2018-19 Buffalo Women’s Basketball previews: Zena Elias

Losing someone like Cassie Oursler to graduation is a huge blow to UB Women’s Basketball, but freshman Zena Elias hopes to fill that void as the Bulls’ newest center.

Number: 20

Year: Freshman

Position: Center

Hometown: Clearwater, Florida

High School: Countryside

Height: 6-2

Before UB

Elias is an intriguing pickup for Coach Legette-Jack. Like the last center the Bulls had on roster, this one also didn’t start playing basketball at a young age. Originally a soccer player, Elias didn’t play basketball until her freshman year of high school because she originally grew up in Lebanon.

Despite the late start, Elias became a very capable post player in her four years at Countryside:

MaxPreps

That steady improvement in her scoring and rebounding output is a good sign for Bulls fans. It makes me think that the best is yet to come, and that she can help out even in her first year of college. Her 11 rebounds a game in her senior year is also a good indicator of potential future success, especially in a defensive system like Legette-Jack’s that focuses so heavily on it.

Further Viewing

2018-19 Outlook

Like many of the freshman on this year’s squad, there’s a question mark attached. UB does have enough junior and senior pieces to be competitive in the MAC, but if some of these new faces step up, there’s much needed depth for the Bulls. I’d say Elias’s transition from high school to college ball is going to be crucial because of that. I think she’ll definitely have a good chunk of minutes every game, especially since the only other player with a lot of experience at the five is Summer Hemphill.