Smiles were abundant when the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team secured its 12th NCAA championship. This joyous occasion occurred just days after sophomore guard Qadence Samuels entered the transfer portal.
Her decision to explore other opportunities is understandable. While Samuels earned a championship ring with the Huskies, her playing time was limited to an average of 5.5 minutes per game.
Qadence Samuels Looks for New Home
To understand Samuels’ potential on the court, UConn head coach Geno Auriemma offered this scouting report when she initially chose UConn, as reported by The Daily Campus:
“Qadence addresses our desire to get more athletic, to get longer. She’s one of those kids that is deceptively competitive. When you look at her on the court, you just think it’s smooth and skillful. But she has this edge to her that’s really dynamic. I think she’s one of the better shooters coming out of this class.”
Auriemma continued,
“She’s a really impressive shooter and she’s not adverse to mixing it up and she wants to take big shots. Qadence is a tremendous teammate and comes from a family with a lot of players who have competed at the college level. She understands exactly what this is all about.”
Qadence Samuels has entered the transfer portal. pic.twitter.com/BatqDeUtXy
— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) April 10, 2025
Now, which schools present the most logical landing spots for Samuels?
Top Landing Spots for Samuels
Maryland
This option is appealing for two key reasons. First, the University of Maryland campus is located just 23 miles from Samuels’s hometown of Forestville. This proximity could be a significant factor in her decision.
From a basketball perspective, the Terrapins align well with what Samuels needs in a program. Maryland will see the departure of senior guards Sarah Te-Biasu (10.6 points per game) and Shyanne Sellers (14.4 ppg). Head coach Brenda Frese favors an up-tempo style of play with a focus on scoring. In 2024, Maryland ranked 11th nationally in scoring, averaging 80.5 points per game.
Florida State
The loss of Ta’Niya Lawson and her 22.5 points per game to South Carolina is a significant blow for Florida State. The Seminoles relied heavily on Lawson for both scoring and facilitating the offense. Florida State needs a wing player who can score at all three levels of the court and possesses the versatility to move the ball when necessary.
North Carolina
After a successful 29-8 season, the Tar Heels face the challenge of rebuilding quickly. Head coach Courtney Banghart took over a program that had struggled in the final years of Sylvia Hatchell’s tenure. Banghart led a senior-laden team to a Sweet Sixteen appearance. Samuels could form a potent backcourt duo with guard Reniya Kelly.
Kentucky
During her junior year, the UConn transfer would likely have less pressure to carry the offensive load in Lexington. However, a potential tenure as a Wildcat would provide her with the offensive freedom she didn’t experience in Connecticut.
With the departure of all-SEC scorer Georgia Amoore and Dazia Lawrence (12.9 ppg), Kentucky returns a strong duo in center Clara Strack (15.4 ppg, 9.7 rebounds) and forward Teonni Key (11.4 ppg). A capable ball-handler like Samuels could seamlessly fit in as a swing guard.
KEEP READING: Which Power 5 Women’s Basketball Transfers Will Make the Biggest Impact in 2025?
Ole Miss
Losing four seniors to graduation would impact any team. When those four players account for 80 percent of your scoring, as is the case with the Ole Miss Rebels, the challenge is even greater. In the competitive Southeastern Conference, head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin urgently needs to find replacements for her departing starters.
McPhee-McCuin has successfully turned the Rebels into a consistent postseason contender. Samuels could become a key player to build around as the program moves forward. With Tennessee and Louisiana State in pursuit of South Carolina’s dominance, the level of competition in the conference will not diminish.
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