Arizona transfers follow Adia Barnes to SMU

Adia Barnes is building something special at SMU, and she’s bringing some familiar faces along for the ride. After a remarkable tenure as head coach at Arizona, Barnes is continuing her coaching career in Dallas, and her former players are eager to follow her lead. Three former Wildcats—guards Mailien Rolf and Paulina Paris, as well as forward Sahnya Jah—have committed to join Barnes at SMU, making it clear that the new chapter at SMU will be a collaborative effort.

Mailien Rolf and Paulina Paris’ decisions to follow Barnes to SMU come as no surprise. Rolf, a solid freshman for Arizona, played a crucial role as a distributor and rebounder last season. Her versatility and work ethic made her a key asset for the Wildcats, and she’ll bring that same energy to SMU’s rebuilding effort. Paris, who transferred to Arizona from North Carolina, will likely see an even larger role at SMU, where she can further showcase her skills after finding her place in Barnes’ system at Arizona.

The decision of Sahnya Jah to join SMU is more unexpected. After transferring from South Carolina, where she faced challenges with head coach Dawn Staley, Jah found herself suspended at Arizona as well. Despite these setbacks, her potential is undeniable, and Barnes sees the value in bringing her to Dallas. The change of scenery at SMU offers Jah a fresh start in a familiar system, one where she can make a significant impact.

Barnes will also have the luxury of welcoming former Arizona commits, forward Roxy White, and guard Jazzy Gipson. Barnes is no stranger to rebuilding programs, having taken Arizona from the bottom of the Pac-12 to a National Championship appearance. Now, she’s tasked with turning around SMU’s program, and these three players will play pivotal roles in that transformation. With their combined talent and experience, Rolf, Paris, and Jah will help lay the foundation for a competitive future at SMU.

As Barnes gets to work in Dallas, the Mustangs are already on track to build something special, and these players are ready to be key pieces in the rise of SMU Women’s Basketball. Keep an eye on this team—their story is just beginning.