Earlier this offseason, Anya Poole announced her decision to enter the transfer portal.
While the decision shouldn’t come as much of a shock (given the circumstances surrounding college basketball), it still seems odd to see four-year players at one institution finish their careers elsewhere.
Poole, along with Alexandra Zelaya, Alyssa Ustby and Deja Kelly, have the opportunity to play a fifth season thanks to COVID. Unfortunately, most programs, like the UNC women’s basketball program, don’t have the space to keep everyone.
Even if they would like to, it is simply impossible.
Looking to finish out her career, Poole has officially found a new home, as she announced her commitment to the Clemson Tigers.
Poole was a starter for two of her first three seasons in Chapel Hill, as she appeared in 116 games (74 starts) as a Tar Heel. She was moved to a bench role last season, as Boston College transfer Maria Gakdeng took over the playing reins in the middle on this year’s team.
During his career, Poole averaged 5.0 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. With her decrease in minutes this year (down 8.8 minutes from her junior season), it shouldn’t be that big of a surprise to see her looking for an opportunity to get more playing time during of his final season of college eligibility.
Poole is a player who has contributed positively to the UNC women’s basketball program, so she should make an immediate impact for the Tigers this fall.
Of course, it’s possible that Poole will have the opportunity to compete with her former teammates in the 2024-25 season.
