NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans head women's basketball coach
Keeshawn Davenport announced the addition of Creighton University transfer student-athlete DeArica Pryor, the third singing of the 2021 Spring Class on Wednesday. The 5-7 sophomore from Urbandale, Iowa will look to make an impact at the guard position for the Privateers.
"The reason I chose UNO is because it was everything I wanted, needed and more," an excited Pryor said. "The family aspect was the first thing I noticed and was drawn to. I lacked that feeling of being a part of a family for a while and I missed that."
"During my recruiting process they were also the most honest, genuine, persistent and most caring coaching staff I talked to," Pryor added. "They cared more about how I was doing mentally, emotionally and spiritually, rather than basketball, and that left the biggest impact on me. What Coach Davenport is doing for the program is amazing because she emphasizes the importance of being great human beings not only on the floor, but off as well. The amount of community service the team does, and the emphasis put on the importance of schoolwork can attest to that. I loved the atmosphere, the energy, and the culture of UNO and knew that I was ready to help any way I could to bring UNO a championship and a run in the NCAA Tournament."
Pryor appeared in 17 games during the regular season and another five in the postseason during her 2020-21 campaign at Creighton. She averaged 3.1 points in a reserve role. Pryor stepped it up in the postseason with an average of 5.8 points, 1.2 assists and 1.4 rebounds as she shot 50 percent from the field and at a 66.7 percent clip from beyond the arc. In total, the Urbandale native suited up for 47 career contests at Creighton, including postseason action, over two seasons.
"Every class brings a level of excitement, but I am really looking forward to getting this signing class on the campus in June," Davenport said. "I think we got a steal when we signed DeArica."
"DeArica has a high IQ, as she sees and reads the court well, but she can also score on all three levels," Davenport added. "My point guards are an extension of the coaching staff as they are the coach on the floor, and I think she will walk in that role very well. I am excited for her and I cannot wait to get her and her experience here. I'm looking forward to what we can build here at UNO with her now a part of the program."
Going back to her days at Urbandale High School, Pryor was a four-year letter-winner and four-time All-Central Iowa Metro League First Team selection. She was just the second player in Urbandale HS history to score over 1,000 points as she finished with 1,002 for her career. Pryor also collected 268 career assists and 269 career steals. To go with her high school accomplishments, she also played for the Pure Prep AAU team and was an Academic All-Conference selection three times.
Pryor joins
Nahja Scott (Bishop State Community College) and
Jomyra Mathis (University of Louisiana) as the current signings of the Spring 2021 class.
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