2025 Transfer Portal

[RSHERMVIKES]

It has been reported that when Geno and staff are interested in calling in a transfer/graduate player he first asks his players what they think, then after the player comes for the interview he re-asks his players what they thought of that recruit and would she fit in!

 

[bayern7]

He was ok kicking them last year, but not this year.

Whats he doing to Patterson and Brady by going after Serah Williams?

Few things….

• We don’t even know if we’ll land Williams.
• She’d be a one and done not a three year commitment like Heckel.
• Patterson has been injured for most of her UConn career, it’s a bit different when you’re recruiting over players who have been healthy and contributed solidly throughout their time at UConn.
• Brady has also had multiple season impacting injuries, and is currently dealing with shoulder issues.
• Neither Brady or Patterson (even if she were healthy) are a like for like swap for Williams. They all have very different games.
• It’s easy to forget the specter of injury that loomed over the program last year even after the tournament. It’s easy now that we had a healthy season to point to Chen and say well you could’ve gone without. But the reality was a lot different a year ago.
• And Chen was not a like for like for either Shade or KK. We’re talking about people who are banging the Heckel drum and the circumstances with bringing in her for next season are completely different than they were when we brought Chen onboard.
• And in terms of Williams next season, we have not seen any of our post players really perform on a consistent basis. Not to mention as of right now at the 4 and 5 for next season we basically have El Alfy, Strong, and Brady for depth against top tier teams. Which I don’t know about you but that’s not a lot of depth to me.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

Then why did he get Chen?? And fyi… Doty started because it was Hartleys suggestion to come off the bench. Not Geno’s

Geew 1992- - - Even if that were true Geno would have the final say and he still felt strong loyalty to C. Doty to reward her dedication to the program!

 

[Zonepress]

In a brief comment after the game, Fulwiley, who was taking the loss hard, said something about, “Doing what’s best for me.” Obviously, once she had time to process the loss, the fact that Latson was coming in and Raven Johnson was coming back, it had to be apparent to her that she would be coming off the bench for her junior year at SC.

There are many considerations for any player as to which college they play for: opportunity to win a championship, ability to develop a pro career, NIL, close to home, etc. But the most basic need for any player is to actually play. 15+ mpg doesn’t cut it for most players, and particularly for talented and competitive ones, like Fulwiley.

Whether Fulwiley has a fatal flaw in her game or Dawn is just not the right coach to develop her is another question. When I see a player with such an incredible skill set, I have to believe that a really good coach should be able to channel that talent. Ultimately, it becomes a “chicken or egg” argument.

I am reminded of Moriah Jefferson who came to UConn as a mercurial freshman, who didn’t start her 1st year and had a lot of room to improve. By her 2nd year she was a solid starter on a national championship team. By her 3rd year she was an AA. In her final year she was an AA and NDPOY.

I am really curious to see where Fulwiley ends up, and whether her new coach can unlock her enormous talent.

very accurate assessment

 

[Surly1]

Great fit. I can really see that.

As soon as Aarnisalo announced she was entering the portal, I immediately thought of Iowa as a prime landing spot. While not in the upper tier, Iowa is a program with a faithful fan base, an exciting style of play, plays in the Big Ten, and has a coach that's been with the program a long time and appears well liked by players.

I can see her European flair flourishing in Iowa's system.

 

[tower1]

He was ok kicking them last year, but not this year.

Whats he doing to Patterson and Brady by going after Serah Williams?

Now days if you don't recruit into the portal and improve your team you will lose. Loyalty will not win you games. That's a thing in the past. Now with the portal you have to get best available talent .

 

[JstVisiting]

I read an article stating the same thing you stated about Mylasia's defense. It also mentioned how undisciplined she is. It was the way she played in high school.

Everyone in SCHSL outside of a dozen or so teams is undisciplined. HS infrastructure is practically nonexistent in-state.

