Lady Lions Basketball: A busy off season for PSU’s Womens Hoops
By Joey Lovell
Jayla Oden-Guard
Jayla Oden, a talented basketball player hailing from Baltimore, had an eventful start to her collegiate career with the Illinois Illini. During her freshman year, Oden made a significant impact, earning five starts and frequently being one of the first players off the bench. She showcased her skills and versatility, often playing over 25 minutes per game. Oden’s contributions resulted in an average of six points per game and an impressive 55 assists throughout the season.
Coming out of high school as a 3-star recruit, the 5’8″ Oden had high expectations when she arrived on campus. Her freshman year lived up to those expectations, but her sophomore season took a different trajectory. Despite being one of the Fighting Illini’s top commitments in recent years, Oden’s role and playing time underwent a significant change.
While she played in nearly all nonconference games during the first half of the season, her minutes on the court gradually diminished, often dwindling to single digits. Oden started only two games in Big Ten play and contributed in just four of those matchups. Despite the challenges, she maintained her determination and continued to make valuable contributions to the team.
At the end of her sophomore season, Oden averaged 4.5 points per game and 1.7 rebounds per game. While the statistics may not fully reflect her potential, Oden’s talent and resilience remain evident. With three years of eligibility remaining, she has ample opportunity to further develop her skills and make a lasting impact in the college basketball landscape.
As Oden looks ahead to the upcoming seasons, she has the chance to showcase her abilities and prove herself on a bigger stage. With her determination and the experience gained from her collegiate journey thus far, Oden is poised to make significant strides and contribute to the success of her future teams. Basketball enthusiasts and fans alike will be eagerly watching to see how Oden’s career unfolds as she continues to chase her dreams on the court.