KU Women’s Hoops Goes International for NLIs

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas basketball coach Brandon Schneider and his staff announced Wednesday that three European four-star recruits have signed and submitted a National Letter of Intent.

“We had very specific needs to address in the 2020 recruiting class,” said head coach Brandon Schneider. “We wanted to add another high-level 3-point threat and we felt we needed to improve our versatility and skill sets in regards to our front-line play. All three young women have experience competing for their respective national teams, and we could not feel better about this group and the positive impact they will immediately make on our program.”

Mia Vuksic	5-10 // G // Sibenik, Croatia
Ioanna Chatzileonti	6-2 // F // Athens, Greece
Katrine Jessen	6-3 // F // Skovlunde, Denmark

Mia Vuksic – 5-10 – G – Sibenik, Croatia

Vuksic, a BlueStar Europe four-star recruit, is well-versed on tough competition as she competed on the first division Croatian professional league team, ZKK Sibenik. Vuksic also has experience on the national level as she is a member of Croatia’s National Team. In the summer of 2019, the 5-10 guard participated in FIBA Division A, the top level of the under-20 championship organized by FIBA Europe, where Vuksic was one of the team’s top scorers and performers.

Vuksic chose Kansas over Texas Tech, Illinois, Wichita State University.

"Mia is a big scoring guard who has a very quick release and deep range behind the arc. She has a tremendous work ethic and her passion for the game is evident in every possession she plays."
Schneider on Mia

Ioanna Chatzileonti – 6-2 – F – Athens, Greece

KU picked up another Blue Star Europe four-star recruit in 6-2 Greek forward, Chatzileonti. The Athens native is a participant on the Greek National Team as well as plays for Illioupolis GS, a professional team based in her home country. Chatzileonti possesses what Schneider refers to as “a feel for the game” and can score the ball. Her elite offensive skill set has earned her several FIBA Europe honors such as U18 and U16 first team and U16 Tournament MVP. Her most recent achievement is leading her U18 Greece team to a FIBA bronze medal in 2019. She led the team in efficiency, rebounding and was the second-leading scorer all while being the youngest on her team.

Chatzileonti chose Kansas over North Carolina and Tennessee.

"Ioanna has a great feel for the game and an elite skill set offensively. She can score it at every level and is a terrific passer. She has competed at the highest levels of international competition."
Schneider on Ioanna

Katrine Jessen – 6-3 – F – Skovlunde, Denmark

Jessen is coming off of a recent FIBA 2019 Championship where she competed as a part of the Danish National Team. In that tournament, the 6-3 forward led her team in rebounding and was one of their top scorers. Her high basketball IQ and athleticism gives her the ability to be a threat, not only in the paint, but on the perimeter as well. Jessen currently plays for BMS Herlev, a first division team in Copenhagen, Denmark where she is one of their top performers.

Jessen chose Kansas over Fresno State, Loyola-Marymount University (LMU) and Maine.

"Katrine is a versatile forward with an extremely high basketball IQ. She can post, she can drive it and she can stretch it with her range. Her length and athleticism also aid her ability to defend both 4’s and 5’s."
Schneider on Katrine

So excited and honored about committing to Kansas Jayhawks WBB from summer 2020?? Thanks to everybody who helped me to make this possible. Rock Chalk! Jayhawk!???? pic.twitter.com/6vsDH2H2RV

— Katrine Jessen (@katrinejessen13) October 24, 2019

Soo excited to announce my commitment to University of Kansas???? #rockchalkjayhawk pic.twitter.com/XbvpSeav7I

— Ioanna Chatzileonti (@ichatzileonti) November 8, 2019

#RockChalk ????? @KUWBball @KUWBBRecruiting pic.twitter.com/KMq8BGBd5J

— Mia (@Mia47078384) July 17, 2019

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