The 2023 women's college basketball season is upon us. With fans looking for great performances from schools such as LSU, UConn, and South Carolina, this season is sure to be one for the books. The transfer portal was especially busy this season, compared to past seasons. Here are some of the top players fresh out of the transfer portal to look out for this upcoming season.
Hailey Van Lith: Louisville to LSU
This past season, Hailey Van Lith was one of the most eye-catching players in women's college basketball. Her flashy playstyle, such as her explosive three-point shooting, are sure to get the casual fan interested in watching. Last season, she averaged 19.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists for Louisville. Her decision to enter the transfer portal as a graduate transfer was shocking, especially since she spent all four years of her collegiate career at Louisville. Van Lith is sure to play a major role in LSU's process in trying to repeat for a national championship. She is sure to shine among an already stacked roster, with players such as Angel Reese, Flau'Jae Johnson, and Aneesah Morrow.
Te-Hina Paopao: Oregon to South Carolina
Te-Hina Paopao was the starting point guard to lead Oregon during the post-Sabrina Ionescu era. Paopao averaged 13.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in her junior season with the Ducks. Playing alongside players such as Kamilla Cardoso, who had a huge role in South Carolina's push for the championship, is sure to help get South Carolina back to that number one spot in the rankings.
Aneesah Morrow: DePaul to LSU
Aneesah Morrow was one of the most heavily recruited transfers this offseason. Before choosing LSU, she was considering schools such as USC and South Carolina. Averaging 25.7 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2 assists for DePaul, Morrow was sure to make an impact on whichever team she ended up deciding to play for. For LSU, acquiring players such as Morrow and Van Lith can help make that push for a repeat championship just a little easier.
Kennedy Todd-Williams: UNC to Ole Miss
Kennedy Todd-Williams was an important piece in North Carolina's team. Spending her first three years at North Carolina led her to become a staple in their team. Her decision to enter her name into the transfer portal was also shocking to many fans. Ole Miss is fresh off of a historic season, with an appearance in the Sweet Sixteen in the March Madness tournament. Acquiring Todd-Williams will help Ole Miss get a chance to go back to the tournament this season.
Lauren Betts: Stanford to UCLA
Lauren Betts was the number one recruit out of the class of 2022. Initially, she chose to play for Tara VanDerveer at Stanford. Her decision to enter the transfer portal as a freshman was shocking to many, especially for people wondering what Stanford would look like after the Cameron Brink era. Betts averaged 5.9 points and 3.5 rebounds in just ten minutes a game. Betts has a very high ceiling with her skill level, and her transfer to UCLA is sure to give her a breath of fresh air and the fresh start she needs. UCLA is also one of the teams that are sure to try to make a push for the championship this season.
These players are just a fraction of the amount of talent that the NCAA has to offer when it comes to women's basketball. There will be many teams that will fight for a chance to get their hands on the national championship trophy. The NCAA women's basketball season will start on November 6, 2023.
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