Ole Miss Women's Basketball Adds Maryland Transfer Shakira Austin.
The Terps’ sharpshooter is the third player under Brenda Frese to enter the transfer portal after the 2019-20 season.
The Maryland women’s basketballteam brought in much-needed reinforcements Wednesday to bolster a thin roster, announcing the signings of guard Katie Benzan, a graduate transfer from Harvard, and forward Chloe Bibby, a junior transfer from Mississippi State.
Benzan and Bibby bump Coach Brenda Frese’s roster back to 10 players after sophomore centers Shakira Austin and Olivia Owens transferred from the program last month, though only Benzan is certain to be eligible to play next season.
Taylor Mikesell to enter the transfer portal. Photo by (G Fiume/Getty Images)
Bibby, a native of Australia, may benefit from the NCAA relaxing its transfer rules because of the novel coronavirus pandemic. The NCAA Division I Council will reportedly vote next month on a one-time waiver that would grant transfers immediate eligibility for the 2020-21 season.
If Bibby does get to play immediately, she gives the Terps their third point forward on a team that is moving more and more toward positionless basketball. Maryland used its length on the perimeter to its advantage both on offense and in a new switch-heavy defensive scheme this past season.
“Chloe is another proven winner that will bring a ton of intangibles to our program,” Frese said. “Her experience in the SEC and internationally will be invaluable to our young team. At 6-1, Chloe is a very versatile player that can play inside and out. She can shoot the three and will be another strong rebounder for us.”
“Katie is a proven winner and possesses all the leadership qualities you would want on your team,” Frese said. “She will bring a tremendous amount of experience and maturity to our team and will be able to play immediately as a graduate transfer. She is extremely versatile in her skill set with her ability to knock down an open three and she can utilize her basketball IQ to make a play for her teammates, can rebound and get to the free throw line.”
Bibby and Benzan join Angel Reese, the No. 2 recruit in the nation, according to ESPN, as newcomers to College Park this season.
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