Kansas women's basketball leans on experience, welcomes elite new talent for upcoming season
KANSAS CITY, Mo (KSNT)- The Kansas women's basketball team will showcase a mix of veteran leadership and new talent as the 'Hawks prepare for one of the toughest conferences to compete in.
The Jayhawks finished 16-14 (6-12 Big 12) a season ago. KU started the season 10-1 but struggled once conference play began.
Kansas was picked sixth in the Big 12 preseason Coaches poll, with junior guard S’Mya Nichols earning a Preseason All-Big 12 selection for the second consecutive season.
Kansas returns seven players and adds five newcomers to the roster this season. One of those newcomers being former five-star prospect Jaliya Davis. She's the highest rated recruit for the Jayhawks since ESPNW began recruiting rankings in 2007.
"It means a lot to me to stay home and I have a great relationship with Brandon (Schneider) him being on of my first offers," Davis said. "Having a family environment in Lawrence was important for me."
The Overland Park native average 25 points to go along with 7.5 rebounds.
Kansas head coach Brandon Schneider said the elite players will find a way to play with each other.
"Elite players want to play with other good players," Schneider said. "When we signed S'Mya Nichols, that definitely helped with recruiting."
Nichols averaged 18.6 points a night to go along with 4.7 assists and 3.1 rebounds as she was an all-Big 12 First-Team member last season.
She said this team doesn't have a limit on what they can accomplish.
"We're extremely motivated especially after last season where we didn't have much depth and we like to say that we peaked too early," Nichols said. "We're focused on being consistent and stretching that as far as we can go."
Among the returners is senior guard Elle Evans. She's in her second season with the Jayhawks after transferring from South Dakota State.
Last season, Evans averaged 14.4 points a game (second on team) and earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention.
"Having seven returners have play dividends but also our five newcomers have come in and adjusted both offensively and defensively," Evans said.
A blend of proven talent, elite newcomers, and growing confidence gives the Jayhawks momentum heading into the new season.
The Jayhawks tip-off Nov. 5 against Kansas City but will host an exhibition on Oct. 29 against Fort Hays State.
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