2024-25 Big West Conference preview

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo | Cal State Bakersfield | Cal State Fullerton | Cal State Northridge | Hawaii | Long Beach State | UC Davis | UC Irvine | UC Riverside | UC San Diego | UC Santa Barbara

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Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Coach: Shanele Stires
2023-24 record: 17-14, 13-7 in conference

Overview: With a solid mix of experience and newcomers, Cal Poly is looking to build off last season and continue to climb the Big West standings. The Mustangs will probably finish near the middle of the conference standings and they’re going to be tough out in the conference tournament.

The backcourt: The backcourt for the Mustangs starts and ends with senior guard Annika Shah. The All-Big West Honorable Mention is one of the top point guards in the conference. She was the Mustangs’ second-leading scorer last year at 11.7 points per game. She’s a crafty scorer and good playmaker who doesn’t let her size hinder her on the court. Shah will play a key role in whatever success Cal Poly has this season.

Providing help in the backcourt alongside Shah is a pair of upperclassmen in senior guard Sidney Richards and senior wing Sydney Bourland. Bourland was a starter last season and is interchangeable between guard and forward. Richards is in her second year at Cal Poly after transferring from San Jose State. She was a regular off the bench last season and could be in line for a bigger role. The Mustangs will also get to see the debut of redshirt freshman guard Alana Goosby, who missed last season due to injury.

The frontcourt: Leading the frontcourt for the Mustangs will be redshirt sophomore Sierra Lichtie. Lichtie made a strong impact last season as a starter after missing most of her true freshman season due to injury. Sophomore forward Mary Carter will also be counted on for a bigger role, perhaps even as a starter. Last season, Carter was one of the team’s better reserves with a knack for rebounding.

However, the Mustangs will be relying on underclassmen to bolster their frontcourt. Perhaps one of the most intriguing players on the roster is freshman Gillian Bears. At 6’3, Bears gives the Mustangs the size they need up front. In short, she’s in the mold of a true post player.

At forward, the Mustangs will look to freshmen Avery Knapp and Avery Carter. They also have an intriguing guard/forward in freshman Nora Perez from Spain. Perez is capable of playing the stretch-four role and spacing the floor with her shooting.

Cal State Bakersfield

Coach: Ari Wiedman
2023-24 record: 8-21, 5-15 in conference

Overview: With a new coach in Ari Wiedman and a good number of new players, it’s going to be a growing year for Cal State Bakersfield. The Roadrunners finished near the bottom of the conference standings last season, and that will probably be the case again this year as Wiedman builds her program.

The backcourt: A full-time starting role might be in the cards for junior guard Nseije Ortiz. Ortiz started 16 of 22 games last season and has made an impact as a playmaker. She’s a tough player who began her career as a walk-on. Also strengthening the guard rotation is Allysan Tse, a transfer from Cal State Fullerton. She’s a capable scorer who is ready for an expanded role as a junior.

The Roadrunners will also be joined by Dylan Tse, Allysan’s younger sister. The duo played together in high school and has solid chemistry. Dylan is a bit of a combo guard who can function as a ball-handler and playmaker but can also score when necessary.

Graduate student Taylor Caldwell is expected to have an impact as well. Caldwell returns to the lineup after missing all of last year due to medical reasons. Caldwell is a transfer from Grand Canyon, where she stood out as a defender and playmaker despite injury woes. If she’s healthy, she can really help this young Roadrunner team.

The frontcourt: Redshirt junior Garrisen Freeman will hold down the frontcourt for the Roadrunners. She started 12 of 22 games last season and might be ready for a full-time starting role. She’s a stretch power forward who can finish around the basket as well.

The Roadrunners will also want to see what they have in redshirt senior Ary Dizon. Dizon only suited up in two games last season before sitting out the rest of the year. But prior to that, she was an impact reserve for Vermont. She’s an around-the-rim player, strong and able to finish. All told, Dizon in line for a potential breakout season.

