After a standout performance as a freshman, Kaylene Smikle is getting some buzz heading into this upcoming season. The Rutgers women’s basketball guard is being expected to emerge as one of the top players in the Big Ten.
Last season, Smikle led Rutgers with 17.9 points per game. She is a major reason why there is optimism that the Scarlet Knights can take a step forward this season in what will be a second year under head coach Coquese Washington.
This week, the Big Ten Network’s Meghan Wallace (McKeown) highlighted the top 20 players in the conference. Smikle checked in at No. 16.
Smikle had a very strong freshman season at Rutgers.
“Smikle had a fabulous freshman season putting up 18 points per game – more than five boards and nearly two steals,” McKeown said in her piece on the Big Ten Network.
“The sophomore can flat-out get to the basket no matter how many defenders you throw her away. With a year underneath her belt, I cannot wait to see how much more her game continues to mature as she heads into her sophomore year with the Scarlet Knights.”
It’s going to be a B1G year for this Scarlet Knight. 🗡️
No. 16 on @McKeown_Wallace’s Mc20: @RutgersWBB’s Kaylene Smikle. pic.twitter.com/q835fhhZy1
— Big Ten Women’s Basketball (@B1Gwbball) October 22, 2023
Last season saw growth from Washington’s young team. Rutgers finished 12-20 (5-13) and won a game in the Big Ten Tournament.
This year, with several transfer portal additions, headlined by Destiny Adams, this could be a season where Rutgers takes a step forward.