The Oregon Ducks have strengthened their lineup for the 2024-25 women's basketball season with the addition of Brigham Young University transfer Nani Falatea, as announced Monday.
Faratea, a 5-foot-9 guard from Salt Lake City, averaged 15.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists in his second year at BYU and was named to the All-West Coast Conference first team.
Oregon State coach Kelly Graves emphasized the expected impact of adding Falatea to his program, citing the importance of her off-the-dribble skills as a skilled outside shooter but also a scorer and playmaker. emphasized. Above all, leadership intangibles are highly valued.
“Nani is a knockdown shooter and a very skilled passer. She has the ability to take defenders off the dribble and create for her teammates,” Graves said. “Three-point shooting is something we struggled with last season and is where Nani will help us improve. Her maturity and leadership ability will be a welcome addition to our locker room and a great addition to our staff.” We're so excited to have her here and on the court.”
Faratea, a 5-foot-9 guard from Salt Lake City, Utah, emerged as a first-team player in the West Coast Conference after an impressive sophomore season at BYU. During that season, she averaged 15.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 35 minutes per game, shooting 39.2 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from beyond the 3-point line.
Her high school career at East High School and Herriman High School in Salt Lake City was filled with numerous accolades, including state 6A MVP and multiple All-State First Team selections.
Falatea, who will commit to Oregon State as a redshirt junior, has two years of eligibility remaining. The Ducks expect her to make an immediate impact by enhancing her perimeter shooting and adding depth to her backcourt.
In addition to her athletic abilities, Faratea's personal life is also noteworthy. She is set to marry drafted former Oregon State offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia this weekend.