Out with the old, in with the new: Nunu Agara looks to break out following high-profile departures
Sophomore forward Nunu Agara faces more than just a new head coach and conference realignment this season. With the departure of forwards Cameron Brink and Kiki Iriafen from Stanford women’s basketball, Agara has the chance to become the program’s newest star.
A four-star recruit out of Hopkins High School in Minnesota — the same school that produced UConn standout Paige Bueckers — Agara arrived at Stanford as a physical yet versatile left-handed forward. In her debut season, Agara appeared off the bench in all 36 of the Cardinal’s games, averaging 5.4 points and 2.9 rebounds in just under 14 minutes per game.
The 6’2” forward showcased her versatility throughout the 2023-24 season, shooting 52 percent from the floor, 35 percent from beyond the arc and 86 percent at the line. This season, as the Cardinal adopt an uptempo offense under new head coach Kate Paye, Agara’s physical presence at the rim and ability to shoot from range will be a key asset to the team.
“I go with the mismatches, and where people are guarding me, so they put me in great positions,” Agara said. “Our offense is really catered to my kill spot, and I feel like if I get to those, then I can pretty much score.”
Agara’s experience on the court will be pivotal as she transitions into her sophomore season, especially following Brink’s departure for the WNBA and Iriafen’s transfer to USC. Together, the two former forwards put up a combined average of 36 points and 22 rebounds per game, leaving a substantial void in Stanford’s lineup — one Agara is primed to fill.
Although Agara will likely see a starting position and more playing time this season, she feels no added pressure. To prepare for her expanded responsibilities, she turned to the current seniors on the team for guidance on stepping into a leadership role.
“People are working three jobs, and I’m playing college basketball here at this amazing facility and amazing institution. So I don’t really see pressure as that big of a thing. I just see it as having fun and playing basketball,” Agara said.
The Cardinal’s exhibition game against Division II Cal State LA on Wednesday was just a glimpse of what Agara might accomplish this season. She netted 25 points, 13 rebounds and five assists, displaying physical prowess on both sides of the court.
Agara has clear goals for this season: to elevate her impact on both the offensive and defensive sides of the game and to have a breakout season.
“Obviously, with [former head coach] Tara [VanDerveer] being gone, everyone is expecting nothing. [We’re focused on] proving ourselves right. Not proving them wrong, but proving ourselves right,” Agara said.
With freshman year under her belt, Agara enters this season with newfound confidence. Balancing basketball with her aspirations to become a lawyer, Agara aims to take her sophomore year to soak up as much of the Stanford experience as possible, on and off the court.
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