2019/20 UConn Recruiting

[Boreifs]

I completely agree. I believe UConn needs classes that have at least 3 big time players every year and that hasn't happened since Stewie, Tuck, and Mo Jeff... KLS and Pheesa are missing a partner. Danger is missing 2. If they had those partners, we'd have more championships for sure.

I’m sorry, but it is just not ever going to happen and shouldn’t ever happen. Three big time players a year leaves 12 chiefs, no Indians and a multitude of transfers. Two is much more desirable; a core of eight every year. Geno has endorsed that concept several times; three works ONLY if a previous class has not performed up to expectations.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

three works ONLY if a previous class has not performed up to expectations.

From last year's class Gordon's play didn't inspire a lot of confidence, Coombs struggled and is coming off a pretty serious physical issue, and Espinoza-Hunter left. The class before that consists of Dangerfield and two bench/role players Irwin and Bent. Even the upcoming class has just two players. I think there's plenty of room for three quality players the next 2-3 classes, minimum.

 

[SCGamecock]

Pretty much what I was expecting:

Really? I had Texas in her final 5... she took unofficial visits to South Carolina, UConn, Texas and UCLA I believe, so I knew she was really interested in those 4. I expected SC, UConn and Texas in her 5. Stanford was obvious and Notre Dame just won a title, so I figured they’d both be there. Oregon instead of Texas or UCLA is the surprise for me.... but not really once I considered who the HC of the Ducks is and his relationship to Jones’ AAU program.

 

[Bronx23]

From last year's class Gordon's play didn't inspire a lot of confidence, Coombs struggled and is coming off a pretty serious physical issue, and Espinoza-Hunter left. The class before that consists of Dangerfield and two bench/role players Irwin and Bent. Even the upcoming class has just two players. I think there's plenty of room for three quality players the next 2-3 classes, minimum.

Yes for that 2-3 classes!
After this year over the last two classes they've graduated Kia. Gabby, AZ, KLS and Pheesa. And if you add the prior class Stewie, Moriah and Tuck. Not a bad WNBA team.
MW and CW are huge this year and next it they evolve their games as projected,
Bronx23

 

[Bronx23]

As someone mentioned (Orangutan), she's solidly built like Arike, but I think Arike is bit more direct (point A to point B) in her drives to the hoops, while Hailey Van Lith will survey the situation (often while dribbling) before attacking from whatever angle works best. Like that swoop lay-in from the left side. There's a bit of Ms. Plum there (not a Domer, but I watched her last night.)

As for Domers....
Her defensive intensity reminds me a bit of Natalie "Nasty" Novosel, who was an offensively gifted player who was not afraid to get in your grille (and is still doing so in the Australian league).

And her overall intensity is very akin to a Mabrey who won't be at Notre Dame...Dara.
Dara is a bit on the smaller side and makes up for it with a focused intensity that borders on manic . Check out Virginia Tech this year and watch Mabrey's intensity.....

Hailey Van Lith has a toughness not seen that often in a smallish point guard and I hope she comes to U Conn as much as any of the 8-10 big names mentioned here often.
While I think she dribbles a bit much, some of that comes from what the level of her teammates are in HS. That has already begun to change as she plays with more highly skilled players. But it must be stated that her crossover dibble from both sides is wickedly good.
I hope we get her even if it means losing two greats to be Fudd and Bueckers. I know that sounds crazy but I don't think they are coming to U Conn. Also as I've lightened up on lately, Fudd's dad will come with a lot of baggage I'm not sure Geno wants or needs.
There are so many amazing players moving forward in '19, '20, 21' we can and will survive and thrive anyway.
Bronx23

 

[Dillon77]

Hailey Van Lith has a toughness not seen that often in a smallish point guard and I hope she comes to U Conn as much as any of the 8-10 big names mentioned here often.
While I think she dribbles a bit much, some of that comes from what the level of her teammates are in HS. That has already begun to change as she plays with more highly skilled players. But it must be stated that her crossover dibble from both sides is wickedly good.
I hope we get her even if it means losing two greats to be Fudd and Bueckers. I know that sounds crazy but I don't think they are coming to U Conn. Also as I've lightened up on lately, Fudd's dad will come with a lot of baggage I'm not sure Geno wants or needs.
There are so many amazing players moving forward in '19, '20, 21' we can and will survive and thrive anyway.
Bronx23

Agreed...her game will continue to improve as she plays with/against consistently higher talent.

