On a team with no freshmen and only one senior, the LSU women’s basketball team reloaded with a flood of talented junior college transfers in Mercedes Brooks, LaToya Ashman and Jalaysha Thomas.
Even after losing their best statistical player in Chloe Jackson, the Lady Tigers and coach Nikki Fargas only preach optimism for the upcoming season.
“I am seeing a team that is taking on more responsibility,” Fargas said. “I am seeing a team being in the gym more during the summer and preseason.”
With only one senior on the team, the Lady Tigers come into the season looking for more leadership on and off the court.
Fargas has no worries in that aspect.
“The addition of our newcomers has been huge,” Fargas said. “Mercedes [Brooks] is one of the most vocal kids that I have coached in a long time.”
By adding those three junior college athletes to the roster, the Lady Tigers hope to gain experience, leadership and diversity of skill from the young ladies.
Brooks has the skill and ability to slip into a vacant starting guard spot, while Thomas and Ashman have shooting range that can help the Lady Tigers’ expand to court.
In addition to their talent, Fargas is impressed by their work ethic and determination.
“We have asked these young ladies to do everything that the returning players are doing,” Fargas said. “They have not missed a beat by not missing a practice or giving up on any workout.”
The three of them have been able to jump right into the LSU system smoothly and efficiently in the preseason, even as they come from smaller schools that compete in very different ways than LSU.
“They are ready,” Fargas said. “They have a chance to be on a bigger stage, but they understand how to compete, night in and night out.”
While all three transfers are expected to contribute, Brooks looks to make the most impact.
The projected starting small forward is a transfer from Trinity Valley Community College in Wichita Falls and produced great numbers, averaging 16.4 points per game and 7.5 rebounds a contest in 37 games.
The 6-foot junior from Texas has high expectations from the coaches and players coming into the season, but this fact has not stopped the newcomer from being vocal.
“It is hard to be vocal when I am learning the plays,” Brooks said. “My teammates have helped throughout and enabled me to be vocal.”
Brooks looks to help the Lady Tigers in a multitude of aspects.
As opening night approaches, coaches and fans will be looking at the new faces to make a difference.
“I believe my best ability is communicating,” Brooks said. “I can also shoot ball and rebound to get the team going.”