The number players returning really does not mean much anymore with the transfer portal. Its the team who can bring in quality players from the portal and how they can play together as a team

(04-18-2025 04:19 PM)Fort Bend Owl Wrote:  I think our backcourt was set with Ennis and Flores. We just need a third cog to rotate in and out (although incoming freshmen might fit in there too).

I’d be more concerned if the Va Tech transfer could compete right away or not. I’m not sure what we’re getting with the Swede (although I think FAU’s 6-6 post from Sweden transferred to Texas so that could be encouraging - if the Rice recruit is equal to her, talent wise).

I’m also more concerned about losing one of our four starters (counting Adams even though she was just a part time starter). Right now, we have more returning than just about any other school in conference (with the possible exception of Tulane?). USF only returns two starters and one bench player of note. UNT and UTSA also have lost some big parts to their teams.

Ndjakalenga Mwenetanda from Texas is or will be in the transfer portal. I think Rice has a chance to get her if they try based on her background and her drive for a good education rather then just bench players at other Power 4 colleges.

(04-19-2025 07:19 PM)Texasowl Wrote:  Ndjakalenga Mwenetanda from Texas is or will be in the transfer portal. I think Rice has a chance to get her if they try based on her background and her drive for a good education rather then just bench players at other Power 4 colleges.

I hope you’re right. She has real talent. But luring her to S Main will be a huge task.

We are currently out of scholarships unless something changes over the next two days.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not sure either new transfer will be an immediate impact player (at the level of say Flores or Sussy). But they will be rotation players for us.

Both are from recent top 10 programs and were highly regarded recruits when they signed. Both were like 11th in the rotation this past year of schools that just didn’t sub much. But Va Tech had another freshman big with similar PT go to Kansas State, and Duke had another PG with similar time go to Notre Dame.

My guess is the big will be similar to the Cal transfer. And the Belgian guard could be comparable to Klacsek although she seems to be more of a point guard. If they develop, maybe they become bigger impact players than that.

First class of 2026 recruit is Kaylen Sta. Maria, a 5-8 point guard out of Ontario, Canada. Actually, she has already signed her LOA. We have had good success with our Canadians (Ennis), so its probably a good start.

At least two more scholarships for the upcoming class. We absolutely will need some inside players and it wouldn’t surprise me if we go the transfer route for size.

Any news on any other recruits?

Rice picked up a 2027 recruit, Elise Siganto. She is an Australian women's basketball player from Bulimba, Queensland. Standing 6 feet 2 inches as a power forward and center, she plays for Pride Pathways Australia and the QLD Capitals.

• NCAA Division I Offers: Received over 20 Division I offers, including from Louisiana Tech, Richmond, Samford, Buffalo, and others.

https://www.fieldlevel.com/app/profile/e...tballwomen
https://www.instagram.com/elise_siganto/

(10-21-2026 06:10 PM)dragon2owl Wrote:  Rice picked up a 2027 recruit, Elise Siganto. She is an Australian women's basketball player from Bulimba, Queensland. Standing 6 feet 2 inches as a power forward and center, she plays for Pride Pathways Australia and the QLD Capitals.

• NCAA Division I Offers: Received over 20 Division I offers, including from Louisiana Tech, Richmond, Samford, Buffalo, and others.

https://www.fieldlevel.com/app/profile/e...tballwomen
https://www.instagram.com/elise_siganto/

Nice. Video reminds me a lot of Shelby Hayes.