Pirate Preview: Samari Bankhead

Published: Thursday, October 1, 2026

by Sean Casey

The 2026-27 Seton Hall women’s basketball roster is a blend of experienced players with exciting transfers for the upcoming season, including UCF transfer, sophomore, Samari Bankhead. Bankhead, a Los Angeles native, is one of three incoming transfers from a Power 5 school for the Pirates.

 

Bankhead spent her freshman season at the University of Central Florida, putting up modest numbers. Bankhead averaged 3.6 points and 1.4 rebounds a game, appearing in thirty games for UCF. The Knights finished their season 11-19 in a competitive BIG 12.

 

Bankhead’s versatility as a scorer, and high-energy play allowed her to excel on the court for the Knights. Bankhead also shot 71 percent from the free throw line as a freshman.

 

Bankhead's best game of her young collegiate career came last February playing #12 Baylor, where she scored 16 points while shooting 55 percent from the field. Another great moment in the game against FIU, Bankhead scored 14 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and hit a half-court buzzer beater to end the first half.

 

Coach Tony Bozzella’s system fits Bankhead perfectly. Most of Bankhead's points came on drives and free throws, while guarding 1-3, a perfect fit for Bozzella's fast paced, hard-nosed style of play.

 

Bozzella has had success with transfers before; Mariana Valenzuela and Jordana Codio were key pieces on last year's team and Faith Masonius the year prior.

 

As a recruit out of Los Angeles, Bankhead shot 35% from three-point range in her best high school season, averaging 13 points per game.

 

After losing members of their guard rotation, Bankhead seemingly will play a key role alongside returners Savannah Catalon, Shailyn Pinkney and Ja'Kahla Craft, as well as transfer guard Saniyah King.

 

Despite losing a few players to the transfer portal, most of Pirates guard rotation is back, and the Pirates were able to reload ahead of the '26-'27 season. One thing is for certain: Bankhead certainly will be ready for the upcoming year. 

 

Sean Casey can be reached at sean.casey@student.shu.edu 
 
 

Posted in: sports,