Can Henna Sandvik Hit Her Stride Next Season?
Over the course of her first 2 seasons as an Indiana Hoosier, it has taken Henna Sandvik some time to fully find her footing on the college court. In spite of this, her head coach has repeatedly had nothing but positive things to say about her.
Her college numbers (46 games played, 6.7 MPG, 0.7 PPG, 0.7 RPG, 0.4 APG, and 0.2 SPG on admittedly suspect shooting splits of 32.5% FG/13.6% 3FG/44.4% FT) do her case for minutes in the upcoming season no favors. However, let us not forget that we are detailing the same player who impressed to the tune of 9.6 PPG, 5.9 RPG, and 2.4 APG as a member of Finland's team during the 2023 FIBA U20 Women's Europe Championship. Sandvik was the only NCAA player to participate for Finland in that showcase, and it was the second consecutive year that she suited up (and impressed) for her country at the event.
Standing 6'0" and possessing premium length, Sandvik is yet another "big guard" being groomed under Teri Moren's tutelage. She utilizes her wingspan to make things difficult both on and off the ball defensively, and uses her smarts to serve admirably as a team defender. There may not have been a multitude of highlights to support her effectiveness defensively, but when you go back and re-run the tapes from her minutes last season you will see what we are noting vividly.
Looking ahead to the impending 2024-2025 season, Sandvik should have plenty of opportunity for minutes. With the Hoosiers again boasting quite a deep roster, her path to floor time will not be a simple one. It would probably be safe to pencil in Sydney Parrish, Chloe Moore-McNeil, Yarden Garzon, Shai Ciezki, Lexus Bargesser, Lenee Beaumont, and Julianna LaMendola above Sandvik in the overall hierarchy of Hoosier wings/perimeter threats.
If she can blossom into a steady source of wing defense and outside shooting, we could see much more of Henna Sandvik in the season to come. We have already seen the signs, now our fingers are crossed for some sustained substance.
Keep going, Henna!