Imani Lester is officially a Card. The 6’3 post player is ranked the 57th-best player according to ESPNW Hoopgurlz. Lester committed to Louisville earlier this year on June 29th. She held offers from some of the nations top schools, schools such as: North Carolina, UCONN, Duke, Mississippi State, Florida, Florida State, and NC State (her father, Avie, played basketball for the Wolfpack in the 80s).
L's up! ❤ pic.twitter.com/F8mw3ECDAS
— Imani Lester (@imanilester32) June 29, 2021
In Imani’s junior season she averaged better than 16 ppg, 12 rpg, 4 bpg, 4 apg, and 2 spg.
Louisville has landed their defensive anchor of the future. Imani averaged over 4 blocks a game and altered countless others during the course of a game. I’m not saying she’s going to be Kylee Shook back there, but she’ll definitely look to make up for the loss of Liz Dixon who graduates next year. Of course, no defensive possession is complete without grabbing the defensive board. With over 12 boards a game, it is safe to say that Lester controls the boards. Lester is also a very good at initiating the break with her outlet passes.
North Carolina ✈️ The Ville
Welcome to the family, Imani!#GoCards x #NSD21 pic.twitter.com/7RoTRHvvYn
— Louisville WBB (@UofLWBB) November 11, 2021
Louisville will be getting a very high IQ, strong, and athletic post player. Lester is a very, very good post. She’s a strong finisher down low and has a nice soft touch around the rim. Imani also has a nice array of post moves and counters in the post. Imani is a player that will demand a double team in the post.
Lester is a real physical presence on the court. Standing 6’3 she isn’t just a post player. She has a nice repertoire of 1-on-1 moves on the perimeter to get to her shot off. Her offensive game is constantly improving. Coach Lester (Imani’s dad) once said that he had Imani working on her guard skills even though she was taller than the other players and it really shows. There are times in a game you’ll see Imani comfortably bringing the ball upcourt to initiate the offense.
Ability to pass ☑️
High basketball IQ ☑️@CoachJeffWalz on @imanilester32 ⤵️#GoCards x #NSD21 pic.twitter.com/ica8HVzr7w— Louisville WBB (@UofLWBB) November 11, 2021
Imani’s athleticism and skillset is really going to help her battle for playing time. The fact that she’s already a good passer is only going to benefit her at this level and the next. Congratulations to Lester on signing her Letter of Intent and Coach Walz and his staff on landing another stellar recruit.
