I assume your comments about Coach Barnes are related to her pointed comments that she made after her firing from AZ about WBB programs hiring "mid-major, underqualified people" for coaches?

 

[Carolina151]

Nice job, Carolina 151. Thanks! I assume your comments about Coach Barnes are related to her pointed comments that she made after her firing from AZ about WBB programs hiring "mid-major, underqualified people" for coaches?

Correct. Primarily the comment about MMs, but she has a host of controversies and conduct that should not be representative of a coach.

1) MM comment: in April 2025, Barnes gave an introductory interview where she criticized nationwide hiring trends, stating: "It's just a fact, if you look across the country, if you look at all the recent hires, they've all hired mid-major, underqualified people, because they don't really care.

This was after she had inquired about and pushed hard for the Auburn job, but they had no interest in her. They went the route with a smaller coach in Vickers from Norfolk State— who had built a power there. Arizona also went the MM for her replacement. Comment was extremely unnecessary especially from a coach with just a 57% WP% and 17 games below .500 in conf play.

2) contract was not going to be renewed at Arizona and got messy.

3) shooting the bird at an opposing coach

4) once again giving the middle finger and dropping f bombs on camera