Indiana made three big splashes this offseason via the transfer portal. Minnesota transfer guard Sara Scalia, Oregon transfer guard Sidney Parish and Providence transfer forward Alyssa Geary.
On paper, the rookie trio will join IU’s starting lineup on day one and will use their veteran experience to help Indiana return to the top of the Big Ten. However, Terry Mollen doesn’t want the influx of transfers to become a staple of IU’s program, and he doesn’t want it to be a fallback plan if necessary.
““We’re not interested in becoming a program that includes all transfers. We still feel like we need to mix four-year-old high school kids. One thing I’ve seen is you can get college experience right away this is especially if you’re trying to build up but also if we’re trying to maintain the level of success we’ve had I think you need a combination of the two, but experience certainly counts.”
However, this season won’t be Indiana’s first go-around using the transfer portal.Ahead of the 2020 season, the Hoosiers added former George Mason star guard Nicole. Cardaño-Hillary via the transfer portal, a decision that finally gave IU the last piece needed to form the final Elite Eight team.
But of course, not all transfers are the same, IU is no exception, and not all transfers that many programs want are quick fixes. But if IU’s track record and success rate to date are any indication, the Hoosiers think they’ve found three ideal fits that can be put into production right away.
“We’ve had a lot of success with transfers,” Mollen said. “And I think the key to everything is these kids who have decided to transfer. I would like to move to , where I will have an impact and an important place in the team.”
One player Moren had a particular eye on at IU’s media day was Scalia, who led the Big Ten in three-point shooting at Minnesota last season. understandable. That’s because the Hoosiers’ Kryptonite lacked consistent outside shooting for much of last season.
“Sarah came to the (assembly) hall last year and stuck us seven 3 (-points). So we know she likes this gym and she gave me “So we’re excited about her firepower. A year ago she was one of the best 3-point shooters in the country. So I think she fits in really well.” .”
But Scalia, who hails from a Golden Gophers program that hasn’t had as much success as the Hoosiers in recent seasons, will have to adapt quickly to Indiana’s unique style of play. So it means defense, defense, and more defense.
Scalia’s attacking prowess and performance so far should give IU immediate scoring options, but what intrigued Mollen and IU’s coaching staff most was her ability on the defensive end. is. So far instead of allowing her former habits in Minnesota to flow into her time at IU, Moren said Scalia has fully embraced her IU philosophy on both ends of the court.
“One of the things we were interested in was how much interest she had in defense.” It will be better than we thought, and that’s a good thing.”
Ultimately, there could be some growing pains early in the season as the Hoosiers try to consolidate their new signings and returning players, but given their transfer experience and proven skill set , the transition may turn out to be more seamless than expected.
At the very least, Scalia, Parrish, and Geary must understand the standards set in Indiana.
“Sarah and Alyssa are veterinarians, experienced, understanding expectations and the level of success we have enjoyed,” Mollen said. I think it comes down to process, expectations and standards.”
