2019/20 UConn Recruiting

[Sluconn Husky]

Extensive Premiere Basketball Report piece on the players and teams from the '19-'22 classes that impressed them most this summer. Loads of UConn targets mentioned.

Summer's Over

 

[UConnCat]

Hoopgurlz put out a watch list for 2021. Azzi Fudd made the list, of course. Other names to remember are Caroline Ducharme (5-10 G, MA) and Brook Demetre (6-2 W, CA). Demetre plays at Mater Dei in Cali and Geno has had a couple of fair players come out of Kiernan's Mater Dei program.

2021 HoopGurlz Recruiting Rankings - espnW Watch List - ESPN

 

[bags27]

Q: Is there a time limit on how long she can visit?
A: Yes official visits are limited to 48 hours on campus.

Q: Do her parents accompany her?
A: Yes per a recent change in recruiting the parents expenses are also covered by the University.

Q: Do/Does they/she stay in the dorm or a hotel?
A: Usually in a dorm room for at least one night and attendance to class in a major that prospect might be interested in.

Q: Does a current player chaperone her?
A: Yes a member of the current team is usually assigned to chaperone or host for the weekend.

Q: What's the biggest selling point, the banners?
A: It varies could be anything from Kathy or Nona's (Geno's wife and mother) cooking to how well they relate to the teammates. The teammates actually get an input at ND and UCONN. Banners and rings certainly help but a recruit already knows about those before they get to campus.

Q: Will the player meet with just Geno or the entire coaching staff?
A: At some point the recruit will meet the entire staff and current team.

Q: If the player has a favorite former UConn player (say, DT) will UConn make an effort to get her to campus?
A: No. Contact with the recruit is limited to UCONN staff only.

Q: Does the recruit get to shoot around or play a pick up game with the current players?
A: That's at least three separate things. Pickup games are unsupervised by the coaches so I'm not sure what the rules- likely the recruit can participate. A shoot around is something typically done on the morning of game day=very serious business does not include recruit participation. Regular practice the rules have changed, in my daughters day 2010 there were no "formal" practices during recruiting visits-typically Aug-Sept early Oct-likely no recruit participation in a formal practice.

Q: If the visit goes well, do players ever commit to UConn during the visit?
A: Sometimes.

Coco for NCAA Commissioner!!

 

[Nivtop]

Paige Bueckers this weekend

 

[Golden Husky]

Paige Bueckers this weekend

According to the HoopGurlz list of prospects for 2020, Bueckers (No. 6 overall) is the third rated point guard, behind Caitlin Clark (No. 1 overall) and Haley Van Lith (No. 5 overall). Yet most of the Boneyard buzz seems to be about Bueckers. What is it about Bueckers that excites the UConn faithful and/or what is it about the other two that has failed to generate as much hope and speculation?

 

[CocoHusky]

According to the HoopGurlz list of prospects for 2020, Bueckers (No. 6 overall) is the third rated point guard, behind Caitlin Clark (No. 1 overall) and Haley Van Lith (No. 5 overall). Yet most of the Boneyard buzz seems to be about Bueckers. What is it about Bueckers that excites the UConn faithful and/or what is it about the other two that has failed to generate as much hope and speculation?

I just think Bueckers caught BY attention first thanks to some posting by either @Sluconn Husky or @CoachBill. From the very first BY posting Bueckers was described as the perfect UCONN fit because of her advanced, college ready, unselfish passing game. Caitlin Clark played well at USA U16 and has a very pretty, KML- like shooting stroke but her ball handling and passing are not close to Bueckers who was on the same USA team and made positive things happen every time she was put into the games. Lith also appears to be an impressive player. They are all young and we have 2 full years before us and they have to make a decision on college but IMO Bueckers is a step (perhaps 2) ahead at this time.

 

[HopJim]

Aliyah Boston

2018 6'3 Post : iExcel Basketball
“She was a rock defensively with her ability to block and change shots, consistently win 1v1 post battles playing from behind, as well as dominate the boards with her excellent use of body and her strong hands above her head. She also showed soft touch around the rim, the ability to draw fouls and finish through contact, strong post fundamentals, and hustle on the offensive glass.” – Rob Grieve, Insider Exposure

....

