The Hawaii women’s basketball team bolstered its front line near the back end of the offseason.

Coach Laura Beeman said she added 6-foot-3 power forward Deanna Calhoun, a transfer from USC, for the 2014-15 season. Calhoun, who represents the last of UH’s 15 scholarships in the sport, has two years of eligibility and can play right away because she already earned her undergraduate degree.

Last season, Calhoun averaged 1.5 points and 1.3 rebounds in 4.7 minutes for a Trojans team that went 22-13, including 8-6 in Pac-12 play. In her limited time, she shot 59.1 percent from the field.

"In my opinion she’s a Pac-12 post player who just didn’t get the opportunity to develop the way she should have been for whatever reason," Beeman said. "And so when you have that opportunity for the next two years, I’m thoroughly excited to have the opportunity to give her the attention she needs, and the attention that’s going to make her, in my opinion, a fantastic, fantastic basketball player."

Beeman and associate coach Mary Wooley had some prior familiarity with Calhoun from their days as assistant coaches at USC. But they didn’t get to actively coach her because Calhoun injured her knee as a senior in high school and had to redshirt her first year as a Trojan.

Beeman was able to watch Calhoun rehab from the injury and kept her in mind as a prospect if she decided to leave USC early.

"First off, it’s her work ethic," the coach said. "This young lady works incredibly hard, and loves to work hard. Her footwork is impressive.

"Secondly, she’s a legitimate 6-2 1⁄2, 6-3. … Not afraid of contact, not afraid of being physical. Moves incredibly well."