ASHEVILLE, N.C.?UNC Asheville head women's basketball coach Betsy Blose has announced the signing of Linda Aughburns and Ipek Derici bringing the 2008-09 freshman class to four players joining Lindsey Thompson and Katie Wise who signed in November.
Aughburns is a 5-11 forward from Westover High School in Fayetteville, N.C. She averaged 12 points and 10 rebounds per game as senior earning All-Conference honors. She was an All-American nominee and a state champion in Cross Country.
“We are excited that Linda has decided to come to UNC Asheville,” said Blose. “We love her work ethic, athleticism, and her ability to run the floor. She is a great defender and rebounder and her versatility will allow her to play multiple positions on the court. She is an outstanding person and student and we look forward to having her in our program.”
Derici is a 6-2 forward from Istanbul, Turkey who attended the same high school as former UNC Asheville volleyball player Elif Unlu. Derici was a member of the Turkish under 18 National Team and played club basketball for Junior Fenerbahce Spor Kulubu.
“Summer Erb gets all of the credit for bringing Ipek to UNC Asheville,” said Blose. “Summer played in Turkey a few years ago and knew Ipek and her family. The relationship with Elif Unlu also helped in the recruitment. She is a great player who will add not only size but like many of our current players can multiple positions on the court.”
The first chance to see the Bulldogs in the 2008-09 season will be on Nov. 6, as they host Mars Hill in an exhibition game at the Justice Center. 2008-09 season tickets are currently on sale online at www.uncabulldogs.com as well as through the UNC Asheville Ticket Office.