PHILLY FACE/OFF 2017 : MOST outstanding 2019


Samantha Brunelle
2019 6'2 Wing : Team Loaded

Sammy Brunelle is so much more than an outstanding basketball player. This dynamic 2019 prospect is a match up nightmare for opposing teams. Brunelle kills you from the outside and/or the inside, with uncanny poise and control. She has a strong understanding of space, how to create it and use it to get whatever she wants. Sammy’s big heart and upbeat personality can be seen in her competitive spirit between the baselines and her personable demeanor outside the lines, which is why she will be one of the great ones.


Philly Face/Off – STANDOUTS 2017

Love what I hear about both but particularly intrigued with Boston. UConn's championships always based on both good offense and GREAT defense. You could make a case that Stewie and team were one of the best, if not THE best defensive teams UConn has had. While it always seems that the hot offensive player gets the most press, Geno has done great job through the years recruiting players that can shut down other team as much as create points.

 

[Jim R]

I just think Bueckers caught BY attention first thanks to some posting by either @Sluconn Husky or @CoachBill. From the very first BY posting Bueckers was described as the perfect UCONN fit because of her advanced, college ready, unselfish passing game. Caitlin Clark played well at USA U16 and has a very pretty, KML- like shooting stroke but her ball handling and passing are not close to Bueckers who was on the same USA team and made positive things happen every time she was put into the games. Lith also appears to be an impressive player. They are all young and we have 2 full years before us and they have to make a decision on college but IMO Bueckers is a step (perhaps 2) ahead at this time.

At first glance, Bueckers capability is something special. Her court vision and awareness is rare, and for my money, she's a must have for UCONN...as they say, leaders "make things happen"...and that is her MO - a perfect match for the Huskies!

 

[Sluconn Husky]

According to the HoopGurlz list of prospects for 2020, Bueckers (No. 6 overall) is the third rated point guard, behind Caitlin Clark (No. 1 overall) and Haley Van Lith (No. 5 overall). Yet most of the Boneyard buzz seems to be about Bueckers. What is it about Bueckers that excites the UConn faithful and/or what is it about the other two that has failed to generate as much hope and speculation?

Could link to comments on her but the best way to find out would be to watch her play. A handful of her high school games as well as her performances with the US U16 team are available. Even her highlight packages on Hudl would do.

 

[Alydar]

According to the HoopGurlz list of prospects for 2020, Bueckers (No. 6 overall) is the third rated point guard, behind Caitlin Clark (No. 1 overall) and Haley Van Lith (No. 5 overall). Yet most of the Boneyard buzz seems to be about Bueckers. What is it about Bueckers that excites the UConn faithful and/or what is it about the other two that has failed to generate as much hope and speculation?

I know nothing about the other two so it may be that they are better players at this point. My love of Bueckers' game comes from a few articles I read, a few high school game videos (as opposed to those edited videos) and watching her in the U16 games.

I usually don't even watch HS games or players. But from the first time I saw Bueckers there was a flair to her game that reminded me of Taurasi. Emphasis on "reminds". Some players have an intense look when they are playing. Taurasi (at UConn) always seemed like she played with a sense of joy, that she was in her element and played with supreme confidence. I see that same thing in Bueckers. Taurasi always seemed to be 2 or 3 seconds ahead of everyone else. I see the same thing to a lesser degree from Bueckers. And like DT (and most every UConn recruit), Bueckers only has one thing on her mind, winning the game.

• She has outstanding court vision and with the ball in her hands always seems to know what she is going to do with it. Too many HS guards dribble themselves into trouble. Bueckers knows when defenses are about to converge on her and gets the ball to an open teammate. She plays fast but always under control.
• She makes layups.
• She not only passes to open players but she puts the passes perfectly in their hands so that they remain in stride if on a break or so they can shoot without shifting their position.
• She changes speeds on drives and has a deceptively quick lateral move.
• She has a quick release on her shot.
• She plays defense. She anticipates what the offense is doing which results in a lot of steals and even more deflections. She also has a long wingspan.
• She plays with the same intensity whether or not she has the ball.
• She has a swagger. I've never seen her play with anything but a confident attitude. I had a grammar school teacher that had a little speech about people and how some know and some only think they know. Bueckers looks like the one who knows and knows they know.

