Arkansas Freshman Bonnie Deas Shines in SEC Basketball Debut
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Arkansas Razorbacks women’s basketball team has started the season with a strong 3-0 record, largely due to the impressive performance of freshman guard Bonnie Deas. In her inaugural week, Deas has averaged a remarkable 18.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, earning her the title of SEC Freshman of the Week.
Deas, originally from Melbourne, Australia, has quickly established herself as a standout player. She is currently the only freshman in the country averaging at least 18 points and nine rebounds per game in the opening three games of the season. Her debut against Louisiana Tech was nothing short of spectacular, where she scored 25 points, along with five rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
Impressive Early Performance
Following her debut, Deas recorded her first collegiate double-double against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, finishing with 12 points and 12 rebounds, complemented by six assists. In the Razorbacks’ comeback victory against Central Arkansas on Monday, Deas contributed significantly with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Notably, this game marked her first time fouling out in collegiate play, a testament to her aggressive style on the court.
“My heart was racing,” Deas remarked after the game. “I was a bit nervous, but I knew the girls on the court had control of the game and were going to be safe.” Her performance has been a bright spot in Kelsi Musick‘s first week as head coach, demonstrating the potential for a successful season ahead.
Musick emphasized the importance of preparation during the offseason. “I think part of it is the offseason, the preseason,” she stated. “We’ve been in the weight room hard. We’ve run a lot in the preseason, and a lot of individual work that helped prepare them. It doesn’t matter how old you are. Everybody’s got to be ready for their moment.”
Upcoming Challenges for the Razorbacks
The Razorbacks are set to face tougher competition in the coming days. They will host Southeastern Louisiana on Thursday, November 16, at 18:30 local time, with the game broadcast on SECN+. Following that, the team will travel to Lubbock, Texas to take on Texas Tech on Sunday, November 19, at 14:00, available on ESPN+.
In other news from Arkansas athletics, defensive lineman Quincy Rhodes Jr. has been recognized as a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, awarded to college football’s most outstanding defensive players. Rhodes leads the Razorbacks with 14 tackles for a loss and nine sacks, ranking second in the SEC and eighth nationally. With two more sacks, he could become the first Arkansas defender to achieve 10 or more sacks in a season since 2011.
In women’s tennis, two Arkansas players advanced to the playoff rounds at the UTR PTT 25K Fayetteville event but fell short in their matches. Carolina Gomez and Anet Kostel both competed valiantly but were unable to secure a victory, concluding their runs.
As the Razorbacks continue their season, the spotlight remains on Bonnie Deas and her remarkable debut, providing fans with excitement and optimism for the future.
