Transfer Center Cassie Oursler makes Buffalo debut tonight against Sacred Heart

More than a year in the making, tonight marks the Buffalo debut of Grand Island native and Robert Morris transfer Cassie Oursler for UB Women's Basketball. Oursler has had to wait after practicing and playing in RMU's first two games in 2014.

We've written a bit about Cassie in the past:

This year's season preview series

Stephanie Reid, Courtney Wilkins, and Cassie Oursler join the Bulls

Before her three semesters at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, she starred in Western New York at Grand Island High School, and as a Viking was named Western New York Player of the Year after her senior season.

With the Colonials she stepped right into the lineup, starting 25 of 33 games and averaging 7 points and 5 rebounds a game, as well as tallying 53 blocks. With Oursler in the post RMU won the NEC Championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. After the season ended the freshman was named to the All-NEC Rookie Team.

As mentioned there, Oursler was WNY Player of the Year after her senior season at Grand Island, which she closed by averaging 27 points per game over the Vikings' playoff run. She was also named Fourth Team All-State that season.

Cassie's lone season in Pittsburgh was a successful one that curbs the usual doubts of a player stepping right in: as a freshman she averaged 7.4 points and 5 rebounds a game while shooting 48% from the floor and was named to the NEC All-Rookie Team. She was twice named the NEC Rookie of the Week.

I unfortunately can't find video to add in here, but in addition to regular experience as a freshman and an NCAA Tournament trip, Oursler brings a huge shot-blocking presence to the defensive post. After spending a full year with the team, Cassie will almost certainly see the floor tonight. We'll see how much.