“It’s something to talk about when you beat Wright State now,” said outgoing senior guard Tay’ler Mingo as she reflected upon her last two seasons at WSU.
In the last two seasons under head coach Mike Bradbury, the Raiders have recorded the two best seasons in program history with a combined 51 wins, and winning their first-ever Horizon League Championship in 2014. The program is losing five seniors next season due to graduation, but will look to continue their recent success with some new and familiar faces. On Tuesday, WSU announced the addition of seven players new to Division I.
“We’re going to basically have an entirely new team,” said Bradbury. “It’ll be seeing if we can come together, play together and stick together. Talent wise, we’re gonna be fine, we just need to mold together as a team.”
The return of the 2014 Horizon League Player of the Year Kim Demmings should be a popular topic next season as she comes back from a foot injury that she suffered in the first game of last season. Demmings has had much success in her three seasons at WSU by averaging 20 points, 3.2 steals and 6.1 assists per game.
“I think it’ll be a big deal,” said Bradbury. “We’ve really progressed her slowly with her injury so hopefully it won’t get re-injured.”
Bradbury compared Demmings’ injury to the recent foot injury to the 2014 NBA MVP Kevin Durant.
“It’s the same injury,” said Bradbury. “This is the third time he’s injured his. We took the more cautious approach and so far, it’s been working out for her.”
Bradbury said he is excited about the incoming recruiting class and transfers. “I think that’s gonna shock a lot of people,” he said. “Continuing to build the program and take the next step. I’ve got to figure out what our administration’s vision is and see if we can try and take the next step.”
Joining the WSU backcourt will be former Ohio State guard Raven Ferguson who averaged 10.8 points per game at OSU and received Honorable Mention All-Big Ten. Bradbury said she will bring, “Some experience, stability and size at the guard spot that we’ve been lacking. She’s a good player.”
Also joining the backcourt will be Memphis transfer Jaymie Jackson who scored a career high of 14 points against Alabama A&M in 2012.
“We’re looking for them to be major contributors,” said Bradbury.
Junior guard Symone Denham will be coming off of a season of career-highs in the conference tournament with 15 points against Oakland and 19 against Cleveland State.
Six-foot-five sophomore center Richelle van der Keijl set a WSU single-season record last season with a .607 field goal percentage.
In addition to those who have Division I playing experience, Bradbury has inked seven to next year’s recruiting class. Among them is top junior college recruit Antania Hayes.
“We’re excited about next year,” said Bradbury. “I think we have a chance to be pretty good.”
