The Ole Miss women’s basketball program has made a significant addition to its roster by securing a commitment from DeeDee Hagemann, a standout guard transferring from Michigan State University. This move underscores Head Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin’s strategic use of the transfer portal to enhance the team’s competitiveness in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Hagemann, a 5-foot-7 guard, brings a wealth of experience and talent to the Rebels. During her tenure at Michigan State, she averaged 12.3 points, 5.2 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game, while maintaining an impressive 51% shooting percentage from the field. Her performance earned her Second-Team All-Big Ten honors and she led the conference with a 2.84 assist-to-turnover ratio, setting a school record in the process citeturn0search5.
Coach McPhee-McCuin, affectionately known as Coach Yo, expressed enthusiasm about Hagemann’s addition to the team. She highlighted Hagemann’s dynamic playmaking abilities, stating, “Dee Dee is a dynamic guard that can score but loves to facilitate and set her teammates up for success! She is also a competitor that will fit right into our defensive system” citeturn0search2.
Hagemann’s commitment is part of a broader strategy by Coach Yo to bolster the team’s roster through experienced transfers. This approach aims to build upon the Rebels’ recent successes, including a 24-9 overall record and a 12-4 mark in SEC play during the previous season citeturn0search4.
In addition to Hagemann, Ole Miss has welcomed other notable transfers, such as forward Latasha Lattimore from Virginia and forward Starr Jacobs from Arkansas-Pine Bluff. These acquisitions are expected to provide immediate impact and depth to the team’s lineup.
As the Rebels prepare for the upcoming season, the integration of seasoned players like Hagemann is anticipated to enhance the team’s performance and competitiveness within the SEC. The combination of experienced transfers and returning talent positions Ole Miss as a formidable contender in women’s college basketball.