Maryland women’s basketball continued its roster revamp on Sunday, adding Rhode Island transfer Mayé Touré. Touré announced the decision on her Instagram.
The 6-foot-2 forward averaged 12.5 points per game on 42.6 percent shooting last season.
Touré led the Rams in scoring and rebounding, a key reason why Rhode Island was the runner up in the Atlantic 10 Tournament. Touré is the second Atlantic 10 player Maryland has added this offseason — Conference Player of the Year Sarah Te-Biasu committed Friday.
Touré started her season strong. Against NC State, which made the Final Four, she scored 19 points on 9-17 shooting. Her efficiency dropped slightly in conference play. After scoring 15.75 points per game in the first eight contests of the season, she scored 11.8 points in conference games.
Touré’s junior season was her strongest. She shot an uber-efficient 50.5 percent from the field and scored 0.86 points per possession.
[VCU guard Sarah Te-Biasu transfers to Maryland women’s basketball]
Touré does much of her damage on the interior, as she attempted more than 10 two-point shots a game last year. She should pair well in the front court with Allie Kubek, who attempted 6.2 per game.
Touré is a non-threat from deep — she made just seven triples last season. Kubek’s shooting will provide Touré with space inside.
After coach Brenda Frese’s team lacked a true power forward last season, Touré is a needed boost to the Terps’ front court.
The Big Ten is filled with powerful forwards, most notably Ohio State’s Cotie McMahon, Wisconsin’s Serah Williams and Iowa’s Hannah Stuelke. Touré will be one of the Terps’ best defensive options defending those forwards next year. Rhode Island allowed only 56.7 points per game last season, with Touré as a key cog.
Maryland needed more forward depth. Touré fits the mold. The Terps have three remaining scholarship spots open.
