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1) Myah Taylor — Mississippi State
A proven threat on both ends of the floor, Taylor is a pure floor general who can dictate pace. Having broken out in 2019 as a redshirt sophomore, her 151 assists showcased her second-to-none vision. While Taylor may not be a pure scorer, her speed and ability to create opportunities for others separates her from the norm. That said, look for Taylor to score when it matters most, as seen in last year’s come-from-behind win over Texas A&M. Taylor filled the stat line with 16 points, six assists and three steals.
Defensively, expect Taylor to top her number of steals, as she recorded 63 in 2019. Now a redshirt junior, coach Nikki McCray-Penson will rely on Taylor as a leader. It is a new day in Starkville, Mississippi, as Taylor will be at the forefront of a lethal starting five.
2) Zia Cooke — South Carolina
An unconscious scorer who can create her own shot, Cooke’s offensive impact is immediate. She was a freshman phenom in 2019, having averaged 12 points per game. Cooke boasts speed and unlimited range. Also able to get through the lane, look for her to keep defenses on their heels.
In addition to her scoring ability, Cooke is unafraid of the big moments. The offense will run through her. Expect big things from Cooke sooner rather than later.
3) Jordan Lewis — Alabama
In large part due to Lewis’ skillset, Alabama is a team to keep an eye on. In her four years with the Crimson Tide, Lewis’ career average in scoring is 11 points per game. Further, she has accumulated 1,155 total points. Against Georgia, Lewis posted a season-high 25 points, having impacted the game from opening tip.
Also an underrated defender, Lewis is a risk taker. And while Lewis will take risks and force turnovers, she takes care of the ball on offense. As the Crimson Tide look to have more than a respectable season, anticipate Lewis’ game to be on point throughout what should be her best year.
4) Destiny Slocum
A graduate transfer from Oregon State, Slocum may just be the missing piece that puts Arkansas over the top. While she did average nearly 15 points per game with the Beavers in 2019, Slocum posted a season-high 26 against Stanford.
Slocum’s name will be called on a frequent basis, as her game transfers fittingly into Mike Nieghbors’ system. Like the Crimson Tide, The Razorbacks are a heartbeat away from contention. Look for Slocum to add to an already decorated statistical resume and have Arkansas rolling early.
5) Jordan Walker — Tennessee
The Lady Vols now have a true weapon at the point with Walker, a graduate transfer from Western Michigan. Her 2019 campaign was one for the ages, as she averaged 16 points and 6.2 rebounds in 31 games.
As Walker will be playing alongside superstar Rennia Davis, the Lady Vols may have one of the nation’s most dynamic duos. If that proves to be the case, expect Walker to shine and have her way offensively.
With Taylor being first on this list, she is on the cusp of superstardom and is the Bulldogs’ unquestionable leader. Big things to come.
Hail State!