Drury Panthers

[crazznewt]

Molly Miller picked up one of Caldwell's players from the portal. Ruby Whitehorn was expected to be one of the best guards in the country last season, but didn't play because of legal issues.She was a double figure scorer for Tennessee 2 seasons ago.

[Bballfan]

Never sure about players with legal issues or injury history.

Here is a stat I picked up today. 27% of women's players in the portal, are in the portal for at least a SECOND time. I know of one woman who is from my area has now transferred to her FOURTH school since starting college. That is absurd and ridiculous.

Then I read some tweets of these players. A year ago they were 110% committed to playing for school X. Fast forward another year and they are now leaving school X for a new destination.

I guess not so committed to school X as they stated!

[crazznewt]

I wonder how many transfer because of normal stress or burnout instead of learning to deal with these issues. We are making avoiding responsibility, commitments, and difficult situations acceptable.

[Bballfan]

Most certainly are.

And here is one that will cause a ripple in the D2 Midwest Region for women. Amy Egan's successor has been named...

https://x.com/TaliaGoodmanWBB/status...715137766?s=20

[crazznewt]

I'm not saying he won't have success, but he had a very obvious advantage at Grand Valley over most of D2. Let's see how he does where the playing field is more level.

[panthersclawz1]

So far the Drury men's coaches are 3/3 on their wish list of commitments. TDB on if they translate to this level. They're older players to help compliment the young core. Caison Cole and Judah Vignery have announced their commitments. Vignery was heavily recruited by GLVC champion William Jewell but chose Drury, which is a promising sign. Will hold off on the third name since he hasn't announced yet. A lot to like on paper, but you never know with JUCO transfers. Foster and his staff have always been good recruiters. They certainly have a tall task ahead this coming season with losing Hardrick, Howell, and Stubbs. But I've heard they're thrilled with their top three commits.

The Drury women will be bringing in a large class again after most of Bailey's freshman class last year didn't see consistent minutes aside from Stratton. Several of them will not return. Their incoming class so far is headlined by Emma Akins from Mountain View, Arkansas, Josie Salazar from Kickapoo High School in Springfield, and Sam Becker out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Akins is an all-state 6'0 guard who already has a strong frame entering college. She has all the tools to be the next great Lady Panther. Becker is a winner, skilled and was coached by the father of Lady Panther great, Caitlynn Daniels. Many will know Josie Salazar out of Kickapoo as well, who has promising ability to get downhill and is also an all-state player. She's somewhat limited offensively as of now, but has strong potential to be elite defensively. Bailey really needs to get this class right with Mendel and Gibbons playing their final seasons next year. They definitely need to find a real starting power forward. Starting Stratton, a shooting guard, out of position as a freshman against real forwards went about as most expected. I expect her to play better in her natural role next season. In addition to a starting forward, they need one more consistent scorer, regardless of position. If they can find those final two spots, they could take a big leap next year with more athleticism, defensively ability and overall returning experience.

[crazznewt]

Thank you for the update, both teams have some good players returning. Hopefully there is enough continuity to avoid another slow start for each team. Is Rhi for sure returning next season?

[Bballfan]

I'm not saying he won't have success, but he had a very obvious advantage at Grand Valley over most of D2. Let's see how he does where the playing field is more level.

Quite frankly I am shocked he is leaving. I know he has turned down a number of head coaching opportunities in D2. It was my belief he was hanging around to be Coach Williams' successor.

The hottest D2 assistant job in the country is now available. If they don't hire internally there will be coaches with head coaching experience that will try for that job with the hope of being the next head coach when Williams retires.

[crazznewt]

Drury is blessed the best inside players for both teams are returning. I'm pleasantly surprised Keshaun Thomas decided to return for his sophomore season. He averaged 15 and 7.6 while not backing down to anyone. Sara Mendel averaged a double double and led the nation in field goal percentage for the women. Agreed there have been some one dimensional players playing out of position the last three seasons for the women, and depth has been an ongoing issue. Bailey has had more coaching success than she's had recruiting. I know the portal hasn't helped. Mendal, King, Gibbons for the women, and Thomas, Epps, Sargeant are great players to build around.
Also, the price of admission needs to come down IMO.

[Bballfan]

Some GLVC women's bball news:

• UIndy hired what their third coach in four years or so? Believe the last two coaches lasted two years each. Hired some dude from the south who has coached D3 and NAIA.
• Hearing Lewis women have 3 players left that are not either graduating or hitting the portal. Doesn't appear that new hire is working out too well for them.

Drury women should be the favorite to win the league next year.

[crazznewt]

Maybe. There has been 3 different winners of the Women's GLVC Championship since Drury last won. At least Drury has been in the conversation every season while the others haven't. If Gibbons returns, I like their chances.

Paige Robinson is still playing basketball at a high level:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DW4tZ...5mcThnNnpnbnVx
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWORL...llN25yNnp2YXJn

Crazy that the men's national champion basketball team had a payroll of $10 million.

[panthersclawz1]

Thank you for the update, both teams have some good players returning. Hopefully there is enough continuity to avoid another slow start for each team. Is Rhi for sure returning next season?

It was indicated to me that Gibbons has told multiple people she will be returning next year for her last season.

[crazznewt]

Rhi Gibbons is officially returning next season for the Lady Panthers! Like Clawz posted, one or two more key additions is all they need to be very good. If they at least have production from every starter in their rightful positions, look for more prestigious post season honors for Mendel, Gibbons and possibly Junior to be, Kaylee King. Also, look for much better production from a healthy Halliday, who played excellent ball after sitting for three seasons with injuries. What an amazing comeback for her.


It was just a matter of time. Former Drury National Player of the Year, Paige Robinson, will report to the Atlanta Dream training camp on the 19th. The Dream"s first game is 10 days later in Chicago. If she makes the cut, she will be teammates with Angel Reese. This will be interesting.

[crazznewt]

Wow, Drury legend Molly Miller and staff are having great success recruiting major impact players from the portal and high school ranks. This includes very athletic transfers from Tennessee, Michigan State and Central Michigan and a 4 star high school recruit among others. At this point, Arizona State looks like they will be a team to watch in the big 12 as this portal didn't hurt them.


I stumbled upon this. Looks like 6th grade basketball. I wonder how good this kid will be.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXLE2...lkN3VpYXIwb2Zh

[crazznewt]

Starting today, Paige Robinson is part of the Atlanta Dream training camp that Includes Angel Reese and former Springfield Kickapoo Chief/Baylor Lady Bear Bella Fontelroy, plus 16 others.
Also saw Paige signed a contract to return overseas for the '26-'27 season where she is a popular player in the women's leagues.