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The Rutgers women’s basketball program added a high profile transfer on Monday, as former Baylor guard Alexis Morris announced her intentions to join the program.
Committed. First I would like to thank God, and everyone who supported me through this process, I couldn’t have done it without my support systems and my believers, thanks again and I love you all. It was all a dream. #BIG10 #MorrisToStringer #DontGiveUpOrGiveIn #ripMLK https://t.co/njQLEATgQm
— Alexis Morris (@iGotHandlezz) January 21, 2019
Morris is a former 5-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American who was dismissed from Baylor this past September for “a violation of team rules”. She averaged 9.1 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.9 rebounds in 34 games and 8 starts as a freshman last season for a Baylor team that went 32-2 and made the Sweet Sixteen. Morris led the team from three-point range, making 28 of 62 attempts for 45%. She was named to the Big 12 All-Freshman Team and All-Big 12 Championship team after combining for 37 points in the semifinals and finals.
The Texas native led her high school Legacy Christian Academy to a Class 3A State Championship in 2017 during her senior season when she was named Gatorade Player of the Year for the state.
Here is what Rutgers head coach C. Vivian Stringer said in a statement on Tuesday afternoon announcing the transfer:
“Alexis is a great player and her accolades speak for themselves,” said Stringer. “She wants to be challenged and has what you can call that ‘it’ quality and personality. Alexis blended extremely well not only with the young ladies already on the team, but just as important, her style of play fits the mold of a Rutgers guard. I think Alexis will be an outstanding teammate and a hard-working student-athlete both on the court and in the classroom.”
Hopefully, Morris will benefit from the fresh start under Hall of Fame Head Coach C. Vivian Stringer after one of the premier programs in the country let her go for an unspecified violation. Per the release, Morris will have three years of eligibility remaining and be eligible to play in games in January of 2020.
Rutgers is currently on a ten game winning streak after defeating previously 17th ranked Michigan State this past Sunday. Rutgers moved up to 14th in the latest AP Poll and at 7-0 sit atop the Big Ten standings. They’ll travel to face 17th ranked Iowa on Wednesday.