Bianca Thomas Honored as SEC Women’s Basketball Legend
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Former Ole Miss standout Bianca Thomas has been named one of 14 individuals honored as part of the 2023 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Women’s Basketball Legends class. These distinguished honorees—comprising former student-athletes and coaches—will be celebrated during the 2023 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament, which is set to take place from March 1-5 in Greenville, South Carolina.
The SEC Women’s Legends program has been an annual tradition since 2001, spotlighting the significant contributions of former players and coaches across the conference’s 14 institutions. Each school nominates one legend to represent them in the program. The only exceptions to this tradition occurred in 2021 and 2022, when the selection of honorees was paused.
As part of the festivities, each of the 14 legends will be recognized during halftime of their respective school’s opening game of the tournament. In addition, the full group of honorees will be introduced together at halftime of the second semifinal matchup on Saturday, March 4. These celebrations provide an opportunity for fans, students, and alumni to reflect on the accomplishments of former stars and their lasting impact on the game and their universities.
Representing the University of Mississippi—commonly known as Ole Miss—Bianca Thomas holds a special place in the history of the Rebels’ women’s basketball program. Originally from Henderson, Tennessee, Thomas wore the Ole Miss jersey from 2006 to 2010 and made a lasting impression through her consistent excellence and dynamic scoring ability.
Throughout her four years in Oxford, Thomas earned a reputation as one of the top guards in the SEC. She was a four-year letterwinner and developed into one of the most prolific scorers in program history. Her outstanding play earned her First Team All-SEC honors in both her junior (2008-09) and senior (2009-10) seasons, distinguishing her among the league’s elite players. In her senior year, she also received national recognition when she was selected as a Lowe’s Senior CLASS Second-Team All-American, an honor awarded to student-athletes who excel in the classroom, character, community, and competition.
One of Thomas’s most notable accomplishments was her prowess as a long-range shooter. Known for her lethal accuracy from beyond the arc, she is widely considered the best three-point shooter in Ole Miss women’s basketball history. In the 2009-10 season alone, Thomas made 100 three-pointers—a mark that remains the program’s single-season record. Over the course of her college career, she connected on 226 three-point field goals, the second-highest total in school history.
Thomas’s contributions extended far beyond just her shooting. She was a remarkably consistent scorer, joining an elite group of Rebels to surpass the 1,500-point mark during their careers. She ended her time at Ole Miss with 72 games scoring in double figures, a testament to her reliability and offensive production. Her standout performance in the 2009 SEC Tournament, when she hit six three-pointers in a game against Arkansas, still stands as a tournament record for Ole Miss.
After concluding her collegiate career, Thomas was selected in the first round of the 2010 WNBA Draft. She was taken with the 12th overall pick by the Los Angeles Sparks, a reflection of her status as one of the top graduating guards in the country. Her selection marked a significant milestone, highlighting the progression of her basketball journey from a high school star in Tennessee to a nationally recognized player and WNBA draftee.
Today, she goes by the name Bianca Hensley and has shifted her focus from playing to coaching, where she continues to influence the game she loves. She resides in Smyrna, Tennessee, and serves as the head coach of the Stewarts Creek High School girls’ basketball team. In this role, Hensley brings her wealth of experience and basketball knowledge to the next generation of players. Her leadership and mentorship have been instrumental in developing young athletes and fostering a strong team culture at Stewarts Creek.
Hensley’s recognition as an SEC Women’s Basketball Legend not only honors her on-court achievements but also celebrates her enduring commitment to the sport. From setting records and earning accolades in college to reaching the professional level and now giving back through coaching, her journey embodies the spirit of excellence the SEC Women’s Legends program seeks to recognize.
As the SEC tournament unfolds in Greenville, fans and supporters will have a chance to applaud the career of Bianca Hensley and her fellow honorees. These legends serve as reminders of the rich history and ongoing legacy of women’s basketball in the SEC—a conference renowned for its competitive spirit, athletic achievement, and community impact. Hensley’s story is one of hard work, perseverance, and passion for the game, making her a fitting representative of Ole Miss and a deserving addition to the prestigious group of SEC Women’s Legends.
