FAU guard Latavia Dempsey is averaging 8.5 points per game this season.
Instant offense
FAU guard Latavia Dempsey is the second-leading scorer on the team, but has yet to start a game this season.
Originally published on
1/24/2012
by
Marcus Nelson
BOCA RATON – A few minutes into each game, Florida Atlantic coach Chancellor Dugan looks down her bench to see who is ready for action.
Dugan doesn't have to look long to find the stare of sophomore guard Latavia Dempsey.
“She's always looking at me and trying to make eye-contact with me,” Dugan said. “I like that. That tells me she's ready to go.”
Once in the game, Dempsey almost always rewards her coach with instant offense.
Despite not having started a game this season, Dempsey is second on the team in scoring with 8.5 points per game.
Dempsey usually enters each game early and makes sure she is prepared mentally for when her name is called.
“I would prepare the same way even if I was starting,” Dempsey said. “I just watch the pace and try to contribute where my team needs me at the time.”
At 5-foot-7, Dempsey can play any one of the three guard positions on the court. And when Dugan tells her when to check in is often when she knows what position she will take.
Once in the game, Dempsey adjusts quickly, Dugan said.
“For her role and what she can bring us, she's best when she is coming off the bench,” Dugan said. “She can go in for any guard. That gives us so much flexibility. No one else can do that and she brings us a different element.”
Dempsey's contribution is a big reason the Owls are off to a 5-2 start in Sun Belt Conference play and are in second place in the East Division heading into Wednesday's game against Western Kentucky at 7 p.m. at The Burrow.
“It seems like I just go out and play basketball,” Dempsey said. “As long as we keep winning, I'll keep doing it.”