As players began to enter the transfer portal in late March, our initial rankings were almost exclusively based on talent.
New that we know where so many key players are headed, potential impact and fit become prominent factors in how the rankings are shaped.
And that’s why there’s a change at the top.
Georgia Amoore has the best résumé of any transfer this offseason and was No. 1 for the first few iterations.
But Kiki Iriafen’s transfer to USC should have a bigger impact than Amoore’s move to Kentucky, especially when Talia von Oelhoffen is also added to the mix for the Trojans.
The rankings have also lost a pair of players with Alabama’s Aaliyah Nye and Notre Dame’s KK Bransford electing to return to their schools.
More than 1,300 players entered the portal since it opened March 18. All college basketball transfers must be in the portal by May 1, and more decisions will be made.
Five players in these rankings, as well as many more who garnered consideration, still haven’t picked their next school.
With Stanford’s move to the ACC and the retirement of Tara VanDerveer, Iriafen’s decision to leave the Cardinal wasn’t a major surprise. That the Los Angeles native landed at USC to play alongside JuJu Watkins also wasn’t shocking.
That doesn’t make it any less impactful. No transfer choice has more ramifications on the 2024-25 national title race than Iriafen to the Trojans.
Iriafen went from role player to star this season, raising her scoring average from 6.7 points as a sophomore to a Stanford-best 19.4 PPG and winning the Pac-12’s most improved player award as a junior. She also pulled down 11.0 rebounds per game.
Iriafen can score in the low post or out to 17 feet with effectiveness. Her efficiency should be a great match to the dynamic Watkins.
