CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Khamya McNeal has been recognized by the ASUN Conference, earning a well-deserved spot on the ASUN Women's Basketball Preseason All-ASUN Team, as announced by the conference on Monday morning.
In her second season as a Hatter, Khamya McNeal has demonstrated significant growth and skill since her transfer from Syracuse. During the previous season, she showcased her scoring ability by averaging 10.9 points per game, appearing in 33 games and starting in 11 of them. McNeal's shooting accuracy was impressive, going 114-281 from the field, boasting a 40.6% field goal percentage. She led the team with 36 made three-pointers and showcased her proficiency at the free-throw line, making 96 of 139 attempts – another team-high statistic.
McNeal's contributions extended beyond scoring, as she hauled in 132 rebounds, averaging 4.0 rebounds per game. Notably, she led the team with 111 defensive rebounds. In addition to her scoring and rebounding efforts, she recorded 62 assists, ranking 20th in the ASUN in that category.
On the defensive end, McNeal demonstrated her versatility by blocking five shots and recording 46 steals, making her an asset on both sides of the court. Her season's highlight included a remarkable performance with a season-high 22 points, eight of which came from the free-throw line, and a personal best of five assists on January 21 against Queens. Notably, she showcased her long-range sharpshooting by sinking four three-pointers against Tennessee State on December 11.
In addition to McNeal's individual accolades, the Stetson Women's Basketball team has been selected to finish sixth in the 2023-24 Preseason Women's Basketball Coaches' Poll with 78 points. In the media poll, the Hatters were chosen to be tied for seventh place with North Florida, each earning 234 points. This season's projections come on the heels of a previous campaign where the Hatters achieved a 13-20 overall record, including a 6-12 mark in the ASUN Conference.
Despite a four-game losing skid to conclude the regular season, the Hatters displayed their resilience and potential by winning the opening round of the ASUN Championship, securing a memorable victory against #10 Jacksonville with a score of 60-53 on March 4. Their journey continued as they faced the top-seeded FGCU Eagles the following day, ending their tournament run with a loss, concluding at 48-66.
With a roster that boasts a healthy mix of returning talent and promising newcomers, the Stetson Women's Basketball team is poised to build upon last year's season, eager to make their mark in the ASUN Conference.
ASUN Women's Basketball Preseason All-ASUN Team
Name                              School
*Antwainette Walker      EKU
*Gracie Merkle                Bellarmine
*Shamarre Hale              Austin Peay
*Bella Winson                 Lipscomb
Alice Recanati                EKU
Uju Ezeudu                     FGCU
Aleah Sorrentino             Lipscomb
Jalyn Holcomb                Lipscomb
Lyric Swann                    North Florida
Khamya McNeal             Stetson
* - Denotes unanimous selection
Preseason Women's Basketball Coaches Poll
Pl. Team (1st Place Votes) Points
1. FGCU (10) 142
2. Lipscomb (2) 128
3. EKU 121
4. Austin Peay 107
5. Kennesaw State 84
6. Stetson 78
7. North Alabama 72
8. Bellarmine 65
9. Jacksonville 48
10. Central Arkansas 35
11. North Florida 33
12. Queens 23
Preseason Women's Basketball Media Poll
Pl. Team (1st Place Votes) Points
1. FGCU (38) 500
2. Lipscomb 434
3. EKU 368
3. Austin Peay 368
5. Kennesaw State 278
6. North Alabama 276
7. North Florida (2) 234
7. Stetson 234
9. Jacksonville 214
10. Bellarmine 186
11. Central Arkansas 106
12. Queens 78
