Buffalo Bulls Women's Basketball Preview: Freshman guard Gabi Bade

Before Stephanie Reid burst onto the scene in January, there was Gabi Bade coming at the beginning of 2015-16. Now there's some competition at the point, but Bade should still find a way onto the floor.

The Basics

Number: 10
Year: Freshman
Position: Guard
Hometown: Milpitas, CA
Height: 5-8

New Girl?

Yes, though we've known about her for a while after she committed before the early signing period last year.

Before UB

Bade (pronounced Bah-day) played for California's Pinewood School, the alma mater of Jeremy Lin, where she was part of a program that was nationally-ranked and won multiple championships at local, district, and state levels. Her senior numbers are a bit hampered after she missed half the season to injury, but Bade is a player with plenty of big-game experience. With an ESPN rating of 87, she was at the time of her signing UB's most highly regarded recruit ever.

Further Reading and Viewing:

Women's Hoops recruit Bade among nation's best at Pinewood

Bade's clutch free throw shooting saves Pinewood

2015-16 Outlook

As uncertain as UB's forward situation is for its scarcity, there's plenty of guards. Bade is one of four freshmen at the position, and then there's still Reid and the Sisters Ups in the sophomore class, junior Camera Miley, and senior Karin Moss. Her chances at early minutes are helped by her versatility: while all of UB's freshman guards stand between 5-8 and 5-10, Bade looks like she could play anywhere from the one to the three-spot on the floor.

Given Buffalo's difficulties at point before Reid stepped in last year, I have to think Bade is the first backup there this season, even right off the bat.