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Cooper’s corner: Both Miami basketball teams reload their roster

Like it or not, the transfer portal has become an integral part of collegiate athletics. For both Miami basketball teams, this portal cycle was a revolving door of talent. Both squads lost some of their biggest stars, however the players acquired in the portal should bring RedHawk fans excitement for next season.

Men’s Basketball

Exits:

Eian Elmer senior guard to Wisconsin

Elmer dominated the court for the RedHawks last season, averaging 12.6 points per game while scoring in over 20 points when needed. Losing an elite do-it-all wing with size leaves a substantial hole that will be difficult for the RedHawks to fill. His ability to rebound, assist and end opponents possessions early will fit right into Greg Gard’s system at the University of Wisconsin.

Brant Byers redshirt-junior forward to Pennsylvania State University

The Pennsylvania native returns to his home state after two seasons as a significant contributor for the RedHawks. Averaging 14 points per game, Byers transferred to Penn State looking to improve the Nittany Lions record of 12-20. The question remains if Byers can handle the jump to the much more physical Big Ten conference, however, he has all the tools to be an elite scorer.

Trey Perry sophomore guard to Coastal Carolina University

Perry entering the portal was not shocking. Although it’s sad to see a local talent have to look for greener pastures, he is an incredible athletic talent, dominant at driving downhill and has an explosive vertical. I was excited to watch his development, but unfortunately it will take place outside of Millett Hall. Perry would have likely been the third or fourth choice for the RedHawks at guard, so the move makes sense to further his career.

New Arrivals:

Stevie Elam sophomore guard from University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee

A dynamic 3-point shooter, Elam seems perfect for head coach Travis Steele’s run-and-gun system. The 6’3 guard averaged 10.5 points per game and just under five rebounds per game last season. The Panthers regularly failed to eclipse the 75 point mark in their games last season, so his scoring average should be even more exciting to RedHawk fans. Expect the sophomore to contribute right away.

Preston Copeland sophomore forward from Ball State University

Last season, Copeland averaged 4.6 points per game and 4.4 rebounds per game. Standing 6’9, he will try to replace the graduating Antwone Woolfolk’s production. Last season for the Cardinals was woeful. They eclipsed 75 points just seven times all season. His averages should shoot up this season if he continues to be assertive in the paint. Expect “Master P” to become a fan favorite with his high-flying dunks around the rim.

Rich Rolf senior forward from Youngstown State University

The 6-foot-7-inch Ohio native joins the RedHawks after a solid year. Averaging 9.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game with a 36.8% mark from beyond the arc, Rolf arrives in Oxford also having spent his first two years at the University of Charlotte. He utilizes his ability to get to the basket, as well as an ability to create shots with stepback moves. The senior should help to fit Byers role of the long, lengthy scorer.

Incoming freshmen

Next season 6’9 forward Alan Horton and 6’4 guard Anthony Fresh will join the RedHawks, likely contributing on the court as well.

Women’s Basketball

Exits:

Ilse de Vries sophomore forward to Stanford University

It is rare to find a player so tailor made for Miami’s system, but de Vries filled the forward role perfectly for the RedHawks. She is dynamic on the pick and roll, but commands the respect of the defense from behind the arc. Averaging 12.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game, her strong interior presence will be a major loss for Miami next season. Next season she will get a chance to shine on a national stage.

Tamar Singer sophomore guard to Butler University

Coming off of arguably Miami’s greatest season as a point guard, Singer decided to enter the portal. She is a dominant disruptor on defense, elite court vision and high scorer. Finishing fourth nationally in assists per game, and already ninth on the Miami all time assist leader board, it will be difficult for the RedHawks to replace what could have been a legend in the red and white.

Macie Taylor redshirt-junior guard unannounced

As a junior guard coming off the bench, Taylor added veteran experienced guard play to the RedHawk offense. Averaging 3.9 points per game and less than an assist per game as a RedHawk, it is unclear where she will play next season.

Emily VanTimmeren redshirt-freshman forward to Western Michigan

Part of Miami basketball for two seasons, VanTimmeren saw little action as a RedHawk. The Michigan native will return to her home to play for a conference rival.

Mio Sakano junior guard to Florida Gulf Coast University

During her junior season, Sakano averaged 1.5 points per game, but consistently featured as a veteran guard who helped reduce minutes for Miami’s highly utilized players.

New Arrivals:

Audrey Biggs junior guard from the University of Pittsburgh

Biggs arrives at Miami as a relatively unproven commodity playing single digit minutes per game for most of the season. When she was given time on the court, her statistics did improve. She will look to take advantage of a hopefully larger role as a RedHawk.

Julianna LaMendola senior guard from Grand Canyon University

LaMendola arrives in Oxford having averaged 11.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. The 6-foot-1-inch guard will add much-needed height to the Miami roster, expect LaMendola to fill a role immediately.

Addison Baxter sophomore guard from Butler University

To a certain extent, Miami and Butler have essentially traded guards. The former Bulldog joins the RedHawks after a productive freshman season. Playing less than 20 minutes in most of her games, Baxter averaged 5.9 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. She will likely be a key contributor to the new look Miami guard rotation.

Jaya McClure redshirt-junior guard from University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)

Although McClure spent last season at UIC, she may be most well known to RedHawk fans for her work at rivals Ohio University. As a Bobcat, she averaged 12.6 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. An already established and successful guard in the conference, McClure should hit the ground running next season.

Incoming freshmen

In addition to the new players from the transfer portal, guards Laia Jove, Brooke Zartman, Adela Plans and Dominika Ullmann will join the RedHawks for the 2026-27 season.

Only time will tell if Miami can reconstruct their successes next season with the new look rosters, however their offseason additions should bolster the depleted rosters. There is already cause for excitement in Oxford, expect success to continue inside Millett Hall.

meneghcj@miamioh.edu

@themeneghetti

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