Dillon77
WBB Enthusiast; ND Alum, Fan
- Joined
- Nov 6, 2015
- Messages
- 6,270
- Reaction Score
- 22,358
As rumored..
A few reactions, both as a WBB enthusiast and as an ND fan:
- I remember that for the last few years, more than a few recruiting observers were noting how often UCLA was popping up on non-West Coast prospects' top Ten, then Top Five lists. It perplexed more than a few posters (hello, @DefenseBB ) , but it was there.
- Now, she's got Kiki Rice in the backcourt, Kendall Dudley coming and Lauren Betts in the middle. What changed? NIL? UCLA joining the B1G? A perceived shift in West Coast hoops? Don't know, but she's staring to get players.
- One reason might be is Betts knew Close from the U.S.A. u-19 team and enjoyed that experience.
- On the other hand, UCLA does have a number of other frontcourt players, as well, from Emily Bessoir and Angela Dugalic to incoming frosh Amanda Muse. Sure, Betts should probably be thought of as a person that will get lots of minutes, but she played less than 10 mpg for Stanford. Flipping that, will a number of those other posts now exit Westwood?
- It was hinted that Lauren Betts was interested in West Coast schools yesterday in a local South Bend paper. Plus, with Anna DeWolfe's commitment, it became apparent Betts had never ventured east to South Bend. So, hopes, while dashed, were never at the point of "will she or won't she?"
- Niele might have another center in mind (Lauren Ware, Nerea Hermosa for a year), or a tough forward? Or she might think Nat Marshall is finally back at full strength and will go wih she and Kylee Watson, with Maddy Westbeld at forward. Stay tuned.