After I wrote this post, I came across extended replays of the Irish's games against Texas A&M and Oregon. It was amazing how often Arike uses the sudden quick cross to the left to create space, resulting in a drive to the basket of putting up that kind of shot-put banker.

 

[Dillon77]

Really? I had Texas in her final 5... she took unofficial visits to South Carolina, UConn, Texas and UCLA I believe, so I knew she was really interested in those 4. I expected SC, UConn and Texas in her 5. Stanford was obvious and Notre Dame just won a title, so I figured they’d both be there. Oregon instead of Texas or UCLA is the surprise for me.... but not really once I considered who the HC of the Ducks is and his relationship to Jones’ AAU program.

ND winning the title certainly helps , but I think there's a bit more to the pitch that MM and Niele have been making to Haley Jones and her parents.

"Archbishop Mitty High School is the Catholic, coeducational, college preparatory school of the Diocese of San Jose," begins its mission statement. "The School embraces the Catholic educational mission of developing community, teaching the message of the Gospels, and promoting service, peace, and justice. Through its rigorous academic program, the School prepares students for college and for responsible leadership in a global society."

Muffet is a product of Catholic education and from what I read Ms. Jones is a diligent, responsible student. During her visit to ND in late September (during a Stanford football weekend, ironically) it will be interesting to see if Ms. Jones connects with a campus like ND, which promotes many of the same philosophies that Mitty does, or if she's ready to go in another direction while continuing her schooling and athletic career.

Stay tuned.

 

[Charliebball]

ND winning the title certainly helps , but I think there's a bit more to the pitch that MM and Niele have been making to Haley Jones and her parents.

"Archbishop Mitty High School is the Catholic, coeducational, college preparatory school of the Diocese of San Jose," begins its mission statement. "The School embraces the Catholic educational mission of developing community, teaching the message of the Gospels, and promoting service, peace, and justice. Through its rigorous academic program, the School prepares students for college and for responsible leadership in a global society."

Muffet is a product of Catholic education and from what I read Ms. Jones is a diligent, responsible student. Her visit to ND in late September (during a Stanford football weekend, ironically) will be interesting to see if Ms. Jones connects with a campus like ND, which promotes many of the same philosophies that Mitty does, or if she's ready to go in another direction while continuing her schooling and athletic career.

Stay tuned.

you could very well be right but I'm choosing to think it's going to come down to her staying on the West coast at Stanford or UConn........... Hailey Van Lith will also have to make a similar geographic decision...........if they both stay home, UConn recruiting could be in a temporary bit of trouble........

 

[Dillon77]

you could very well be right but I'm choosing to think it's going to come down to her staying on the West coast at Stanford or UConn...... Hailey Van Lith will also have to make a similar geographic decision......if they both stay home, UConn recruiting could be in a temporary bit of trouble...

Charlie:
I thought I was being subtle but straightforward with my last sentence but maybe not ....I think ND has some strong points to play which may appeal to Haley Jones. On the other hand, they may not. Don't know. Just glad ND and Jones will get to know each other with the OV in late September. After that, it's in her head and/or heart.

My gut is that this will come down to three teams, much like Megatron. Unlike that time, I believe the two non-Husky schools (Stanford and ND) probably have stronger overall hands to play than Texas and ND did last time.

However, who knows what the priorities of the prospect are, from geographic preference and coaching style to academic and/or social preferences?

From the Irish perspective, the coaching staff has September OVs from two posts, a forward (Amihere) and a wing (Jones), so one can get an indication of what the preference/need is (in their minds). Jones is a "gotta go for it" player, but I'm very glad Jackie Young will be a senior Haley Jones' freshman year, just in case the Irish need to retry in 2020.

I really try not to get too high or low. On the other hand, it helps to have Anaya Peoples and Sam Brunelle committed.....

