The USF women’s basketball team is preparing for the upcoming season by welcoming seven new players to their roster. Following a disappointing finish in the previous season, the Bulls are focused on returning with determination to reclaim the AAC title. The new additions bring a combination of talent, experience, and scoring ability, which is anticipated to elevate the team’s performance at both ends of the court.
Two graduate students, forward Ines Piper and point guard Mama Dembele, have joined the Bulls after successful collegiate careers. Standing at 6 feet tall, Piper hails from Paris and is recognized for her two-way proficiency, averaging 6.8 points per game and making significant defensive contributions with a block and steal per game. Meanwhile, Dembele, a Spanish point guard, brings her impressive playmaking ability, averaging 10.2 points and 6.5 assists per game, along with a knack for steals, which ranked her sixth in the nation.
The Bulls have also welcomed incoming freshmen Amy Thompson and Raina Tomasicka, who are positioned to bring a much-needed offensive spark to the team. Thompson, a combo guard from Minnesota, concluded her high school career as a prolific scorer and a sharpshooter from beyond the arc, whereas Tomasicka, a versatile wing player from Bulgaria, showcased her scoring prowess in the FIBA U18 Women’s European Championship.
Furthermore, the Bulls have strengthened their frontcourt with the addition of three players, Jeniffer Silva, Yana Karamfilova, and Fatou Diakite. Silva, a junior center with experience from South Plains College, brings size and defensive presence to the team, while Karamfilova, a versatile scoring forward from Bulgaria, adds another scoring option in the frontcourt. Diakite, a sophomore forward from the Ivory Coast, is viewed as a project player with immense potential, despite her late start in basketball.
Following the departure of several players from the previous season, building chemistry among the new additions and existing players will be a crucial aspect to watch for the Bulls. Head coach Jose Fernandez is optimistic about the team’s prospects and looks forward to working with the new additions to maximize their potential on the court.
As the Bulls prepare for the upcoming season, the addition of these talented players is expected to bolster their roster and strengthen their bid for the AAC title. With the right mix of experience, scoring ability, and defensive prowess, the USF women’s basketball team is poised to make a strong comeback and regain their dominance in the conference.