The Kansas women’s basketball team has added four players over the last two transfer cycles, all of whom share a common trait: they are natives of Kansas.
The latest additions, Sania Copeland (formerly of Wisconsin and from Kansas City) and Brittany Harshaw (previously at Creighton and from Andover), join last year’s acquisitions Ryan Cobbins (formerly of Alabama and from Kansas City) and Skyler Gill (formerly of North Alabama and from Wichita) as homegrown talents on the team.
While each player has their own motivations for entering the transfer portal and criteria for selecting a new school, the geographical proximity to friends and family appears to have been a significant factor in their decisions to join the Jayhawks.
According to Coach Schneider, this factor played a substantial role in Cobbins’ decision, as she wanted to spend her final year of eligibility surrounded by loved ones. Similarly, Gill, who aspired to play at the Power Five level and grew up supporting Kansas teams, found the opportunity appealing.
Last season, Cobbins and Gill made substantial contributions as key reserves for the Jayhawks, with Cobbins particularly bringing energy and versatility to the team. However, following the season’s end, Cobbins graduated, and Gill returned to the transfer portal, eventually committing to Florida Gulf Coast.
With the upcoming season presenting new opportunities, Kansas remains an attractive destination for transfers, especially given the return of starters S’Mya Nichols and Wyvette Mayberry. Nichols, in particular, is highly regarded in the Big 12 for her talent and playmaking abilities. However, beyond these two players, the team lacks experienced depth.
Given the current roster composition and the need for additional talent, players like Harshaw and Copeland, who bring unique skills to the team, find Kansas an enticing destination. The team’s blend of promising young talent and the prospect of immediate playing time makes it an appealing choice for transfers seeking a fresh start.
Despite the existing talent on the roster, Kansas isn’t finished recruiting yet. With two scholarship slots available, the team could potentially target additional players in the transfer portal. Notably, several Kansas natives currently in the portal could be of interest, including Shannon Clarke, Eylia Love, and McKayla Miller, among others.
While Clarke, Doby, and Wilborn may not offer significant playing experience, prospects like Kierscht, Love, and Miller bring valuable skills and experience to the table. Kierscht, in particular, demonstrated her scoring prowess at Presbyterian before suffering a season-ending injury. Love, with her extensive experience at power-conference programs, and Miller, known for her versatility and shooting ability, could also be valuable additions to the Jayhawks’ roster.
Ultimately, while Kansas has had success recruiting transfers from within the state, the team’s immediate needs may require looking beyond its borders to secure the necessary talent, particularly in positions like center where experienced options are scarce.
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