Stay tuned....

 

[Huskee11]

That is some serious skill on display there. Will fit in nicely in Storrs! (Hopefully!)

Those shifty, hesitation, back and forth moves, not rushed and effective in getting the defender off balance, are similar in style to Chauncey Billups (aka Mr. Big Shot) even though he is right handed; and for those of you in my age bracket, similar to the style of play of the great (left-handed) Lenny Wilkens.

 

[Charliebball]

Charlie:
I thought I was being subtle but straightforward with my last sentence but maybe not ....I think ND has some strong points to play which may appeal to Haley Jones. On the other hand, they may not. Don't know. Just glad ND and Jones will get to know each other with the OV in late September. After that, it's in her head and/or heart.

I really try not to get too high or low. On the other hand, it helps to have Anaya Peoples and Sam Brunelle committed.....

Stay tuned....

you hit just the right notes in your explanation of ND's advantages.....................I'm just trying to stay positive from a UConn point of view as Ms Jones is a prototypical UConn star in the making that would thrive under Geno's tutelage...........from my standpoint it would be a shame to see her go anywhere else but her "rightful" place........

 

[DEpup]

Hopefully the recruits have been watching the wnba final teams with Montgomery, Hayes, Taurasi, Mosqueda-lewis, Stewart, and Bird....Enough said.

 

[Golden Husky]

ND winning the title certainly helps , but I think there's a bit more to the pitch that MM and Niele have been making to Haley Jones and her parents.

"Archbishop Mitty High School is the Catholic, coeducational, college preparatory school of the Diocese of San Jose," begins its mission statement. "The School embraces the Catholic educational mission of developing community, teaching the message of the Gospels, and promoting service, peace, and justice. Through its rigorous academic program, the School prepares students for college and for responsible leadership in a global society."

Muffet is a product of Catholic education and from what I read Ms. Jones is a diligent, responsible student. Her visit to ND in late September (during a Stanford football weekend, ironically) will be interesting to see if Ms. Jones connects with a campus like ND, which promotes many of the same philosophies that Mitty does, or if she's ready to go in another direction while continuing her schooling and athletic career.

Stay tuned.

And yet, Dolph Schayes, Ernie Grunfeld, Art Heyman and Nancy Lieberman chose to attend college at schools other than Brandeis or Yeshiva. What, the Judges and Maccabees are not among the basketball elite? Never mind.

 

[HopJim]

That's a little ridiculous. Those classes are few and far between. If UConn gets a block buster 3 person class, you can almost guarantee a weak recruiting class the next season. In theory, after a 4 year cycle of that you would have 12 elite players. No one is going to be happy with that.

While most would agree with you from a historical basis, UConn has had two relatively disappointing classes back to back and there is plenty of room for three strong players this coming year and potentially the next.

 

[oldude]

ND winning the title certainly helps , but I think there's a bit more to the pitch that MM and Niele have been making to Haley Jones and her parents.

"Archbishop Mitty High School is the Catholic, coeducational, college preparatory school of the Diocese of San Jose," begins its mission statement. "The School embraces the Catholic educational mission of developing community, teaching the message of the Gospels, and promoting service, peace, and justice. Through its rigorous academic program, the School prepares students for college and for responsible leadership in a global society."

Muffet is a product of Catholic education and from what I read Ms. Jones is a diligent, responsible student. Her visit to ND in late September (during a Stanford football weekend, ironically) will be interesting to see if Ms. Jones connects with a campus like ND, which promotes many of the same philosophies that Mitty does, or if she's ready to go in another direction while continuing her schooling and athletic career.

Stay tuned.

While Haley Jones may we’ll end up at ND, I think the Catholic school angle is overrated. Many parents enroll their children at private/parochial schools primarily for the educational and athletic opportunities that unfortunately are not always available at public schools. Archbishop Mitty is an outstanding school in the Bay Area, with one of the very best basketball programs in CA, and it also happens to be a Catholic school.

My wife and I enrolled our son at a private, Episcopal HS with an outstanding academic reputation and an excellent athletic program, and none of us are Episcopalians.

