Skylar Jones one of seven transfers on Baylor roster -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 EX UOFL GUARD GOES TO PLAY FOR NIKKI COLLEN

We all remember when Jeff Walz made the announcement that the Cards and Skylar Jones had mutually parted ways right before the 2026 NCAA WBB Tournament. I got tired of answering questions about why she was dropped from the Cards roster. I hadn't a clue. 

Speculation later surfaced that loyalty issues, playing time and selfishness were the cause for the mutual parting of ways. Walz's announcement back then was short and rather matter-of-fact. Jones never released a statement...at least not one I could find.  

Well, the 6'0" guard is now at her third college, She is a part of the huge influx to the Baylor Bears program. 

Seven transfers in... that are still on the roster. Besides Jones, they also have acquired Tatiah Scott (Auburn), Ella Brow (SMU), Lorena Awou (NC State), Reese Ross (Utah), Tianna Thompson (Ole Miss), and Trinity Turner (Georgia). 

The Bears have no incoming freshman on the roster. 

If Jones had been able to keep her cool, play as a teammate and a few other things, maybe she'd still be here. she has the talent, just not the college attitude yet. 

Nikki Collen's approach is one that you rarely see in women's college basketball. There is only one player who has been on the roster for five years...Kyla Abraham...who only averaged around five points last season and was more known for her shot blocking skills. 

First Kim Mulkey, now Nikki Collen....Baylor has had some interesting coaching this decade. I wonder if they are all wearing "Hello, my name is..."tags in the Baylor practices. 

paulie

Does Cards WBB Have A Shot at Kaleena Smith? -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 SMITH HAS VISITED OR WILL VISIT 16 SCHOOLS SO FAR

She is the top recruit in the class of 2027. She currently plays at Ontario (CA) Christian and going into her senior season, her high school hoops numbers are quite impressive. 

In 100 games, she has averaged 30 points a game and is a 5'6" guard. 

Schools she allegedly has visited are Louisville, Notre Dame, LSU, Syracuse and Cal. Upcoming visits are planned to Washington, Baylor, Oklahoma, Georgia, Tennessee, Arizona State, Miami, USC, UCLA, UCon and Texas A&M.

One has to wonder what kind of shot the Cards have at her with so many other top flight DI schools and coaches involved in the running for her services. 

What kind of game does she have? First of all, she is a obvious scorer. In addition...she she quick handles, strong playmaking abilities and is a deadly three-point shooter. Her speed and change-of-direction skills offset her obvious height disadvantages.

She got her first college offer in the sixth grade. No, that is not a misprint. She was playing at a camp against older girls and ruling the floor on them, so Cal Baptist threw an offer her way. 

It is unclear whether her previous visits have been official or unofficial. What is the difference? you might ask? 

An official visit is paid for by the school and a lot of the time it is a multi day visit where the school does the best to impress the visiting athlete. . 

We are not allowed anymore to contact UofL coaches about any players or basically anything anymore, so I would normally ask Coach Walz about her, but certain media gestapo  have gotten to him as well and I no longer here from him. Someone hijacks my X account, I delete it and try to erase it and any other past entries, which is impossible on X, and I am still a persona non grata. 

Smith already has a multi-year shoe and apparel contract with Adidas and another merchandising deal with ESPN. 

It will be interesting to see where she ends up. Her current NIL has not been made public, but we would imagine it is already in the millions. . 

Good luck to the Cards. I see she is planning a visit to UConn next. Tough school to compete against in recruiting. 

paulie