Monday’s game is the first game of a daunting five game stretch against some of the nation’s best teams.
Postgame quotes will be sent via video on the USF women’s basketball Twitter page, @USFWBB.
GAME THREE | MON., NOV. 15 | 6:30 P.M. | KNOXVILLE, TENN. | THOMPSON-BOLING ARENA
GAMEDAY INFORMATION
TV/Online: SECN+
Bob Kesling (PxP), Steve Hamer (Color)
Audio: Bulls Unlimited (iHeartRadio/GoUSFBulls.com)
Darek Sharp (PxP)
Live Stats: GoUSFBulls.com/StatBroadcast
Series: First meeting
Twitter Updates: @USFWBB
Tickets: 1 (800) 332-VOLS
NO. 21/22 USF BULLS | 2-0
Last Game: Nov. 11 vs. Alabama State, W, 72-37
Next Game: Nov. 20 vs. Syracuse, 2:30 p.m.
Head Coach: Jose Fernandez
Alma Mater: FIU, 1994
Career Record: 394-276 (22nd season)
at USF: Same
NO. 15/12 TENNESSEE LADY VOLS | 2-0
Last Game: Nov. 12 at Central Florida, W, 49-41
Next Game: Nov. 21 vs. Texas, 1 p.m.
Head Coach: Kelly Harper
Alma Mater: Tennessee, 1999
Career Record: 325-226 (18th season)
at Tennessee: 40-18 (Third season)
By Joey Johnston
When USF women’s basketball guard Sydni Harvey enters Thompson-Boling Arena for Monday night’s game against the No. 15-ranked Tennessee Lady Vols, it might seem like a dream come true.
After all, Harvey grew up in Nashville, about two hours away. Some of her earliest basketball memories involve watching Candace Parker, the star of Coach Pat Summitt’s eighth national-championship team (2008).
As it turns out, though, orange was never Harvey’s favorite color.
Now it’s all about the USF green and gold.
“I’ve been to some Tennessee games and I played for an AAU team that was based in Knoxville,’’ Harvey said. “When I was younger, though, I think I thought more about playing for Vanderbilt right in town (Nashville). But the way it turned out, I was blessed to end up at USF. I think it all worked out for the best.’’
For Harvey.
And for the Bulls.
“We’ve had a lot of talent in this program the last few years and sometimes some kids don’t get the attention they deserve,’’ USF coach Jose Fernandez said. “Sydni is extremely talented and a major part of what we do.’’
The No. 21-ranked Bulls (2-0) got an indication of that Thursday night when Harvey scored a game-high 22 points in a 72-37 victory against Alabama State. Harvey had 19 points in the first half, hitting four 3-pointers before most of the fans had found their seats at the Yuengling Center.
Harvey, a 5-foot-10 junior who left Nashville’s Brentwood Academy as the program’s all-time leading scorer (2,091), was the Most Outstanding Player at last season’s American Athletic Conference Tournament, which the Bulls captured to earn an automatic NCAA bid.
“That made me even more excited to work harder and maybe earn some more accolades,’’ said Harvey, who averaged 11.7 points per game last season. “We’re definitely excited for the challenge of playing at Tennessee. And all the other high-level teams we’re going to be player, we’ve been preparing for that all preseason. We’re all pumped for what’s ahead of us here at USF.’’
Harvey didn’t have USF on her radar until she was discovered by former Bulls assistant coach Jessica Burks-Wiley. Harvey, largely flying below the recruiting radar, was considering Florida Gulf Coast, Bradley and Furman among others. Burks-Wiley worked quickly and secured a campus visit for Harvey. That sealed the deal.
“I couldn’t believe how nice USF was,’’ Harvey said. “Who doesn’t love the Florida weather? The facilities were amazing. I thought it was cool how many international kids were in the program. I was sold.’’
Harvey has been an instrumental part of USF women’s basketball ever since.
“I feel like people forget about Syd,’’ USF senior center Shae Leveret said. “She’s capable, on any given night, of carrying our team. She has that kind of talent, but she just doesn’t think about herself. It’s about the team and that’s why everybody loves her so much.’’
“I know the opposing teams are worried about her,’’ USF junior point guard Elisa Pinzan said. “If she’s open, she’s going to hit the shot. She’s a very skilled basketball player.’’
Perhaps it’s in the genes. She’s the daughter of Tim Harvey, who played basketball at Georgia Tech (1982-84), then transferred to the University of Miami (1985-87) when the Hurricanes revived their men’s basketball program. Harvey’s father and mother, Doretha, were always supportive for all her endeavors. But her father, understandably, took a special interest in basketball.
“I think he was really super happy when I started playing basketball,’’ Harvey said. “His influence has always been there. He always had advice and would constantly talk to me about my game. Sometimes, that was hard to hear when I was younger. But he just wanted what was best for me and I think it paid off in the long run.’’
Harvey said her parents will be part of a 15-person family contingent at the USF-Tennessee game. Some of Harvey’s high-school friends go to college in Knoxville, and they will be there, too.
Maybe it’s not a true homecoming — Harvey’s hometown is more than 100 miles away — but it’s still special. When the Bulls face their rigorous schedule — Tennessee, maybe UConn, Stanford, among others — Harvey will be a big part of directing them toward another NCAA bid.
“Syd embraces her role, works really hard and always comes through,’’ USF senior forward Bethy Mununga said. “She’s a huge part of our success. I’m so glad she’s on our team.’’
About USF Women’s Basketball
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USF recorded its best season in program history during the 2020-21 campaign, all while navigating the unpredictable COVID-19 landscape. In doing so, the Bulls won their first-ever American Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament titles, and posted their highest ranking in the Associated Press Top25 poll – reaching as high as No. 12 – and made their ninth straight postseason appearance, and sixth NCAA appearance in the last 10 years.
USF has made 16 postseason tournament appearances and had seven NCAA Tournament berths in head coach Jose Fernandez’s 21 seasons. The all-time winningest coach in program history, Fernandez has guided USF to nine 20-win seasons, two WNIT final four appearances, the 2009 WNIT championship, and won nearly 400 career games. For his efforts on the sideline during the 2020-21 season, Fernandez was named a finalist for the WBCA and semifinalist for the Naismith National Coach of the Year Awards. He was also tabbed the 2021 American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year.
The Bulls posted a 19-4 record and had five players, during the 2020-21 campaign, the Bulls had five players recognized by The American for impressive seasons, including Elisa Pinzan (Most Improved Player, All-Conference Second Team), Maria Alvarez (Co-Sixth Player of the Year), Bethy Mununga (All-Conference First Team), Elena Tsineke (All-Conference First Team), and Sydni Harvey (All-Conference Third Team).
In addition, Harvey was named the American Athletic Conference Tournament Most Outstanding Player and to the All-Tournament Team, while Mununga and Tsineke were also All-Tournament selections.
–#GoBulls –
