On Dean's prospects,

Sabria hasn’t scratched the surface of how good she will be… The sky is the limit for her.”

Coach Aqua Franklin

It didn’t take long for Sabria Dean to make her mark on Lamar University women’s basketball.

Last week the Mineola High School graduate was named the Southland Conference 2020-21 Freshman Player of the Year.  

Dean earned the top freshman basketballer designation from among the Southland conference universities of Abilene Christian, Central Arkansas, Houston Baptist, Lamar, McNeese State, New Orleans, Nicholls, Northwestern State, Sam Houston, Southeastern Louisiana, Stephen F. Austin, TAMU Corpus Christi and the University of Incarnate Word.   

For four years Dean pretty much defined Mineola Lady Jacket basketball. Her progression in the collegiate ranks was marked with typical Dean-like qualities of hard work, energy and intelligence. 

She definitely took those attributes with her to Beaumont. As Lamar women’s basketball head coach Aqua Franklin commented, “What makes Sabria so special is her mentality to be her best every day no matter what. She gives her teammates 110% on the court and -- as a 4.0 student -- is dedicated to her studies off the court.”

The women’s squad at Lamar University has a bright future, with only two seniors on this year’s roster. Dean is joined by a host of young players, all who are gaining significant game experience. 

Dean averaged 26 minutes per game this season and was fourth in team scoring average. The season has documented that the team can count on her for a handful of steals and assists every game. She also shot 83% from the free throw line. All of these are indicators of greater things to come for the rising star now in a Lamar University Cardinals uniform. 

As coach Franklin pointed out, “Sabria is versatile. Her skill set and basketball IQ allow her to be effective and efficient with the ball in her hands whether playing the point guard position or off the ball playing the two guard.”

Dean summarized the season as having been a huge amount of hard work early in the year which paid great dividends when the team suddenly “found our groove” about midway through the schedule.

As Dean explained, “Both the pace and the physicality of the collegiate game required some adjustments, but as I have always played a physical game, it was the speed of play which was the biggest change.”

Dean offered that the Lamar women’s basketball team was a true sisterhood. “The teammates at Lamar always build you up, always share small hints or suggestions to improve your game, and pick you up when you need it,” she commented.  She added that it is a completely unselfish environment.   

Only one day after the end of this season, Dean voiced great anticipation for the upcoming season. “We have a young team and are very optimistic for next season,” Dean admitted.

The prospects for Dean and the Lamar Cardinals are best described by Coach Franklin, “Sabria hasn’t scratched the surface of how good she will be…she makes everyone around her better. The sky is the limit for her.”