Wrapping Up 2023 – Top 5 Transfers That Dominated NCAA Women’s Division

Quite a few people were amused by this year’s transfer portal listings. While there were hints for some, others chose to enter the portal quite early. On the other hand, some candidates came as a late surprise in the transfer portal. 2023 also had over 1000 NCAA women’s basketball players wanting to switch their homes. From Aneesah Morrow to Diamond Johnson, fans and coaches have had a hard time keeping track of the entries.

Nevertheless, as the year comes to a happy end for many teams, it’s time to check out the top five of these numerous transfers that proved to be a good omen for their new teams.

Top Ladies in the 2023 NCAA transfer portal

Starting the list off with a bang is the new guard for the South Carolina Gamecocks– Te-Hina Paopao. Dawn Staley brought this impactful sharpshooter from the Oregon Ducks. She is a senior this season for the Gamecocks and will help the team win in her three seasons in college basketball. Next up in line is Lauren Betts of UCLA transferring in from Stanford. She is a two-time gold medalist of Team USA and is already proving to be a significant addition to the Bruins. She plays at the center for the team and is leading them in the averages with 16.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game. The team is performing incredibly well with her as they continue their winning streak of 11-0 this season.

Above these powerful women in their new homes is Diamond Johnson. She transferred in from NC State to the Norfolk State Spartans and is currently standing atop the team stats with an average of 20.3 points and 3.3 steals per game. Her free throw percentage is amazing at 75% per game. While the Spartans are having a mix of losses and wins, they have the potential to jump right back up with the talented point guard.

These transfers are undoubtedly doing incredibly well to have come in the top five 2023 NCAA transfers. However, the top two are beginning to be a force to reckon with for their opponents in women’s college basketball.

Who did Kim Mulkey grab for the second NCAA transfer position?

There is no denying that Kim Mulkey is one of the best coaches in NCAA history. This is proven yet again as she brings home this roaring beast of a forward– Aneesah Morrow. It is only her very first season in the LSU after she transferred from DePaul Blue Demons. However, Aneesah is already matching the standards that the most outstanding player of the last season– Angel Reese– has set for the team.

Currently, her averages for the team are 18.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 2.9 steals, and 1.5 blocks. Further, she is also one of the best players in the NCAA women’s division this season. Aneesah has clearly added more strength to the Lady Tigers. As a result, they are beginning to be one of the top teams in women’s college basketball.

Read More: Beyond the Court: Aneesah Morrow’s Journey, Triumphs, and the Roots of Support

When it comes to the topmost transfers of this season, the next player is leaving even Aneesah Morrow behind.

Who stands at the top in the 2023 NCAA transfers in the women’s division?

Without any further ado, the first ranking 2023 NCAA transfer in the women’s division is Kim Mulkey’s Hailey Van Lith. She transferred to the LSU Tigers after being an already strong contender in the Louisville Cardinals roster. The No. 11 point guard of the Lady Tigers is a promising member of the family as she joins Angel Reese. Together they plan to bring their consecutive championship home. Fans know her for taking up skills from legends like Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird. Hailey also draws inspiration from the power forward of the New York Liberty– Breanna Stewart.

Van Lith was ranked No. 1 in the preseason transfers. However, her recent injury has eclipsed her season as she is no longer able to contribute to her team at present. Moreover, it was a good step on Kim Mulkey’s part to let her rest against Louisiana. Definitely, her stats have come down as she has only played 9 of 13 games this season. Nonetheless, her absence is only precautionary as the medical and coaching staff wishes her to completely heal before the Southeastern Conference games starting on January 4, 2024. Come what may, Hailey is definitely a crucial part of the Lady Tigers as they plan on keeping their title as the reigning champions next year too.

This year was full of unexpected departures and arrivals as the players joined teams that could bring out their best on the hardwood. While the season is still on a roll, these top transfers continue to be gems to their new teams.

What do you think about them? Tell us your favorite from this list in the comments below.

Watch This Story- Is Angel Reese Less LSU’s Center Piece Hailey Van Lith Injured?