Women's Basketball Wrap-up

Guard Andrea Smith will be the leading returning scorer next year for the Bulls.

The 2010-2011 women's basketball season was a season of struggle, triumph, and optimism. The ladies finished the season with a record of 12-19 and 3-13 in Big East conference play. The ladies knocked off #19 Georgetown in the final season game, but had their hopes crushed when they lost a heart breaking game in the first round of the Big East tournament to Pitt, 63 to 60.

The streak of post season appearances is all but over for the Bulls, but despite the rough season, the team has plenty to be proud of and a bright future ahead of them. Time to take a look at all of the players that were part of this squad and what they will bring to the table next year. [keep reading]

Guard - Andrea Smith

Smith was everything for the ladies this season. The sharp shooting guard averaged 17 points a game and 4 rebounds a game in just her first year as a Bull (from Gulf Coast Community College). Smith led the team in scoring (only player in double figures all season) and made everything happen on the offensive end. Her season was cut short when she suffered a knee injury in the first minute of the Big East Tournament game against Pitt. Smith will return next season and will be one of the best weapons the Bulls will have. Look for her to return even stronger next season (was named 2nd All Big East this season).

Guard - Andrell Smith

The twin sister of Andrea, Andrell had a solid season, coming off the bench and also starting a majority of the games. She averaged 8 points per game, 2.3 assists per game, and 3.5 rebounds per game. Andrell is not as aggressive as her twin sister on offense, but she is a great facilitator and can get her own shot when she wants. She will return as well for her senior season and will help anchor a solid backcourt for the Bulls.

Forward/Center - Leondra Doomes-Stephens

Senior Doomes-Stephens had a solid year. Averaging 7.2 points per game and pulling down 5.2 rebounds per game, Leondra did all the battling in the paint all season long. She had a career high 23 points in the upset win over #19 Georgetown (2nd biggest win over a ranked opponent in program history). She helped anchor the center of the court and will be missed heading into the future.

Center - Porsche Grant

Grant had a solid season in the paint for the Bulls. Grant averaged 6.9 points per game and pulled down 8.8 rebounds per game. She was a force inside that helped the Bulls get second chance points and was great on defense. She let her emotions get the best of her during the Rutgers loss (suspended two games), but leaves behind a great legacy at USF with her incredible play on the floor.

Guard - Kaneisha Saunders

Saunders was a key reserve guard that missed most of the season due to groin injuries. She came off the bench and was played well in the loss to Pitt. She averaged 6.8 points per game and 3.8 assists per game. She is primarily a ball handler, but has great range and is a nice spark off the bench for Fernandez. She will return healthy next season and looks to improve her game.

Forward - Daleisha Carn

Carn had a solid season for the Bulls. She averaged 6.1 points per game and pulled down 3.2 rebound per game. She will get more playing time next year either coming off of the bench or starting in games like she did several times this season.

Guard - Sasha Bernard

Bernard saw her playing time reduced this season due to the Smith twins. Bernard averaged 3.4 points per game and 2.8 assists per game. She is a key player coming off the bench because she is a threat to shoot the ball and also can run the point guard position if needed. She returns next season and gives the Bulls a great role player off the bench.

Guard - Jasmine Wynne

Wynne is another veteran bench player for Fernandez that gives he flexibility at the guard position. Wynne averaged 3.4 points per game and 1.4 rebounds per game. She is not a big time scoring threat, but is a solid defender and hustles on every play. She will return next year and help add key depth to the bench.

Center - Akila McDonald

McDonald is a solid player coming off of the bench for USF. She averaged 3.4 points per game and 3.8 rebounds per game. With Doomes-Stephens and Grant both graduating, she will get tons of playing time (probably starter) next year due to her height and rebounding ability. I expect her to become a great player in the paint for Fernandez and staff.

Forward - Tiffany Conner

Averaged 2.6 points per game and 2.8 rebounds per game. Will be a key role player next season off of the bench

Center - Sala Ekstrom

Saw action in just 13 games. Adds size to the paint and will play more next season.

Forward - Aleisha Flowers

Saw action in 12 games

Dutton

Saw action in 4 games.

The season was a rough one for the Bulls and not getting into the post season makes it even harder for a program that has had plenty of success recently getting into late March. But despite the rough year, there is many reasons to be excited for the 2011-2012 season. Both Smith sisters are returning and will be the key offensive weapons next year. The Bulls have plenty of young players that got playing time this year and will come back even stronger. The 2011 recruiting class is highly talented and will add some extra firepower to the team (more on the recruits later). The new Muma Center is close to completion and will be a new place for the Bulls to train, watch tape, and get better in every part of the game (even more on this later). Even the Sun Dome is getting a much over-due facelift and will give the ladies a new home and new exciting place to call home. Add in the great Coach Fernandez that always does a great job and there is a lot to get excited for next year. A great season ladies, can't wait for more this next season.