The 2014-15 version of the University of South Alabama women's basketball team will definitely have a new look next season as second-year head coach Terry Fowler signed eight new players last fall and this past spring.  Over the course of the summer, www.USAJaguars.com will sit down with all eight of the newcomers for a brief Q&A session.  The first newcomer for Jaguar fans to get an inside look at is freshman guard Marquita Daniels.

Daniels comes to South Alabama after wrapping up her prep career at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy in Atlanta, Ga. – the same school that produced NBA player Dwight Howard.  As a senior under the direction of head coach Jackie Cowan, Daniels was named first-team all-region after averaging 16 points and four steals per game.  The 5-7 guard also led the Warriors to the Georgia High School Association Class A Private School State Championship with a 57-52 victory over Holy Innocents'.  SACA won the title after finishing as runner up the previous two seasons.  

The Atlanta native finished her prep career at SACA with 1,326 points and was also selected to play in the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association (GACA) All-Star Game held this past March on the campus of Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Ga.

When did you start playing basketball?  How did you get involved with the game?
"I started playing basketball when I was five.  There was a man named coach (Alfred) Moulton that coached a younger AAU team that I played for just got me started in the game.  He started training me and I just started playing. He helped me a lot."

What do you believe is a strength of your game and why?
"My ability to attack the basket, because I'm quick.  Once I get that first step, I'm gone."

What factors led to your decision sign with South Alabama?
"Coach (Terry) Fowler was the biggest factor.  When I came here, I just loved it.  I fell in love with everybody here. "

What did you like most about the relationship you developed with coach Fowler during the recruiting process?
"I really like that coach Fowler called me a lot and talked to me like I was already his point guard.  We really developed a good relationship."

For all of the South Alabama fans that will read this on the web site, what kind of player can fans expect to see when they watch you this season?
"Well, I plan on being a leader.  I want to lead this team to more victories than they had last season.  I'm a competitive person.  I like to win.  I don't like to lose.  I like to encourage people as well.  I believe I have good communication skills."

Have there been any upperclassmen that you have sought out for advice or who have taken you under their wing?
"Rachel (Cumbo) and Colby (Davis) have given me advice on some things.  I know I can talk to them about anything."

What has been the biggest adjustment off the court for you so far from high school to college?
"The classes and getting around the campus since it's so big.  The school I came from had just 22 kids in it and my graduating class was four.  Everybody there knew everybody and we were just like a family.  You know everybody and see everybody every day.  It's not like that here. "

What professional or collegiate player do you try to pattern your game after and what is it that you like about their game?
"(Cleveland Caviler's point guard) Kyrie Erving.  I really like his ball-handling skills and the way he sees the floor.  He's just a really good player. "

Do you have any famous relatives?  Have any of your relatives played sports at the collegiate or professional level?
"No.  Me and my brother are the only two people in my family to ever make it into college.  "

What does it mean to you that you and your brother are the only members of your family to go to college?
"It just makes me more motivated to do well.  I talk to my brother every day.  He's going to college at Fort Hays State in (Hays) Kansas."

FAST FIVE WITH MARQUITA
Favorite food? Macaroni and Cheese.
Favorite WNBA team? The Atlanta Dream
Favorite Athlete? Kyrie Erving
Favorite musical artist(s)? Lil' Wayne
Favorite subject in school? English

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com.  Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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