THE FLATS — Every week, NCAA.com selects five of the nation’s top women’s basketball players based on their performances from the most recent competitions for the NCAA.com Starting Five. This week’s Starting Five features Georgia Tech women’s basketball junior forward Zaire O’Neil.
“I am very proud of Zaire for how she has stepped up as our leader and go to player,” commented Georgia Tech women’s basketball head coach MaChelle Joseph. “Her future is very bright.”
O’Neil, who also picked up ACC Player of the Week earlier this week, averaged 24.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.0 steals per game in Tech’s two contests last week. The Newark, N.J., native opened the week matching her career-high in scoring with 24 points at Virginia, helping the Jackets erase a 22-point deficit to force overtime. Pulling down a career-high 14 rebounds against the Cavaliers, O’Neil recorded her first double-double of the season and sixth of her career.
Most recently, O’Neil helped Tech to an 87-81 victory over Virginia Tech at home. The junior poured in a new personal-best 25 points shooting 9-of-16 from the field in addition to a 7-of-10 effort from the free throw line. She capped the game with five rebounds, three assists and a steal against the Hokies.
Joining O’Neil on the Starting Five this week are: Emily Clemens from Western Illinois, Oakland’s Taylor Gleason, Kelsey Mitchell from Ohio State and Old Dominion’s Jennie Simms. To read the full release on NCAA.com, please click here.
The Jackets return to action on Thursday, Feb. 9, welcoming NC State at 7 p.m. for the annual Play4Kay Pink Game. The contest will be available on ACC Network Extra.
