That isn‘t much production for 24 minutes per game. And it is A10 level. And it is a 3 year commitment. How many roster spots are left? And is she a Big 12 player?
2024-25 Roster/Rotation Additions
- Thread starter Cyforce
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That isn‘t much production for 24 minutes per game. And it is A10 level. And it is a 3 year commitment. How many roster spots are left? And is she a Big 12 player?
Addy is better as a wing. You want to build your team around putting your best players in their optimal position.
College women's basketball has 15 scholarships (rather than the 13 for men's), so there is plenty of room, even if she barely plays or doesn't play.
Frankly, if Taulelei ended up being the only post that the staff is pursuing and the only one they get, then I'd guess that they expect Williams will fill most of the non-Crooks minutes at the 5, and Taulelei would be a depth piece.
She's a freshman, so hopefully there is room for growth.
With Audi, ISU isn't the school for a high level G5 post who would expect big minutes. But ISU has 10-15mpg for a player to earn as Audi's backup. Also in the portal era, coming to play at ISU and in the Big12 would be a great opportunity. If she ups her game, she can always transfer from ISU to an opportunity with more minutes.
Who knows, she might have the athleticism to also play minutes at the 4.
Just want fans to understand she is a developmental player. Potential to develop. But don’t expect a real Impact. She did make A10 All Freshman Team. So she was amongst the best freshmen in the Conference. Definitely worth the scholarship.
Remember also that UMass had a bad team last year. 5-27 record. Won 2 games in the A10 Conference. Developmental player.
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I openly admit I have no idea who 99.9% of these kids are. I trust the staff on this they did a heck of a job with Belanger. At Cy's House of Trivia the talk was 44 from Stanford was asking $200,000. 
I'll let the coaches look for the right pieces.
I'll let the coaches look for the right pieces.
Sounds like she is choosing between Nebraska, Florida, and Iowa st.Another name on the radar:
Lilly Taulelei, 6'3" C/F from UMass. 3 seasons remaining. 6.7 ppg and 2.5 rpg in 24.2 mpg. Did attempt a small number of threes (2 for 8). Decent shooter from the field overall (45%), but needs to work on FT (23-48 for 48%).
Lilly Taulelei - Women's Basketball - University of Massachusetts Athletics
Lilly Taulelei (33) Center/Forward - Before UMass: Contracted player with the Tokomanawa Queens in 2022 ... Made the Wellington U19 Basketball Representati...umassathletics.com
Would be a great young player to play alongside Audi.
Really interesting list there. Nebraska has that whole WBB scandal currently rocking them, Florida I know nothing about, and we have an AA she’s have to sit behind.
Seen as a depth player…exactly what we are looking for.
Taulelei looks like she has potential in her highlights. She is athletic for her size and seals off the defender well when getting offensive position.
Don’t get me wrong, Dauda is an absolute stud, but I’d be shocked if she came here. 1)Every major school - South Carolina, UCONN, Texas - have been in contact.
2) not sure we’d have the NIL to compete
3) Planting her and Audi in the post spells disaster against teams with similar offensive schemes to our own
Hansford would be a huge win. Fits our scheme perfectly. Taulelei gives me Isnelle vibes in terms of production. Not necessary getting a step up, but just finding someone who can put in minutes so Audi can get a breather.
2) not sure we’d have the NIL to compete
3) Planting her and Audi in the post spells disaster against teams with similar offensive schemes to our own
Hansford would be a huge win. Fits our scheme perfectly. Taulelei gives me Isnelle vibes in terms of production. Not necessary getting a step up, but just finding someone who can put in minutes so Audi can get a breather.
Definitely agree. Hansford would be a great fit and a great weapon. She’s not going to fill that Natabou/backup 5 spot being 6’2 and pretty thin. Would almost prefer Nelly to come back to provide that depth we’d need against physical teams if Audi gets in foul trouble.
Hansford is a guard, not expected to fill the Nelle roll. That would be taulelei.
1 - Fantastic that we were able to get a backup post at all. Probably a hard sell to anyone. Seems she will be a decent fit in a Nelly-esque, but younger so maybe can learn a bit this year.
2 - Glad everyone freaked out that the sky was falling. Seems we landed on our feet just fine.
2 - Glad everyone freaked out that the sky was falling. Seems we landed on our feet just fine.
