Bold Move: 7-Foot Shay Ciezki Shocks Nation, Decommits from Kentucky, Chooses Indiana Hoosiers Over Kansas, UCLA, and Maryland

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana women’s basketball has officially welcomed Shay Ciezki to its 2024-25 roster. After spending two seasons at Penn State, Ciezki will bring two more years of eligibility to Indiana.

“Shay has proven herself in the Big Ten, showcasing her explosive ability on the court,” said Indiana head coach Teri Moren. “She’s a dynamic perimeter player with the quickness to create opportunities off the dribble. We’re excited to add her to our backcourt. After getting to know Shay and her family, we’re confident she’ll fit well into our system and culture, and we look forward to having her here in Bloomington.”

Ciezki played in 65 games for Penn State, starting 59 and averaging 11.6 points, 2.4 assists, and 2.2 rebounds per game. She shot 42.5% from the field and 38.9% from beyond the arc. As a sophomore in 2023-24, the Buffalo, N.Y. native earned All-Big Ten honorable mention honors after hitting 74 three-pointers and averaging 11.5 points per game. She helped lead Penn State to the semifinals of the inaugural WBIT. Ciezki started 30 games and reached double figures in 19 contests, including a career-high 40 points against Central Connecticut State, where she made eight three-pointers.

In her freshman season, Ciezki made 64 three-pointers, the third-most by a freshman in Penn State history, and posted a 46.1% 3-point shooting percentage, which ranks fourth all-time for a rookie and third in a single season. She started 29 of 30 games, averaging 11.8 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game, finishing second in the Big Ten in 3-point shooting. She also led Penn State in 3-point percentage and registered 18 double-digit scoring games. Ciezki was ranked as the No. 56 player and No. 14 point guard in the 2022 class by ESPN Hoopgurlz. She led St. Mary’s High School to a Class A State championship and was nominated for the McDonald’s All-American team.

As Indiana prepares for the upcoming 2024-25 season, Ciezki’s presence will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the team’s dynamics. Her ability to create scoring opportunities and space the floor will complement the Hoosiers’ established offensive schemes. Additionally, her defensive instincts and competitiveness will bolster a backcourt that has aspirations of competing for a Big Ten title and making a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

Ciezki’s leadership on the court, paired with her well-rounded skill set, will allow her to thrive in Indiana’s up-tempo style of play. While her shooting is undoubtedly her standout attribute, her court vision and passing ability also stand out, as evidenced by her assist averages throughout her career. This versatility is expected to make her a dual threat who can not only score but also facilitate and create for her teammates.

“The way we play at Indiana, we value versatility and being able to contribute in multiple facets of the game,” Moren added. “Shay’s ability to shoot the three, score off the dribble, and make plays for others gives us a lot of options. We’re excited to see how she fits into our system and helps us continue to grow as a team.”

Her familiarity with high-pressure situations, especially her experience in leading Penn State to the WBIT semifinals, will be invaluable in the postseason. With Indiana’s championship aspirations, Ciezki’s ability to perform on the big stage will be key in moments that matter most.

In addition to her on-court contributions, Ciezki’s work ethic and leadership qualities have already impressed her new teammates. Known for her relentless drive and team-first attitude, she is expected to quickly emerge as a key voice in the locker room. Her experience in the Big Ten will also bring a wealth of knowledge to younger players, helping them navigate the challenges of one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball.

Ciezki’s arrival in Bloomington also signals a new chapter for the Indiana women’s basketball program, which continues to elevate its profile nationally. The Hoosiers have been consistently ranked among the top teams in the country and have become a powerhouse under Coach Moren’s leadership. Adding a player of Ciezki’s caliber strengthens their already formidable roster and sets the stage for another successful season.

As fans eagerly await the upcoming season, the addition of Shay Ciezki represents not just a boost to Indiana’s talent pool but a commitment to maintaining excellence in a competitive landscape. With her shooting, leadership, and competitive drive, Ciezki is poised to leave a lasting impact on the Hoosiers, helping to ensure that the program remains at the forefront of NCAA women’s basketball.