Minnesota Lynx Offseason Update Vol. 17: Adding To The Trophy Case

Each week, we will provide an update on the Minnesota Lynx players overseas and how they are performing as part of our Lynx Offseason Update series.

For basketball fans, this is one of the best times of the year. A time where you sit on your couch and watch an unhealthy amount of basketball with games wall-to-wall nearly every day of the week.

Playoff basketball, and games in March in general, just means more as teams fight for a championship and a spot at the top of the college basketball landscape.

For WNBA players, this is also championship time as postseason play continues across the globe this offseason. And for the Minnesota Lynx, a few players added titles to their trophy cases — so far

Let’s look back at the past week with this edition of the Lynx Offseason Update!

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Kayla McBride — Laces (United States) and Fenerbahçe (Turkey)

McBride had an impressive season with Laces in Unrivaled, finishing the regular season second in the league in scoring behind only Napheesa Collier and earning All-Unrivaled First Team honors before losing in the semifinal round of the playoffs.

Following an impressive Unrivaled season, McBride now will head overseas to play for Fenerbahçe before WNBA training camp commences.

Season Stats (Regular Season):

With Unrivaled:

• 13 games — 22.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 19.6 MPG

Recent Games:

• March 16 vs. Rose (63-57 loss): 12 points (3-13 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three assists and two rebounds over 21 minutes

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Natisha Hiedeman — Rose (United States)

After starting the Unrivaled season with Phantom, then Laces and back to Phantom to round out the regular season, Hiedeman took the floor with her third team of the Unrivaled season when she suited up for Rose in postseason play.

Even though she didn’t play long with Rose, Hiedeman was the lone Lynx player to appear in the championship game and ended up coming away with an Unrivaled championship. In that championship contest, Hiedeman didn’t appear off the bench.

Season Stats (Regular Season):

• 12 games — 7.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 9.8 MPG

Recent Games:

• March 18 vs. Vinyl (62-54 loss): DNP

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Bridget Carleton — ÇBK Mersin (Turkey)

With Carleton playing with ÇBK Mersin in Turkey after starting the offseason with UNI Györ in Hungary, Carleton has continued to put together a strong offseason thus far and helped lead her team to a trophy over the past week.

This past week, Carleton and ÇBK Mersin took part in the Turkish Cup, rattling off a trio of victories to claim the Turkish Cup title. In three outings, Carleton averaged 15.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.0 steals over 33.3 minutes per game, recording a double-double in the title game.

Season Stats:

With ÇBK Mersin:

• Turkey-KBSL: 8 games — 10.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 35.6 MPG
• Euroleague: 6 games — 10.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 32.8 MPG

UNI Györ:

• Hungary-A Division: 5 games — 12.6 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 31.2 MPG
• Euroleague: 2 games — 15.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.5 APG, 2.0 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 36.0 MPG

Recent Games:

• March 28 vs. Tarsus (98-71 win): 15 points (5-9 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds, six assists and two steals over 30 minutes
• March 21 vs. Fenerbahçe (78-57 win): 15 points (5-10 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds and one assist over 37 minutes
• March 28 vs. Emlak Konut (85-64 win): 16 points (6-9 FG, 4-7 3Pt), 11 rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block over 33 minutes

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Dorka Juhász — Famila Schio (Italy)

Juhász is back in Italy again this year, coming off a strong campaign with Famila Schio last offseason and looking to build upon that this season as she prepares for her third WNBA campaign in 2025.

Juhász and Famila Schio took the court in one contest over the past week, with Juhász recording yet another impressive performance in a double-double outing.

Season Stats:

• Italy-Serie A1: 13 games — 9.6 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 22.2 MPG
• Euroleague: 9 games — 8.9 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 26.1 MPG

Recent Games:

• March 23 vs. Alpo (79-49 win): 16 points (7-11 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 12 rebounds, two blocks and one assist over 23 minutes

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Diamond Miller — Gorzow Wielkopolski (Poland)

Miller had her season cut short last offseason while dealing with a knee injury, only appearing in three games in Hungary before returning to Minnesota to rehab her injury. This offseason, she has done well in her first full healthy offseason.

