{"id":220245,"date":"2025-09-12T07:04:11","date_gmt":"2025-09-12T07:04:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/220245\/"},"modified":"2025-09-12T07:04:11","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T07:04:11","slug":"column-way-too-early-season-predictions-for-penn-state-womens-basketball-penn-state-basketball-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/220245\/","title":{"rendered":"Column | Way-too-early season predictions for Penn State women\u2019s basketball | Penn State Basketball News"},"content":{"rendered":"

Penn State entered this summer in a rough position, barely able to put enough players on the court.<\/p>\n

After a few weeks of big-name recruits committing to the Lady Lions and the arrival of its new freshmen, Penn State is in a better place this fall, entering the season as one of the better teams in the Big Ten.<\/p>\n

Here are some way-too-early predictions for the Lady Lions\u2019 2025-26 campaign, which kicks off on Nov. 3 against Bucknell.<\/p>\n

\u2018New\u2019 Lady Lions will lead team in scoring<\/strong><\/p>\n

Last season, the blue and white saw most of its scoring come from Gracie Merkle and Moriah Murray.<\/p>\n

While the dynamic duo will be back in action this year, so will Rutgers transfer Kiyomi McMiller and freshman Shayla Smith.<\/p>\n

\"Women's<\/p>\n

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Guard Gabby Elliott (0) shoots the ball during the Penn State women’s basketball game versus Rutgers at the Jersey Mike’s Arena on Sunday, March 2, 2025 in Piscataway, NJ. The Scarlet Knights beat the Lady Lions 75-70.<\/p>\n

Noah Aberegg<\/p>\n

McMiller led the Scarlet Knights in scoring during her freshman year, averaging 18.7 points per game. The Silver Springs, Maryland, native drew comparisons between her and NBA star Kyrie Irving, saying, \u201cShe has that flair and style to her game, and it’s basically made to be a highlight reel.\u201d<\/p>\n

This summer, the former Rutgers star played in the 2025 FIBA COCOBA Championship, where she put up 36 points in the bronze medal match.<\/p>\n

Likely taking the court next to McMiller, Smith comes as one of Philadelphia\u2019s most decorated high school athletes.<\/p>\n

Smith was the fastest player in her league to reach 1,000 points \u2014 a record previously held by South Carolina coach Dawn Stanley \u2014 and became Philadelphia\u2019s all-time leading scorer, breaking the 2,500-point marker.<\/p>\n

With Murray still in the lineup, expect these two new faces to make big gains for the blue and white and sit at the top of the team\u2019s stat sheet.<\/p>\n

Finish top-five in Big Ten<\/strong><\/p>\n

Despite finishing last in the Big Ten last season, much more is in store this year for the blue and white.<\/p>\n

The Lady Lions managed only one conference win in the 2024-25 season, yet seven of their losses were by single-digit margins.<\/p>\n

Things will be different this season, however. In addition to McMiller\u2019s commitment to Penn State and Smith\u2019s arrival, it also retained Murray and Merkle, who both entered the transfer portal but ultimately returned to Happy Valley.<\/p>\n

Murray announced to fans at Penn State\u2019s Be a Part from the Start \u2014 the school\u2019s annual freshman pep rally \u2014 that they will see the Lady Lions in the March Madness tournament this year. To do so, they will have to finish near the top of the Big Ten.<\/p>\n

While taking down top teams like UCLA and USC will be difficult, Penn State can get wins over Rutgers, Purdue, Michigan, Wisconsin and other Big Ten teams it fell to last year.<\/p>\n

\"Women's<\/p>\n

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Guard Gabby Elliott (0) scores a basket during the Penn State women’s basketball game against Purude on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 in the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pa. The Boilermakers defeated the Lady Lions 92-85.<\/p>\n

Geraldine Cruz<\/p>\n

Nationally-recognized guard room<\/strong><\/p>\n

Coming off a season where the team\u2019s only Big Ten honor was Merkle\u2019s honorable mention, the Lady Lions should be receiving more love this season.<\/p>\n

The guard room specifically will boast several top Big Ten honors and even national honors as it makes itself known as one of the best backcourt rotations in college basketball.<\/p>\n

Outside of the already mentioned Murray, Smith and McMiller, Penn State is home to 2023-24 NJCAA Defensive Player of the Year Vitoria Santana, who hasn\u2019t seen much court time for the Lady Lions.<\/p>\n

In addition to Santana, Shaelyn Steele \u2014 Kentucky\u2019s No. 1 recruit from the Class of 2024 \u2014 will return to the blue and white after not seeing much playing time.<\/p>\n

Last month, the Lady Lions strengthened their guard room even more with a commitment from one of Switzerland\u2019s top guards, Viktoria Ranisavljevic. Ranisavljevic averaged 23.8 points during the 2024 FIBA European Championship.<\/p>\n

Between these new faces and some veteran guards, Penn State will boast one of the best guard rooms in the country this season.<\/p>\n

\u00a0MORE BASKETBALL COVERAGE<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\n \"Penn
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Penn State’s schedule keeps filling up. <\/p>\n

If you’re interested in submitting a Letter to the Editor, click here.<\/p>\n


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