One of the more interesting players on the Roadrunners’ roster is Cheyenne Forney. The fifth-year grad transfer has played at Denver and Arkansas State as a rotation player. She’s one of the most experienced players on the roster, has good size and is a strong post player.

Cal State Fullerton

Coach: Jeff Harada
2023-24 record: 10-21, 6-14 in conference

Overview: Cal State Fullerton is an interesting team in that it could be in the middle of the pack or end up at the bottom of the standings. A lot depends on how well its new players get acclimated to the team and how much they’re able to produce.

The backcourt: It was an offseason of departures for the Titans’ backcourt, but they do have junior guard Demonnie Lagway back in the fold. Lagway was on the Big West All-Freshman Team in 2022-23 and has steadily seen her playing time increase. This is the season that Lagway could lock down a starting guard spot.

Redshirt sophomore Kaliana Salazar-Harrell will need to take on a bigger role as well. She was occasionally part of the rotation last season. Salazar-Harrell is one of the few returning players on the Titans’ roster, along with senior guard Emily Strachan. Strachan was also an occasional rotation player.

Other than that, backcourt production will likely be by committee, with a few newcomers needing to contribute right away. One candidate for a regular role is sophomore guard Liyah Stanton. Stanton is a transfer from UTEP and was named to the All-Conference USA Freshman Team.

The frontcourt: The Titans suffered heavy losses in their frontcourt this offseason, which is why sophomore big Eva Levingston will need to step up this year. Levingston was on the All-Big West Freshman Team and show she can not only score, but rebound and defend as well.

Senior big Aixchel Hernandez is another frontcourt player who has the size and experience the Titans will need this season. Hernandez has been a steady contributor since her freshman season in 2021-22. Freshman forward Layla Davis is also an intriguing option. As a power forward, Davis is strong in the paint, but she is also able to step out and shoot from both the midrange and the 3-point line. She could possibly make an impact right away.

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Cal State Northridge

Coach: Angie Ned
2023-24 record: 3-27, 1-19 in conference

Overview: Cal State Northridge (CSUN) fields an almost entirely new team, including a new head coach in Angie Ned. There are some talented freshmen with plenty of potential in this group, though. It will likely be another year of growing pains for the Matadors, but it will be interesting to see how they look closer to the end of the season.

The backcourt: Graduate student Erica Adams is one of only two returning players for the Matadors this season. The Pacific transfer made an immediate impact in her first season at CSUN, quickly becoming a full-time starter. Adams was second on the team in scoring (8.8 points per game) and proved to be a good rebounder and playmaker as well. She will likely take on a significant leadership role for the young team.

Other than Adams, the regular backcourt will likely be determined as the season progresses. The Matadors have a few incoming freshmen vying for minutes in Karsen Marshall and Kayla Hopson. Marshall is a local product who has become comfortable with the ball in her hands and making plays.

A few junior college transfers should help bolster the backcourt as well. The Matadors added Laini Dahlin from Eastern Arizona College and Kelly Tumlin from Chabot College. Tumlin was one of the better 3-point shooting guards in the California Community College Athletics Association (CCCAA). Dahlin was a standout during the National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) Tournament.

The frontcourt: Sophomore forward Alondra Lizama is the second player from last season’s team to return, but she didn’t play much last year. She’s a player from nearby Alemany High School who can play like a traditional big but is also able to handle the ball and step out on the perimeter at times. Look for her to take on an expanded role this season.

However, the frontcourt is strengthened by a few newcomers. Freshman bigs Kylie Robertson and Yves Cox are notable additions. Robertson possesses good mobility and can finish around the basket. She’s a good interior defender, too, altering shots and protecting the paint. At 6’2, Cox is one of the tallest players on the team. Along with her size, she is athletic, efficient and a double-double threat.

Graduate transfer Nnenna Orji can play both center and power forward and has the ability to score efficiently in the paint. Orji played at Old Dominion and Hawaii and is a local product from powerhouse Etiwanda High School. With her experience, she can help lead this young CSUN team.

