New York Liberty pick Ole Miss’ Marquesha
The rapid ascent of Ole Miss women’s basketball guard Marquesha Davis has been something to behold. On Monday, she rode that wave into the WNBA.
Davis was selected with the 11th overall pick in the first round by the New York Liberty.
“I would say what excites me the most about coming into this Liberty team is learning from the vets that are there and just going in and continuing to grow,” Davis said. “Something that stood out to me was them looking for a two-way player, and me being just that.”
The Rebels’ leading scorer in 202324, Davis arrived at Ole Miss after starting one game during three seasons spent at Arkansas. Almost immediately, it was clear that the Rebels had unearthed a gem. She averaged 10.5 points and 4.8 rebounds on a 2022-23 Ole Miss team that went to the Sweet 16.
But her true star turn came last season. She posted 14 points per game on 45% shooting on her way to first-team All-SEC honors. Her contributions were vital to one of the best regular season showings by Ole Miss in recent history. The Rebels won 12 SEC games for the first time ever.
“I remember when she first went into the portal, I saw her film and I was unsure because she didn’t have a motor,” Rebels coach Yolett McPheeMcCuin
said in January. “I sent it to one of my former assistant coaches, and he said ‘If you don’t get that girl, you’re crazy.’ And it was one of the best decisions I’ve made since being here.”
Davis does her best work in transition, where her athleticism allows her to get to the basket effectively. Even at 6-foot, she’s nearly automatic at the rim when she’s on her game.
An elite ball handler, Davis thrived in an Ole Miss offense that often asked her to create her own shot. A native of McGehee, Arkansas. Davis is not a 3point shooter, but her mid-range game is outstanding.
She becomes the seventh WNBA draft pick in Rebels history, following Shakira Austin, who went third overall in 2022.