Oregon Women's Basketball Retools With Seven Transfers: How New Ducks Fit

Oregon women's basketball landed seven transfers to retool the Ducks team for Big Ten conference play. Plus two incoming freshmen budding stars.

Oregon coach Kelly Graves gives his team last minute instructions before their exhibition game / Dana Sparks / USA TODAY NETWORK

From the bottom of the Pac-12 conference to landing top recruits in the country. The Oregon women's basketball program is retooling its roster to be a contender in its inaugural season in the Big Ten Conference. 

Last season, the Ducks had a challenging season. Oregon went 11-21 with a record-breaking 14 consecutive losses. This losing streak tied the record for consecutive losses since the Pac-12 became a 12-team league in 2011-12.

"We've just had one of those years; not a lot's worked, not a lot's gone well.” said coach Kelly Graves after Oregon's 79-30 loss to Colorado, Oregon's last game of the season. “We've got some work to do, and we hope to get back to the program I'm confident we can be.”

While the Ducks have lost key players to the transfer portal such as Grace Vanslooten and Chance Gray, Graves has been working to restore his program and compile a roster with the athleticism and experience to compete in their new conference. 

Fresh Out the Portal 

This spring, coach Graves and his staff have worked to bring some talented experienced players to Eugene, Oregon. Below is a list of the seven transfers Oregon has landed out of the portal. 

Salimatou Kourouma

Salimatou Kourouma, a 5-foot-11 forward from Kati, Mali, is set to join Oregon's women's basketball team for the 2024-25 season after transferring from Arizona. With career averages of 15.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game, along with a 41.6 percent field goal percentage, Kourouma's experience, maturity, and high basketball IQ make her a valuable addition to Oregon's young team.

"Sali is a talented and efficient scorer and rebounder and someone who can defend multiple positions," said coach Graves. 

Amina Muhammad

Amina Muhammad, a 6-foot-4 forward from Texas, is transferring to Oregon. During her time at the University of Texas, Muhammad averaged five points and 4.6 rebounds per game while shooting 50.8 percent. She was also named to the Big 12 All-Freshman team and played a crucial role in Texas' Elite Eight appearance in the 2024 NCAA Tournament as a No. 1 seed.

 "Amina brings size, length, and toughness," said coach Graves.

Ari Long

Ari Long, a true sophomore from the University of Washington announced her transfer to Oregon in  April. While at Washington, Long averaged 4.2 points and 1.9 rebounds per game off the bench. She shoots 41.1 percent from the field, hitting 25 percent from three-point range. 

Ranked as the No. 46 prospect in the class of 2023 by ESPN, Long had an impressive high school career at Valley View High in California.  Long averaged 28.0 points, 12.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 4.1 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game. Her senior year stood out, averaging 35.2 points per game. Long's addition brings scoring potential and versatility to the Oregon roster.

Nani Falatea

Nani Falatea, a standout guard from Salt Lake City, Utah, emerged as a first-team all-West Coast Conference player during her sophomore year at BYU. While at BYU she averaged 15.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. Falatea joins Oregon as a redshirt junior with two years of eligibility remaining. 

 "Three-point shooting is something we struggled with last season and that’s where Nani can help us improve,” said coach Graves.

Alexis Whitfield 

Alexis Whitfield, a 6-foot-2 forward from West Hills, California, transferred to UC Santa Barbara after spending two seasons at Washington. While at UCSB, She ranked second in the Big West conference with 15.1 points per game while shooting 46 percent from the field. Whitfield also added an average of 9.8 rebounds per game. 

She was recognized three times as the Big West Player of the Week and scored a career-high 30 points against Long Beach State in the 2024 Big West Tournament. Her offensive aggressiveness is expected to help Oregon in the front court. 

Elisa Mevius 

The 5-foot-10 guard out of Siena, Elisa Mevius, committed to Oregon in March. During her two seasons at Siena, Mevius averaged 11.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists. She also started all 30 games last season shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 27.6 percent from behind the arc. Not only is Mevius productive on offense but she also excels defensively. Mevius was named the MAAC defensive player of the year and was second in the country in steals last season.

Deja Kelly 

Deja Kelly, a standout guard from North Carolina, is transferring to the University of Oregon for her final year of eligibility. Throughout her four years as a Tar heel, Kelly established herself as a force on the court, earning three all-ACC selections. She also averaged 15.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and three assists per game and led UNC in scoring for the past three seasons. As a senior, Kelly averaged an impressive 16.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. She is also ranked 11th in ESPN’s women’s basketball transfer rankings. 

A Dynamic Duo 

On top of the experienced transfers Oregon has added to the 2024-25 roster, two freshmen also look to make their mark on the program: 

Faith Ehis Etute 

Faith Ehis Etude brings an impressive resume to Oregon. A standout player from the Luxembourg club T71 Dudelange in the Luxembourg LBBL, Etude led her team in scoring and rebounding last season. She played a key role for her team averaging 14.6 points and 9.6 rebounds per game while shooting 54.2 percent in field goals. Etude's performance earned her an invitation to the 2024 Nike Hoop Summit World Team roster. 

“This is a double-double machine,”  said Coach Graves. “I think she will remind Duck fans of a shorter Nyara Sabally with the way she plays. She is an exceptionally skilled rebounder and has the ability to finish strong around the rim. She has been playing against pros over in Europe, so I think her adjustment to the college game will be pretty smooth.”

Katie Fiso

Katie Fiso out of  Garfield High School in Washington also joins the Oregon roster. The standout point guard was ranked No. 31 in the nation for the Class of 2023  in the ESPNW top 100. As a senior, Fiso Averaged 24.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. She led her team to three consecutive state titles and was named tournament MVP twice.  

“Katie is a natural-born leader and a winner,” said coach Graves. “I think she’s the best point guard in the country, regardless of what the rankings say…Katie’s maturity and work ethic really stand out and Duck fans are going to love watching her play.” 

Fiso has also represented Team USA where she contributed to gold medal victories at the 3x3 U18 World Cup and the 3x3 U17 AmeriCup.