Kansas women’s basketball began its international trip to Italy with a strong showing, including an impressive debut from freshman S’Mya Nichols.
For the first time in school history, the Kansas Jayhawks captured the WNIT title when they defeated Columbia in the championship game back in April. KU has brought back nearly all of its production from last season in what should be a much improved Jayhawk squad.
Despite an underwhelming regular season — which saw them finish 19-11 (9-9) and resulted in first-round elimination from the Big 12 Tournament — winning the WNIT overshadowed their struggles. It shined a newfound light on head coach Brandon Schneider and the Kansas women’s basketball program.
Both the men’s and women’s teams have embarked on international trips this summer. While the men’s trip concluded on Aug. 8, the ladies began their exhibition slate a day later with a game against the Italian Select Team this Wednesday. The Jayhawks prevailed 99-58 in blowout fashion.
Freshman S’Mya Nichols — a 5-star high school commit who was ranked No. 22 in her class by the Collegiate Girls Basketball Report — was the star of the show. She scored 22 points in her Jayhawk debut. It was an encouraging start for the woman who is expected to be the future of KU’s program.
READ: Lady Jayhawks win their first WNIT Championship
Super senior center Taiyanna Jackson poured 21 points in herself. The 6-foot-6 big was named the WNIT MVP and garnered unanimous All-Big 12 First Team and Defensive Team honors in 2022-23.
Wyvette Mayberry also had a strong performance with 19 points. Alabama transfer Ryan Cobbins hit a triad of 3-pointers in her first game at Kansas.
Today’s top scorers ⬇️@SmyaKNichols 22 pts@tai_jackson11 21 pts@wywyy12 19 pts pic.twitter.com/k5Q2PHXrli
— Kansas Women's Basketball (@KUWBball) August 9, 2023
Seeing Nichols perform as well as she did should excite fans for the upcoming season. She is another talented guard who should play a massive role in KU’s success this year and beyond.
Kansas is now halfway through its exhibition matches in the team’s trip. They will travel from Rome, Italy, to Athens, Greece, to compete in their second and final matchup on Aug. 13.
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