I would also point out that Mater Dei, former home of KML and the Samuelson sisters, is also a Catholic prep school, just like Mitty.

 

[Dillon77]

And yet, Dolph Schayes, Ernie Grunfeld, Art Heyman and Nancy Lieberman chose to attend college at schools other than Brandeis or Yeshiva. What, the Judges and Maccabees are not among the basketball elite? Never mind.

???

I was very much trying to focus on how Archbishop Mitty and Notre Dame have very similar missions as academic institutions affiliated with the Roman Catholic religion. That may or may not have some bearing on her decision on where to attend college.

Recently, Notre Dame has had success recruiting two players --Danielle Patterson and Jordan Nixon -- from The Mary Louis Academy in Queens, New York. Arike Ogunbowale also attended a Catholic-affiliated school in Milwaukee. Did this help/hinder ND? Don't know, but it obviously didn't hurt.

However, if you take a short drive to one of TMLA's rivals in Queens and look at their Hall of Fame, you'll find a different story.
- Chamique Holdsclaw went to Tennessee; and,
- both Tina Charles and Sue Bird went to UConn.

As for the four folks you mentioned, my focus was on the academic institution they attended. And those four all went to public high schools (says the former Long Islander):
- Grunfeld: Forest Hills
- Schayes: DeWitt Clinton
- Lieberman: Far Rockaway
- Heyman: Oceanside

If they had gone to Jewish-affiliated high schools, would their choices of Tennessee, Duke, etc. have changed? Who knows? Maybe if Brandeis had a big-time program or coach?

In the long run, the affiliation may have some bearing...or it may not.

 

[Bronx23]

While Haley Jones may we’ll end up at ND, I think the Catholic school angle is overrated. Many parents enroll their children at private/parochial schools primarily for the educational and athletic opportunities that unfortunately are not always available at public schools. Archbishop Mitty is an outstanding school in the Bay Area, with one of the very best basketball programs in CA, and it also happens to be a Catholic school.

My wife and I enrolled our son at a private, Episcopal HS with an outstanding academic reputation and an excellent athletic program, and none of us are Episcopalians.

I would also point out that Mater Dei, former home of KML and the Samuelson sisters, is also a Catholic prep school, just like Mitty.

 

[Bronx23]

I think this is a very interesting conversation which now adds (been there actually all along) being educated in a religious college / environment to so many other factors such as: geography; academic level of schools and their specific programs; playing with close friends; comfort level at each specific campus and with the players currently and previously there; and many, many more without even considering specific coaches, their skills, prior successes, playing time, other recruits, etc.
Choosing amongst all these factors makes this an extremely difficult, complicated and also a huge decision for each student. One factor is their relationship with their parents and the influence the parent still has on them. Some young people still want and need their parents approval and agreement with their decision, others less so, or the very few who take full control of this critical decision. I say this knowing perfectly well this can be viewed positively or negatively how they make this familial aspect is incorporated into their decision.
I'm thinking of two examples of U Conn players, present and past. If I remember correctly Sue Bird initially attended a public HS on Long Island (think it was Syosset HS), and choose to transfer to Christ The King HS, a women's basketball powerhouse. It meant her father I believe getting an apartment close to CTK in Queens and I think she was there for two years. Thi
s was clearly done to maximize her enormous basketball talent. While I don't wish to offend anyone CTK is a good academic school but not an elite Catholic HS as compared to previously mentioned Mary Louis HS or another called St. Francis Prep. Obviously this decision appears to have worked out quite well as she is probably the greatest point guard in women's basketball history.
The other example is KLS who comes from the HS mentioned and described above. Also obviously as is well documented she has two older sisters who were and are excellent players in their own right who choose a premiere coach and basketball program as well as one of the better / best academic institutions in the US. Because of her own intrinsic personality and qualities she wants to follow a new path rather than follow her older sisters to Stanford. Being the best basketball player of the three maybe was part of her wanting something different. And she wasn't comparing Geno to chopped liver either. U Conn is a very, very good academic institution but in most fields not comparable to Stanford.
Again making it clear that I personally know nothing about either individuals or their families in these two cases, other than both seem to be wonderful, supportive, loving ones, my main point is each recruit has so many things to weigh and balance in their choice. What a religious university adds or takes away is going to be viewed and weighted differently by each person.
So while some of you anxiously await this years or next years dream recruits, try and understand the complexities of this decision. Some get it right for them. Others get it wrong. The most important issue or point is who they adapt and move on.
I've done a good deal or training in real estate and previously social work and lately at the end of my training sessions I end reading a Chinese fortune cookie saying. I know I'm pretty weird!
It is "things turn out best for those who make the best of how things turn out."
Bronx23

