Kellie Harper Strengthens Backcourt Through Big Ten Portal
Kellie Harper continues to mine the Big Ten transfer portal, securing her second addition from the conference with Indiana guard Neveah Caffey.
The 5-foot-10 point guard from Warrenton, Missouri, entered the portal after completing her freshman season with the Hoosiers.
Efficient Freshman Campaign at Indiana
Caffey averaged 8.5 points per game as a true freshman while shooting an impressive 42% from the field, 42% from three-point range, and 81% from the free-throw line.
She also added 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per contest, starting all 32 games. Her best performance came against Penn State, where she scored 18 points on 6-of-12 shooting, hit 5-of-6 free throws, and matched her career-high with five assists.
She finished as Indiana’s fifth-leading scorer on a team that narrowly missed postseason play.
Missouri Roots and High School Success
Caffey starred at Incarnate Word Academy, one of Missouri’s premier high school programs, known for multiple state championships in recent years.
The school has produced several Division I talents, including Saniah Tyler, who transferred to Missouri from Kentucky.
Rated a four-star recruit, Caffey was ranked No. 70 nationally and No. 2 in Missouri by 247Sports in her class.
Shifting Opportunities Under New Leadership
Although Caffey did not receive major interest from Missouri under previous head coach Robin Pingeton, her recruitment landscape changed under Harper’s arrival.
With a new staff in place, the Tigers moved quickly to bring the in-state talent into the fold.
Projected Role and Team Impact
Missouri now has three roster spots remaining heading into next season, and Caffey is expected to compete for the starting point guard job.
Her arrival could shift Averi Kroenke into an off-guard role or a bench position as she returns from ACL recovery.
Caffey brings proven Power Five experience and scoring ability, giving Missouri a dynamic option at point guard.
While her addition increases the number of underclassmen to nine of 12 players, the overall talent level in Columbia continues to rise under Harper’s rebuild.
