Lynx Offseason Update: Players Spread Across the Globe

As a new week begins, the Lynx have released another update on their players’ offseason activities. While the world continues to face various challenges outside of basketball, this update serves as a reminder of how sports can bring people together. Over the past week, several Lynx players have returned to the court and showcased strong performances around the globe. Currently, 11 out of the 12 Lynx players who are set to play this season are competing on different courts, with three playing in the country and the rest representing teams overseas.

The 12 Lynx players include Courtney Williams, Alanna Smith, Natisha Hiedeman, Kayla McBride, Bridget Carlton, Jessica Shepard, Maia Hirsch, Dorka Juhász, Maria Kliundikova, Anastasiia Olairi Kosu, Camryn Taylor, and Jaylyn Sherrod. Napheesa Collier is expected to participate in Unrivaled but will miss the season due to surgery on both ankles, which requires a recovery period of 4-6 months.

Player Breakdown and Performance Highlights

Courtney Williams – Vinyl (Unrivaled)

Williams has returned to Unrivaled for her second season after being part of the inaugural group last year. She now plays for Team Vinyl and has shown steady improvement in distributing the ball and contributing on the boards. Her offensive performance has been inconsistent, but she had a standout game against the Mist, scoring 14 points in 16 minutes.

Season Stats (Unrivaled):

– 7 games – 7.9 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 4.9 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Alanna Smith – Mist (Unrivaled)

Smith is playing in the U.S. for the first time as a professional player, joining the Mist. She has contributed offensively and defensively, helping her team to a 3-1 start. However, her recent performances saw a slight dip in production.

Season Stats (Unrivaled):

– 7 games – 5.1 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 0.9 BPG, 0.3 APG, 0.3 SPG

Natisha Hiedeman – Hive (Unrivaled)

Hiedeman has returned to Unrivaled for her second consecutive season. She played for multiple teams during the inaugural season and helped Rose win the championship. Recently, she had a double-digit performance against the Laces.

Season Stats (Unrivaled):

– 6 games – 4.2 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.2 SPG

Kayla McBride – Fenerbahçe (Turkey)

McBride is back in Turkey with Fenerbahçe, where she has made a strong impact. However, she recently suffered a soft tissue injury that will keep her sidelined for a short period.

Season Stats (Turkey-KBSL):

– 9 games – 13.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.8 APG, 0.9 SPG

Season Stats (EuroLeague):

– 7 games – 14.6 PPG, 3.7 APG, 30 RPG, 1.7 SPG

Bridget Carlton – USK Praha (Czech Republic)

Carlton is in a new country this offseason, marking her seventh country of play. She has been active in both Czech Republic-ZBL and EuroLeague, showing solid two-way play with a handful of steals.

Season Stats (Czech Republic-ZBL):

– 9 games – 11.7 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.6 BPG

Season Stats (EuroLeague):

– 7 games – 12.0 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Jessica Shepard – Famila Schio (Italy)

Shepard has continued her impressive form in Italy, putting up double-doubles regularly. One of her most notable performances was a 30-point double-double.

Season Stats (Italy-Serie A1):

– 13 games – 17.9 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.2 SPG

Season Stats (EuroLeague):

– 10 games – 17.1 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.5 SPG

Maria Kliundikova – UMMC Ekateringburg (Russia)

Kliundikova is playing in Russia alongside fellow Lynx player Anastasiia Olairi Kosu. She has been a well-rounded performer, contributing on both ends of the floor.

Season Stats (Russia-PBL):

– 13 games – 11.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.9 BPG

Dorka Juhász – Galatasaray (Turkey)

Juhász has moved from Italy to Turkey this offseason. She has been a consistent performer, recording a season-high in steals.

Season Stats (Turkey-KBSL):

– 10 games – 13.1 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Season Stats (EuroLeague):

– 12 games – 13.0 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.0 BPG

Anastasiia Olairi Kosu – UMMC Ekateringburg (Russia)

Kosu is continuing her development in Russia, showing improvement in rebounding and defense. She recorded a season-high in rebounds in one of her recent games.

Season Stats (Russia-PBL):

– 11 games – 11.4 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 0.8 APG, 0.3 BPG

Maia Hirsch – Charleville-Mezieres (France)

Hirsch has been developing in France since being drafted by the Lynx. She has found success from beyond the arc and has contributed offensively and on the boards.

Season Stats (Franco-BWL):

– 12 games – 8.0 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 0.6 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Season Stats (EuroLeague):

– 8 games – 6.9 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Camryn Taylor – Landerneau (France)

Taylor has transitioned from Greece to France and has started to pick up her form. However, she hasn’t appeared in any of the seven games since November.

Season Stats (France-BWL):

– 6 games – 5.2 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 0.2 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Jaylyn Sherrod – Athletes Unlimited

Sherrod is the only Lynx player remaining in the country, participating in Athletes Unlimited’s fifth season. The league starts in early February in Nashville, and she will be one of 40 players competing in the fast-paced, full-court format.

That concludes this week’s update. As always, thank you for following along with the Lynx Offseason Update! We look forward to catching up with you again next week.