Two women’s basketball team members will play professionally overseas this year
2020 has been quite the year for UFV, but a positive storyline came from the news that two Cascades players from last year’s women’s basketball team would be turning professional. Taylor Claggett, last year’s star senior and Deanna Tuchscherer, last year’s rookie of the year will move to Ireland and Hungary, respectively. According to the Cascades, the move to a professional club makes sense for Tuchsherer, as the Canada West basketball season has been postponed until 2021.
Claggett, the Cascades’ all-time leading scorer, fielded offers from Europe and the Middle East earlier in the year; however, issues pertaining to COVID-19 halted those opportunities. She has decided to sign with the Maree Basketball Club in Galway, Ireland. Claggett is one of the most decorated Cascades to ever play, and holds the scoring record for the team. In addition to various other conference records, she has racked up awards from Canada West and U Sports, including being selected for the U Sports second all-Canadian team last year.
Tuchscherer, who began her university career last year for the Cascades, started strong. Though her play from the previous year was worthy of the Canada West rookie of the year honour, she previously had set the school’s record for points in a Canada West game before finishing the season as the rookie leader in other categories. From a star-studded campaign at UFV, she looks to take her game to the professional level in Hungary, signing to ZTE NKK.
Tuchscherer is still eligible to play for UFV after one year of professional ball overseas. The current situation suggests that she will return in the fall of 2021 when sports are likely to go ahead, although the threat of COVID-19 could still be a very substantial factor. She then has four years of play left with the Cascades before completing a full U Sports playing career.
The Cascades have had players turn pro before these two, but the big question moving forward for Tuchscherer is this: After such a good rookie season, how much better can she get? Professional experience could help her establish a singular career at UFV — one that has already kicked off with records, awards, and positive feedback.
The 2020-21 Cascades await the decision on the Canada West basketball season, which is set to be made by Oct. 8, 2020.
Image: Dan Kinvig UFV Athletics,
