2025 Recruits You Covet | The Boneyard

2025 Recruits You Covet

Ricker

Ricker

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It looks like 2 guards (replacing Diarra & our open scholly) & I would expect 2 front court players (replacing Johnson & expectation of Alex) Doubt we recruit a fifth because it is too early to expect 1 & done from Liam.

My first choice is Meleek Thomas / Braylon Mullins but I sort of expect Mullins to stay in the midwest and Darius Adams to be guard #2 and that is great. Admittedly I still haven't really watched Darius Acuff and Acaden Lewis is a fine player. Meleek Thomas +1.

In the front court any 2 of Bundalo, Ament, & Reibe would be incredible.
 
Ricker said:
It looks like 2 guards (replacing Diarra & our open scholly) & I would expect 2 front court players (replacing Johnson & expectation of Alex) Doubt we recruit a fifth because it is too early to expect 1 & done from Liam.

My first choice is Meleek Thomas / Braylon Mullins but I sort of expect Mullins to stay in the midwest and Darius Adams to be guard #2 and that is great. Admittedly I still haven't really watched Darius Acuff and Acaden Lewis is a fine player. Meleek Thomas +1.

In the front court any 2 of Bundalo, Ament, & Reibe would be incredible.
Expand ...

@Ricker... your recent track record (and a few others who also do a great job following the summer camps, tournaments and showcases) proves that you are a man to be listened to about who will be the best fit here (Jordan Hawkins and Alex Karaban are exhibits 1a and 1b).

For this year, I trust from what you, @husky429 and a bunch of you that have seen him play that Meleek Thomas is our #1 priority.

So, when you get the chance, please watch tape of both Acuff and Lewis and let us know how they compare/contrast to Mullins... and/or if there is another guy you are seeing that we need to add to the mix of potentials to be the Robin to Thomas' Batman.

As for the front court, I have now seen a couple of posts commenting on Bundalo's poor (currently, of course... pre-Hurley and co. getting a hold of him) defensive play. Is he one of our two "biggest wants" in the front court? Or is there someone else that you have seen that we are not talking much about who you see as a late riser, or just a better fit than the 3 you mention? Hopefully you get a chance to see a few, whether live or streaming from Peach Jam or several of the other summer camps/tournaments and give us your assessment.

I look forward to seeing what you guys who get to watch these camps and tournaments have to say over the coming weeks... and thanks to all of you!
 
Thomas seems to be heavily prioritized. adams and mullins look like special shotmakers, and it's easier to play a lot of shooters who can move off ball together. really depends on who goes tho.

front court I really like Reibe's versatility and makeup, and center is pretty thin. I'd prioritize him. if there's more space Ament over Bundalo
 
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LStudfellow said:
@Ricker... your recent track record (and a few others who also do a great job following the summer camps, tournaments and showcases) proves that you are a man to be listened to about who will be the best fit here (Jordan Hawkins and Alex Karaban are exhibits 1a and 1b).

For this year, I trust from what you, @husky429 and a bunch of you that have seen him play that Meleek Thomas is our #1 priority.

So, when you get the chance, please watch tape of both Acuff and Lewis and let us know how they compare/contrast to Mullins... and/or if there is another guy you are seeing that we need to add to the mix of potentials to be the Robin to Thomas' Batman.

As for the front court, I have now seen a couple of posts commenting on Bundalo's poor (currently, of course... pre-Hurley and co. getting a hold of him) defensive play. Is he one of our two "biggest wants" in the front court? Or is there someone else that you have seen that we are not talking much about who you see as a late riser, or just a better fit than the 3 you mention? Hopefully you get a chance to see a few, whether live or streaming from Peach Jam or several of the other summer camps/tournaments and give us your assessment.

I look forward to seeing what you guys who get to watch these camps and tournaments have to say over the coming weeks... and thanks to all of you!
Expand ...
LStudfellow said:
@Ricker... your recent track record (and a few others who also do a great job following the summer camps, tournaments and showcases) proves that you are a man to be listened to about who will be the best fit here (Jordan Hawkins and Alex Karaban are exhibits 1a and 1b).

For this year, I trust from what you, @husky429 and a bunch of you that have seen him play that Meleek Thomas is our #1 priority.

So, when you get the chance, please watch tape of both Acuff and Lewis and let us know how they compare/contrast to Mullins... and/or if there is another guy you are seeing that we need to add to the mix of potentials to be the Robin to Thomas' Batman.

As for the front court, I have now seen a couple of posts commenting on Bundalo's poor (currently, of course... pre-Hurley and co. getting a hold of him) defensive play. Is he one of our two "biggest wants" in the front court? Or is there someone else that you have seen that we are not talking much about who you see as a late riser, or just a better fit than the 3 you mention? Hopefully you get a chance to see a few, whether live or streaming from Peach Jam or several of the other summer camps/tournaments and give us your assessment.