One last thing. If Bueckers is indeed the player I think she is Geno will want to coach her for 4 years. And anything that keeps him from retiring is a good thing.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

To add to Alydar's excellent list, Bueckers' skill level is Grade A. She shot 62% from the field as a freshmen hitting every kind of shot you can imagine---beautiful jumper, floater, pull-up, and all kinds of twisty layups with both hands.

I'll be shocked if she's not top-3 on all majors sites within a year or so.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

"Q: If the player has a favorite former UConn player (say, DT) will UConn make an effort to get her to campus?
A: No. Contact with the recruit is limited to UCONN staff only."

CocoHusky, are you sure? Was the apocryphal Diane and Sue drop by the violation, or was it the burger and fries? Common, someone had to do it. It's in the Boneyard Charter.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

According to the HoopGurlz list of prospects for 2020, Bueckers (No. 6 overall) is the third rated point guard, behind Caitlin Clark (No. 1 overall) and Haley Van Lith (No. 5 overall). Yet most of the Boneyard buzz seems to be about Bueckers. What is it about Bueckers that excites the UConn faithful and/or what is it about the other two that has failed to generate as much hope and speculation?

Good question. For me it has been exposure. She showed up big time in USA basketball. A freshman mix tape gives you a look at the promise. Freshman PG Paige Bueckers Mixtape With North Tartan @ AAU State Qualifier!

And within 20 or so #es in ranking at that age, who's counting.

The Golden Gophers offered Paige when see played the varsity for a state champion team as an 8th grader.

Maya's coach impressed. Hopkins 8th grader Paige Bueckers attracts attention from colleges -- and Lynx coach

"Talent allows her to fit in on the court. Bueckers plays beyond her years, always has, even as a young girl when she caught the eye of a WNBA coach.

“I remember it like it was yesterday,” Reeve said."

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Aliyah Boston

2018 6'3 Post : iExcel Basketball
“She was a rock defensively with her ability to block and change shots, consistently win 1v1 post battles playing from behind, as well as dominate the boards with her excellent use of body and her strong hands above her head. She also showed soft touch around the rim, the ability to draw fouls and finish through contact, strong post fundamentals, and hustle on the offensive glass.” – Rob Grieve, Insider Exposure

....

PHILLY FACE/OFF 2017 : MOST outstanding 2019


Samantha Brunelle
2019 6'2 Wing : Team Loaded

Sammy Brunelle is so much more than an outstanding basketball player. This dynamic 2019 prospect is a match up nightmare for opposing teams. Brunelle kills you from the outside and/or the inside, with uncanny poise and control. She has a strong understanding of space, how to create it and use it to get whatever she wants. Sammy’s big heart and upbeat personality can be seen in her competitive spirit between the baselines and her personable demeanor outside the lines, which is why she will be one of the great ones.


Philly Face/Off – STANDOUTS 2017

Team Loaded? Really? Back in the day (tell us gramps, please) you wanted to be under the radar, not over the top.

 

[donalddoowop]

I see Laeticia Amihere is considering Uconn. She is a 6'3" forward from Canada. Rated the number two player and number two forward in the 2019 class. Seems she may be as good as Brunell. Does anyone have any information on her or a maybe a mix tape?

 

[Go/huskies]

I see Laeticia Amihere is considering Uconn. She is a 6'3" forward from Canada. Rated the number two player and number two forward in the 2019 class. Seems she may be as good as Brunell. Does anyone have any information on her or a maybe a mix tape?

Meet the teen who made Canadian slam dunk history

 

[Golden Husky]

To add to Alydar's excellent list, Bueckers' skill level is Grade A. She shot 62% from the field as a freshmen hitting every kind of shot you can imagine---beautiful jumper, floater, pull-up, and all kinds of twisty layups with both hands.

I'll be shocked if she's not top-3 on all majors sites within a year or so.

