From Queens to Olean, sophomore guard Deja Francis is back for her second season at St. Bonaventure University.
Francis is following up a 2018-19 season in which she averaged 9.4 points per game, 3.4 assists per game and earned Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team honors.
Francis’ 2018-19 season makes her believe that she has put herself on the map with her impressive ability to score and create shots for her team.
“I have been working this offseason to improve every part of my game,” said Francis. “I have no choice but to be better because I am already on the radar and have got to step up to the challenge.”
A prominent part of Francis’ game last season was the way she passed the ball. She recorded 104 assists last season, the most by a St. Bonaventure freshman in over 20 seasons, and ranked in the top five in assists in the A10.
“During last season I still felt like I was getting better through the year,”said Francis. “I want to be in at least the top five in assists this year and just keep getting better.”
Her ability to spread the ball has also instilled confidence in women’s basketball head coach Jesse Fleming, whom she said is giving her more control of the offense this season.
“Fleming is letting there be a lot more freedom in my offense this year,” said Francis.
Francis was at her best last season when they played against A10 opponents. Francis averaged 10.1 points per game and 4.4 assists per game against A10 opponents, both improvements from her play against out-of-conference opponents.
“It’s go time when it gets to A10 games,” said Francis. “It’s not that I see it as more of a challenge, I just see that I need to step it up.”
The women’s basketball team added four freshmen and three transfers to the roster during the offseason. And with all the new talented faces on team this season, Francis believes it might make improving her assist total even easier.
“We have a lot of new pieces so even if I am not scoring as much, I am ok with that because we have a lot of good players I can pass too,” said Francis. “This group really clicked when we came together, and I know I like all the new faces.”
Despite all the success Francis had last season, she can’t wait to get back on the court and get busy in 2019.
“The season came so fast, but I know it is time to step up the game,” said Francis. “Because the season is going to come whether I like it or not, and I am ready for it to come now.”
John Pullano, Sports Editor
pullanjj18@bonaventure.edu
