Big 12 Portal Thoughts: Kansas State Women Primed To Succeed
For the second straight season, the Kansas State Wildcats women’s basketball team looks like it will be one of the most experienced team in the Big 12 Conference.
That doesn’t mean that the Wildcats — who reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament — haven’t been active in the transfer portal. But, because of all of the returning experience, the Wildcats have been able to target what they need to improve on last season.
In this edition of Portal Thoughts we take a look at where the Kansas State women are now and what’s left to do this offseason.
Kansas State’s Losses (2)
The Wildcats lost forward guard Gabby Gregory, as she ran out of eligibility after the season. She’s the most significant player the Wildcats must replace. K-State will miss her scoring as much as her leadership next season.
The only other loss is guard Rebekah Dallinger, who was a senior last season and is not on the 2024-25 roster.
Kansas State’s Transfer Losses (2)
Two Kansas State players entered the transfer portal. Forward Heavenly Greer will be back in the Big 12 next season as she’s already committed to Arizona State. Ja’Mia Harris, a combo guard, is in the portal and looking for a landing spot.
Kansas State’s Transfer Gains (2)
Temira Poindexter is transferring to the Wildcats after three seasons with Tulsa. Last year she averaged 21.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.5 blocks. She was also the American Athletic Player of the Year. The 6-foot-1 guard looks like the obvious replacement for Gregory.
Forward Kennedy Taylor was at Missouri State last season, where she averaged 10.7 points and 7.1 rebounds. She was Third-Team All-MVC last season. She should settle into a rotation in the frontcourt.
Kansas State’s Recruiting Gains (1)
Kansas State’s only Class of 2024 signee is Finley Ohnstad, a guard from Lakeville South High School in Elko New Market, Minn. She was All-State last season and holds the school’s all-time scoring record. Given the depth on this team, Ohnstad could redshirt and be ready to contribute for the 2025-26 season.
Set to Return (11)
Center Ayoka Lee is returning for one more season, as she passed on the WNBA Draft. The league will be waiting for her after next season. But she’ll get one more shot to help elevate the Wildcats past the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament.
Three other starters return — guards Serena Sundell, Brylee Glenn and Jaelyn Glenn.
Assuming Poindexter starts, which seems logical, the Wildcats have a deep bench, led by returnees Zyanna Walker, Taryn Sides, Eliza Maupin and Gisela Sanchez.
Walker is offensive firepower off the bench, Sides can score and facilitate the offense, while Maupin and Sanchez can back up Lee and add something different to the offense when on the floor.
Mikayla Parks, Imani Lester and Alexis Hess are all expected back, but will have to fight for playing time.
What’s Left?
With 14 players on the roster, the Wildcats are essentially done, especially now that the transfer portal window is closed. Right now they look like a team that can go 10 deep, use interchangeable pieces on the floor and be a prime candidate to win the Big 12 next season.
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
