After seven players left the program, head coach Terri Williams-Flournoy and her staff have been busy, signing six new players to the roster.
The latest two signees were announced on Thursday by Williams-Flournoy.
Originally from Mali, guard Aissetou Coulibaly is an incoming freshman from IMG Academy and will be eligible immediately.
Coulibaly played for Malis’ national team at the FIBA U16 African Championships in 2017, leading her team to the championship while also being named tournament MVP after averaging 21.8 points per game.
"Aissetou Coulibaly is the epitome of what we look for when we are recruiting to our identity which is talent, versatility, competitiveness, and unselfishness,” Williams-Flournoy said in a statement Thursday. “Equipped with a skill set that will allow her to, offensively, shoot from 3, attack the rim, and post smaller defenders while, defensively, being able to play multiple positions in our press, 'AC' has the potential to be one of the best two-way players to put on an Auburn uniform.”
“She is also a person with great character who chose Auburn because she wanted to be a part of something special. AC fills a specific need that we had, and we couldn't be happier to have her for the next four years."
Coulibaly is the third player in Auburn women’s basketball history to be from Africa, joining Crispina Correia (Cape Verde, 2001-03) and Khady Dieng (Senegal, 2013-17).
Along with Coulibaly, guard Alaina Rice will be transferring to Auburn from Florida A&M. Rice will have to sit out the 2020-21 season but has three years of eligibility remaining.
Before arriving at Florida A&M, Rice, like Coulibaly, played high school basketball at IMG Academy. During her lone season at Florida A&M, Rice averaged 10.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.
Rice led the team in assists and was named the MEAC Rookie of the Year.
"Alaina Rice is a combo guard with the length and athleticism that we covet to be successful in our system for the next three years,” Williams-Flournoy said. “She has an attacking mentality and can create for herself and others from either guard spot. Alaina brings competitiveness and experience as she was the freshman of the year in her conference and some of her best games came against Power 5 opponents.”
“Defensively, she excels when harassing ball handlers and playing passing lanes which is ideal for the style that we employ. We are super excited about the addition of Alaina who had the opportunity to choose among Power 5 offers, but chose Auburn because of the 'fit' academically and athletically and the opportunity to play in a system that complements her skill set."
The roster is now up to 12 total players, with all but Rice eligible to play this upcoming season.
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