TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona women’s basketball announced the signing of four incoming recruits for 2013-14.
The Wildcats will add forwards Dejza James, LaBrittney Jones and Breanna Workman and guard Ashley Merrill for next season.
“I’m really excited about the four coming in,” Arizona head coach Niya Butts said. “This core group is going to be very good for us, and we think they are going to come in and help us immediately.”
James, a 6-1 forward from Elk Grove, Calif., can play both inside and on the wing.
“She’s a really tough kid, plays hard, plays physical, does a really good job of rebounding the basketball and we want to continue to get good rebounders, so we are excited to add her to our family,” Butts said.
Jones, a 6-1 forward out of Cedar Hill, Texas, is rated a top-100 prospect by ESPN HoopGurlz.
“LaBrittney is a phenomenal athlete, can really rebound the basketball and finish around the basket with either hand,” Butts said. “She plays a lot bigger than she is. She’s probably about 6-1, but plays like she is 6-3 or 6-4."
Merrill, a 6-1 guard out of Corona, Calif., is noted for her versatility.
“Ashley is long and athletic and play all three guard positions,” Butts said. “She will add a lot of depth to our team, she can knock down a shot, get to the rim and is a great passer. I would like for her to be a little more aggressive, but she is a good basketball player and that is something that we certainly need.”
Workman, a 6-1 forward from Las Vegas, Nev,. is rated a three-star prospect by ESPN HoopGurlz. She was selected to both the All District and All State teams as a junior at Centennial High.
“Breanna is long and athletic, there is a theme here, if you haven’t noticed,” Butts said. “She can really pass the ball for a kid her size. She can run the floor really well — she will be a great transition four player for us.”