 

[BRS24]

#86 in the class

 

[oldhusky]

Telling them that another post player is needed for the team to be successful. They both now have a championship. Did KK get pissed off when Chen came onboard? IDK. But it worked. I’ve had two years left. Ayanna has three. They still can become factors if they try hard enough and stay with the program. If not, the portal like Q is open. I hope they both hang because UConn was their choice in high school. But Geno isn’t there just for them but the whole team.

Agree and another thing I would point out is the standard at Uconn is very high. By Uconn standards, neither Patterson or Brady have performed at the level of most Uconn bigs that are part of the rotation, nor have they played up to their HS rankings. Are they pretty good, sure, and they could probably start for a huge number of Division 1 programs, but I don't think that is the proper comparison.

The real question is are they good enough to be an asset in our quest for a championship, when compared to rotation bigs on the other top national contenders, and is there anybody out there that would be a clear upgrade. I agree with many of the concerns about adding a player that is no better, or about the same because of internal chemistry, but if a team can obtain a clear upgrade, I think they have to pursue it, and some players might not like it but be more understanding if it is a better player.

Using this year as an example, at the 4 or 5 positions out of the many in the portal that have not yet committed, I think there are only 3 that I would consider a clear upgrade over what I would expect from Ayanna, Ice, or even Jana. Those would be Williams, Okot, and to a lesser degree Smith. Beyond those I think you might have a player or two that might be comparable to what we have, say Cunningham, but not necessarily a clear upgrade. So in that case I would say pass.

Since I don't hear any rumors about Okot or Smith having any Uconn interest or visa versa, I presume we either get Williams or wind up sticking with what we have upfront, but Williams would certainly appear to meet the qualifications of a clear upgrade.

 

[DEpup]

Let's give Patterson a season to catch back up after injury. Let's remember, she was battling that first injury issue during her freshman year than the shoulder issue this year. I'm trying to hold judgement until she has a full year healthy within the system.

Brady's issues IMO opinion are completely between the ears. She's got the skill.

 

[Charliebball]

Let's give Patterson a season to catch back up after injury. Let's remember, she was battling that first injury issue during her freshman year than the shoulder issue this year. I'm trying to hold judgement until she has a full year healthy within the system.

Brady's issues IMO opinion are completely between the ears. She's got the skill.

Patterson is likely the best athlete on the UConn roster........when 100% healthy she is a very solid defender and rebounder who has some offensive skills that need to be cultivated.......I hope we get to see her injury free next season.....

 

[azfan]

#86 in the class

Wonder if she listened to the fashionista's SMU press conference.

Or perhaps this is part of the fashionista's stated plan to effectively use the transfer portal and nil.

Big d is going to be interesting next year as the fashionista moves forward with her Hollywood plan. I understand her theme song will be Glory Days by the boss.

 

[cjdd]

Everyone in SCHSL outside of a dozen or so teams is undisciplined. HS infrastructure is practically nonexistent in-state.

Three of the 17 players on the SEC first or second teams this year played at SC High School League schools. All three were either freshmen or sophomores, so at least some of their development must have been done before reaching college. Sure some of that was AAU ball, but some of the development must be happening at high schools.

 

[donalddoowop]

Patterson is likely the best athlete on the UConn roster........when 100% healthy she is a very solid defender and rebounder who has some offensive skills that need to be cultivated.......I hope we get to see her injury free next season.....

I believe Patterson will be a beast on the boards this coming season, if fully healthy.

 

[stwainfan]

 

[ConnMotors]

Agree and another thing I would point out is the standard at Uconn is very high. By Uconn standards, neither Patterson or Brady have performed at the level of most Uconn bigs that are part of the rotation, nor have they played up to their HS rankings. Are they pretty good, sure, and they could probably start for a huge number of Division 1 programs, but I don't think that is the proper comparison.

The real question is are they good enough to be an asset in our quest for a championship, when compared to rotation bigs on the other top national contenders, and is there anybody out there that would be a clear upgrade. I agree with many of the concerns about adding a player that is no better, or about the same because of internal chemistry, but if a team can obtain a clear upgrade, I think they have to pursue it, and some players might not like it but be more understanding if it is a better player.

