Mizzou Women's Basketball Signs 11 Transfers, Including Lisa Thompson, Jayla Smith

Missouri women's basketball, under new coach Kellie Harper, has bolstered its roster with the official additions of Big Ten transfers Jayla Smith from Purdue and Lisa Thompson from Rutgers. Smith brings extensive experience, having played 92 games at Purdue, and is expected to add valuable size and defensive skills to the wing rotation despite a recent injury-shortened season. Thompson, a former McDonald's All-American nominee, played significant minutes at Rutgers, averaging around 6 points per game and demonstrating scoring bursts in both her freshman and sophomore years. Both players experienced dips in shooting efficiency last season but are seen as potential contributors who could revitalize their offensive games in Harper’s system. These signings bring the Tigers’ roster to 11, with six incoming transfers as Harper aims to rebuild the team for the 2025-26 season. The additions are part of a broader strategy to assemble a competitive roster under the evolving NCAA roster limits.