Kianna Smith and Alaysia Styles talk about officially signing with Cal

Last week, both of Cal women’s basketball’s 2017 commits Kianna Smith and Alaysia Styles signed their National Letters of Intent. Both players talked with us about why they are excited to officially sign with Cal and what they hope to bring to the table next season.

Kianna Smith: “I am so excited! I already felt apart of the family before today but it was still amazing! I hope to bring basketball knowledge and scoring ability. And come in and add to the great chemistry of the team that they already have.”

Alaysia Styles: “I'm more than excited to sign. Not only is it honoring to have this opportunity, but it's just such a great feeling to know that every bad situation or day has gotten me to this point. I'm so blessed to be surrounded by such amazing people who support me and believe in me. I'm just too too excited to be in Berkeley with the dopest people ever!

I hope to bring alot of versatility to the team and to be able to play wherever Coach G will need me. I also just want to soak up a ton of knowledge from my new teammates and coaches and become the best possible version of myself.”

Coach Lindsay Gottlieb also weighed in, sharing her thoughts on what both players will bring to the program next season.

Lindsay Gottlieb on signing both players: "I have been waiting since the spring, when Kianna and Alaysia both committed to Cal, to share our excitement over what they will bring to our team and this community. These are two young women that are elite both on the court and in the classroom.

I want to commend my assistant coaches for continually working on the recruiting trail to find the best players, the brightest students, and young people that will continue to enhance the positive culture we have built with Cal Women's Basketball. In Kianna and Alaysia, we are proud to sign a recruiting class that will help to keep our program amongst the nation's elite. We could not be more excited to have them both join our family."

Lindsay Gottlieb on Kianna Smith: “It's clear that Kianna is a 'coach's kid' in the best sense of the word. A thoughtful, high-IQ player, she has continued to improve every time I've see her play. Kianna can run the show as a point guard or score like a shooting guard. She is calm and graceful on the court, and has a tremendous work ethic off it. Cal fans will love watching her complete skill set when she's wearing blue and gold."

Lindsay Gottlieb on Alaysia Styles: “Alaysia – 'Birdie' as she's nicknamed - is a dynamic athlete that makes the game of basketball look easy. She is long and skilled, and represents the 'modern' player that can excel at multiple positions and pose mismatches for opponents. Bird is perfect fit in our up-tempo style, and has unlimited potential to keep improving. She is a fierce competitor who loves to play the game and will be a fan favorite in Haas as soon as she puts on a Cal uniform."

Both Kianna Smith and Alaysia Styles are top recruits in the 2017 class. Smith is listed as one of the top point guards in the class while Styles is considered to be one of the top wings in the class. Both players are great additions to the program and are certain to help Cal remain one of the more competitive programs in the Pac-12.

Here is our interview with Kianna Smith about her commitment to Cal.

Here is our interview with Alaysia Styles about her commitment to Cal

Note: Lindsay Gottlieb quotes are courtesy of CalBears.com