CSUN has another frontcourt transfer in Sincere Hardwick who will be playing her first season of Division I basketball. She’s a transfer from NAIA school Saint Katherine. Another local product, Hardwick is a rebounding big who is a double-double threat every time she is on the court.

Hawaii

Coach: Laura Beeman
2023-24 record: 20-11, 17-3 in conference

Overview: Hawaii is a perennial Big West championship contender, and that will be true again this season. The Rainbow Wahine field one of the most experienced rosters in the conference, and Laura Beeman is arguably the Big West’s top coach. Don’t be shocked to see them make another NCAA Tournament appearance.

The backcourt: Hawaii returns one of the most experienced backcourts in the conference, and that’s a big reason why the Rainbow Wahine will be a conference championship contender. Potential conference Player of the Year Lily Wahinekapu is back to reprise her role as one of the Big West’s most dangerous scorers. She’s joined by senior guard Daejah Phillips, who has transformed into the Big West’s best sixth player.

Adding to the Rainbow Wahine’s experience in the backcourt are senior guards Kelsie Imai and MeiLani McBee. Both of them played pivotal roles last season; McBee was the only player to start all 31 games, while Imai was one of the better backup point guards in the conference.

With those four players in the mix, Hawaii is going to have arguably the best guard rotation in the Big West.

The frontcourt: In the frontcourt, the Rainbow Wahine also return their three top players from last season. Imani Perez is one of the best defensive players in the Big West and Hawaii’s anchor in the paint. A rugged rebounder and capable scorer, Perez can step out and shoot consistently from 3-point range.

Senior big Brooklyn Rewers is also returning; along with Perez, the pair forms one of the best defensive frontcourts in the conference. Rewers is a significnant paint presence and a good rebounder who could inch close to a double-double average this season.

Hawaii also has a capable backup in senior forward Jacque David. David has been a key reserve for the past few seasons. She comes into the game and plays her role to perfection. The team will probably look to sophomore center Vivienne Berrett to emerge as more of a rotation player as well.

Long Beach State

Coach: Amy Wright
2023-24 record: 15-18, 8-12 in conference

Overview: Last season, Long Beach State made a surprising run to the Big West Tournament semifinals as a No. 7 seed. While the Beach lost a few key players, they still have talent and could be a surprise team this year.

The backcourt: Long Beach State will be led by senior guard Savannah Tucker this year. She was the team’s leading scorer last season at 12.4 points per game. Look for her to increase that to closer to the 15- to 16-point range.

Also helping to stabilize the Beach’s backcourt are senior guard Patricia Chung and sophomore guard Lauren Cummings. Chung came on strong last season and was a key player during the Beach’s surprising Big West Tournament run. Cummings didn’t feature much in Long Beach State’s rotation last year as a freshman, but another year of development and bigger role could be in store.

Senior guard Lovely Sonnier is back in the fold for her second season with the Beach. She emerged as a key player during the Big West Tournament. She fit in well with the Beach’s up-tempo style of play and is one of the team’s best rebounders.

The frontcourt: Sophomore big Jada Crawshaw continues her development as one of the conference’s best defensive players. As a freshman, she led the Beach in blocked shots and in rebounds and will likely only get better. She could be a contender for an All-Big West selection.

This may also going be the season Long Beach State discovers what they have in junior Kennan Ka. Ka played sparingly as a freshman in 2022-23 and then missed most of last season after an early injury. She’s a tough player, a versatile defender and crucial to the success the Beach hope to have this year.

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UC Davis

Coach: Jennifer Grossman
2023-24 record: 20-14, 13-7 in conference

Overview: UC Davis has long been a powerhouse in the Big West. The Aggies reached the conference tournament championship game last season before falling to UC Irvine. They lost a couple key players, including leading scorer Evanne Turner, but they have enough returning talent to be a contender in the conference again.

The backcourt: UC Davis lost a few key backcourt players from last season’s team, but senior guard Tova Sabel is back for her final year. She was the only player to start every game last year and was an All-Big West Second Team selection. Sabel was also second in scoring and was one of the team’s top 3-point shooters.