Over the past week, Miller took the court in two games during the Basket Liga playoffs, impressing in both outings while putting together her best showcase of the season in a double-double outing in the first game and responding with a near 20-point outing in the second game.

Miller and Gorzow return to the court March 26 in the semifinal round of the Basket Liga playoffs against Sleza Wroclaw.

Season Stats:

• Poland-OBLK: 18 games — 17.6 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.0 BPG, 0.9 SPG, 29.7 MPG
• EuroCup: 4 games — 12.8 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 31.5 MPG

Recent Games:

• March 19 vs. Lublin (89-71 win): 26 points (10-18 FG, 5-8 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 12 rebounds, five assists and one steal over 33 minutes
• March 20 vs. Lublin (94-87 win): 19 points (8-17 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-3 FT), six rebounds and one assist over 32 minutes

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Marième Badiane — Fenerbahçe (Turkey)

As she prepares to take a WNBA court for the first time ever this summer, Badiane is playing with Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe this offseason, contributing nicely in numerous areas for her squad.

Over the past week, Badiane didn’t take part in either of the contests Fenerbahçe had in Turkish Cup action. Badiane (and soon to be McBride as well) and Fenerbahçe will begin the Turkey-KBSL Playoffs on March 26.

Season Stats:

• Turkey-KBSL: 11 games — 14.5 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 29.0 MPG
• Euroleague: 14 games — 5.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 17.2 MPG

Recent Games:

• March 18 vs. Nesibe Aydin (97-57 win): DNP
• March 21 vs. Fenerbahçe (78-57 loss): DNP

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Jessica Shepard — Athinaikos AS Vurona (Greece)

Some may have forgotten about Shepard since she didn’t play in the WNBA in 2024 on a suspended contract while remaining overseas, but the veteran is still under control of the Lynx.

Shepard and Athinaikos AS Vurona kicked off the semifinal round of the Greece-A1 playoffs over the past week, taking care of business in the first game with Shepard surpassing the 30-point mark to lead her squad. Shepard and Athinaikos AS Vurona return to action in the postseason March 26.

Season Stats:

• Greece-A1: 17 games — 27.6 PPG, 15.6 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 33.3 MPG
• European Championships: 1 game — 20.0 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 26.0 MPG

Recent Games:

• March 23 vs. Panathinaikos (98-85 win): 32 points (12-18 FG, 8-11 FT), six rebounds, two assists and one block over 38 minutes

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Grace Berger — OGM Ormanspor (Turkey)

Berger, another new member of the Lynx, was claimed off waivers by Minnesota after the former seventh-overall pick was waived by the Indiana Fever earlier this offseason.

Berger has put together a nice season with OGM Ormanspor in Turkey, boosting her squad in nearly every aspect of the game. OMG Ormanspor hasn’t taken the court since March 14.

Season Stats:

• Turkey-KBSL: 22 games — 13.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.3 SPG, 36.3 MPG

Recent Games:

• March 14 vs. Botas (84-68 win): 14 points (4-8 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 5-6 FT), seven assists, three rebounds and three steals over 40 minutes

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Camryn Taylor — Esperides (Greece)

Taylor is a player some Lynx fans might be familiar with, having spent time with Minnesota last training camp. Recently agreeing to rejoin the team for camp again this year, Taylor has impressed overseas with Esperides in Greece.

Over the past week, Taylor played in one contest with her squad, facing PAOK in Greece-A1 postseason play and having the season come to a close after a 75-65 defeat. Taylor concluded the season averaging exactly 20 points while contributing on the boards and defensively as well.

Season Stats:

• Greece-A1: 22 games — 20.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 1.8 APG, 0.4 BPG, 31.2 MPG

Recent Games:

• March 19 vs. PAOK (75-65 loss): 17 points (4-16 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 8-8 FT), 11 rebounds, six assists, three steals and one block over 40 minutes

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Maïa Hirsch — ESB Villeneuve (France)

Hirsch has yet to appear with the Lynx or in the WNBA after being drafted 12th overall by Minnesota in 2023 but is still under team control as she remains in France with ESB Villeneuve.

Hirsch returned to the court with ESB Villeneuve over the past week for the first time since Jan. 5, playing a limited role off the bench.

