Stony Brook, N.Y. – A trio of transfers has rounded out the Stony Brook University women’s basketball 2010-11 incoming class. Head coach Michele Cherry has announced the signing of Talisha Bridges (Kalamazoo, Mich.), Juanita Cochran (Saginaw, Mich.) and Whitney Davis (Muskegon, Mich.) to national letters of intent, joining Morghan Farnsworth (Cornish, N.H.) to complete this year’s signing class. Bridges and Cochran arrive at Stony Brook via the University of New Orleans which has decided to move to the Division III level, while Davis has played the last two seasons at Muskegon Community College."I'm very excited about our incoming class,” said coach Cherry. “We have added depth, athleticism and versatility both in the backcourt and up front. This class, coupled with our returners, should allow us to get very creative at both ends of the floor. In addition, with the three transfers, we are adding an experienced trio who will be ready to play the day they step on campus. Furthermore, and most importantly, we have added good students and great people who should gel right away with our returners."
Bridges appeared in 28 games last season for the Pioneers, averaging 5.2 points and 3.1 rebounds in 12.5 minutes per game. She poured in a career high 19 against Nicholls State. Prior to UNO, she played for Loy Norrix High School and was named the Kalamazoo Gazette 2008-09 Class A-B Player of the Year after averaging 20.1 points and 10.4 rebounds in her senior season.
"Talisha is a great athlete and a great basketball player,” said Cherry. “She is a lockdown defender but can also score. She has three point range but is very quick to the basket as well. In addition, she can play multiple positions and brings Division I experience with her. We'll be able to put her versatility to work right away."
Cochran played in 29 games last season, starting the last 19. She averaged 5.3 points while pulling down 6.0 rebounds per game. She was also second on the team with 32 blocks. Cochran played for Saginaw Arthur Hill high school and was a three-time selection to the All-Saginaw Valley and Saginaw New All-Area teams.
"Jaunita is a legit low post presence,” said Cherry. “She can score on the block, she's a very good rebounder and she's a good post defender and shot blocker. She will give us much needed size and depth up front. In addition, her experience, having started 19 Division I games, will only help her in being able to come in a contribute right away."
Davis joins the Seawolves after two successful seasons at the junior college ranks. Last season she was named to the NJCAA All-America second team, while leading the Western Conference in scoring with a 17.7 points per game average. She also pulled down 12.8 rebounds which ranked ninth nationally. She was named to the Western Conference All-Region first team her sophomore season while serving as the team’s captain.
"Whitney is a proven scorer,” said Cherry. “She has a strong arsenal and she can score in a number of ways. While her mid-range game off the dribble is very good, she can also shoot off the catch and can use her ball handling and quickness to get to the basket. Furthermore, she can play multiple positions. She gives us another scoring option and weapon in the backcourt."
