Kai Carter joined Rutgers women’s basketball last week, the transfer portal forward instantly becoming a big part of the program with her commitment.
For a Rutgers team that lost a lot of talent this offseason, especially forward Osh Brown, the addition of a player like Carter fits a pressing need on the roster. Carter comes after three seasons at UNC-Asheville where she saw her scoring improve every season.
Carter, set four her fourth year of college basketball, has two years of eligibility left due to the extra season being granted due to the COVID-19 season of 2020-21.
In her second season at UNC-Asheville, Carter averaged 13.3 points per game and 7.7 rebounds. Last year, she averaged 14.8 points per game and 6.3 rebounds.
She made her announcement officially on Sunday night via a post on Twitter.
“I made my decision to transfer to Rutgers because I feel like they will develop my game and take it to another level,” Carter told Rutgers Wire this week in an interview.
“After talking to the coaches more, I can tell they have my best interest at heart and will challenge me to make me better every day.
“Academically, it is a great school to be at with amazing people to support you. I feel like I will be able to build genuine relationships at Rutgers as well as reach all my goals.”
The 6-foot forward is energetic, a good defender and has some nice range to her game. Last season she went a solid 28.9 percent from three-point range.
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Rutgers finished the season 11-20 (3-14 Big Ten).
Carter was recruited by coach Michelle Edwards, an assistant at Rutgers. Other programs involved with Carter after she entered the transfer portal include Troy, East Carolina, Mercer, Austin Peay and Tennessee-Chattanooga among others.
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As for the situation at Rutgers and the uncertainty surrounding the head coach for the upcoming season, Carter said her decision was based on the program and the staff as a whole and not any one individual.
“The coaching staff are all on the same page so I know I will be in good hands no matter what happens,” Carter said.
Being able to test herself in a tough and physical Big Ten is something that is appealing to Carter as well.
“Yes, I’m extremely excited about playing in the Big Ten,” Carter said.
“I know there will be good competition so I’m ready to challenge myself with that.”
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