Larkins is Carolina’s New Kid on the Block
by Jason Lucas

The UNC-CH’s women’s basketball team has the three "L"s: Latta, Little, and now Larkins. Even though she felt funny hearing her name introduced, Erlana Larkins has shined since being placed in the starting lineup.

“I wasn’t expecting it," Larkins said. "I got kind of thrown in there. I’m still not used to it yet, but I guess as the season goes on I’ll be more comfortable.”

Larkins gives the team a definite inside presence. Her 15.2 points and 7.1 rebounds per game make her a perfect fit for Carolina’s athletic inside game.

Her biggest critic, coach Sylvia Hatchell said, “She’s got good hands and she’s so strong in there. She can get it and score in there. She sucks the defense. She picks up a lot of assists by passing out of the post. She’s does it all--she’s the total package."

Although Larkins has performed well since stepping into the starting lineup, she feels she is still adjusting to ACC play. Larkins says her adjustment was a little slower off court due to the increased responsibilities that all college students face.

Judging by her play and demeanor on and off the court, it looks like she is getting comfortable in her role as a student athlete.