FLUSHING, N.Y. (Nov. 10, 2023) - The City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) has announced its annual preseason poll for the 2023-24 women’s basketball season. Brooklyn was chosen as the preseason favorite, as voted upon by the league's head coaches. Head coaches were not permitted to vote for their program.
The 2024 CUNYAC Men’s Basketball Championship is scheduled for Feb. 17-23. First Round action begins on Saturday, Feb. 17, at higher seeds, followed by the semifinal round on Tuesday, Feb. 20 at higher seeds. The tournament finale will be held on Friday, Feb. 23 at CCNY.
Brooklyn was awarded 47 points and six first-place votes. The Bulldogs went 19-8 overall and 14-0 against CUNYAC opponents to win the regular season and tournament championships for a third consecutive season.
Last season’s runner-up, John Jay, was slotted second with 41 points and one first-place vote. The Bloodhounds finished 18-10 overall and 11-3 against conference opposition, reaching the conference championship game for a second straight season.
Hunter was awarded 37 points and one first-place vote to appear as No. 3 on the ballot, followed by Baruch (35), Lehman (23), CCNY (16), York (16) and Medgar Evers (9).
2023-24 CUNYAC Women’s Basketball Preseason Poll
- Brooklyn – 47 Points (Six First-Place Votes)
- John Jay – 41 (1)
- Hunter – 37 (1)
- Baruch – 35
- Lehman – 23
- CCNY – 16
- York – 16
- Medgar Evers - 9
CUNYAC Women’s Basketball Preseason Players to Watch
Mia Castillo (Baruch) – Castillo was Baruch’s leading scorer last season at 20.1 points per contest, third-most in the CUNYAC. She led the conference in assists (152) and assists per game (5.8) while recording the fifth-most steals (90) and the sixth-most blocks (29). She was a First Team CUNYAC All-Star and a Third Team All-MBWA performer.
Ericka James (Brooklyn) – James is Brooklyn’s top-scoring returner after averaging 13.8 points per contest last season. She ranked fourth in the conference in three-pointers (47) and three-point percentage (.315). For her efforts, she was named a CUNYAC First Team All-Star.
Kasia Morrison (CCNY) – Morrison was the Beavers’ leading scorer last season at 10.8 points per contest. She ranked second on the team in assists (42) and third in steals (41).
Alexa Charles (Hunter) – Charles immediately impacted the conference last season, earning Rookie of the Year honors. She was the NCAA Statistical Champion in steals (151) and ranked No. 4 in the conference in points per game (18.9) and ninth in rebounds per game (7.6). In addition, she was named ECAC Rookie of the Year and was a Third Team All-Met honoree.
Kamryn Hammond (John Jay) – Hammond is John Jay’s top returning scorer after averaging 11.5 points per contest last season. She reached double figures in 14 games, including seven performances with 15 or more. She earned a spot on the CUNYAC All-Star Second Team for her efforts.
Rama Diallo (Lehman) – Diallo averaged 9.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game last season for the Lightning.
Sheily Quezada (Medgar Evers) – In her first season with the Cougar, Quezada averaged a double-double with 14.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. She was the NCAA Statistical Champion in blocks (102) and blocks per game (4.3).
Alicia Gumbs (York) – Gumbs elevated her game in her second season to average career highs of 12.0 points, 4.1 assists, 1.8 steals and 0.3 blocks while connecting on 40 percent from the field, 24.4 percent from three-point territory and 67.9 percent from the free-throw line in 24 games. Gumbs also grabbed 3.9 rebounds in 35.9 minutes per contest.
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