MM 4.16: Maryland women’s basketball adds two transfers

After losing to players to the transfer portal in March, Maryland women’s basketball announced two new additions to the team Wednesday.

Graduate transfer Katie Benzan, a 5’6 guard from Harvard, and transfer Chloe Bibby, a 6’1 guard/forward from Mississippi State, both signed with the Terps.

Benzan, who sat out the 2019-20 season and will eligible immediately, averaged 13.7 points, 4.1 assists and 3.3 rebounds in three years for the Crimson. She was a First Team All-Ivy League honoree in each of those seasons and holds the all-time Ivy League record with 287 career three pointers, including 103 made in her junior year.

“Katie is a proven winner and possesses all the leadership qualities you would want on your team,” head coach Brenda Frese said in a release. “She is extremely versatile in her skill set with her ability to knock down an open three and she can utilize her basketball IQ to make a play for her teammates, can rebound and get to the free throw line. She will be an incredible addition to our team.”

Bibby, a native of Warracknabeal, Australia, averaged 9.1 points and 4.8 rebounds in her last two seasons for the Bulldogs, despite missing half of 2018-19 with an ACL tear. While it is uncertain if she’ll be eligible to play right away — the NCAA will reportedly vote next month on a one-time waiver to allow immediate eligibility for the 2020-21 season — she’ll provide the Terps with good height and versatility.

“Chloe is another proven winner that will bring a ton of intangibles to our program. Her experience in the SEC and internationally will be invaluable to our young team,” Frese said in a release. “At 6-1, Chloe is a very versatile player that can play inside and out. She can shoot the three and will be another strong rebounder for us.”

The two transfers will be joined by incoming freshman Angel Reese, the No. 2 player in the 2020 class, next season.

In other news

Today is the last day to vote in our Maryland men’s basketball bracket madness, so make sure to give your input here.

We continued our 2020 NFL Draft preview series this week. I took a look at Antoine Brooks Jr. Monday, while Wes broke down Javon Leake Wednesday.

We released two ouTTakes podcasts this week. Check out the first with the father/son duo of Ernie Graham and Jon Graham. The second, released Wednesday, features running back Javon Leake ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft. And we’ll have another episode coming today.

Maryland men’s basketball officially signed Boston College transfer Jairus Hamilton and 2020 recruit Aquan Smart Wednesday.

Former Terp Shatori Walker-Kimbrough is headed to New York as part of the Washington Mystics’ trade for Tina Charles.

Shakira Austin will be transferring to Ole Miss, joining former Terps assistant coach Shay Robinson.

Which three helmets are you going with?

Catch up with Maryland women’s lacrosse’s Brindi Griffin.

Check out the 2020 class for Maryland field hockey, which was announced Wednesday.