UNC Women’s Basketball: Setting The Tone With Defense

This UNC Women’s Basketball newcomer may be one of the most impactful transfers in the country, as she will set the tone with her defensive intensity.

Lexi Donarski was named as the No. 6 overall transfer in the country by ESPN in September and is expected to be one of the key pieces of the UNC Women’s Basketball team for the 2023-2024 basketball season.

Donarski has been one of the most exciting players to watch across women’s college basketball the last three seasons, and now is bringing that excitement and energy level to Carmichael Arena this year.

Prior to North Carolina

Even though she is only in her fourth season of playing college basketball, Donarski comes to Chapel Hill as a graduate transfer. She played three seasons in the Big 12 for the Iowa State Cyclones. In her freshman season, she was named Big 12 Freshman of the Week five times and named Big 12 Freshman of the Year.

During her time there, she never missed a game as she played, and started, in all 95 of the Cyclones’ games. Not only did she play in every game, but she has played significant minutes since arriving on campus as a freshman. During her time in the Big 12, she averaged 35.1 minutes per game, 13.2 points per game, and 3.2 rebounds per game.

Donarski earned a reputation in her last two seasons with the Cyclones for being a defensive catalyst. She was named to the Big 12 All-Defensive Team in 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 while also earning the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2021-2022.

What to Expect in 2023-2024

Donarski is going to be the driving force in the backcourt to contribute to the pressure-style defense that head coach Courtney Banghart loves to play. When she committed to the UNC Women’s Basketball program, Banghart had this to say about Donarski’s style of play.

"She’s a true two-way player who can score and facilitate while guarding the other team’s best player, night after night. She’s a winner in every sense of the word."

The Tar Heels have faced Donarski twice in the last two seasons, so they know what she can do to the opponent’s best player. Expect Donarski to continue to be a reliable player, who doesn’t miss much time, that the Tar Heels can ask to guard the other team’s top scorer and shut them down.

Bold Prediction

Donarski’s defensive intensity from her time playing in the Big 12 with Iowa State translates to Chapel Hill and the ACC. She will play a huge role and can propel the Tar Heels to big wins by turning her defense into offense.

Donarski was named to the Newcomer Watch List at ACC Media Day. She will earn a spot on the All-ACC while also earning ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2023-2024.

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