“Missouri Women’s Basketball Scores Big: Is Transfer Portal Star the Missing Piece for a Championship Run?”

In a thrilling turnaround moment for Missouri women’s basketball, new head coach Kellie Harper is making waves with her recent recruitment moves! Just recently, the Tigers secured a significant commitment from former Illinois State guard Shannon Dowell, who took to X to share her excitement about joining the team. This marks not just one, but two crucial commitments for Mizzou in the span of merely two days—an impressive feat that highlights Harper’s swift impact on the program. Dowell, known for her scoring prowess and pivotal role in leading Illinois State to the Final Four in the WNIT, brings a wealth of talent to the Tigers’ roster. With the transfer portal still open until late April, Harper’s initiative seems poised to reshape the team’s future, particularly as they navigate the recent flux of departures. So, what does this mean for the upcoming season? Buckle up, because the Tigers are gearing up for a fresh start! LEARN MORE.The Tigers now have three total commitments out of the transfer portal, which will remain open for new entries through April 23. Dowell, an O’Fallon, Illinois, native, is the second pledge from the greater St. Louis area for the Tigers out of the transfer portal, following Florissant, Missouri, product and Kentucky transfer guard Saniah Tyler.Dowell is the second player to commit to Mizzou in two days, following Cleveland State forward Jordana Reisma, who announced her commitment Monday. Six Missouri players have already entered the transfer portal, including standout guard Ashton Judd. Combo guard Tilda Sjokvist, center Lucija Milkovic, forward Hilke Feldrappe and point guards Londyn Oliphant and De’Myla Brown each also intend to transfer out of the program. MU center Tionna Herron announced Monday she has medically retired from the sport.Dowell, listed at 5 foot 10, was the fifth-leading scorer in the Missouri Valley Conference last season, averaging 17.6 points per game for Illinois State in its run to the Final Four of the WNIT. She had a season-high 37 points for the Redbirds in their WNIT semifinal loss to Troy, and scored 23 or more points in six of their seven postseason games.

The guard is a career-48.8% shooter from the field and is 30.5% from 3-point range. She played 71 games over two seasons for Illinois State, meaning she has two remaining years of eligibility, and is just 31 points away from surpassing 1,000 points in her career.

Between incoming transfers, returners and a high school signee, the Tigers now have nine players on the roster for next season, meaning Harper has the room to sign six more players in this window.New Mizzou coach Kellie Harper landed her second commitment in as many days.

Last season, Dowell also averaged 5.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.Missouri women’s basketball landed a commitment from Illinois State guard Shannon Dowell, who announced she is transferring to the Tigers in a post to her X account Tuesday.

Missouri still has point guard Averi Kroenke, incoming freshman guard Nikki Kerstein, returning guards Grace Slaughter and Abbey Schreacke and returning forwards Hannah Linthacum and Ma’Riya Vincent expected to be on the roster next season.