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The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
Idaho women ready to build on last season's run to NCAA Tournament
- Story byThe Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
- Idaho women ready to build on last season's run to NCAA Tournament
Oct. 29—Last season will be talked about forever.
The University of Idaho women advanced to the NCAA Tournament, finishing a stellar 29-6 overall and 17-1 in the Big Sky Conference.
Five players are back from that team, most notably the backcourt of all-Big Sky and 2026 Big Sky Tournament MVP guard Hope Hassmann (5-foot-8, 14.2 points per game, 4.1 assists per game), Ella Uriarte (5-foot-8, 6-2 ppg and 2.9 rebounds per game), All-conference defensive player Ana Pinheiro (6-foot, 10.4 ppg, 6-1 rpg) and Ana Beatriz Passos Alves da Silva (5-foot-11, 6.2 ppg and tops in the league in field goal percentage at 42.9%).
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"Those players make practice go smoothly, and they make the new players accountable," Idaho coach Arthur Moreira said.
Idaho lost two dominant post players to graduation in Debra dos Santos and Lorena Barbosa. However, while the Vandals may be more perimeter-oriented early in the season, they have potential replacements inside. Senior Keanna Salave'a, a 6-foot-2 transfer from Sacramento State, is described by Moreira as physical, strong and a competent 3-point shooter.
"She is an incredible passer, and one of the smartest players I have ever had," he said.
He says of Aniyah Riddell, a 6-foot junior from Central Arizona College, "I love her potential. Having somebody like that can be huge for us.
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"She can score on the block better than any big I have ever had. She has amazing footwork and is an offensive rebounder," Moreira said.
Alexia Dagba, a 6-1 junior transfer from Georgetown, is an intriguing work in progress, according to Moreira.
"In practice, I see her do things where I think 'I have never seen a Big Sky player do that.' I also see her where I wonder 'have you ever played basketball before?'" Moreira said.
"She is a project, but she maybe has the biggest upside on our roster."
Idaho also lucked out in signing sophomore transfer guard Brynna Pukis, 5-6. She played at Long Beach State as a freshman, but "her coach stepped down after the portal closed," and the Vandals were able to pick her up late. She is a sniper, Moreira says.
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"In practice, she shoots 55 to 60 % every week. Some weeks it is in the 70s."
Overall, he expects the Vandals to play fast and outside-in. They are also good defenders. It's a big assertion, but Moreira says this year's team may be even more physically talented than last year's Big Sky regular season and tournament champions.
