Defensive-minded forward with proven C-USA pedigree
Arike is a physical, interior-oriented forward whose biggest calling card is defense: she was the 2023 Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year at UTEP and has brought that disruptive edge to Middle Tennessee, where she can anchor possessions, rebound, and make winning plays without needing high usage. In the 2024-25 season, she averaged 3.5 points and 4.9 rebounds in 17 games for the Blue Raiders, but her value goes beyond the box score in toughness, timing, and veteran reliability. She looks like a strong fit for a team that needs defense-first frontcourt depth and low-drama, high-effort impact.[8][13][2]