 

[Golden Husky]

???

I was very much trying to focus on how Archbishop Mitty and Notre Dame have very similar missions as academic institutions affiliated with the Roman Catholic religion. That may or may not have some bearing on her decision on where to attend college.

Recently, Notre Dame has had success recruiting two players --Danielle Patterson and Jordan Nixon -- from The Mary Louis Academy in Queens, New York. Arike Ogunbowale also attended a Catholic-affiliated school in Milwaukee. Did this help/hinder ND? Don't know, but it obviously didn't hurt.

However, if you take a short drive to one of TMLA's rivals in Queens and look at their Hall of Fame, you'll find a different story.
- Chamique Holdsclaw went to Tennessee; and,
- both Tina Charles and Sue Bird went to UConn.

As for the four folks you mentioned, my focus was on the academic institution they attended. And those four all went to public high schools (says the former Long Islander):
- Grunfeld: Forest Hills
- Schayes: DeWitt Clinton
- Lieberman: Far Rockaway
- Heyman: Oceanside

If they had gone to Jewish-affiliated high schools, would their choices of Tennessee, Duke, etc. have changed? Who knows? Maybe if Brandeis had a big-time program or coach?

In the long run, the affiliation may have some bearing...or it may not.

I was just pulling your leg, dusting your dome, trying to get your Irish up or whatever the written equivalent is to a gentle elbow to the ribs, Dillon. Some have warned about failing to attach a to such comments and, apparently, I should have heeded that advice. I have no idea how much, if any the "Catholic connection" will help in Notre Dame's recruiting but, like my grandmother used to say about chicken soup, "it couldn't hurt."

 

[Dillon77]

I was just pulling your leg, dusting your dome, trying to get your Irish up or whatever the written equivalent is to a gentle elbow to the ribs, Dillon. Some have warned about failing to attach a to such comments and, apparently, I should have heeded that advice. I have no idea how much, if any the "Catholic connection" will help in Notre Dame's recruiting but, like my grandmother used to say about chicken soup, "it couldn't hurt."

Got it. And I like chicken soup. A lot! Like a lot of good (fill in the blank) boys....

 

[Golden Husky]

Got it. And I like chicken soup. A lot! Like a lot of good (fill in the blank) boys....

Bronx23 mentions both Christ and chopped liver in his response. I think we've got this covered.

 

[HopJim]

That's a little ridiculous. Those classes are few and far between. If UConn gets a block buster 3 person class, you can almost guarantee a weak recruiting class the next season. In theory, after a 4 year cycle of that you would have 12 elite players. No one is going to be happy with that.

While opinions vary, thinking "analysts", players, and even coaches often overthink this issue. While difficult to sustain, every year UConn has recruited 3 All Americans, they have dominated. You wonder if:
-Did UConn lose several "Bigs" due to Charli Collier committing (i.e. then decommitting?). Is it possible that some of the potential 4's and 5's that would have joined UConn did not since they felt Collier would get the major minutes (i.e. that didn't happen).
-Did Geno change his recruiting strategy once Collier committed? Hindsight is wonderful but were there some with outstanding skills but not 100% aligned with UConn's approach that Geno did not follow through on once Collier committed.
-Compared to a UConn historic perspective, our Junior class is relatively weak. Did some players go elsewhere based on their assumptions of reduced playing time? Would love to see them in a Huskie uniform now.
Seems coaches and players should just go where the best fit is. Based on the NCAA banners at UConn, seems to take care of itself.

