UM’s floor general
Senior Shaneese Bailey makes her mark with selfless, hustle plays
CORAL GABLES — During her first two years of college basketball at Florida Atlantic, things seemed to come rather easily for Shaneese Bailey.
As a freshman, she played in all 30 of the Owls’ games during the 2013-14 season, finishing in double figures seven times. A year later, she earned firstteam All-Conference USA averaging 16.2 points per game and scoring in double figures 25 times, including in 16 straight games.
But Bailey — who grew up playing beside her cousins, future NFL players Champ and Boss Bailey, on their grandfather’s Georgia farm — wanted more. And after attending some of Hurricanes women’s basketball coach Katie Meier’s youth basketball camps, Bailey knew where to go.
She transferred to Miami, sat out her junior year, and behonors,
gan learning the Hurricanes’ system, knowing that eventually, she’d have the chance to make an impact on the program. That time has come. After the graduations of veteran leaders Adrienne Motley, Jessica Thomas and Keyona Hayes, the Hurricanes entered the season knowing young players would have to play significant roles. And the few remaining veterans on Miami’s roster — like Bailey — would have to find their voices as leaders.
It’s taken some adjustment, but with Miami preparing to host fourth-ranked Louisville today, Bailey seems to be thriving in her new role.
“I was a little anxious to see how everything was going to play out,” said Bailey, who had a team-high 12 points in Miami’s 65-43 win over Boston College on Sunday that marked the Hurricanes third consecutive victory. “I was ready to play and ready to go when the season started. … I’m kind of more on the quiet side, but I knew I had to be more vocal, learn the plays and know what plays Coach Meier wanted to run and why she wanted to run them. I knew it was up to me to help my team. When Coach challenged me, I was ready for it. It was what my team needed.”
Early in the season, though, Bailey struggled.
She was held under 10 points in seven of Miami’s first eight games. The more she pushed on the court, the harder it was to score. So she shifted gears, telling herself the offense would come if she focused on her defense.
By the time the Hurricanes began Atlantic Coast Conference play in late December with a 51-48 win over then-No. 14 Duke, the scoring started coming easier. Bailey adapted to her increased minutes.
She opened ACC play with back-to-back 13-point performances against the Blue Devils and Wake Forest. That was followed by back-to-back 10-point performances against Florida State and Clemson.
As the Hurricanes prepare to host Louisville, Bailey is averaging 9.7 points in conference play and is now Miami’s second-leading scorer against ACC teams, behind fellow veteran Erykah Davenport.
With games against the Cardinals, North Carolina, and Florida State still on the schedule, the Hurricanes are hoping that trend continues as Miami makes the push for a ninth straight postseason berth.
“I think at first, being from FAU, she thought that would translate,” Meier said. “Volume shots and lots of points. But at this level, how she’s really impacting games and what she came around to was leading us in charge-taking, defending the other team’s best player. That’s the stuff she’s willing to do and what’s in her wheelhouse. And she’s got a great ability to rebound and score. When you see how she impacts a game, it’s usually some brave, courageous hustle play. That’s what’s earned her her starting spot and the respect of her teammates. … She’s been ferocious as an enforcer.”
Added Bailey, “It’s crazy to think about. Am I really here? I was one of those kids that was at Katie Meier’s camps that wanted to play for her and when I think about it, it’s crazy I’m here now. This is what happens when you put in the work.”