2020 Piath Gabriel commits to UConn [Merged Thread]

[mbr33ct]

With the BY discussion about Piath over the last few days, I got to thinking about Steph’s recruitment. As a HS junior, Steph was outside the top 50 on Hoopgurlz. She got the “UConn bump” as a senior up to 39, but she clearly was not a sure thing. While she had some basketball skills, Steph wasn’t in great condition and her athleticism could be questioned (Geno once berated her for not being able to jump as high as a sheet of paper.). When Geno explained what he liked about Steph when he recruited her, he explained that when he watched her play in a very physical HS game, Steph got knocked to the floor several times. Each time she quickly got up and sprinted down the floor to get back into the game. Of course Steph went on to become a 2x AA & National Champion at UConn as well as a very good pro. It would be interesting to know what qualities Geno sees in Piath that convinced him to offer her a scholarship.

One additional thought. Geno and John Calipari are good friends, going all the way back to Calipari’s coaching days at UMass. I have to wonder if Geno got any input on the Gabriel family, specifically KY player Wenyen Gabriel relative to motivation, effort, athleticism, etc.

6'-5"

 

[baggerbob]

Finally a big after several frustrating seasons not being able to recruit one. I wonder if that means Cardoso will go else where or what impact it will have on Omari for 2021.

Uconn had Dolson and Stokes, and it didn't keep Stewie from committing, it enhanced her commitment.

 

[Fairfield Fan]

With the BY discussion about Piath over the last few days, I got to thinking about Steph’s recruitment. As a HS junior, Steph was outside the top 50 on Hoopgurlz. She got the “UConn bump” as a senior up to 39, but she clearly was not a sure thing. While she had some basketball skills, Steph wasn’t in great condition and her athleticism could be questioned (Geno once berated her for not being able to jump as high as a sheet of paper.). When Geno explained what he liked about Steph when he recruited her, he explained that when he watched her play in a very physical HS game, Steph got knocked to the floor several times. Each time she quickly got up and sprinted down the floor to get back into the game. Of course Steph went on to become a 2x AA & National Champion at UConn as well as a very good pro. It would be interesting to know what qualities Geno sees in Piath that convinced him to offer her a scholarship.

One additional thought. Geno and John Calipari are good friends, going all the way back to Calipari’s coaching days at UMass. I have to wonder if Geno got any input on the Gabriel family, specifically KY player Wenyen Gabriel relative to motivation, effort, athleticism, etc.

I recall that Dolson was selected to play in the McDonald's All American game. Piath doesn't appear listed in the top 100 for ESPN, and comes up #88 for Prospects Nation. Wonder how a 6'5" player on UConn's radar could not be considered higher. What are the ratings services missing?

 

[DaBball]

This is what Olson had to say about Gabriel at the Indy 500. Not sure whether or not she will crack the top-100 since he likely won’t see her again and has updated his rankings since this, but there is a lot to like about that evaluation, predominantly her versatility.

“Indy 500-July 2019: Athletic big-forward brings a defensive presence to the paint; quick in the key with footwork that brings results in the paint; rebounds and handles in uptempo game; stretches the defense on the perimeter with emerging face up skills; interior game delivery; among the most versatile front court prospects in the class of 2020. (Olson)”

 

[Scrutineer]

Someone somewhere must have reversed the numbers. Or by the time she hits campus she'll be 5'11". Or maybe someone has Gabriel Piath confused with Edith Piaf. No matter, welcome Husky for life!

Or Rice Pilaf? Welcome Piath. You made the correct choice should you want to improve your skills and be a great success in life as well as basketball.

 

[Centerstream]

Finally a big after several frustrating seasons not being able to recruit one. I wonder if that means Cardoso will go else where or what impact it will have on Omari for 2021.

Ummm...what about ONO being recruited and signed last year? But I agree, we weren't very successful with height advantaged players after recruiting Stewie unless transfers count, Z and Natalie Butler...

 

[ochoopsfan]

Courant is reporting that Piath Gabriel has committed to UConn. Just one question - does 6'5" qualify as a "big?"

She has to stand next to Hartley to see how big she really is.

 

[Vowelguy]

And the New England streak continues! Every Geno roster has had at least 1 New England player, but we were in danger of that ending with Bent's graduation.

 

[CL82]

,..

