Prospect guard Emily Frasco remained uncertain about her college destination, but she knew one thing about her recruitment process: Playing close to home was important.
In mid-July, the 5-foot-11 Frasco changed course and committed to UAB.
“The campus was really beautiful, from the buildings to the beautiful city of Birmingham, which is a big town,” said Frasco, a senior-to-be entering her fourth varsity season. “The dorms were really nice. I honestly didn’t see myself going very far, but there was something about UAB.”
Frasco mulled offers from SIU-Edwardsville, Illinois-Chicago, Jacksonville State, Canisius and others before electing to play for the Blazers, who compete in Conference USA. Last season, the Blazers finished 15-15.
Frasco, who averaged 11.8 points per game and shot 45 percent from the field as a junior, called UAB the perfect blend of mid-major basketball and a comfortable environment. Former Wheeling standout Deanna Kuzmanic is a junior guard for the Blazers.
“I had a lot of options but was going to wait for more offers in July because I knew that a couple of schools (interested) were high-major schools, but after visiting Butler I didn’t think I could fit into high-major,” she said. “UAB was mid-major and I loved the coaches, and once I visited the campus I knew it was home for me. Deanna is there, so it was nice to know someone from down there. I went to breakfast with her and the coaches.
“My dream was to go Division I. I definitely feel more relaxed in the AAU season and felt more relaxed in the (summer) tournaments. It’s nice knowing I don’t have to worry about picking a school and making a wrong choice.”
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Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press