Georgetown sophomore guard Kieraah Marlow is not one of the tallest players in the Big East. Coming out of high school, the 5’10” forward was expected only to modestly contribute because the transition to college basketball is not easy for any first-year player.
Regardless of her stature, Marlow exceeded all expectations and became just as dominant in the Big East as her high school years. She was Big East Co-Rookie of the Year last season and led the Hoyas in points and rebounds. Holding her ground with the bigger players in the Big East in her first year, Marlow expects to continue to improve this season.
“Kai (Marlow) was great for the team, she led us in scoring, she led us in rebounding,” Head Coach Terri Williams-Fluornoy said. “She came in as a freshman and has done a lot for us; she made the All-Rookie Team and was Big East Rookie of the Week twice.”
The adjustment from high school to college basketball was not very difficult for Marlow, as she translated her success on the hardwoods of Pennsylvania’s Coatesville High School. into a starting position for the Hoyas. Her senior year at Coatesville, Marlow was selected All-Southeastern by the Philadelphia Enquirer, named First-Team All-State and won the District 1-AAAA championship. Currently holding the school’s all-time scoring record for both boys and girls with 2,314 points, Marlow also boasts the rebounding record and averaged 23.4 points and 11 rebounds in the 2003-04 season. She was named First Team All-Chestmont District selection all four seasons and played all five positions in her four years at Coatesville.
“It was typical; freshman year things, learning a new system, learning new plays,” Williams-Fluornoy said. “She came in great shape, which is usually the biggest adjustment for a freshman. The conditioning and everything is increased from high school.”
Like any college student, however, Marlow had the same troubles adjusting to university life. It is a more difficult academic environment and being a student athlete, the pressure mounts slightly more.
“Having great people around me (has helped),” Marlow said. “Anytime I have a problem I can just talk to my teammates or the coaching staff.”
Entering Georgetown, Marlow recorded a double-double in her first career game for the Hoyas against George Washington University, netting 13 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Against George Mason on Dec. 8 she scored a career-high 26 points in a 70-62 loss. Marlow was one of two players to start all 28 games for the Hoyas and led the team in points, averaging 12.5 per game, and rebounds, with 8.6 per game. She was also second in the Big East in rebounds and earned All-Freshman Team honors.
“She kind of surprised some of us,” senior guard Bethany LeSueur said. “We knew she was good coming out of high school, but it is a transition. How physical it is and how fast it’s played. She came in and she was in shape and passed all the conditioning tests, and on the court she performed.”
Her smooth transition from high school ball can be attributed to Marlow’s disciplined work ethic. Aside from regular practices with the team every week, she also trains two mornings a week with Assistant Coach Ty Evans and does extra weightlifting sessions. She spent last summer on the hilltop working on her game.
“Starting as a freshman is what they want to do; I don’t think anyone comes in saying I’ll wait my turn,” Williams-Fluornoy said. “I would hope that what she envisioned for herself is that she would come in and start right away, so she achieved one of her goals. It came from her work ethic though. It wasn’t just given to her.”
Being smaller than most of the post players in the Big East has not been a big deal because of her strength and quickness.
“I’m sure it’s been tough for her, but like I tell all the other players, don’t worry about what you don’t have, take advantage of what you do have,” Williams-Fluornoy said. “She may be a lot smaller than most of the forwards but she’s a lot stronger than a lot of them.”
Marlow has added some much needed force in the post for the Hoyas, recording 13 double-doubles last season for the Hoyas, and impressive rebounding. Her quickness, an advantage against the bigger players in the conference, helped the team immensely last season.
“She added a lot to our post play,” LeSueur said. “She added a lot to our inside game. She’s just a real physical presence in there that we need.”
Taking on so much responsibility her first year and capitalizing on her opportunities, Marlow expects even more from herself this year.
“I’m definitely trying to go farther this year, but I don’t feel any pressure,” Marlow said.
And with eight active players on the roster, the team is looking to Marlow for strength.
“I expect her to be just as good as she was last year and better,” Williams-Fluornoy said. “There are always certain areas you can improve on, her outside shot, a little bit better defensively. She worked very hard during the summer.”
