Observations from Purdue women's basketball summer practice
Freshman Jordyn Poole is sidelined and unlikely to play during the Boilermakers' trip to Spain and Portugal
What we saw from Thursday’s workout from the Boilermakers:
• Three players - junior Mila Reynolds, redshirt freshman Amiyah Reynolds and freshman Jordyn Poole - didn’t participate in the practice. The concerning absence was Poole, who is not expected to play during the upcoming trip to Spain and Portugal. The graduate of Fort Wayne Snider wore a protective boot during the first part of the workout before riding a stationary bike toward the end of the session, which lasted more than two hours. She was on pace to handle the backup point guard duties to start the season, but those plans are probably on hold for now. Amiyah Reynolds did work on the side, shooting and running sprints while the Boilermakers played five-on-five. Reynolds’ workload is closely monitored as she continues to recover from foot surgery suffered toward the end of her senior season at South Bend Washington. Reynolds is the top candidate to play point guard, but the coaching staff wants to ensure she makes it to the start of the season. Her older sister, Mila, continues to deal with nagging injuries.
• Without Amiyah Reynolds and Poole, the point guard position had a different look. Sophomore Rashunda Jones played the point Thursday and also throughout most of the summer when Reynolds and Poole weren’t available. It’s not ideal as the coaching staff prefers to play Jones at shooting guard. She pushed the ball in transition on Thursday and is trying to refine her pull-up jumper. Transfer Destini Lombard also played point guard during the scrimmage periods and held up well. Lombard, who came to Purdue from Stephen F. Austin, has length and quickness, which are clear strengths. She’s a tenacious defender but showcased some skills on offense that will need to help this season. Lombard is trying to expand her game and drained a 3-pointer from the corner during one of the scrimmages.
• Sophie Swanson puts the ball on the floor and drives to the basket more. Swanson, one of the team’s top returnees, is a tremendous spot-up 3-point shooter, but she can also score in different ways. Swanson didn’t start playing until late December after suffering a knee injury in high school but became more comfortable in the second part of the season. The Boilermakers need her offense, whether from the 3-point line or other methods.
• While Katie Gearlds isn’t ready to identify her starting lineup for Game 1 in Spain, Reagan Bass will be there. The transfer from Akron has the power forward spot locked down and fits nicely with the roster. Bass dominated inside at Akron but is looking to expand her offensive game to the perimeter in her final season. Bass drained a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to end one of the drills. Bass looks the part, has the right mindset and will have an opportunity to enjoy a big season.
• If Lana McCarthy and Kendall Puryear — a pair of freshmen post players —can contribute early, that will help Bass settle into her position. McCarthy and Puryear have the size and continue to finish through contact during practice. From a strength standpoint, they’re not there yet, but they’re improving. During the Big Ten season, they'll be challenged to deal with older and experienced post players but won’t back down.
• The Boilermakers are more athletic than last season, and Mahri Petree's UTEP transfer adds to that element. Petree is long and moves well, allowing her to rebound outside her natural position. Purdue didn’t see much of that last year, and Petree should boost the team in that area.
• Here’s one guess on the starting lineup in the first game in Europe: Reagan Bass, Sophie Swanson, Rashunda Jones, Alaina Harper and Amiyah Reynolds.
2025 OFFER
Gearlds recently extended a scholarship offer to Keona Douwstra, a 2025 shooting guard from The Netherlands. Purdue watched the 5-foot-9 Douwstra at the Basketball Without Borders Global camp in Phoenix around the WNBA All-Star game earlier this month. Douwstra and The Netherlands will play in the FIBA U18 Women’s Eurobasket in Romania from Aug. 2-11.
SCHOLARSHIP LIMITS
According to Yahoo Sports, more scholarships will be available for college athletes as part of the new revenue-sharing model starting in 2025-26.
Women’s basketball is expected to stay at 15, according to the story. Football, baseball, softball, men’s basketball and volleyball are expected to see increases.
One key line: “As they do now, schools are not required to distribute scholarships to each player.”