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Starters Karissa McLaughlin 5-7 • G • Fr. Purdue got a boost in April when the Fort Wayne native signed with the Boilermakers after being let out of her letter at Florida following the Gators' coaching change. Even before McLaughlin became available, Purdue was likely to fill its point guard need, one way or another, but doing so with the 61st-best player nationally in the '17 class was a bit of a coup. Dominique Oden 11 5-8 • G • So. Oden's challenge next season will be in going from Ashley Morrissette's backcourt sidekick to the 1A scorer. It could present problems, with defenses keying on her more frequently than they could in the past. But Oden's offensive variety, the ability to shoot the long ball and drive, could help her with the adjustment. Andreona Keys 10 5-10 • G • Sr. Keys has been the Boilermakers' "glue" player, a do-everything small forward who didn't necessarily need to score to be effective. And she won't have to next season, but it'll be a bonus if she can more consistently. That happens by extending her perimeter game to increase her three- point percentage; it was only 26.2 percent last season. Dominique McBryde 20 6-2 • F • Jr. As a freshman, McBryde looked like a future All-Big Ten forward, one capable of scoring in a variety of ways in the paint and potentially from the perimeter. But as a sophomore, it didn't materialize, and by the end of the season her confidence appeared shaken. Which is she? Purdue's future as a contender in the top third of the Big Ten — or not — might ride on whether she can recapture the potential she showed a couple years ago. Ae'Rianna Harris 32 6-1 • F • So. Harris' growth was incredible as a freshman, to the point where at the end of the season she was one of Purdue's most dynamic players. Good news: She can be better. Even though she's an outstanding shot-blocker, as her freshman school-record 75 blocks reflect, she wasn't always a fundamentally sound defender. If she becomes that and develops a more consistent 12-foot jumper, then she could be in for a big sophomore year. Reserves Tiara Murphy 3 5-7 • G • So. Coming off an ACL injury that cost her nine games — she went right up to the limit of being able to successfully apply for a medical redshirt — Murphy could compete for minutes at the point. But she might be best-suited as a scorer off the bench, come in and be able to provide Purdue offense quickly. Lamina Cooper 40 5-9 • G • So. Cooper had a solid freshman season that was overshadowed by those of classmates Oden and Harris. But the long, athletic wing showed the ability to affect games in a variety of ways, from scoring on the perimeter to driving to rebounding to defending. She'll have a similar role next season. Leony Boudreau 5-9 • G • Fr. The addition of McLaughlin gives the Boilermakers more depth in their backcourt, and allows Boudreau to ease in more slowly into the rotation. It's possible she can find a role, because Purdue could use another point guard-able combination guard. Tamara Farquhar 6-0 • F • Fr. Purdue likes Farquhar's athleticism, which might show up early in West Lafayette in the form of defense. She's thought to be able to cover anyone at the 2 through 4 because of her quickness and length. But the Boilermakers feel comfortable on the wing too, with Keys and Cooper, so Farquhar shouldn't need to be rushed to the court. Dani Lawson 6-2 • F • Fr. Lawson could give the Boilermakers backup minutes at the 4, particularly if she's able to defend and rebound. The 6-foot-2 forward, however, might be as known for her offensive skills, the ability to score in the paint but also pop to the outside. Fatou Diagne 6-5 • C • So. Diagne is a developing player who is still adjusting to life playing basketball in the United States. Injuries have set her back at times, but Purdue likes her length and athleticism. She's raw, however. Deep Bench Abby Abel 2 5-5 • G • Jr. Miracle Gray 5 5-6 • G • So. Nora Kiesler 12 6-6 • C • Jr. Boilermakers Meet The GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATED VOLUME 27, ISSUE 5 74