Story by Gage Johnson
Staff writer
With the Racer women’s basketball team bringing in a practically new team into the 2018-2019 season, one familiar face that is expected to shine alongside Head Coach Rechelle Turner and company is junior forward Evelyn Adebayo.
Adebayo is from London, England, and came to the United States to play for Gardner-Webb University. However, after playing 56 games, she decided to transfer after her sophomore season.
Coming from a completely different program, there was clearly going to be a learning curve, but Adebayo believes she’s adjusted well.
“It was a bit different at first getting used to the girls and the different style of play,” Adebayo said. “I’ve had a year getting used to the practices and the team so now I’m more confident, especially physically and mentally. I’m way more in shape and confident in what I can do on the court.”
After having to sit out all last season as a transfer, Adebayo had a lot of time to work on all facets of her game to be the best player she could be this season.
“One big difference I made was my mental game,” Adebayo said. “Just always being there for my team no matter what and just overcoming anything. I figured that your mental game controls your physical, so if you can mentally get through the challenges, you can physically.”
Those changes have clearly made a difference. Adebayo is currently leading the team in scoring two games into the season, averaging 18 points. She’s also averaging 11.5 rebounds, and in a team comprised of eight newcomers, she’s striving to set an example.
“It’s actually something I’m trying to take pride in,” Adebayo said. “It actually pushes me and more in practice knowing that these girls are looking up to me.”
With this being Adebayo’s first season and having sat out all last year in preparation, she has high expectations for herself and the team this season.
“I really just think we have a good chance of going far,” Adebayo said. “We’ve worked so hard and we’re focused on the same goals. The leadership role, I’m excited to take on that role and help us be the best we can.”
When being recruited, Adebayo quickly committed to the Racers and new Head Coach Rechelle Turner. For a team that was the second-worst rebounding team in the OVC, Turner knew how important Adebayo would be for the program, and snagged her as soon as she could.
“We knew we needed inside presence,” Turner said. “We knew that this was going to be a big class and very young. She is a kid that had two years of NCAA experience. She’s worked extremely hard to get in good shape. She’s athletic and she can shoot the ball. She’s just a great addition to our team.”
Over the offseason Adebayo has made vast improvements in her game, and Turner has high expectations for the London product.
“About a month ago or so I don’t know what happened, but something just clicked,” Turner said. “She has been unbelievable. We always knew it was there. I truly believe she is an All-Conference type of player. The ability she has to do so many different things is going to be a mismatch for some people. I’m really excited to watch her growth and see what she can do this year.”
