Basketball gets first signee of the early period

FAYETTEVILLE
—
Ashley Daniels of Coldwater, Miss., becomes the first signee of the Tom Collen era for women’s basketball at the University of Arkansas on Wednesday afternoon.

The early signing period for NCAA Division I schools begins today, and the 6-2 forward is the first to turn in her National Letter of Intent for the Lady Razorback basketball team.

"We are very excited to have Ashley join the Lady Razorbacks," Collen said. "I think we got a real sleeper. She’s not on a lot of people’s radar because she plays for a pretty low profile AAU team and a smaller high school. She is a great athlete, and she’s the kind of player that years later you are proud you got."

A 6-2 forward from Coldwater High in Coldwater, Miss., Daniels averaged 18.3 ppg and 10.2 rpg her junior season. She led Coldwater to the Mississippi state title in Class AA, and was named MVP of the state tournament.

Rated 128th by the Blue Star Recruiting Service, Daniels was a freshman phenom, Daniels played in the state title game and was named all-region and all-state as a ninth grader. Daniels was also all-region and all-state as a sophomore. She was named to the Dandy Dozen this past season, also earning all-region and all-state. Daniels is a two-sport athlete, reaching the state meet in track as a member of the Coldwater 4X400 relay, the open 400 and the triple jump.

"She’s a fantastic athlete, and she’s the kind of player that as a post can lead the break," Collen said. "She’s extremely fast, and might remind folks of a smaller Lauren Ervin."

Arkansas anticipates several basketball signees during the early period that runs until next Wednesday, Nov. 21.