Purdue women's basketball report: Evaluating point guard options
Northern Arizona Transfer Taylor Feldman is considered the frontrunner as summer workouts begin
After the season ended with a loss to Indiana, the questions about next year started to surface for Katie Gearlds and the Boilermakers.
Gearlds’ No. 1 goal was finding a point guard in the transfer portal to pair with Rashunda Jones, who played out of position last season but took on the duties of running the offense.
However, Jones decided to transfer to Michigan State, but it didn’t change Gearlds’ focus - the Boilermakers still needed a veteran point guard, one who could keep the offense in rhythm and provide a much-needed scoring punch.
Is Taylor Feldman the answer?
It’s June, and the new-look Boilermakers have just started summer workouts. Feldman, a transfer from Northern Arizona, will be given the first opportunity to earn the most minutes at the position.
Gearlds made Feldman a priority early in the process. She played well in two games against Arizona and held her own against Power 4 competition.
“Watched her against Arizona twice, and I was like, ‘man, this kid can play.’ High IQ, shoots it well, plays with great pace and has a good understanding of the game,” Gearlds said.
The 5-foot-8 Feldman averaged 16.4 points and 3.9 assists last season, earning first-team All-Big Sky honors. She shot 36% from 3-point range and made 163 of 191 (85.3%) from the line. Her 191 attempts from the line were the fifth-most in the nation.
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Feldman has played in 101 career games and has one year of eligibility remaining.
She scored in double digits in 29 of 34 games and reached at least 20 points 11 times. She totaled a season-high 31 points at South Dakota in December.
Feldman led the Lumberjacks to a 71-69 victory at Arizona in the opening round of the WBIT, totaling 16 of her 22 points in the second half. She added five assists and three steals. She scored 15 points in an 81-80 loss to Belmont in the next round. Feldman scored 16 points against Arizona during a regular-season meeting.
Feldman won’t be the only option.
Arkansas transfer Kiki Smith has experience at the point guard position from her one season at Hutchinson Community College, where she was named the NJCAA DI Women’s Basketball Player of the Year. She’s probably more of a shooting guard, but can facilitate from the perimeter since the Boilermakers will need depth from the position.
Incoming freshman Hila Karsh and Madison Layden-Zay, who is back with the program after a one-year absence, are capable of playing point guard.
But Feldman is considered the frontrunner as the offseason ramps up.
“Excited for what she can do,” Gearlds said. “Northern Arizona is not P4, but watching her against Arizona, she held her own perfectly. She's the reason why they beat Arizona twice.”
Gearlds said Karsh, who is from Israel, has played mostly off the ball during her career but brings a “high IQ and is an international player who can do a lot of things for us.”
I am looking forward to this season and here is why— a lot of new players—PERIOD !.— otherwise I would be wondering if the returning players improved over the off months— for me —this is a lot more excitement — I want to see these new players and I would bet—- so does Katie— I’d bet on it— a new challenge and I will say a new direction.—Now— Taylor-Madison -Hila — our tall center —Gordon— our returning centers— Puryear—and—McCarthy— Feldman—that is what I am looking forward to— who’s the point guard ?— This has really got my interest.—-And the others that I didn’t mention.—I will be glad when I hear some news.—This year we will be faster— and taller on the front line— It will take time for Gordon to adjust—My opinion— she has the toughest job for a newby— the physicality will be totally different.—- The biggest thing that I want to see this year—Barr-non is we have to compete— we didn’t or just couldn’t last year— but I see a brand new team and new direction .—. Oh— and a point guard that can score— Did I make any sence on what I wrote ?— Here is hoping for a successful season— GO BOILERS !!