The transfer portal gives and takes for the women’s basketball team.
Michigan State ’s women’s basketball program got a big upgrade through the transfer portal this week: Grace VanSlooten. VanSlooten may only measure 6’3”, but she plays bigger and will add some front court power to the Spartans.
VanSlooten was the leading scorer on a disappointing Oregon squad last year. She averaged 15 points and 7.1 rebounds while starting all 31 games for the Ducks. Across her two years at Oregon, the versatile forward was given All-PAC-12 honorable mentions both seasons.
VanSlooten was a McDonald’s All American coming out of high school and ranked 13th in her recruitment class. This year she is ranked number 18 in the transfer portal by ESPN’s Charlie Creme .
VanSlooten joins a Spartan squad that surprised many in head coach Robyn Fralick’s first year. The Spartans went 22-9 before losing in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. A key weakness last year was post defense, in part driven by injuries to key forwards.
VanSlooten should help the Spartans improve their post presence on both offense and defense. The talented forward is expected to play alongside graduate senior forward Isaline Alexander and 6’5” redshirt freshman Mary Meng (one of the key injuries last year). The trio should mean a significant improvement on defense, scoring and rebounding.
While the Spartans are celebrating this addition from the portal, they are still looking to recover from the loss of point guard DeeDee Hagemenn to Ole Miss . Hagemann was the team’s assist leader and third leading scorer. The graduation of Moira Joiner combined with the loss of Hagemann means the Spartans are looking to replace two of its top three scorers for next season.
VanSlooten will be a key piece to Michigan State continuing to improve under Fralick.