High-Volatility Guard with Elite Career Accumulation but Struggling 2024-25 Efficiency
Samantha Shanks is a 5'8" junior guard for Southern Miss whose career differentiator is **elite accumulation**: she totaled **625 points, 514 rebounds, 402 assists, and 114 steals** over two seasons, averaging **9.9 PPG, 8.2 RPG, and 6.4 APG** historically [4]. However, her **2024-25 season** saw a sharp decline to **1.3 PPG** with a **24.0% field goal percentage**, playing only **9.9 minutes per game** across 28 contests [1][6]. While she possesses a **playmaking pedigree** (6.4 career APG) and **defensive intensity** (1.8 career steals), her current **scoring inefficiency** and **reduced role** suggest she is a **high-risk fit** for teams needing immediate scoring, though she remains a valuable **veteran backup** for teams prioritizing **rebounding and ball-handling depth** [1][4]. No public injury history is noted, but her **intensity** remains evident in her career steal totals [4].
