Shekinna Stricklen, Senior, Guard, Tennessee
Overview:
Shekinna came to Tennessee as a McDonalds All-American in 2008 and has more than delivered on the hype. Stricklen has started all 102 games of her three year career at Tennessee. In 2009, she scored 13.3 points per game, and had 5.9 rebounds but she had more turnovers than assists, (105-95). She was named Freshman of the Year by the US Basketball Writers Association. In her sophomore year she really took off turning her assist to turnover ratio to a much better balance of 135 assists to 87 turnovers, while still scoring at a 12.7 point per game clip. In 2011, Stricklen improved her rebounding as she was second on the team with 7.3 rebounds as she hit 38.5 percent from behind three point range scoring 12.8 points per game and winning the SEC Player of the Year award as well.
Final Projection:
Stricklen, should come into her senior year with a significant sense of urgency to win a championship. Her continued leadership with backcourt mate, Meighan Simmons and experience gained from the World University Games for Team USA, should propel the Lady Vols back to their first Final Four since the departure of Candace Parker and give coach Pat Summitt another excellent shot at her eighth national championship at Tennessee.
