<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3jiheT_0w3pnDIW00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3jiheT_0w3pnDIW00" width="1200" height="628" >Iowa State faces a unique challenge with its lineup this season.The Cyclones bring back experience at nearly every spot on the floor, but that returning production is coming off their first season at the college level. Iowa State's 2023 freshman class turned a rebuilding year into a period of ascension, and the Cyclones are shooting for even greater heights entering the 2024-25 season.And to match its talented yet young rotation of players, Iowa State turned to the portal. ISU brought in four transfer additions, adding veteran experience and shooting talent to its already prolific offensive effort. Iowa State's new additions change the flow of a returning roster, but the Cyclones feel each transfer pickup fits seamlessly into the team dynamic."It's like speed dating," head coach Bill Fennelly said at Iowa State's Media Day. "You've gotta get moving because when they go in the portal, you better get ready and you better get organized, and you better have a plan. It worked out. It could not have worked out better for us."The team's 2023-24 season was defined by the rise of star players like center Audi Crooks and forward Addy Brown. The two players averaged double-figures in scoring, while veteran point guard Emily Ryan helped facilitate with 6.9 assists and her own 11.6 points per game.The talent at every level of the floor helped Iowa State develop into its typical high-volume and threatening offense. That level of stardom and playmaking ability was an attractive piece for Iowa State's incoming transfers, Fennelly said."To be honest with you they wanted to play with Emily Ryan and Audi Crooks, to be blunt probably, and Addy Brown," he said. "I think they all really felt like this is a great opportunity."Iowa State added the transfer quartet of guard Lily Hansford, guard Kenzie Hare, guard/forward Sydney Harris and center Lilly Taulelei. Hansford, Hare and Harris bring experience at the high-major level, while Taulelei moves up to the Big 12 after starting 22 games at UMass last season.The group's offensive talent is prominent, with the ability to attack down low or space the floor. Hare leads the collection of transfers in points per game with 14 last season, while Hansford's 45 percent clip from the 3-point line provides the long-range production left by former Cyclone guard Hannah Belanger.Iowa State's returning rotation already proved to be an apt scoring unit, ranking third in the Big 12 in scoring last season as the team relied on deep shooting and dominance from Crooks underneath the basket. ISU's new pieces provide the opportunity for even greater offensive production."All of them know how to score. All of them know how to work hard on the court," Ryan said. "Some of the scoring ability is something that you can't really teach, it's just something that's natural. So they bring a unique aspect to our team in that way."Finding the right fit in the transfer market can be crucial, especially with the portal's shortened recruiting time. And Fennelly believes he's found the right fit in each addition.The pace of play and star talent on the roster were all attractive components for Iowa State's transfer class, and the skill sets of each incoming player complement the system ISU has established with its returning outfit."When I came here, it honestly felt like home right away," Hare said of the transition to Iowa State. "The family atmosphere, it's the culture of the program, it's the coaching staff that's tenured. They've been here."Hare will be one of multiple weapons on the floor for Iowa State, as the team pursues a return to the Big 12 Tournament title game and NCAA Tournament. The adjustment of Iowa State's new influx of transfer talent paired with the established guard of playmakers leaves an expectation of excellence this season.</div></body>

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Iowa State women's basketball blends returning talent and offensive skill in transfer class

Iowa State faces a unique challenge with its lineup this season. The Cyclones bring back experience at nearly every spot on the floor, but that returning production is coming off their first season at the college level. Iowa State's 2023 freshman class turned a rebuilding year into a period of ascension, and the Cyclones are shooting for even greater heights entering the 2024-25 season.

Iowa State women's basketball blends returning talent and offensive skill in transfer class

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