Senior guard Sydney Burns is likely to be a starter again after moving into a full-time starting role last year. Burns is an efficient playmaker and ball-handler who provides a veteran presence and influence on the court.

The Aggies will also have junior guards Nya Epps and Victoria Baker helping to steady the ship. Both players were key reserves last season and they give UC Davis one of the more experienced backcourts in the conference. Guard play is crucial in the Big West and the Aggies certainly can compete against the best of them.

The frontcourt: The Aggies will be looking for fifth-year senior forward Mazatlan Harris to have a big year. She cracked the starting lineup last year and played a major role in the team’s run to the conference championship game. Harris is an effective low-post scorer and a consistent shooter, and UC Davis will need her to average double digits in scoring this season.

Junior center Megan Norris is also key to the Aggies’ frontcourt, being one of the team’s better rebounders and low-post players. Her inside game, paired with Harris’ ability to space the floor, make this pair one of the best in the conference.

The Aggies may look to junior forward Ally Fitzgerald to boost their frontcourt. Fitzgerald played occasionally last year after transferring from Colorado.

UC Irvine

Coach: Tamara Inoue
2023-24 record: 23-9, 16-4 in conference

Overivew: Along with Hawaii, UC Irvine fields a deep and experienced roster. While the Anteaters did see a few key departures, they return most of a group that not only reached the NCAA Tournament but also hung tough with Gonzaga in the first round. They will once again be a threat to win the conference.

The backcourt: Leading the way for the Anteaters backcourt is the duo of Nikki Tom and Deja Lee. The senior guards give UC Irvine one of the most experienced backcourts in the Big West, as they were the driving forces behind the Anteaters’ NCAA Tournament run. With both of them back, UC Irvine should be a threat to win the conference again.

Off the bench, the Anteaters also have a wealth of experience in sophomore point guard Shirel Nahum and senior guard Amelia Scharpf. Both were key contributors to last season’s tournament team and will reprise their roles.

UC Irvine will also welcome the return of Hunter Hernandez, who redshirted last season. In 2021-22, she was named to the Big West All-Freshman Team, and in 2022-23, she made the All-Big West First Team. She’s proven herself as a scorer and will bolster the Anteaters bench.

The frontcourt: The Anteaters frontcourt will be led by forward Nevaeh Dean, who is a strong presence around the basket. As a good rebounder and defender, Dean played a major role in UC Irvine’s run through the Big West Tournament last year.

With the Anteaters frontcourt a little depleted due to graduations and transfers, they’ll look to sophomore forward Clara Djoko to take on more responsibility. Though Djoko saw limited playing time as a freshman, she the size, mobility and the tools to be an impact defensive player. She was a starter to begin last year before moving to the bench, so look for Djoko to move back into the starting lineup.

UC Irvine’s frontcourt will be getting a significant boost in the form of sophomore forward Summah Hanson. Hanson, a transfer from Sacramento State, is fresh off of a Big Sky Freshman of the Year win. Her 34.2% mark from 3-point range grants her the ability to space the floor while regularly putting up double-doubles.

UC Riverside

Coach: Brad Langston
2023-24 record: 18-14, 13-7 in conference

Overview: UC Riverside was one of the teams hit hardest by departures. Between graduation and the transfer portal, it lost its four top scorers and a few rotation players. Therefore, this will likely be a tough year for the Highlanders with plenty of growing pains, but it’ll be interesting to see who emerges from this group.

The backcourt: Junior guards Zoe Tillery and Jordyn Marshall are two of the lone returners from last season. They were both key reserves, but starting roles are up for grabs for both of them. They will be counted on to help lead and bring together this essentially brand-new team.

Senior guard Seneca Hackley will also be expected to play a major role this year. A transfer from Northern Colorado, Hackley is a great defensive player who has the potential to be an explosive scoring threat.