I look forward to seeing what you guys who get to watch these camps and tournaments have to say over the coming weeks... and thanks to all of you!
Expand ...
Meleek thomas seems highly likely and would be my first choice. Acuff seems like he is going elsewhere imo.
 
1. Thomas

He's clearly our top priority, and is arguably the best guard in the class.

2. Dybansta

I don't really think we're trying hard here, but he's a local kid, No. 1 in the class, and I'm holding out hope he somehow ends up with us.

3. Reibe

It's hard to find 7-foot shooters.

4. London Jemison

I know we're not recruiting him but it breaks my heart when a top-50 Connecticut kid goes elsewhere so I'm wishcasting.

5. Ament

Holy hell this kid is good.

6. Bundalo/Cenac

If we don't get Dybansta/Ament.

7. Whichever shooting guard Hurley prioritizes

I think they're both great and would be happy with either.

8. Portal PG

A veteran caretaker type. Basically the next Hami (though I wouldn't complain if we got the next Tristen instead).
 
LStudfellow said:
@Ricker... your recent track record (and a few others who also do a great job following the summer camps, tournaments and showcases) proves that you are a man to be listened to about who will be the best fit here (Jordan Hawkins and Alex Karaban are exhibits 1a and 1b).

For this year, I trust from what you, @husky429 and a bunch of you that have seen him play that Meleek Thomas is our #1 priority.

So, when you get the chance, please watch tape of both Acuff and Lewis and let us know how they compare/contrast to Mullins... and/or if there is another guy you are seeing that we need to add to the mix of potentials to be the Robin to Thomas' Batman.

As for the front court, I have now seen a couple of posts commenting on Bundalo's poor (currently, of course... pre-Hurley and co. getting a hold of him) defensive play. Is he one of our two "biggest wants" in the front court? Or is there someone else that you have seen that we are not talking much about who you see as a late riser, or just a better fit than the 3 you mention? Hopefully you get a chance to see a few, whether live or streaming from Peach Jam or several of the other summer camps/tournaments and give us your assessment.

I look forward to seeing what you guys who get to watch these camps and tournaments have to say over the coming weeks... and thanks to all of you!
Expand ...

Acuff and Lewis are going to be lead guards. Thomas is a bit of a combo, and Mullins is more of a 2/3.

Thomas is a one-and-done beast. Absolutely electric scorer with underrated passing and the right mentality.

I think the most likely of the bunch after Thomas is Lewis. I posted about him before... he's one of only 3 players in the class with offers from all 5 blue bloods, and for good reason. He's really fricken good, but just flawed enough to be a 2+ year player. Mullins is staying in the Midwest, and Acuff is probably going to Cal.
 
Meleek looks amazing of course. I really like Adams as well. His shot is pure and he looks like an effortless scorer. Lewis is ireally mpressive as well. Looks so in control. 2 of these 3 would be a great start and then they could go frontcourt hunting.
 
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Good times ...

Thomas
Lewis
Ament
Reibe

NOTE:
  • Thomas is the clear #1 and the key to the class
  • Mullin would be my 2nd choice since you can never have enough shooters, but I agree that it appears likely he will stay in the midwest. (hope I am wrong).
  • Acuff is the most talented PG but Lewis is probably a better fit (UCONN tough)
  • Bundalo is solid offensively but I too think he is challenged defensively and prefer Ament as a player
 
Start it off with a bang with Thomas, just like we did with Steph. Then make the pieces fit. Need a big and another guard. We have the pick of the litter it seems, and Hurley wants the culture fit.
 
1. Thomas
2. Ament- playing like the best stretch PF since durant
3. Cenac/Reibe- the only legit Cs we've offered, need one of them
4. Acuff / Burries / Adams / Mullins
 
husky429 said:
Acuff and Lewis are going to be lead guards. Thomas is a bit of a combo, and Mullins is more of a 2/3.

Thomas is a one-and-done beast. Absolutely electric scorer with underrated passing and the right mentality.

I think the most likely of the bunch after Thomas is Lewis. I posted about him before... he's one of only 3 players in the class with offers from all 5 blue bloods, and for good reason. He's really fricken good, but just flawed enough to be a 2+ year player. Mullins is staying in the Midwest, and Acuff is probably going to Cal.
Expand ...


Matrim55 said:
1. Thomas

He's clearly our top priority, and is arguably the best guard in the class.

2. Dybansta

I don't really think we're trying hard here, but he's a local kid, No. 1 in the class, and I'm holding out hope he somehow ends up with us.

3. Reibe

It's hard to find 7-foot shooters.

