Louisville Women's Basketball Program Adds Former NC State Star Zamareya Jones to Roster
Louisville women's basketball program has made a significant addition to its roster by securing the commitment of former NC State standout Zamareya Jones. The 5-foot-7 guard, known for her elite playmaking skills, announced her decision to join Louisville after a high-profile visit to the university. Jones was highly sought after in the transfer portal, being ranked as one of the top players available nationally by ESPN and NBC Sports.
Jones, a native of Greenville, North Carolina, had an impressive sophomore season at NC State, starting in 30 out of 31 games. She averaged 14.9 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game during the 2025-26 season. Her three-point shooting prowess, converting 36.6 percent of her attempts, made her one of the top shooters in the ACC.
During the postseason, Jones showcased her abilities even further, averaging 20.0 points and 5.3 assists in three tournament games. Her standout performance included a career-high 30-point game against Tennessee in the NCAA Tournament, solidifying her reputation as a clutch player.
Jones' commitment to Louisville comes at a time when the team is experiencing significant turnover in the backcourt. With players like Peyton Bradley, Isla Juffermans, and Anaya Hardy entering the transfer portal, as well as veterans Reyna Scott and Laura Ziegler graduating, Jones' arrival provides a boost to the team's roster.
Louisville's upcoming season looks promising with the addition of Jones and a talented 2026 recruiting class that includes players like Ariyana “Peanut” Cradle, Myah Epps, and Ayse Melek Demirer. The team aims to build on a successful 29-8 season that saw them reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2023.
Head coach Jeff Walz, entering his 20th year at Louisville, has maintained a high level of consistency with the program. The team recently completed its 16th consecutive 20-win season and had a record-setting 11-0 start to ACC play. With Jones on board, the Cardinals are poised to continue their success and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament next season.