Jacksonville, Florida–The Edward Waters University women's basketball program lured new Head Coach Eric Jackson Jr. from his hometown alma mater, Rust College, in hopes of building a new HBCU powerhouse in the northeast corner of the Sunshine State and he has quickly stockpiled talent, bringing in a baker's dozen worth of recruits, only one of which coming out of high school.

Blesseth Dillingham, a senior guard from Midwest City, Oklahoma and a transfer from Rust, was the ultimate selfless performer on offense and a defensive wizard in her lone season with the former conference rival, averaging 4.7 steals per 40 minutes to finish 12th-best in the NAIA and a GCAC-leading 1.7 assist-to-turnover ratio as she preferred locking down the oppositions best shooters while opening up opportunities at the bucket on the other end rather than scoring herself.
 
"B is an elite floor general and ball handler, said Jackson. Her energy and ability to lead by example are key ingredients of a true point guard."
 
Adjaratou Mbaye, a graduate student center from Dallas, Texas and a transfer from Rust, spent most of 2023-24 on the injured list, but brings veteran leadership on top of an imposing 6-foot-2 figure down low in the paint.
 
Coach Jackson remarked on Mbaye, "Adji is a skilled post that is just as smart as she is strong and tough. Looking forward to her adding some size and depth to our front court."
 
Daiysha Brown, a junior guard from Madison, Wisconsin and a transfer from Rust, "is an athletic guard who can get downhill with the best of them. Her ability to score in transition is a weapon that will make us tough to guard."
 
Nyekuar Quick, a senior center from Tacoma, Washington and a transfer from Rust, made more than half of her shot attempts from the floor (52.5%) in a limited role off the bench, averaging just 6.4 minutes per game but still swatting away 16 blocks on top of corralling 57 rebounds.
 
"Nye is a great shot blocker and rim protector," remarked Jackson. She had a few big games last year, so we are looking to build on that with her."
 
Taniah Bowers, a senior guard from Trenton, Florida and a transfer from Rust, put together 3.4 points, 3.2 boards, 2.1 assists, and 1.5 steals a night during her two-year, 37-game tenure with the Lady Bearcats.
 
"T Bow is a great leader and a champion. She is 5'5 but she plays like she is 6'3. She is fearless."
 
Nekaya Williams, a junior guard from Atlanta, Georgia and a transfer from Oakwood, a First Team All-GCAC selection in 2023-24, and the league's Freshman of the Year in 2022-23, she led the Lady Ambassadors in scoring (15.5), rebounding (5.5), assists (3.5), minutes played (34.4), and total blocks (14).
 
"Nekaya is a very good scorer with an elite motor. Her length and creativity will allow us to move her all over the floor."
 
Tashun Bryson, a senior guard from Memphis, Tennessee and a transfer from Long Island as well as Lane, made 13 appearances at the NCAA Division I level before hopping down to the SIAC where she recorded a 36.5% field goal percentage 154 points and 108 rebounds for the Dragons.
 
"I've had the pleasure of watching Tashun play since high school. She is a long and athletic playmaker with great court vision."
 
Mia Morel, a sophomore guard from Madison, Wisconsin and a transfer from Stephens, helped lead the Stars to its first ever NAIA Tournament berth including a Second Team All-American Midwest selection. She had a year that will go down in the program's record books, breaking the single-season mark for steals (75) and finishing second all-time regarding three-pointers made (57) plus assists (110).
 
"Mia is a combo guard that will add playmaking and shooting to our lead guard spot. Coming off of a championship herself, I am excited to add more championship pedigree to the locker room."
 
Dai Brown, a senior guard from Earle, Arkansas and a transfer from Philander Smith, shot just under 50% (49.5%) while averaging double-figures (10.3 points) for the Lady Panthers in addition to leading the club in assists (3.7) and steals (3.2).
 
"Dai is a lightning quick two-way guard. I've watched her grow into a complete player over the years. I'm just glad we are on the same side now."
 
Zahra Daniel, a junior guard from Miami, Florida and a transfer from Appalachian State as well as Radford, taking the floor 15 times for the Mountaineers and Highlanders combined.
 
"Zahra is a veteran big guard who can get it done on both ends of the floor. Her experience with playing college ball at the highest levels will be great for us."
 
Jayda Scorza, a freshman forward out of Lake Mary High School in Lake Mary, Florida, is the lone first-year of the group, making the short trek to Duval County after averaging 11.6 points, 6.6 boards, and 1.4 steals during a breakout senior campaign.
 
"Sco is a super skilled freshman with a scorer's confidence. She will be a matchup problem with her ability to stretch the floor."
 
Simona Henshaw, a senior forward from London and a transfer from Florida Atlantic as well as Tusculum, is another former NCAA Division I prospect that is anticipating a bigger impact with a change of scenery.
 
"Simona is a veteran skilled forward. Her toughness and her ability to do all the little things is what separates her on the floor."
 
Leah Perry, a junior center from Cairo, Georgia and a transfer from Central Arkansas as well as Mississippi Valley State, is another student-athlete who found out that Division I is not always the best scenario for each individual, returning closer to her hometown in pursuit of a bigger role.
 
"Leah is an athletic post player who you can put anywhere on the floor defensively. She is physical enough to bang inside, but agile enough to be at the top of a press. That's valuable for us."
 
Jackson and his newly acquired arsenal of Tigers will look to make a giant leap in year one after taking over a squad that finished 9-18 overall and 7-12 in the SIAC a season ago.

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