On Monday, 24 March, Danaya Mendes produced a near-Double-Double - nine points, eleven rebounds - in this year's WNIT. Just two days later she was in the Transfer Portal. That's all good and well, of course; however, Danaya's team, Washington State, actually won that game over Utah Valley, advancing the Cougars to the next round against North Dakota State University. After being tied at the end of three quarters WSU lost to the Bison by eight.
At first glimpse, and likely owing to her European background, Mendes might appear a bit unorthodox. Upon further review, however, it's obvious why WSU Coach Camille Ethridge stated that the Parsian phenom could become the best player in Cougars' history. And, they've had some good ones: Jeanne Eggart Helfer, Jenni Ruff, and Borislava Hristova, who broke Eggart Helfer's career scoring record. So, certainly high praise from Kammi Ethridge.
What any of this might have to do with US, I wouldn't know. And, her sudden departure might seem eerily familiar to Tennessee fans. But, this red shirt sophomore-to-be is a special talent.