The frontcourt: In the frontcourt, UC Riverside looks to junior forward Esther Matarranz for leadership and stability. Matarranz is a rebounding machine with good size who emerged last season as a key rotation player.

The Highlanders will need production from two transfers: junior forwards Michelle Duchemin and TT Hill-Brown. Duchemin is a defensive and rebounding tweener forward with a versatile offensive game. Hill-Brown is more of a traditional post player who can step out and play on the perimeter.

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UC San Diego

Coach: Heidi Vanderveer
2023-24 record: 12-19, 8-12 in conference

Overview: After a few years of postseason ineligibility while completing its transfer from Division II to Division I, the wait is over for UC San Diego. The Tritons have enough on their roster to turn some heads in the conference tournament. This is going to be a tough team.

The backcourt: UC San Diego’s guard play will be led by sophomore Sumayah Sugapong. Sugapong was the Big West Freshman of the Year last year and led the Tritons in scoring at 14.0 points per game. She was one of the best scorers in the conference and the Tritons’ top playmaker. She’s going to be a candidate for one of the All-Big West teams.

Senior guard Izzy Forsyth, the Tritons’ third-leading scorer last season, could start alongside Sugapong. Forsyth is a good 3-point shooter and a good rebounder for a guard. Graduate student Parker Montgomery is also a good candidate to start. Montgomery is one of the better all-around guards in the conference and is capable of contributing in multiple ways.

Providing additional guard depth for the Tritons is junior Grace Talbot and redshirt sophomore Gracie Gallegos. Both were key rotation players last season.

The frontcourt: The Tritons frontcourt got a major boost this offseason in the form of senior big Kayanna Spriggs. Spriggs is a transfer from Cal State Northridge with good size and skill. She’s an efficient scorer, a capable rebounder and a strong defensive player. Her presence and experience raises UC San Diego’s ceiling.

Sophomore big Erin Condron is ready for an increased role. Condron has the tools to be a defensive anchor. Offensively, she can play in the post or shoot the midrange jumper.

The Tritons’ frontcourt rotation is bolstered by senior center Emma Svoboda and senior forward Damilola Sule. Both players were in the rotation last season and have been effective rebounders.

UC Santa Barbara

Coach: Renee Jimenez
2023-24 record: 16-15, 10-10 in conference

Overview: UC Santa Barbara was the No. 2 seed in the Big West last year, and it looked like the team had a legitimate shot at winning the conference tournament. But the Gauchos were upset in the first round of the tournament, and head coach Bonnie Henrickson retired at season’s end. Despite the upset and new head coach Renee Jimenez starting to build her program, UCSB could once again be a force in the Big West.

The backcourt: Fifth-year guard Alyssa Marin is back for her final season to pace UC Santa Barbara’s backcourt. She’s improved every season, and last year she finally cracked double-digit average scoring at 12.1 points per game. Look for her to get closer to the 15- to 17-point mark this year.

Fellow fifth-year guard Anya Choice will start alongside Marin. Choice was the Gauchos’ third-leading scorer last year. Look for her to reach double-digit scoring this season.

The Gauchos’ guard rotation is strengthened by junior guards Jessica Grant and Skylar Burke. Grant is one of the best 3-point shooters in the conference, while Burke is a double-double threat as a guard with a knack for rebounding.

The frontcourt: Sophomore forward Zoe Borter played a significant role last year as a freshman. She’s a floor spacer who shot 37.1% from 3-point range. Borter started 16 of the 21 games she played in and should be ready for a full-time starting role.

UCSB will also get a full look at redshirt freshman forward Olivia Bradley. Bradley only played in nine games before suffering a season-ending injury. Prior to that, she was on her way to being an effective scoring threat who would help raise the Gauchos’ ceiling.

UCSB also gets senior forward Cayla Williams back. Williams transferred last season from Richmond but had her Gauchos debut delayed due to injury. She should play a big role this year off the bench. Additionally, redshirt junior forward Laurel Rockwood is a capable shot-blocker and rebounder and was a regular rotation player last season.