This is an edited compilation of various posts about candidates in the transfer portal who might fit ND's roster needs.
Most of us think the ND roster -- currently at 8 active players -- needs a minimum of two players for the front court and maybe one for the backcourt. Maybe. Here's a listing of players, divided by their academic/eligibility status.
Undergraduates
(listed in my order of druthers)
- Timea Gardiner, 6’3, junior-to-be, who averaged 11.6 ppg and 7 rpg for an Oregon State team, including 20+ performance against ND in the NCAA.
One of the best forwards remaining in the portal.
Druthers: ND was one of six finalists during high school and there have been coaching changes at two of those: Stanford and Arizona State. Gardiner is from Utah and that school, with an opening at forward, could be a logical destination. So, IMO, could ND.
- Maryam Douda, redshirt junior, a 6'4" forward from Arkansas who started all 33 games, playing 946 minutes (28 mpg. She scored 10.1 ppg, shooting 45% from the field (32% from three) and 67% from FT line. Snared 6.3 rpg, had 24 steals and blocked 74 shots (By contrast, Kylee Watson led the Irish with 44).
Druthers: Could be a defensive presence for Irish, spelling Koval or Westbeld.
- Mary Ashley Stevenson, sophomore to be and a 6'2" forward from Purdue who played 34 games and started 33, putting in some 950 minutes (28 mpg).
She scored 9.7 ppg on 41% overall shooting from field and 82% from the FT line. Snared 5.1 rpg; blocked 15 shots and had 22 steals.
Druthers: If she accepts reserve role, could learn tremendously from Westbeld, while growing with Koval.
+
Guards for Consideration
(With KK Bransford back, this is highly unlikely, but check "druthers" why they're on this list.)
Domerduck...don't faint. However, if you can't beat 'em, have 'em join you.
- Lily Hansford, Junior-to-be, 6’2 guard from Oregon State who averaged 5.1 ppg on 44% shooting, including 45% from three.
Druthers: This suggestion is being made only if Emma Risch's recovery might take longer than thought (prepare for the worst). While Emma is largely expected to blossom, Hansford has done this. She's from Appleton, Wisconsin, so geography could factor into it. And she's used to limited minutes.
- Donovyn Hunter, Soph.-to-be 6’0 Guard from Oregon who averaged 6.8 ppg, 3.7 apg. Started throughout season as a freshman and is a bull-dog defender.
Druthers: What? With our point guards? Here me out. If she would be ok with backing up Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles, it's a pretty good bet that Olivia will go pro in her "normal" class. Then, Hunter can join Hannah in a drop-dead-defensive backcourt.
Seniors/Grad Student Posts/Forwards with One Year Left
(in alphabetical order)
- Khadija Faye, Grad. transfer, 6'4" post/power forward from Texas, who largely came off the bench in an abbreviated season to average 5.5 ppg and 3.5 rpg. Known as a rebounder, defender in Coach Schaefer's system. Went to Catholic high school in Florida so may be so inclined.
Druthers: Could be a combination sub for Koval, Westbeld.
- Liza Karlen, Grad. Student, 6’2" forward who was an All-Big East selection for Marquette while averaging 17.7 ppg and 7.9 rpg. Has visited Notre Dame, but also posted pics of her practicing with Golden Eagles.
Druthers: Was undersized power forward who performed very well. Irish brought her in before Westbeld committed to coming back. Will that cut off mutual interest?
- Liatu King, Grad. Student, 6'0" wing from Pittsburgh who averaged 18.7 ppg, 10.3 rpg in a break-out year for the Panthers. Has visited Notre Dame.
Druthers: With Westbeld, KK Bransford and Cass Prosper all coming back, will she see enough time on the floor to fulfill WNBA ambitions? On other hand, she'd practice against the best and have Carlos Knox to work with...
- Faith Masonius, Grad student, 6'1" forward who is a poor-man's Saylor for Maryland, averaging 6.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 2.5 apg. Played with Mabreys in high school, so Niele probably knows her. Smart, tough, leader.
Druthers: Total NJ-influenced choice! She's started for years and just might accept being a key substitute for a run at an NC. Plus, she could hang with Dara...
- Cameron Williams: Grad. Student, 6'3" Forward from Michigan & Chicago South Side. Tough player who averaged 7.5 ppg and 4.6 rpg.
Druthers: Since she is used to finding time starting and coming off bench, she might accept a rotation.
+
Senior/Grad Guards for Consideration/Depth
- Leilani Kapinus, Senior-to-be 5’10 guard who averaged 11.5 ppg and 6.8 rpg at Penn State. Tough all-round guard who could play defense, rebound and score from mid-range in.
Druthers: Probably not necessary now that KK is coming back, but one never knows what she's after in her last year. Kapinus was a linchpin for PSU Coach Carolyn Kieger: what does she want now?
- Bronagh Power-Cassidy, Grad. student from Holy Cross. A 5'10" combo guard and Patriot League Player of the Year who averaged 16.8 ppg and 5 rpg per game.
Druthers: Would need to accept reduced time,but could play multiple roles for the Irish. She's another player that Coach D'Amico Graves could give insight into, give the Patriot League rivalry between BU and Holy Cross.
-