4. London Jemison

I know we're not recruiting him but it breaks my heart when a top-50 Connecticut kid goes elsewhere so I'm wishcasting.

5. Ament

Holy hell this kid is good.

6. Bundalo/Cenac

If we don't get Dybansta/Ament.

7. Whichever shooting guard Hurley prioritizes

I think they're both great and would be happy with either.

8. Portal PG

A veteran caretaker type. Basically the next Hami (though I wouldn't complain if we got the next Tristen instead).
Expand ...

I think both these posts are aligned with me too. Meleek is and has been my top 2025 want for at least a year.

Dybantsa and a 5* PG would be nuts, but I tend to think it will be somewhere like Thomas, Lewis, one of the bigs and maybe another shooter or 4.

Thomas, Lewis, Reibe and Ament would be great.

Thomas, Mullins, Cenac and Bundalo would make me happy too.

Thomas commits, and I’m happy, let’s say that. It would be hard to be disappointed after that.
 
Thomas - top guy who will be OAD
Mullins - Great energy shooter would be at least a 2 year player
Ament - Talent is through the roof but also OAD
Reibe - We need this size and skill and would probably be at least a 2 year player
 
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bendm said:
1. Thomas
2. Ament- playing like the best stretch PF since durant
3. Cenac/Reibe- the only legit Cs we've offered, need one of them
4. Acuff / Burries / Adams / Mullins
Expand ...
whoops forgot Lewis under #4
 
Meleek Thomas and Acaden Lewis are the top 2 and it seems like we're in a good spot with them. Darius Adams would be my choice if Lewis goes elsewhere. Mullins and Acuff I don't see happening

One of Niko Bundalo and Nate Ament, not a huge preference between the 2

Same with Cenac or Reibe, though I'm not getting my hopes up for either one. I expect a big man to come out of the portal next off-season
 
navery12 said:
Meleek Thomas and Acaden Lewis are the top 2 and it seems like we're in a good spot with them. Darius Adams would be my choice if Lewis goes elsewhere. Mullins and Acuff I don't see happening

One of Niko Bundalo and Nate Ament, not a huge preference between the 2

Same with Cenac or Reibe, though I'm not getting my hopes up for either one. I expect a big man to come out of the portal next off-season
Expand ...

Thomas, Lewis and a top 40ish F/C would be an incredible class. And I think that’s about what we’ll see, at least.
 
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Mr. French said:
Thomas, Lewis and a top 40ish F/C would be an incredible class. And I think that’s about what we’ll see, at least.
Expand ...
Agreed, would basically give us 2 solid to great options at every position going into next year

1: Nowell, Lewis
2/3: Mahaney, Ball, Ross, Thomas
4: Abraham, Recruit X
5: Reed, Singare (and if he's not ready, transfer C)
 
seems like pope is recruiting reibe quite aggressively. need to lock him up.
 
I flat out love Thomas. One of the top all around talented players in this year's class.

Including Thomas, most of the recruits we've offered we're going up against a number of top programs which isn't surprising, but does bring concern. Even after coming off the 2023 National Championship, Hurley and staff loaded up with a bunch of great players from the portal and 2024 recruiting class, (Liam McNeeley & tranfers decided post 2034 NC), they did lose two of their top targets Flagg and Ngongba to Dook last fall.

I hope our back-to-back NCs and all of the Staff returning, that we'll win most of the battles for the recruits the staff priorizes. Recruits looking to jump to the league after their freshman campaign, want a promise for specific playing time and/or top NIL might end up elsewhere. The ones that place winning and development as top priorities are the one's they'll have the best shot at landing.

I don't know how the Squid, Scheyer and Self cast such compelling opportunities, but recruits always seem to rave about these coaches and their programs, especially after visiting their schools.

Maybe this year, Hurley will out recruit them all for their primary targets.
 
Thomas
Lewis or Adams
Ament or Bundalo
Reibe

*Consider Mullins and Dybansta attractive targets but long shots for different reasons
 
444JR said:
Expand ...

Players UConn staff has offered/targeted the most:
1. AJ Dybantsa - 6'9 small forward
7. Meleek Thomas - 6'4 point guard
8. Nate Ament - 6'9 small forward
10. Darius Acuff - 6'2 point guard
18. Darius Adams - 6'5 shooting guard
25. Niko Bundalo - 6'9 power forward
26. Eric Reibe - 7'0 center
30. Braylon Mullins - 6'4 shooting guard
39. Acaden Lewis - 6'2 point guard

Other names I've seen mentioned:
6. Chris Cenac Jr - 6'10 center
22. Dwayne Aristode - 6'7 small forward


ESPN's ranking / player's name / listed height / listed position
 
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