With an eye to the future, the UNBC Timberwolves women's basketball team has added Carly Corrado to its roster.
Corrado committed to the UNBC program on Wednesday night and will be in uniform for the 2013-14 Canada West Universities Athletic Association season. The five-foot-nine Corrado is currently a point guard for the Kelowna Owls but UNBC coach Loralyn Murdoch sees her developing into someone who could also play at shooting guard or small forward.
Murdoch compared Corrado -- in some respects -- to Mercedes Van Koughnett, the T-wolves' most valuable all-around player. Van Koughnett will be in her fifth and final year of eligibility next season.
"My hope is that she'll be similar in smarts to Mercedes," Murdoch said. "She's not there right now but she has a very good understanding of the game.
"When we're talking about the future and players that are leaving, Mercedes is one that's going to be tough to replace and if I can have someone like Carly come in and play behind or with Mercedes for a year, maybe that's a role she can work her way into."
Murdoch said Corrado has a slight build but is determined to get bigger and stronger through work in the weight room.
Murdoch first saw Corrado in action last high school season. Her Owls team is coached by one of Murdoch's friends, Lisa Nevoral, who speaks highly of the player's abilities.
"Lisa's originally from Quesnel and played for UBC so I trust her instincts and her scouting reports," Murdoch said.
"Right now, I would say Carly is more of a defensive player," she added. "She runs their offence and she distributes the ball but she doesn't look to score so that's something we're going to have to really work on. But she can stop the best player on any team so that is something I'm very much looking forward to having."
Currently, the Owls are ranked sixth in the provincial triple-A division.
Corrado was also considering playing for Calgary's Mount Royal University next season. She's the fourth player Murdoch has recruited for 2013-14. The others are Prince George guards Cassie Rerick, Mavia Nijjer and Chantel Nicholson.
Local post player Emily Aase will also be given the opportunity to develop with the Timberwolves.