I prefer

 

[BobbyJ]

This is great news. I read the posts about her written earlier in the week. I glanced at this one, and had to look at it again to see if I saw what I thought it read.

How nice to get a BIG that didn’t hold us hostage emotionally for months until she decided to announce to go elsewhere. Now, how will this effect or impact Amari DeBerry’s decision? Is she a UConn lean? If she is, will this commitment cause her to look more seriously at other programs? I hope not. I’ve been hoping DeBerry comes to UConn for the last 2 years.

Geno and Chris Daley will transform and grow her into the very best player she can be. They will not allow her to cheat her potential. She would be ready for play at the next level in 4 years, as will Piath. I want Cardosa too. I’m not dismissing her at all. There’s plenty of room/playing time for her too.

This was a great summer for UConn recruiting wise. They pulled in some excellent recruits with top notch potential. A tip o the turban to Geno and staff for their tireless effort this spring and summer. I like all of the recruits they were able to secure, and eagerly look forward to seeing them between the lines.

A good important pick up. Keep the bigs coming because I believe you can't have too many as long as they're mobile. Bigs need BIG competition to improve and it teaches them literally not to play down to smaller kids. Cardoso would be a nice finish for this class, she looks mobile and physical. Just not sold on DeBerry yet, I'd like to see more physicality and toughness than I've seen on her videos. But of course I'm not the one recruiting her.

 

[diggerfoot]

It appears to me that the current shortcomings for Gabriel are mainly on offense. In the UConn system, particularly with the talent we otherwise have on the roster, what is most desired from a "big" is her defensive ability. In that case even if she never reaches AA level ranking because of her offense, we would have what we need regardless. What do our recruiting gurus say to that?

 

[JonathanXIV]

She has to stand next to Hartley to see how big she really is.

Of course. Excellent point.

 

[UConnCat]

 

[UConnCat]

 

[JordyG]

Everyone take note. The notion that UConn will be throwing one huge team on the court in the next few is a big(s) (Thank you. Please remain seated.) possibility.

 

[psconn]

Whoa. Finally a big girl... is she any good? From the Courant: "A July evaluation from ESPN described Gabriel as 'athletic big-forward brings a defensive presence to the paint; quick in the key with footwork that brings results in the paint; rebounds and handles in uptempo game; stretches the defense on the perimeter with emerging face up skills; interior game delivery; among the most versatile front court prospects in the class of 2020.'"

 

[intlzncster]

Nice to get one (big) in the fold. Takes a little pressure off landing a DeBerry level recruit. Still need that though.

 

[Go/huskies]

Liv still looks 6’5 or 6’6 to me, with Gabriel listed at 6’5? If the two of them can play together that will be 1 big front court when Mir checks out.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Welcome, Piath! You are joining a great team and coming in as part of a tremendous recruiting class. HuskyNation is excited about your commitment!!

 

[Carnac]

A good important pick up. Keep the bigs coming because I believe you can't have too many as long as they're mobile. Bigs need BIG competition to improve and it teaches them literally not to play down to smaller kids. Cardoso would be a nice finish for this class, she looks mobile and physical. Just not sold on DeBerry yet, I'd like to see more physicality and toughness than I've seen on her videos. But of course I'm not the one recruiting her.

I'd be happy to land either one, and let Geno and Chris Daley figure it out. You can't have too many BIGS. That's like having too much money!?!

 

[jcoton56]

Wecome aboard Piath! Hope all your dreams come true.

 

[UConnCat]

 

[eebmg]

It appears to me that the current shortcomings for Gabriel are mainly on offense. In the UConn system, particularly with the talent we otherwise have on the roster, what is most desired from a "big" is her defensive ability. In that case even if she never reaches AA level ranking because of her offense, we would have what we need regardless. What do our recruiting gurus say to that?

I think the days of compartmentalizing and having defensive specialists are over. If you are on the court, you have to be an offensive threat at some level and not be afraid to take good shots or draw fouls. Some of our bench players were afflicted with this and threw the ball back the second they touched the ball, thinking they were not a good option compared to the others on the floor.

So get that offensive game and confidence started.

 

[eebmg]

Welcome, Piath! You are joining a great team and coming in as part of a tremendous reciting class. HuskyNation is excited about your commitment!!

Did not know we have such good voices except for Squeaks.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Could be a big group for First Night. But there is alway room for Azzi!!!