 

[SCGamecock]

While Haley Jones may we’ll end up at ND, I think the Catholic school angle is overrated. Many parents enroll their children at private/parochial schools primarily for the educational and athletic opportunities that unfortunately are not always available at public schools. Archbishop Mitty is an outstanding school in the Bay Area, with one of the very best basketball programs in CA, and it also happens to be a Catholic school.

My wife and I enrolled our son at a private, Episcopal HS with an outstanding academic reputation and an excellent athletic program, and none of us are Episcopalians.

I would also point out that Mater Dei, former home of KML and the Samuelson sisters, is also a Catholic prep school, just like Mitty.

Agreed. I was educated at an Episcopal school as well (Porter-Gaud).. When it came time for colleges, most kids either went Ivy, to the “Southern Ivies” or to large public schools. Very few of us sought out religion affiliated schools at the next level for various reasons...

If Jones selects Notre Dame, the fact that it’s a catholic school may play a part, but I don’t think it’ll be a significant one at all.

 

[Alydar]

you hit just the right notes in your explanation of ND's advantages......I'm just trying to stay positive from a UConn point of view as Ms Jones is a prototypical UConn star in the making that would thrive under Geno's tutelage......from my standpoint it would be a shame to see her go anywhere else but her "rightful" place...

I seem to recall that a couple of California players who attended a Catholic high school called Mater Dei didn't hesitate to choose UConn over a catholic school. I don't think the education one receives at Stanford or Notre Dame is any better than at many other schools. What they offer is a better credential, nothing more. And as far as "the Catholic educational mission of developing community, teaching the message of the Gospels, and promoting service, peace, and justice", while that may be accurate it is also true that the Roman Catholic Church as an institution is going through a rough patch, public image wise.

As far as Hailey Van Lith, she is obviously a rare talent and would be an asset in Storrs. However I'd wager she dribbles more times in a game than the entire UConn team. I could see her being yanked off the floor after 1 or 2 minutes of that sort of play as a freshman.

The consummate UConn prospect IMO is Bueckers, who, before she gets the ball, always seems to know what she is going to do with it. Every so often a player comes along that seems to be 2 or 3 seconds ahead of the other 9 players on the court. Bueckers is such a player and I want her playing for UConn. She is also 3 or 4 inches taller than Hailey Van Lith and has a much longer wing span which will be a huge advantage in college.

 

[Charliebball]

I seem to recall that a couple of California players who attended a Catholic high school called Mater Dei didn't hesitate to choose UConn over a catholic school. I don't think the education one receives at Stanford or Notre Dame is any better than at many other schools. What they offer is a better credential, nothing more. And as far as "the Catholic educational mission of developing community, teaching the message of the Gospels, and promoting service, peace, and justice", while that may be accurate it is also true that the Roman Catholic Church as an institution is going through a rough patch, public image wise.

As far as Hailey Van Lith, she is obviously a rare talent and would be an asset in Storrs. However I'd wager she dribbles more times in a game than the entire UConn team. I could see her being yanked off the floor after 1 or 2 minutes of that sort of play as a freshman.

The consummate UConn prospect IMO is Bueckers, who, before she gets the ball, always seems to know what she is going to do with it. Every so often a player comes along that seems to be 2 or 3 seconds ahead of the other 9 players on the court. Bueckers is such a player and I want her playing for UConn. She is also 3 or 4 inches taller than Hailey Van Lith and has a much longer wing span which will be a huge advantage in college.

The importance of religion in the recruiting process is intensely personal and none of us can claim to know how it impacts a final decision.............not sure where you are going as far as the quality of the two schools.............by most every measure, Stanford is one of the finest universities in the world never mind the country and Notre Dame is no slouch........I was one of the earliest fans of Paige Bueckers and she would be the top option for UConn all things being equal...........PB and Hailey Van Lith would make a great tandem but if PB chooses to go elsewhere, Hailey Van Lith would be a great option........

 

[DEpup]

All this talk about catholic schools. Does anyone know if Jones is even catholic? Where I come from the catholic schools had good basketball programs so folks attend them and most aren't even catholic... .

