MORGANTOWN — KK Deans became the latest entry into the transfer portal Tuesday, the junior guard announced on social media.
Deans was the leading scorer for the West Virginia women’s basketball team this season, averaging 14.5 points, while shooting 41% from the field, but she tore her ACL against Baylor on Jan. 29 and missed the team’s final 12 games.
Deans will earn her degree in sport management in May.
“As graduation approaches, I am flooded with so many mixed emotions,” Deans tweeted. “My heartfelt thanks go to Mountaineer Nation as your support of WVU athletes is priceless. I have played with some amazing teammates that I can truly call friends and the lessons learned during this season of my life will forever be a part of me.”
Deans said she would pursue her master’s degree at her next school, where she will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Deans joins former teammates Kari Niblack and Jeanna Cunningham as players who have transferred out since WVU head coach Mike Carey announced his retirement last week.
“To Coach Carey, first of all congratulations to you and I pray that you deserve a well deserved retirement,” Deans tweeted. “Thank you for seeing my passion for the game and trusting me with the opportunity to be a part.”
WVU athletic director Shane Lyons is currently searching for a new coach. Nitra Perry, a former assistant under Carey, is currently in the position as an interim.
The new coach will have to instantly rebuild a roster, because the Mountaineers are now down to eight scholarship players — the NCAA limit for women’s hoops is 15 — and more players could decide to transfer in the coming days.
During her three seasons, Deans played in 74 games and scored 788 points and dished out 216 assists.
TWEET @bigjax3211
