What GSU women's basketball coach Freddie Murray thinks about 2022-23 roster additions

Grambling State women's basketball has five new faces joining the Lady Tigers for the upcoming season, the university announced Friday.

The Lady Tigers (14-17) added three forwards and two guards to the 2022-23 roster. The season begins Nov. 7 as the Lady Tigers take on Tulane in New Orleans.

The home opener is set for Nov. 18 against New Orleans. SWAC Conference play begins Jan. 2, traveling to face Prairie View A&M. Freddie Murray is entering his fourth season as Grambling State women's basketball coach.

Here are the newest Lady Tigers entering the 2022-23 season:

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Amanda Blake, forward

6-foot-2

UNC Asheville (Summerville, South Carolina)

What to know: Blake spent two season at UNC Asheville. Last season she averaged 4.2 points and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 44.2 percent from the field. She played in 30 of 32 games, including 14 starts.

Blake achieved career highs of 14 points and 13 rebounds against Wofford on Nov. 23. She scored in double figures two times last season.

“Amanda ... will bring toughness and athleticism to our post group,” Murray said. “She has good hands, plays hard in the paint and rebounds well out of her area.”

Tiana Gardner, forward

6-0

Incarnate Word (Austin, Texas)

What to know: Gardner spent two seasons with the Cardinals, transferring from Temple College. Last season, she averaged 8.8 points and 4.5 rebounds, scoring in double figures 12 times.

She was selected the Southland Conference Player of the Tournament after totaling 22 points and 12 rebounds against Southeastern Louisiana in the championship game. The Cardinals earned an NCAA Tournament bid and lost 55-51 to Howard in the first round.

“Tiana is a leader and competitor who brings experience to our front court and versatility on both ends of the floor,” Murray said. “She has really good hands, nice tough around the basket and is comfortable in scoring in various ways.”

Jazymyne Jackson, guard

5-8

Braswell HS (Aubrey, Texas)

What to know: In high school, Jackson was a McDonald's All-American nominee. She played in 37 games her senior year, averaging 9.6 points, 2.8 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game. Jackson shot 71 percent from the free throw line.

“Jazmyne brings athleticism, energy and a high IQ to our backcourt,” Murray said. “She has great court vision, can score many different ways and plays solid defense. “Her ability to create for others as well as herself will allow us to have versatility in how we play.”

Miracle Saxon, forward

5-9

Cal State Bakersfield (Bellflower, California)

What to know: Saxon spent three years at Cal State Bakersfield. During her junior season, she averaged 5.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 24 games. She shot 38.7 percent from the field.

Saxon scored in double digits five times with a career high of 19 points.

"Miracle is extremely hard-working and brings athleticism to our team,” Murray said. “She is a terrific rebounder, especially for her size, and will bring us versatility with her ability to play multiple positions. We love her competitiveness and ability to score at all three levels.”

De'Maya Young, guard

5-9

Arkansas-Little Rock (Manor, Texas)

What to know: Young spent one year at Arkansas-Little Rock but redshirted. As a junior at Manor High School, Young averaged 23.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 1.1 assist per game.

“She is a combo guard with the ability to score and facilitate and will bring experience and leadership to our backcourt," Murray said. "Her size at the guard spot makes her a difficult matchup for opponents.”

Emely Hernandez covers University of Louisiana-Monroe athletics and high school sports. Email her at ehernandez@thenewsstar.com and follow her on Twitter @emhernandeznews.

This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: What GSU women's basketball coach Freddie Murray said about new players