TEMPE, Ariz. – Arizona State University head women's basketball coach Charli Turner Thorne today announced that Ja'Tavia Tapley will be joining the Sun Devils as a graduate transfer for the 2019-20 season.
A 6-3 forward, Tapley will be coming to ASU from USC, where she started 41 games the last three seasons, including 26 contests during the 2018-19 season.
"We could not be more excited that Ja'Tavia will be joining our Sun Devil family," Turner Thorne said. "She absolutely completes our team for next season with her tremendous athletic ability to guard inside, talent to score in multiple ways and ability to play in a fast-paced system. In addition to having a proven track record of success playing in the best conference in the country, she'll also bring a great foundation of knowledge of the league's returning personnel.
"What immediately stood out during Ja'Tavia's visit was how well she fit in with our team. Her emphasis on values and high-quality character are a testament to her incredible family. We know our entire community will enjoy getting to know Ja'Tavia just as we have and are thrilled about the fact that all of her future on-court accomplishments will be in a Sun Devil uniform."
Tapley started 26 of 30 games in 2018-19 and averaged 6.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. She scored in double figures four times and pulled down seven or more rebounds 10 times. Tapley averaged 12.0 points in USC's two games against Colorado, accounting for a career-high 14 points in the first meeting. Against Pac-12 champion and Final Four participant Oregon, Tapley had 13 points and seven boards. She posted season highs in rebounds (nine) and steals (four) against NCAA Tournament participant Texas A&M.
Tapley appeared in all 31 games in 2017-18 and scored a season-high nine points on two occasions. She recorded career highs with 10 rebounds and five steals vs. Arizona and also delivered a career-high four assists at Colorado.
Tapley played in all 30 games as a true freshman and was promoted to a starting role the second half of the season. She scored in double figures three times, including a career-high, 15-point effort against Arizona.
A three-time all-state selection and honors student, Tapley was rated the nation's No. 39 overall prospect (No. 6 small forward) at University High School in Jacksonville, Fla. As a senior, Tapley led her school to its first state title game after a 21-point, 11 rebound performance in the semifinal round.
The Sun Devils finished 15th in the nation in 2018-19, setting school records for consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances (six) and 20-win seasons (six). Last month ASU won a pair of games in the NCAA Tournament and advanced to the Sweet 16 for the fifth time since 2005.
A 6-3 forward, Tapley will be coming to ASU from USC, where she started 41 games the last three seasons, including 26 contests during the 2018-19 season.
"We could not be more excited that Ja'Tavia will be joining our Sun Devil family," Turner Thorne said. "She absolutely completes our team for next season with her tremendous athletic ability to guard inside, talent to score in multiple ways and ability to play in a fast-paced system. In addition to having a proven track record of success playing in the best conference in the country, she'll also bring a great foundation of knowledge of the league's returning personnel.
"What immediately stood out during Ja'Tavia's visit was how well she fit in with our team. Her emphasis on values and high-quality character are a testament to her incredible family. We know our entire community will enjoy getting to know Ja'Tavia just as we have and are thrilled about the fact that all of her future on-court accomplishments will be in a Sun Devil uniform."
Tapley started 26 of 30 games in 2018-19 and averaged 6.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. She scored in double figures four times and pulled down seven or more rebounds 10 times. Tapley averaged 12.0 points in USC's two games against Colorado, accounting for a career-high 14 points in the first meeting. Against Pac-12 champion and Final Four participant Oregon, Tapley had 13 points and seven boards. She posted season highs in rebounds (nine) and steals (four) against NCAA Tournament participant Texas A&M.
Tapley appeared in all 31 games in 2017-18 and scored a season-high nine points on two occasions. She recorded career highs with 10 rebounds and five steals vs. Arizona and also delivered a career-high four assists at Colorado.
Tapley played in all 30 games as a true freshman and was promoted to a starting role the second half of the season. She scored in double figures three times, including a career-high, 15-point effort against Arizona.
A three-time all-state selection and honors student, Tapley was rated the nation's No. 39 overall prospect (No. 6 small forward) at University High School in Jacksonville, Fla. As a senior, Tapley led her school to its first state title game after a 21-point, 11 rebound performance in the semifinal round.
The Sun Devils finished 15th in the nation in 2018-19, setting school records for consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances (six) and 20-win seasons (six). Last month ASU won a pair of games in the NCAA Tournament and advanced to the Sweet 16 for the fifth time since 2005.