Gianna Kneepkens’ Potential Return Next Season Could Have Profound Impact On Utah’s Outlook
Mar 3, 2025, 4:22 PM | Updated: 4:29 pm
SALT LAKE CITY—As the Utah Utes women’s basketball gears up for the Big 12 Tournament, questions abound regarding Gianna Kneepkens’ future in Salt Lake City.
For now, Kneepkens remains focused on the task at hand. Utah is locked in as the No. 6 seed, which gets a first-round bye. They will prepare for a potential matchup against either No. 11 Kansas or No. 14 Texas Tech on Thursday. Those two programs will play Wednesday, which will give the Utes time to lock in on either one.
Related: Maty Wilke’s Game-Winning Halfcourt Heave Gives Utah 76-73 Win Over BYU
Still, in his media availability Friday, coach Gavin Petersen acknowledged there have been conversations but said the focus will remain on the here and now.
“She doesn’t want to get too far ahead of herself,” Petersen said. “We’re allowing her to stay present and give her all to this season.”
BUZZER BEATER WIN#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/rGSn15DWpy
— Utah Women’s Basketball (@UTAHWBB) March 1, 2025
Gianna Kneepkens has become a truly impactful player for Utah
Kneepkens leads the team with 19.1 points per game, while shooting a remarkable 51.3% from the field, 45.3% from 3-point range, and 90.5% from the free-throw line in 29 games. Along with her scoring, she grabs 5.1 rebounds and dishes out 3.0 assists per game, making her more than just an efficient scorer.
That sort of production has put her on the radar for the WNBA draft. She could elect to follow the path of Alyssa Pili, who was selected No. 8 in the 2024 draft. There is also the possibility that Kneepkens could be a top target for other college programs with the transfer portal window looming.
Related: Utah Basketball Head Coach Big Board: Candidates, Potential Options
However, the belief is that a return to Utah remains the most likely outcome. Despite the attention surrounding her, Kneepkens has maintained a humble, low-profile. Her return to Utah would be a significant boost to the outlook for next year’s squad.
THE BENCH REACTS 🤯🤯🤯#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/Z8eyWlVZSt
— Utah Women’s Basketball (@UTAHWBB) March 1, 2025
Kneepkens’ potential return would be significant
If Kneepkens decides to return for another season with the Utes, it would have a profound impact on the team’s outlook.
First and foremost, Peterson would have one of the top players in the game. Kneepkens is one of the most efficient scorers in women’s college basketball as a 50-40-90 shooter. She is a dynamic player who can create her own shot and stretch defenses with her three-point shooting.
More than the production, her leadership would be invaluable to the program as it welcomes one of the top recruiting classes in the country. Kneepkens would help maintain the standard for Utah, as they incorporate three highly-touted newcomers LA Sneed (No. 30 overall), Avery Hjelmstad (No. 36 overall), and Ella Tood. With those three freshmen along with returning players like Maty Wilke, Reese Ross, and Brooke Walker among others, Kneepkens’ return would give Peterson a pretty promising roster.
And when the transfer portal opens later this month (March 25-April 23), if Kneepkens remains where her feet are at, Peterson would have a star player that could attract others. Utah still has needs to address to round out next season’s roster and Kneepkens’ presence could be a positive influence.
It all hinges on Kneepkens’ decision, but combining those factors would give Utah a promising outlook in women’s college basketball next season.