 

[Charliebball]

All this talk about catholic schools. Does anyone know if Jones is even catholic? Where I come from the catholic schools had good basketball programs so folks attend them and most aren't even catholic... .

great point...............understanding a recruits mindset is difficult enough without guessing about religious affiliation............from past articles I know that Caitlin Clark, one of the top three '20 point guards is a deeply religious Catholic from the Midwest and thought for that reason that ND was a perfect landing spot..........really not sure about other players

 

[Alydar]

The importance of religion in the recruiting process is intensely personal and none of us can claim to know how it impacts a final decision...not sure where you are going as far as the quality of the two schools...by most every measure, Stanford is one of the finest universities in the world never mind the country and Notre Dame is no slouch...I was one of the earliest fans of Paige Bueckers and she would be the top option for UConn all things being equal......PB and Hailey Van Lith would make a great tandem but if PB chooses to go elsewhere, Hailey Van Lith would be a great option...

I think we can agree that schools like Stanford, Duke, etc. do not have any "secret" knowledge or books that only their students have access. IMO the education a student receives, especially at the undergraduate level, is up to them. What schools like Duke, Stanford, the Ivy League schools, etc offer is a credential that opens doors when applying to grad school or interviewing for a job. Those schools have a high % of students who come from wealthy and influential families and meeting and networking with the children of corporate board members gives graduates of those schools an edge. This fact was well established back in the early 70's in a book called "Who rules America", where it was shown that a huge % of those in positions of power in the US went to a small group of prep schools and attended a small group of colleges.

I stated that Hailey Van Lith would be an asset for CT. She's on a path toward being a college AA. My preference for PB is based on perception. When I think of Hailey Van Lith I see her doing great things for herself with the ball in her hands. Sure she does more than that but that's my perception. When I think of Bueckers I picture her deflecting a pass on defense or throwing a pass down court to an open team mate. Bueckers is a great scorer, both inside and out to the arc, but her game is so much more. They don't give points for style or flair but as fan in the stands looking for entertainment there is no one I'd rather watch than Bueckers.

 

[Charliebball]

I think we can agree that schools like Stanford, Duke, etc. do not have any "secret" knowledge or books that only their students have access. IMO the education a student receives, especially at the undergraduate level, is up to them. What schools like Duke, Stanford, the Ivy League schools, etc offer is a credential that opens doors when applying to grad school or interviewing for a job. Those schools have a high % of students who come from wealthy and influential families and meeting and networking with the children of corporate board members gives graduates of those schools an edge. This fact was well established back in the early 70's in a book called "Who rules America", where it was shone that a huge % of those in positions of power in the US went to a small group of prep schools and attended a small group of colleges.

I stated that Hailey Van Lith would be an asset for CT. She's on a path toward being a college AA. My preference for PB is based on perception. When I think of Hailey Van Lith I see her doing great things for herself with the ball in her hands. Sure she does more than that but that's my perception. When I think of Bueckers I picture her deflecting a pass on defense or throwing a pass down court to an open team mate. Bueckers is a great scorer, both inside and out to the arc, but her game is so much more. They don't give points for style or flair but as fan in the stands looking for entertainment there is no one I'd rather watch than Bueckers.

Stanford's undergraduate acceptance rate is 5%, Notre Dame's is 19.5%...............no doubt a chosen few can pull some strings but the vast majority of students are superior academically.................I know a couple of profs at Stanford who teach at the undergraduate level and they are both outstanding...............combine great teaching and bright inquisitive students and you have a great learning environment................that's what is sometimes missing from your run of the mill university................does that mean that you can't get a great education elsewhere? Clearly not.........
we are in agreement on Bueckers.............I'm just not convinced she's headed UConn's way...............

 

[oldude]

All this talk about catholic schools. Does anyone know if Jones is even catholic? Where I come from the catholic schools had good basketball programs so folks attend them and most aren't even catholic... .

I have no idea if Jones is Catholic. But I can guarantee you that Geno is Catholic, even though he struggles occasionally with the 2nd commandment.

Thank God for Confession.