Guard Trayanna Crisp aims to return to winning tradition after transferring to UNC

After two tough seasons at Arizona State, Trayanna Crisp was ready for a change of scenery. From the desert to the greenery of Chapel Hill. From losing to being back at a program that wins. 

Now in Carolina Blue, the junior guard is set to bring her strength, power and iconic “Tray Speed” to the UNC's backcourt.

“We’re here to win,” Crisp said.

After facing 40 losses at ASU, Crisp is embracing a fresh start at North Carolina, where she’ll add depth and versatility to an elite roster with championship aspirations. Her journey to North Carolina marks a pivotal moment for both Crisp and the team, as they look to capitalize on her talent in the highly competitive ACC, which features six teams in the top 25. At 20 years old, Crisp led Arizona State in 3-pointers per game last season, while finishing second on the team in scoring, averaging 12.1 points. She also contributed 2.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game.

“She’s like an old school Sherman Douglas and like a Magic Johnson," head coach Courtney Banghart said. "She can really get into bodies. She’s very physical. She’s an excellent facilitator. She can really shoot it."

The combo guard from Goodyear, Arizona dominated on the high school court.

The Millennium Tigers made high school history in Arizona as the fifth girls basketball program to secure four consecutive state championships, and the first to achieve this feat in one of the state's top three conferences.

But only one player from the original title-winning 2019 team remained on the court during that time: Crisp.

To Millennium High School basketball coach Danny Soliman, the guard has always possessed a "star” quality game.

“There’s a different kind of switch she has when it’s time to compete so good luck if you’re on the other side of the ball," Soliman said in an email. "Winning is a skill so whether it’s in the weight room, a drill in practice or game time, she competes like a winner."

The level of losses in both Crisp's seasons at ASU is what ultimately led her to enter the transfer portal.

“It’s more intense here," Crisp said. "There’s a purpose behind everything."

The challenges she faced at Arizona State have equipped Crisp with a resilient mindset. 

When she first came to UNC, Crisp struggled to finish one of the team's conditioning drills. Now, according to Banghart, she has risen to the challenge of the program's expectations.

Senior forward Maria Gakdeng said that Crisp has been the most surprising player to watch, and her teammates share similar sentiments. 

“Tray has done a great job with her growth over the summer," graduate forward Alyssa Ustby said. "She’s connected with all the girls, and she’s a really big part of our offense."

Banghart only had positive things to say about the team’s chemistry with one another. A chemistry that Crisp has helped to formulate and loves to be a part of. Although it's not a word she throws around lightly, Banghart said this team is "really connected."

According to Ustby, the group's unique bond stems from their genuine enjoyment of each other's company. She said the returning players have been wonderful in helping the new transfers feel welcome, adding that Crisp “feels at home here” as a member of the Tar Heels.  

“The best thing is the teammate environment, the coaches have welcomed me in," Crisp said. "I just feel like I fit so well here."

Now back at a program that resembles the winning tradition she became familiar with in high school, Crisp is ready to have an impact on a group that she's become so close with. 

And even while she might have struggled at first, Banghart believes Crisp will play a pivotal role.

"She'll be a lot of people's favorite in Carmichael."

@dthsports | sports@dailytarheel.com