OMAHA, Neb. - Deanay Watson becomes the second off-season recruit to sign with Omaha women's basketball, the team announced Wednesday morning. Watson is a graduate transfer out of Southeast Missouri State where she played the last two seasons.

"Deanay is a versatile forward with a tremendous motor and ability to rebound and run the floor," said head coach Carrie Banks. "I like that she can play in the paint and is continuing to evolve her perimeter game. She is a big personality, and I know Maverick fans will love watching her play."

Watson led the Redhawks last season scoring 11.1 points per game and grabbing 5.8 rebounds per game. She shot over 52 percent from the field and three-point range. Watson totaled 11 assists, 28 steals, and seven blocks on the year. 

The senior guard produced 19 double-figure scoring performances. She went 9-of-14 from the field at Tennessee State for a season-high 22 points.

"I chose Omaha because of the atmosphere," said Watson. "It felt like home minus the heat. On top of that, the coaches and the girls actually getting to know me was a plus. It's my last year, so I have to make it my best year, and Omaha's the best place to do it."

Prior to her SEMO career, Watson played at Three Rivers Community College. She averaged 13.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.1 assists per game in 2020. She led the team shooting 56.1 percent from the field in 2020. During her freshman campaign, she helped the Raiders to an undefeated conference record and their first appearance in the national tournament since 2004. She was named First Team All-Region twice, First Team All-Conference, and was an All-America honorable mention.