Vanderbilt women's basketball builds roster around Mikayla Blakes for 2026-27

Vanderbilt women's basketball head coach Shea Ralph focuses on creating a balanced roster for the 2026-27 season around star player Mikayla Blakes. Blakes, named the 2026 SEC Player of the Year, led the nation in scoring with 27 points per game last season. Despite losing key role players after reaching the Sweet 16, Ralph has added transfers Vernell Atamah and Mia Woolfolk, along with promising freshmen Olivia Jones, Jhai Johnson, and Sther Ubaka. Ralph aims to expand Woolfolk's perimeter game, and Jones' early performances have drawn comparisons to Blakes. Vanderbilt looks to build on last year’s success with a more versatile lineup.

• 9:48 PMYahoo Sports — How Shea Ralph built Vanderbilt women's basketball roster around Mikayla Blakes