New Additions To The Florida Women's Coaching Staff And Roster: Formula For Sustained SEC Success?
Along with the transfers, two new coaching hires should also help in the growth and development of the Gators Women’s Basketball program.
By LOREN MEADOWS
As the recruiting dead period begins for Women’s Basketball and #Kellys Kicks take a break from the trail, Gators Women’s Head Coach Kelli Rae Finley has already solidified her program with three transfers and two new assistant coaches.
Two of the transfers, Leilani Correa and Ra Shaya Kyle, bring blue-chip level talent and depth, as well as scoring to the wing and post positions. The third transfer, KK Dean, will bring a physical presence to both guard positions.
With these additions, the Florida Gators could feature a rotation that could go as many as 11 or 12 players deep as they enter conference play for the ‘22-‘23 season. A closer look at each transfer reveals what each could bring to the court.
Ra Shaya Kyle (Jr., Purdue)--Standing 6-6, Kyle is a former Five-Star recruit from Marion, IN. Kyle, who had a modest campaign as a freshman, had doubled her scoring output during the early part of her sophomore season. Unfortunately a lower leg injury would sideline her eight games into the ‘21-‘22 season. When healthy, Kyle is an athletic post player with nice touch around the basket. She is active in the low post and gives guards a favorable target in half court sets and compliment to the versatility of Jordyn Merritt and the defense and rebounding Faith Dut.
Lielani Correa (Sr., St. Johns)--Correa is the most decorated of the three transfers, with two All-Big East First Team selections as part of her resume. A former Five-Star recruit from Manchester, NJ, Correa has career averages of 15.7 points per game with five rebounds on 41 percent shooting. A slashing dribbler who can score from both sides of the floor, Correa is a quick-off-the-bounce shooter from the mid-range and three-point line. Averaging less than two fouls per game for her career will also allow Correa to be available late in games as she should be called upon to take on the role established by former Gator and WNBA selection Kiki Smith. Look for Florida to have one of the most efficient and exciting backcourts in the SEC as Correa is paired in the three-guard lineup alongside Zippy Broughton and Nina Rickards.
KK Deans (Sr., West Virginia)-- Deans was All Big 12 Honorable Mention for three seasons as a Mountaineer. Deans is a downhill ball-handler with the strength and size to finish with contact at the rim. The ability to penetrate is complemented by a 34.8 percent 3-point percentage while an 82.5 percent career free throw percentage allows Deans to be an asset late in games as a ball handler and facilitator. Hailing from Greensboro, NC, Deans suffered a season-ending injury in January but will look to rehab and possibly be available at some point to bolster what should be an exceptional backcourt for the Gators.
Along with the transfers, two new coaching hires should also help in the growth and development of the Gators Women’s Basketball program.
Tamisha Augustin and Cynthia Jordan bring diverse experience and championship pedigree to Finley’s staff at Florida. Augustin has spent time coaching in the NBA G League under former NBA guard Jason Terry along with stops at Arizona and Mississippi State in the SEC. Coach Augustin is known as an elite recruiter and developer of talent who has been recognized as one of the nation’s most talented young minority coaches. Cynthia Jordan comes to Florida after 10 years as Director of Basketball Operations at South Carolina where she was a key part of two national championship teams under Coach Dawn Staley. Along with her duties as an assistant, Coach Jordan will also serve as the Gators recruiting coordinator. Her time under Coach Staley will be key as she will be tasked with identifying the next group of Florida Gators.
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