This season is officially a wrap. It was a solid, if not great, year. Really curious to see what everyone thinks the team will look like next season. We know Kiki is gone, as well as Lavender. We don't know about Zippy, Kristina, or Manu. All could be back or all could be gone. There are two freshmen coming in with one guard (Myka Perry) and one forward (Frieda Buhner). I look for there to be a few transfers out and a few in... right now we have the following ELIGIBLE: Zippy, Kristina Manu, Nina, Dur Jordyn, Brynn, Toonders Alberte, Jeriah, Wyche twins Myka, Frieda We have one spot officially open. I think/hope Zippy returns and that has to be Kelly's priority one in recruiting. I think we likely see Kristina and/or Manu move on as both are technically seniors, and I feel like we have a need for a true post so I could see at least one of Dut/Toonders leaving. The portal and JUCO recruiting is going to be pivotal for Kelly to start out her first official season as HC on the right track. I think we still add 3-4 players to the roster for next season. Some names I would love to see us pursue... Anaya Boyd Jordyn Jenkins Nyayongah Gony Rickea Jackson Gabby Elliott Kierra Fletcher
For anyone interested, here is a good look at what is available in the portal. This guy does an amazing job. Women’s Basketball Transfers: D-I, 2021-22 - WBB Blog
Team was not the same post injury. Not really competitive thereafter. One player can make all the difference in basketball. Gators don’t have much depth currently. Great season by Lady Gators, but team needs additional talent to compete annually in the SEC. Could and likely will regress next year
I think they had regressed prior to the injury (only really 2 games without Kiki), but a player here and there does make a huge difference. If Kelly can recruit and gets us a few more pieces we could be better. If she doesn't we could be in for a tough season.
I have never really followed women's basketball, but Coach Finley's team was a good story this year, so about the mid-way point of the season I started following the team. I know it is March Madness and everyone is obsessed with coach Golden on the men's side, but do any Gator sites provide any coverage of Lady Gator Basketball outside of the season? Just curious if there are any news sources to learn more about the team? Thanks.
OT Another honor for Kiara Smith! She's a for the WBCA Division I Coaches' All-America team! : bit.ly/3JGmKQb
We definitely have some holes in recruiting atm... not had a commit since last year when Buhner committed. No 23's or transfers yet but that portal us filling up with prospects. If Kelly is going to succeed she needs a big year in the portal IMO. Wish we knew exactly how many slots we have.
So the portal is filling up in a hurry. Several of the names I had hoped for are committing elsewhere but other SEC schools have had a lot of departures. UGA lost their coach to A&M so had some transfers and decommits (Janiah Barker is one) and Kentucky just got gutted with transfers.
Dre'una Edwards and Aijha Blackwell would help out tremendously. I guess it depends on whether Coach Finley is a good closer and if those players fit the culture that she wants to build in the locker room.
Kristina in the portal, not surprising because her minutes decreased steadily over 4 years. She was a good teammate and stayed committed and always stepped up when needed. Thanks to Kristina and wish her success
Glad she was a Gator, but for us to make another step forward we probably need at least more spot to open up IMO. We now have 2 ships... would think we'd like to have at least 3 in this portal market.
Saw where the portal is at 800... just a massive amount of players out there. Recruiting has definitely changed.
Off topic, Kinda. Kelly Rae Finley Named Spalding Maggie Dixon Rookie Coach of the Year Recipient - Florida Gators
