By: Sebastian Burke, Sports Information Intern
NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk State women's basketball team added three recruits to its 2020 recruiting class, as Larri Sydnor, Makoye Diawara and Niya Fields recently signed with head coach
Larry Vickers and the Spartan program.
"We are really thrilled about this group. We targeted hard-working and committed players who are also incredible students," said Vickers. "They will fit in perfectly with the Spartan way."
Sydnor is a 6-2 forward who will come to NSU from St. Vincent Pallotti High School in Maryland. She was a four-year varsity starter at Pallotti, while also playing with Power Move which competes on the AAU Under Armour circuit. Following a season-ending injury during her sophomore year, Sydnor returned to average 11 points and 12 rebounds in her junior season and was named to the All-Baltimore County second team. She is one of five players from her AAU team to commit to division one schools, along with the likes of South Carolina, LSU, ECU and Wagner.
"Larri isn't just a good player, she's a great young lady. As she continues to grow and eventually develop in our system she will be very good because of her versatility, size and track background," said Vickers.
Joining Sydnor in the front court will be Diawara, a 5-11 forward from Bayonne High School in New Jersey. Diawara averaged 12.6 points and 16 rebounds last season, leading Bayonne to a 24-5 record and a trip to the New Jersey Section Two Group Four final. She also had offers from UMBC, Wagner and Fairleigh Dickinson, but her choice was sealed after visiting Norfolk State for her first time last month. Diawara also plays with the New Jersey Sparks, which competes on the AAU Nike circuit.
"Makoye has to be one of the best rebounders we've ever recruited, and she continues to get better offensively every day," said Vickers. "Her energy is unmatched and she is going to be a terrific presence in our locker room."
Fields, a 5-7 New York native, is a three-year varsity starter coming from Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut. Her junior season she led Putnam Science to a 25-6 record and a third-place finish at the Independent School National Championship. Prior to transferring to Putnam, she attended Peekskill High School and was a member of the varsity team as a seventh grader. Fields spent her AAU career competing with the New York Gauchos on the Adidas circuit.
"Niya's size is going to make her a very versatile point guard. Her ability to defend the perimeter jumps out you, but she's also a proven winner and unselfish teammate," said Vickers.
The trio of incoming freshman will join three transfers who are currently on the NSU women's basketball team, but unable to compete per NCAA transfer regulations. Forwards
Mangela Ngandjui and
Amesha Miller both transferred from UNC Greensboro, while guard
Jalynn Holmes came to NSU from Towson.
