Micaela Cocks traded starts with former starting point guard Tamika Nurse last season. Nurse began the season as the starter before being supplanted by Cocks, only to regain her spot towards the end of conference play.
Coach Bev Smith announced in April that Nurse will not be returning for her senior season.
“I feel for her facing this turmoil heading into her final year and wish her all the best,” said Cocks, who credited Nurse with helping her adjust to college basketball. “Her confidence and knowledge of the system were a big help to me as a freshman and her aggressiveness on the court has made me aware of what is needed.”
Cocks, along with freshman Nia Jackson, are two likely candidates for the starting point guard spot next season. Incoming recruit Darriel Gaynor from Las Vegas also stands to help.
The sophomore Cocks, who started 14 games last season, makes it clear she’ll push for a starting gig. The energetic guard put together averages of 6.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 26.3 minutes a game.
“I would like to be in the starting five because it gives me added confidence and I believe I can contribute to good starts as shown in games last season,” she said. “But I realize I have to be performing and earn the role so (I) do not expect to take it for granted.”
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