Burnside joins Collen and the Razorbacks

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas and head women’s basketball coach Tom Collen announced the addition of Darshae Burnside during the early signing period.

Burnside, who originally signed with Arkansas last year, is a 6-3 center-forward from Cajon High School in San Bernadino, Calif. She was ranked in the top 100 by most of the prep prospect services as a senior and was singled out by ESPN.com as one of the top players at the Nike Regional Skills Academy.

“We are really pleased that Darshae has remained committed to becoming a Razorback,” Collen said. “She was a top 50 recruit and would be again this year. She will be a perfect fit for our system. She’s a strong, athletic post player who can run the floor, rebound with anyone in the country and stretch the floor with her ability to shoot the three-point shot.”

Burnside led the Cowboys to two CIF championships and four San Andres League titles during her high school career. Her numbers include a career-best 19.8 points-per-game as a senior and a 20.0 rebound-per-game that ranked first in the nation as a sophomore and junior. She averaged more than four blocks-per-game over her entire high school career.

Burnside finished her career with more than 2000 rebounds and earned four first-team all-state honors. She holds the Cajon High School record for blocks in a game with 15 and rebounds in a game with 40.

“There is a possibility Darshae could enroll at Arkansas second semester if she completes all of her eligibility requirements in time,” Collen said. “If so, we would make a decision then to let her play or redshirt her. Darshae is one more important piece to the puzzle to make us a top 25 program.”

The Razorbacks open the 2009-10 season hosting Alcorn State in Hot Springs, Ark., Sunday, Nov. 15, at 2 p.m. For more information about Arkansas women’s basketball, log on to ArkansasRazorbacks.com.