The HoopGurlz rankings seem to be the product of Dan Olson. Is he a respected figure in this area? Is he free from conflict?

 

[Sluconn Husky]

The HoopGurlz rankings seem to be the product of Dan Olson. Is he a respected figure in this area? Is he free from conflict?

I have no idea. I've seen people complain that he doesn't get out to see as many players as others but who knows. Either way, his don't never deviate wildly from the other outlets, all of which have Bueckers top-10 right now.

 

[CocoHusky]

The HoopGurlz rankings seem to be the product of Dan Olson. Is he a respected figure in this area? Is he free from conflict?

Olson background includes being a former college coach. I can't remember which college but since he joined ESPN a few year ago he has been conflict free to the best of my knowledge.

 

[CocoHusky]

I see Laeticia Amihere is considering Uconn. She is a 6'3" forward from Canada. Rated the number two player and number two forward in the 2019 class. Seems she may be as good as Brunell. Does anyone have any information on her or a maybe a mix tape?

Brunelle & Amihere are different type of players both are great. Brunelle is gifted on the offensive side of the ball with mad range that must be accounted for or else she becomes lethal. Amihere is the best and most versatile on ball defender I have ever seen. She has a Kelly Faris like ability to stay in front of the ball handler. She has the ability to defend positions 1-5 and is blessed with Gabby type athleticism. BTW those mix tapes of Amihere dunking-she was 15 at the time! UCONN will have room both, because UCONN will have graduated 2 (KLS & Napheesa) & possibly 3 (+Azura) AA before Brunelle & Amihere get to campus.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Brunelle & Amihere are different type of players both are great. Brunelle is gifted on the offensive side of the ball with mad range that must be accounted for or else she becomes lethal. Amihere is the best and most versatile on ball defender I have ever seen. She has a Kelly Faris like ability to stay in front of the ball handler. She has the ability to defend positions 1-5 and is blessed with Gabby type athleticism. BTW those mix tapes of Amihere dunking-she was 15 at the time! UCONN will have room both, because UCONN will have graduated 2 (KLS & Napheesa) & possibly 3 (+Azura) AA before Brunelle & Amihere get to campus.

Azura will leave in either 2018 or 2019. Lou and Pheesa leave in 2019, though I think Pheesa may be eligible in 2018.

 

[UConnCat]

 

[Golden Husky]

Olson background includes being a former college coach. I can't remember which college but since he joined ESPN a few year ago he has been conflict free to the best of my knowledge.

Still, it's only one assessment and, ultimately, the only opinion that will matter will be Geno's.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Still, it's only one assessment and, ultimately, the only opinion that will matter will be Geno's.

Rest assured, there are tons of assessments of Bueckers by observers and they are all glowing.

 

[CocoHusky]

Azura will leave in either 2018 or 2019. Lou and Pheesa leave in 2019, though I think Pheesa may be eligible in 2018.

Baring injury and a red shirt season, Azura, Napheesa & KLS will all be gone by the time Brunelle & Amihere come to UCONN.

 

[CocoHusky]

Still, it's only one assessment and, ultimately, the only opinion that will matter will be Geno's.

Maybe. I'd say Geno and staff, remember Geno has to be convinced by Shea to recruit Moriah Jefferson.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Baring injury and a red shirt season, Azura, Napheesa & KLS will all be gone by the time Brunelle & Amihere come to UCONN.

Correct. Ah, now I understand what you were saying. Azura's departure is certain by 2019; "possibly" referred to her AA status, not her departure.

 

[BobbyJ]

Coaches at Auriemma's level in the game don't make special trips to see HS open gyms of kids at Buecker's age unless they are dead serious about them. I think she may be a once every 10 years talent by her senior year.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Baring injury and a red shirt season, Azura, Napheesa & KLS will all be gone by the time Brunelle & Amihere come to UCONN.

I see what you did there.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Maybe. I'd say Geno and staff, remember Geno has to be convinced by Shea to recruit Moriah Jefferson.

Can you find an old article or video snippet or such on that. Went by me at the time. Don't doubt you Coco, just fascinated by it.