RENO - Kim Gervasoni, Nevada women's basketball coach, is going far and wide to strengthen her squad.
A week after signing 6-1 Sabrina Keys, who played two seasons at Purdue to a national letter of intent, Gervasoni has brought in 6-5 center-forward Evelina Janisyte, who played the last two years at Midland College (Texas), and was born in Lithuania.
Also, Gervasoni announced that 5-11 volleyball star Salaia Salave'a would play basketball next year, and that point guard Heather Massey would not return to the team.
Janisyte, who was unavailable for comment because of a school field trip, averaged 6.4 points and 7 rebounds a game for the Lady Chaps, who compiled a 23-9 record last season under coach Ron Jones.
The newest Pack player also blocked 32 shots last year, and she can match up favorably with the likes of 6-7 Margaret Deciman of Louisiana Tech, 6-4 Nica Gemo of San Jose State, Hawai'i's 6-4 Brittany Grice and 6-3 Amanda Stewart of Boise State.
"Evelina brings us size inside, which is a luxury we haven't had the past two seasons," Gervasoni said. "She is an excellent rebounder and alters a lot of shots because of her presence. The primary thing for us is defense. She's really mobile and fits into what we do. She is also versatile on the offensive end and can score from the perimeter which I like my post players to be able to do."
Gervasoni said she expects Janisyte to contribute right away, but stopped short of saying whether she would start or how many minutes she would play.
"We'll see how the transition goes and how quickly she picks things up," Gervasoni said. "I don't like to make those predictions."
Jones said that Janisyte is balanced in the sense that she "does everything pretty well and doesn't do anything poorly.
"She's in between a 4 and 5 (power forward and center). She's probably more comfortable as a 4, but has played more 5 because of her size. She has good athleticism for her size."
Salave`a, according to Gervasoni, almost played basketball last season. Gervasoni said she will play both forward spots, and most certainly add depth to the front line.
Salave`a was a three-time MVP at Leone High School, located in American Samoa, in basketball. She played point guard on American Somoa's national team as a sophomore in high school.
The Pack volleyball standout said she wanted to wait to play basketball until she got her BA degree.
"I didn't want to feel pressured playing volleyball and basketball, and having school," Salave`a said. "I'm getting another major; working on another degree. The classes won't be as hard. I won't be taking any upper-division classes, and I won't have to take as many classes. I'll take four or so."
Even if she had to wait an extra year, Gervasoni knows she is getting a talented player.
"I love her athleticism," Gervasoni said. "It's off the charts. She's an emotional leader. She brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm.
"It will take her time to get in basketball shape, and I've already told her that. It will take her a couple of weeks. It's a different type of conditioning. She will be able to help us by conference (play)."
Salave`a agreed.
"It's more endurance in basketball," Salave`a said. "In volleyball, I'm good at quicker footwork."
Darrell Moody can be reached at dmoody@nevadaappeal.com, or by calling (775) 881-1281