Season Stats:

• France-BWL: 7 games — 2.6 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 0.4 BPG, 11.4 MPG
• EuroCup: 2 games — 8.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 0.5 APG, 19.0 MPG

Recent Games:

• March 22 vs. Landes (55-51 loss): zero points (0-1 FG) over three minutes

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Currently Not In Action

Napheesa Collier — Lunar Owls (United States)

Collier shined all Unrivaled season long, leading the league in scoring and going on to not only earn All-Unrivaled First Team honors but also being named the inaugural Unrivaled MVP.

While earning those accolades, Collier and Lunar Owls fell in an upset in the semifinals in a 73-70 loss to Vinyl. In her final game of the season, Collier put on a show and did all she could for Lunar Owls, leading all players in scoring with a 36-point showing.

Season Stats (Regular Season):

• 14 games — 25.7 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 2.8 APG, 2.0 SPG, 1.3 BPG, 18.6 MPG

Recent Games:

• March 16 vs. Vinyl (73-70 loss): 36 points (16-24 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT), eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks over 23 minutes

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Courtney Williams — Lunar Owls (United States)

As we have seen with the Lynx in the WNBA, Williams was the spark plug and energy generator for Lunar Owls in Unrivaled, distributing the ball well while also being able to help her squad with her shot when needed.

Williams and the Lunar Owls, the best team in the regular season, saw their season come to a close in an upset loss to Vinyl. In the game, Williams reached double figures in scoring while contributing on the boards as well.

Season Stats (Regular Season):

• 14 games — 9.4 PPG, 4.6 APG, 3.9 RPG, 0.4 SPG, 9.8 MPG

Recent Games:

• March 16 vs. Vinyl (73-70 loss): 13 points (5-9 FG, 3-3 3Pt), five rebounds, three assists and one steal over 13 minutes

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Alanna Smith — Shandong (China)

Smith absolutely dominated in China over the offseason, leading the way on a game-by-game basis while averaging a double-double with her Chinese squad.

Over the past week, Smith and Shandong are took part in the WCBA playoffs, facing Guangdong in the quarterfinals. Following a loss on Sunday, Shandong fell 3-1 in the series and sees their WCBA play conclude.

Season Stats:

• China-WCBA: 37 games — 18.6 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 2.6 APG, 2.3 SPG

Recent Games:

• March 11 vs. Guangdong (83-78 win): 20 points (7-11 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 0-2 FT), 13 rebounds, three steals and one assist
• March 13 vs. Guangdong (89-77 loss): No game stats found.
• March 16 vs. Guangdong (92-73 loss): 23 points (10-13 FG, 3-4 FT), six steals, three rebounds and one rebound

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Alissa Pili — Team Harris (United States)

Pili got back on the court this offseason while taking part in Athletes Unlimited, completing the four-week schedule last week while ending the year appearing in all 12 contests.

Pili rounded out the season with a nice showing, concluding the year with just over 12 points per game and shooting 43.2 percent from the field.

Season Stats:

• 12 games — 12.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.5 SPG, 28.1 MPG

Recent Games:

• March 1 vs. Team Sims (100-97 win): 14 points (6-15 FG, 2-9 3Pt, 0-2 FT), six rebounds and one assist over 35 minutes
• March 2 vs. Team Bradford (84-78 loss): seven points (2-3 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT) and one rebound over 23 minutes

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Kiara Leslie — Gigantes de Carolina (Puerto Rico)

Leslie is the newest member of the Lynx, signing a training camp contract with Minnesota over the past week. Leslie was originally drafted by the Washington Mystics 10th overall in the 2019 WNBA Draft, last playing in the WNBA in 2021.

Leslie has played overseas in Egypt, France, Israel, and Russia throughout her career, most recently playing in Puerto Rico for Puerto Rico-BSNF action as part of Gigantes de Carolina. Last playing with the club on Oct. 28, Leslie did a little bit of everything for her Puerto Rican squad over 20 contests.

Season Stats:

• Puerto Rico-BSNF: 20 games — 18.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 35.6 MPG

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That will do it for this week. As always, thank you for reading! We will catch up with you next week with another Lynx Offseason Update.