Life After Aycock
Women's newcomers bring skills
Kansas plans to use all five from the start
By Bill Petulla
Kansan sportswriter
Although the chore of finding their way around campus isn't new anymore to the Kansas women's basketball newcomers, the challenge of bigtime college basketball is a bit unfamiliar.
The five diaper dandies, whose origins range from Michigan to Melbourne, may be relied on heavily by a Jayhawk team that only has two seniors.
The newcomers are led by a point guard that isn't so new. Sophomore Erinn Reed transferred to Kansas from Iowa after playing her freshman season with the Hawkeyes.
The 5-foot-4 Saginaw, Mich., native will be called upon to run the point for the Jayhawk offense this season.
"Erinn is a coach's player," Kansas women's basketball coach Marian Washington said. "She knows the
game well."
For Reed, going from just being a practice player to being a game player hasn't been too difficult of an adjustment.
"I think that I fit in very well with the program," Reed said.
Also getting her first chance this season at actual game play will be sophomore Cynthia Hogg. While at Lincoln High School in Dallas, the 6-2 Hogg averaged 20 points and 16 rebounds a game.
Hogg was an NCAA academic non-qualifier last season, though meaning she was
Kansas from Central Florida College where she averaged 18.7 points and 14.5 rebounds a game.
For Grayer, however, her goals are not self-centered.
Nakia is one of the most talented freshman big players in the country.
unable to practice or play with the Jayhawks.
MARIAN WASHINGTON Kansaswomen's basketball coach on forward/dcenter Nakia Sanford
In addition to Hogg, junior college transfer Patience Grayer will contribute down low. Grayer comes to
"My goals are team goals. We want to win the Big Eight Conference and go to the Final Four," Grayer said.
Washington said that Grayer would add depth in the post.
"Patience will give us real power inside," Washington said. "She has a lot of experience."
The incoming freshman class combines a blend of size and experience.
Freshman forward/center Nakia Sanford came out of South Gwinnette High School in Lithonia, Ga., as a highly touted recruit. She was recognized as a 1995 USA Today honorable
mention selection.
The 1995 Georgia Player of the Year also is expected to fill some holes in the lane.
"Nakia is one of the most talented freshman big players in the country," Washington said. "At 6-3, she's learning a lot, and she's going to develop into one fine player."
Adding experience to the Jayhawk lineup will be former international player Suzi Raymont. The Melbourne, Australia, native played for an Australian national team last year.
"Suzi is an all-around player," Washington said. "She's able to post up. She's able to score from the outside. She's got a quick shot."
Whether the newcomers make a sudden impact this season, they will build a strong base for Kansas women's basketball in the future, Washington said.
"The thing that's the difference is when you can have a player like, say, Nakia for four years, Suzi for four years and Erinn for three years," Washington said. "It really makes a difference in terms of keeping your program strong."
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