Using this year as an example, at the 4 or 5 positions out of the many in the portal that have not yet committed, I think there are only 3 that I would consider a clear upgrade over what I would expect from Ayanna, Ice, or even Jana. Those would be Williams, Okot, and to a lesser degree Smith. Beyond those I think you might have a player or two that might be comparable to what we have, say Cunningham, but not necessarily a clear upgrade. So in that case I would say pass.

Since I don't hear any rumors about Okot or Smith having any Uconn interest or visa versa, I presume we either get Williams or wind up sticking with what we have upfront, but Williams would certainly appear to meet the qualifications of a clear upgrade.

Thanks my friend. People don’t like to point out individual performance. Ice has played two years. Sadly, she was stuck in a situation with very little help. No other post players last season other than A. Edwards. Even Aliyah who is a natural 4 played a 5. Ice believes that she is a 4. And, has a 3-point shot. But, again circumstance this season. Because Geno was unable to land a 5 in the portal last year Brady was stuck playing the 5. Jana started coming around after the first third of the season. I’ve was then coming off of the bench. I’m hoping that we land a true 5 from the portal this year. It would give Geno way more room to run their offense. Ayanna was hurt for the past two seasons. You need to give her a pass for now. She was wild when she did play her one year. I remember her saying that you may not know who I am now but in the end you will. Hopefully she still has that mindset. The one other player that really has to get off her butt is Allie. Yes she can shoot lights out in a three point contest or on practice. But, those don’t count during real games. She really needs to follow Azzi around everywhere that she goes and also does what Azzi does. The last thing is if her feet don’t start moving on defense she isn’t going to play. Morgan was my favorite freshman. She came in an did what she was supposed to do. A little bit of everything. She needs to learn to shoot when she is open. And, maybe not wipe the floor with her body so often. That hurts after a while.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

Maybe they are happy to be role players on the team rather than stars.

This wasn’t meant to be snarky btw. Just that we don’t know every player’s feelings/thoughts. There may be some who don’t mind not getting a lot of playing time because they love the team and the environment. There will always be those who prioritize being on a winning team vs being the star/getting a lot of playing time.

As a rule, I think the management of teams and rosters is best left to the coaches. I don't have any problem with Geno or anyone else recruiting over or even running off players.

I take the side of the adults in most cases. This isn't little league. No one deserves anything. Least of all when they draw a salary.

 

[triaddukefan]

@triaddukefan no way you expected this

In my 45 years of being a Duke fan, this is the most crushing transfer of them all... Football, MBB, and WBB included. My favorite player on this team and one of my all time favorites. Absolutely gutted and disconsolate.

 

[triaddukefan]

This is one of the dangers of buying a college jersey . Why I'm waiting until fall of their junior year to buy any Duke WBB player apparel

I was on the DUKE NIL store earlier this season and was ready to order me a Okananwa #5 Jersey.... decided I should wait until the Fall.... just in case. Smart decision in retrospect.

 

[triaddukefan]

She would look great in Tarheel blue.

The Boneyard can be a cold place at times.

 

[triaddukefan]

She is "do not contact" so she knows where she is going......

I was thinking either Southern Cal or TCU last night. Who knows.

 

[CAbballfan2]

I was thinking either Southern Cal or TCU last night. Who knows.

I was thinking Southern Cal as well. Or maybe even Tennessee, their pace matches hers.

 

[triaddukefan]

I was thinking Southern Cal as well. Or maybe even Tennessee, their pace matches hers.

Why would anyone go to Tennesee and have to listen to the Oak Ridge Boys and Waylon Jennings in the pregame warmups?

 

[CAbballfan2]

Why would anyone go to Tennesee and have to listen to the Oak Ridge Boys and Waylon Jennings in the pregame warmups?

Kara did…LOL

 

[WBBTakeover]

View attachment 108805

In my 45 years of being a Duke fan, this is the most crushing transfer of them all... Football, MBB, and WBB included. My favorite player on this team and one of my all time favorites. Absolutely gutted and disconsolate.

Welp--it happens! Other teams have experienced it, too. Welcome to the cruel, cruel world of major college sports.