The first loss in the transfer portal for Mizzou women’s basketball is a big one, as guard Shannon Dowell is leaving the program after just one season. She has one year of eligibility of remaining.
Dowell was a revelation for coach Kellie Harper in year one, averaging 14.9 points as the second-leading scorer on the roster. In addition she added 6.1 rebounds, serving as the perfect offensive counterbalance to Grace Slaughter (who is already confirmed she will be returning
for her senior season).
The guard served as the primary ball-handler this season after a preseason injury to Averi Kroenke. This change led to her averaging career-highs in both assists (2.3) and turnovers (3.5) per game.
Dowell made a huge splash from the start, scoring 21 points in the season-opener before pouring in 30 later that month against Southern Illinois. An injury in mid-December sidelined her for four games and effected her efficiency for most of January. Dowell struggled through most of SEC play, finishing eight games below her points average, including a 3-point performance in the SEC Tournament against Alabama. But she certainly had some standout performances, scoring a career-tying 33 points in the regular season finale against Oklahoma.
Before transferring to Mizzou, Dowell spent two years at Illinois State after receiving minimal recruitment out of high school. In her final season as a Redbird she averaged 17.6 points plus 5.2 rebounds, drawing interest from Harper and the rest of her staff.
With Dowell’s departure, it leaves a large hole in the Mizzou program. But it means the Tigers now have an extra roster spot they may use to try and bring in a potential replacement. They have the flexibility to bring in either an off-guard or a smaller forward, as Slaughter can play either the 3 or the 4 to accommodate a potential new transfer. Dowell’s departure signals the start of the transfer portal madness of Mizzou women’s basketball. Buckle up.
