Syracuse women’s basketball: Howard guard Jayla Thornton announces transfer to SU

The Syracuse Orange women’s basketball team has added a standout three-point shooter to its 2021-22 roster. Guard Jayla Thornton will transfer from Howard University to Syracuse next season for her graduate year.

Thornton earned Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Player of the Year honors this season after averaging 13.5 points and 3.1 rebounds per contest. She led the conference in free throw percentage, three-pointers made, three-point percentage, and scoring. In four seasons with the Bisons, Thornton contributed 11.5 points per game and shot 34% from three. She is the MEAC’s all-time leading three-point shooter, holding the record of 275 career three-pointers made.

In addition to conference player of the year, the Newark, New Jersey native has earned multiple career accolades including three-time MEAC All-Conference Team, three-time MEAC Commissioner’s All-Academic Team, MEAC Preseason All-Conference, Howard Rookie of the Year, MEAC Player of the Week, MEAC Rookie of the Week, and ranked No. 3 on HBCU’s Women’s Basketball Players by “The Undefeated” and No. 1 “Best Shooter” in HBCU National Poll (2019).

Thornton attended Newark Tech High School and her goal is to be an ESPN Analyst. She joins USC guard Shalexxus Aaron as the two transfers on the 2021 Orange squad.

Quick Look at the 2021-22 Roster

Shalexxus Aaron, G, Redshirt Senior - Transfer from USC

Jayla Thornton, G, Fifth Year - Transfer from Howard

Teisha Hyman, G, Redshirt Sophomore

Kamilla Cardoso, C, Sophomore

Priscilla Williams, G, Sophomore

Ava Irvin, G, Sophomore

Kiara Fisher, G, Sophomore

Latasha Lattimore, F, Freshman

Shayeann Day-Wilson, G, Freshman

Amani Bartlett, F, Freshman

Nyah Wilson, G, Freshman

Julianna Walker, G, Freshman

Laura Salmeron, G, Freshman - Originally a member of 2020 freshman class, stayed overseas during pandemic