Kianna Smith had to watch from the bench last season after transferring to the University of Louisville women’s basketball program from the University of California. An entire season was an eternity for a player with her abilities, but she got to know Coach Jeff Walz’ system well. When the time came to contribute, she was ready.
Smith has been a welcome addition, averaging 13.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. She was at best when UofL needed her against an outstanding Florida State team on Sunday, scoring a team high 16 points, pulling down five rebounds and making six assists. She swished two consecutive 3-point shots in the second quarter to give UofL some much needed breathing room and space.
Louisville vaulted into the No. 1 ranking in the latest Associated Press. Kianna Smith was named Atlantic Coast Conference player of the week for her effort. ”When everyone’s hitting shots, it’s just a really beautiful thing,” Smith said. ”We’re just so deep. Everyone on the court can contribute and score… So, it’s easy to rack up those assists when we’re sharing the ball like we are.”
Kianna may be a new face at UofL but she was already having an impact on the game before getting here. She knocked down 91 3-pointers and dished out 244 assists, while helping the Bears to two 20-win seasons and two trips to the NCAA Tournament. She attended Troy High School in Fullerton, Calif., where she was a McDonald’s All-American Team selection in 2017. She was ranked the No. 17 prospect in the nation by ESPN HoopGurlz.
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According to Kelly Dickey, UofL fan and stats guru, this is Louisville’s first appearance at No. 1 in the AP poll. The Cardinals have made the AP’s Top Five 77 times. They have been ranked second 11 times. UofL is 12-0 overall and 5-0 in the ACC. North Carolina State moved into the second spot.
Somewhat ironic since Louisville and NC State were originally scheduled to play on Sunday. Florida State was substituted after NC State was forced to suspend play for positive Covid-19 tests within the program. NC State is also undefeated after 10 games and 5-0 in the conference. The game has not yet been rescheduled.
Don’t look now but UConn is ranked No. 3 with a 7-0 record. South Carolina is fourth at 9-1 and Stanford is fifth at 11-1.
