Women’s hoops recruits at top of class
By Daily Bruin Staff
April 16, 1996 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 17, 1996
Olivier signs top blue chippers, gets contract extensionBy
Emmanuelle Ejercito
Daily Bruin Staff
Adding to an already stellar cast of recruits, the UCLA women’s
basketball team received a letter-of-intent from Janae Hubbard, the
Fresno Player of the Year.
The 6-foot-4-inch bluechip has shown effectiveness on both ends.
At Fresno High School, Hubbard averaged 22.3 points, 14.5 rebounds,
4.2 blocks, 3.3 assists and 3.2 steals. During her prep career,
Hubbard shot 64 percent from the field and even recorded a
triple-double with 35 points, 22 rebounds and 10 blocked shots.
Hubbard rounds out a recruiting class that has been ranked
fourth nationally. All five recruits are over 6 feet tall, which
helps to soften the blow of the loss of seniors Allison Arredondo,
Kisa Hughes and Zrinka Kristich. The departure of these three
seniors left a big gap to fill for the Bruins inside the paint.
"Janae gives us outstanding depth at the post position," UCLA
head coach Kathy Olivier said. "It should be exciting to watch our
young post players compete for playing time throughout the
year."
Although the Bruins lost a total of four seniors to graduation,
with the incoming recruits and returning players the Bruins should
remain in good shape. Coming back in the winter will be Pacific 10
Freshman of the Year Erica Gomez and Pac-10 first-team member
Nickey Hilbert.
Takiyah Jackson should also make an instant impact, playing for
the Bruins after redshirting last season due to a knee injury.
And UCLA will benefit from the presence of 6-foot-3-inch Maylana
Martin, the crown jewel in its incoming class.
Martin is ranked the No. 2 player in the nation by Blue Star
report. Two weeks ago, the L.A. Times named Martin the female
Southern California Player of the Year.
* * *
Perhaps as an award for her efforts in recruiting some of the
nation’s best incoming classes the past two years, UCLA offered
Olivier a contract extension though the 1998-99 season.
"I am grateful for the confidence UCLA has shown in me," Olivier
said. "I think that we have the nucleus for a great year and our
coaching staff can’t wait for the start of practice in
October."
FRED HE/Daily Bruin
Successful recruiter and UCLA women’s basketball head coach
Kathy Olivier received a three-season contract extension.
