Tigers Add to 2022-23 Roster with Wright State Duo

MEMPHIS, Tenn.- Memphis Tiger head women's basketball coach Katrina Merriweather has added two familiar faces to her roster for the upcoming season in Wright State transfers Destyne Jackson and Jada Wright.

"We thought long and hard about what the program needs for next season," said Merriweather. "We are adding two champions who exemplify what it means to be the triple threat required to continue to move us forward. They understand the importance of academics, being good people and loving to play the game."

Jackson, a 5-7 guard from Lexington, Ky., came out of Fredrick Douglass High School averaging just under 27 points per game while grabbing eight rebounds and five steals per game. She was an All-State Third Team member, the City Player of the Year, and named to the All-11^th Region Team, All-City First Team, All-District Team and was the Lexington Prep Player of the Year in 2018. Jackson finished out her junior and senior seasons with 1,429 points scored.

Following two seasons with Wright State, Jackson played in 47 games while making 34 starts. She was part of the 2020-21 team that won the Horizon League Regular Season and Championship and made it to the second round of the NCAA National Tournament. She recorded a season best 33 minutes played with seven points, seven rebounds and one steal in the first round of the National Tournament against Arkansas.

"Destyne is another young woman who we are ecstatic to reunite with as she brings speed, athleticism, and a defensive presence to the perimeter. We expect her scoring ability to be an added punch to our guard play," Merriweather said.

Jackson would go on to dominate in the 2021-22 season with the Raiders, averaging 13.4 points per game while grabbing 2.5 rebounds and leading the team while shooting 32% from beyond the arc. She scored in double figures in 17 games last season while picking up 21 steals.

"I'm excited to rejoin with Coach Trina and her staff," said Jackson. "They're winners who know how to bring out the best in their players. Their fast-paced style of play on both ends fits my game and I look forward to helping elevate this program back to a championship level. Not to mention, playing in front of an exciting environment with great fan support!"

Wright, a 6-4 center out of Chicago, Ill., comes to Memphis after two seasons with Wright State where she played in 47 games and averaged 4.78 points per game and grabbed 268 rebounds.

Originally from Rich East High School, Wright was the 2016 Rich East Most Improved Player and was an ESPN four-star recruit in 2017. She was ranked by ESPN at No. 11 in her position and No. 87 overall in the class of 2017. She was also selected to the 2017 McDonald's All-American team during her senior season.

Wright began her collegiate career at Trinity Valley Community College where she developed into one of the most dominate post players, ranking as high as the No. 9 overall junior college player.

Wright was part of the Horizon League Regular Season and Championship team where she pulled down 12 rebounds and recorded four blocks against IUPUI in the finals. Wright would then help her team to an NCAA National Tournament First Round win over Arkansas.

"We are thrilled to be reunited with Jada. She will add experience as well as size with the ability to rebound, defend, and finish at the rim. We look forward to her playing the best basketball of her career next season," said Merriweather.

Her dominance in the paint continued in the 2021-22 season where she recorded 47 blocks in 21 games played. She ranked in the top-25 in Division I in blocks per game and was one of the top rebounders in the Horizon League with 8.1 rebounds per contest.

"I'm beyond blessed and grateful to be able to play for the University of Memphis," Wright said. "I'm excited for this opportunity to play under Katrina and her coaching staff again. I can't wait to start this new journey!"

"Both players know us, our system, our expectations, and are proven winners," said Merriweather. "It is our pleasure to add these two wonderful people to our Tiger Family."

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