Pirate Preview: Ramani Parker

Published: Tuesday, October 15, 2024

by Kyle Ferreira

“We’re so happy to welcome Ramani to the Seton Hall family.”

Seton Hall Women’s Basketball head coach Tony Bozzella was ecstatic with his announcement in June of the arrival of Mississippi State forward, Ramani Parker. Standing at 6 foot 4 inches, Parker becomes one of the tallest players in the program’s history and is poised to be a difference maker. It’s been an incredible journey for the graduate forward, who has had many highs as well as tough lows. 

Parker was an exceptional player back in high school, playing at the prestigious Montverde Academy, a juggernaut in men’s and women’s basketball. Parker was a top-100 player in the class of 2019 and was very valuable for the Eagles. When it was time to decide where to commit, Parker chose Louisville. 

From 2019 to 2022, Parker showed great potential, even appearing in Louisville’s Final Four game against powerhouse South Carolina in 2022. Parker was also teammates with now TCU guard Hailey Van Lith. But after the 21-22 season, Parker entered the transfer portal and landed at Mississippi State, where she would play in the competitive SEC. 

While in Starkville, her first season with the Bulldogs in 2022-2023 was very solid. In the 22 games she saw action in (including one start), she was aggressive with grabbing rebounds, totaling 86 on the season. She was also able to drill a good three-point shot, connecting for 39.3%.

2023 also saw Parker and the Bulldogs head to the NCAA Tournament and make it to the round of 32. The 2023-2024 season, however, ended in heartbreak for Parker, as she suffered a season-ending knee injury against Southeastern Louisiana. While she was a redshirt senior, she was granted a medical redshirt. 

But as the new season is approaching fast, Parker should be ready to make an immediate impact on this Pirates squad. Coach Bozzella praised Parker when the official announcement was made in a press release by Seton Hall Athletics. 

“Ramani has great size and length, and will undoubtedly provide a boost to our front court,” he commented back in June. 

Parker comes into a program where many of their leading rebounders have now graduated or transferred. This list includes 2023-2024 All-Big East First Team member Azana Baines, who led the Pirates in rebounding last season with six per game. For Parker, given her size advantage and her versatility on the court, she could be a player Bozzella utilizes in key situations. 

Another thing to watch is if Coach Bozzella puts her and forward I’yanna Lops on the court together. The two of them are the tallest players on the team, and would pose a matchup headache for opposing squads, especially in Big East play. 

Yet the addition of a talented and experienced player like Parker could do wonders for the Pirates this season. Add the other skillful transfers into the mix, and Parker should be a standout player to watch for. 

Kyle Ferreira can be reached at kyle.ferreira@student.shu.edu.

 

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