College basketball season is approaching, and with that the Blue Zone gives you a breakdown of the 2020-2021 women's basketball squad. Be sure to check out the previous previews: Vanessa de Jesus, Uchenna Nwoke, Jiselle Havas and Sara Anastasieska.
Jada Claude
Year: Sophomore
Height: 6-foot
Position: Guard/Forward
Last year’s stat line: 9.7 MPG, 1.7 PPG, 2.4 RPG
Game breakdown: In her freshman year, Jada Claude struggled to find meaningful playing time, but when she did, she made the most of it. Claude is a dominant rebounder and a defensive specialist who is classified as one of the hardest workers on the team thanks to her maximum effort whenever she touches the floor.
With nine steals and two blocks in 18 games played last year, Claude established herself as one of the best defenders on the team, despite only being a freshman. Her 43 rebounds over that span prove her ability to see a miss and find her spot to collect the board. Although we haven’t seen her scoring at will, she does have an elite short-jumper and can work easily inside. The Fayetteville, Ga. native only attempted 37 shots last year, so her full potential is yet to be seen.
Role on the team: As for every other player, it is hard to tell exactly how she will fit into new head coach Kara Lawson’s lineup. Expectations are high for Claude to start producing at more extreme levels and her defensive ability may be a draw for her to find a spot in the regular rotation. The only thing holding her out of the starting lineup right now is her offensive impact.
Knowing Claude, she was likely grinding all off-season and is ready to take that next step as a second-year player. There are many questions surrounding her usage heading into the season, but she will undoubtedly be ready to fill any role Lawson asks of her.
Projected stats: 14.7 MPG, 4.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG
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