A surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one.
Welcome back to Crimson Quarry’s 2024-25 Indiana women’s basketball player preview series. Today, we’re previewing freshman guard Valentýna Kadlecová.
The Story So Far
Kadlecová, a 6-foot guard from Kadan, Czechia, is the newest member of head coach Teri Moren’s team. The freshman’s addition to the roster was formally announced in August but she’s been committed to Indiana since at least June.
Kadlecová spent the last four seasons with DSK Levhartice Chomutov in the Czech pro women’s league (ZBL) and averaged 11.6 points 2.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per contest last year.
She’s also represented the Czech Republic in multiple FIBA competitions and helped her home country earn promotion with a third-place finish at the 2024 FIBA U20 Women’s EuroBasket Division B over the summer.
Offense
Kadlecová was Czechia’s top scorer (12.1 ppg) at Euros. She’s a volume shooter who can score from anywhere but is most effective in the midrange. Pull-ups from the high post are her go-to but Kadlecová is a threat to drive and shoot when facing up on the perimeter.
Indiana plays fast and loves to run the floor. Kadlecová’s ability to push transition and pass on the break will ensure that stays the case whenever she’s on the floor. The guard is also a strong passer in half-court play and is great at finding cutters from the elbow.
Defense
Kadlecová has good length but we’ve seen little film of her playing on the ball. As with most newcomers, learning Indiana’s scheme will take time.
Outlook
We do not know how well Kadlecová’s game will translate to collegiate play. Some overseas players, like junior Yarden Garzon, are ready right away and start from day one. Others, like Garzon’s classmate Henna Sandvik, need more polishing and get eased in.
Given all the offense Indiana’s bringing back, I would lean towards Kadlecová’s path being more similar to Sandvik’s. She’ll need to get up to speed defensively and learn how to be a complementary offensive player. Kadlecová will not shoot nearly as much in Bloomington as she did in Europe— proving she’s ready for that and can make high-percentage plays is what will get her on the floor as a freshman.