2025 Transfer wish list

[darrell]

She would be coming in as a sophomore. If Geno is looking, and we don't know if he is, it would only be for another one year player like Kaitlyn, experienced enough to fit right in to fill a need and would not disrupt future rosters.

Says who, though? He took Evina for two years, Dorka for two years, Azura could have stayed a third year, plus a few more.

Heckel could have easily been a part of the ‘24 class and seen then as backup for when Paige (and eventually Kaitlyn) left, so why not now?

I personally trust this source 100%, so I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

 

[asuwish]

Says who, though? He took Evina for two years, Dorka for two years, Azura could have stayed a third year, plus a few more.

Heckel could have easily been a part of the ‘24 class and seen then as backup for when Paige (and eventually Kaitlyn) left, so why not now?

I personally trust this source 100%, so I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

If Geno thinks that one of the guards, and there are a few at the top of the class of 26, are highly interested in UConn, and it doesn't hurt we just one the title, who could be a game changer like a Paige, and there is supposed to be one in 27 (Smith) then he needs a guard who can help for a year. Heckel is very good but not a game changer. This is the time to land a big talented class to keep Geno happy for a long time.

 

[Vancat]

Clickbait websites. Show me one from the Courant or CT Insider and I’ll believe it

Totally agree, just showing where people are getting these ideas

 

[GoCardinal]

I think Heckel makes a lot of sense for UConn. She’s a skilled passer and understands how to run an offense. Defensively, she’s obviously able to play the top of a press to frustrate ball handlers and is quick. I also think she’s more skilled at getting to her spots in the midrange than Arnold.

It also never hurts to have depth in the event of injuries. UConn was fortunate to not have any major injuries to significant contributors this year. I don’t think Geno would be wrong to have insurance just in case.

 

[Bone Dog]

I think Heckel makes a lot of sense for UConn. She’s a skilled passer and understands how to run an offense. Defensively, she’s obviously able to play the top of a press to frustrate ball handlers and is quick. I also think she’s more skilled at getting to her spots in the midrange than Arnold.

It also never hurts to have depth in the event of injuries. UConn was fortunate to not have any major injuries to significant contributors this year. I don’t think Geno would be wrong to have insurance just in case.

I don't think Heckel is transferring in order to be insurance someplace else. She just did a year as insurance. It's probably why she's leaving.

 

[GoCardinal]

I don't think Heckel is transferring in order to be insurance someplace else. She just did a year as insurance. It's probably why she's leaving.

By insurance I mean having multiple people that he can count on to contribute. I think Heckel would have a role similar to Chen’s if she were to commit.

At USC, I don’t think she really had a role or plan other than to be energy off the bench. She did this well, but she may want a more defined role or development plan elsewhere.

 

[hoopsdiva]

At USC, I don’t think she really had a role or plan other than to be energy off the bench. She did this well, but she may want a more defined role or development plan elsewhere.

The same could be said of KK - that her role has been energy off the bench, and that she may want a more defined role next year. Hopefully she won't have to transfer in order to get it, as Heckel has.

 

[darrell]

 

[Zarathustra]

Is this a quiz question (for Serah)? Question: Given the
choices where would you rather be? 1. in hell (with "she
who must not be named"...ask Hailey Van Lith, or 2. in purgatory
(a Cinderella with no slipper in sight), or 3. "Almost Heaven...
West Virg .. oh... a misspell... STORRS, CONN! "
That said.... I'm trying to be confident... hopefully no
repeat of last year's BIG GIRL cliffhanger ending. COME, Serah!!!
It will be Heavenly!!! Join the family!

 

[SCHuskiedad]

Fulwiley in the portal?

 

[maple]

Fulwiley in the portal?

This surprises me a little. I was just watching something yesterday where someone mentioned all her ties are to SCar and there was no reason for her to leave. Guess not …

 

[Zarathustra]

Any BONEYARD thoughts on JERSEY WOLFENBARGER, 6'5"
guard/ wing / center (take your pick). Jersey is now in
the Transfer Portal. She is a rising senior after two years
at Arkansas and one year at LSU (where Kim worked
to develop her as a backup center). Note: She originally
was GUARD in H.S. before she grew something like 7??
inches during her late H.S. years. Tall, trained at LSU
as a potential "C" with a h/o " handles (well maybe in H.S.),
and ball handling skills (I've seen the H.S. highlight tapes).
Do you we know a program which might be interested
in such a talent for one year? At least as a backup plan to SERAH?

 

[jeff30189]

I haven't seen this name mentioned, although I didn't exactly scour the internet either.

Laura Ziegler, 6'2" F from St Josephs, one season of eligibility remaining.
17.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 0.9 blocks, 0.7 steals, 84.7% FT, 1.2 fouls and 2.6 TO in her junior year

Not a true post player, but can soak up some front court minutes and hold her own on the boards.

 

[MHD789]

To me Kneepkens would be the perfect Chen replacement. She is just so, so efficient. Though definitely not a true PG, game may be too similar to Azzi.

"Per a report from On3’s Talia Goodman, former Utah sharpshooter Gianna Kneepkens will visit South Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, and UCLA."

Just saw this on a South Carolina article. Does not list UConn as planned visit. Not good if SC gets her.

 

[MHD789]

i am shocked that so many BYers seem so eager to place their bets on sirens from other teams rather than stick with huskies who are here right now and have given their all to uconn and have great, if as yet unfulfilled, promise. i'd rather have players who had uconn as their first choice than players who are phenoms from some other team who now see greener pastures here. if geno & co. decide one of those can help, i hope they get her. but i really am disgusted with 'fans' hankering for any other 'prize' they can imagine elbowing their way into the established gang of sisters. and i hope none of the sisters decide they'd benefit from dropping out.

that's my opinion of this thread.

College (semi-pro) basketball has changed forever. Portal transfers (in & out) are a dynamic that are here to stay. It's not disloyal or disgusting. It's just the new paradigm. That said, you can be happy that UConn has been fortunate to only have to participate with a couple strategic & short-term moves every year.

 

[MHD789]

wish i was articulate enough to have written
this post!!
BRAVO!!!

I'm sure Allie is a super person. With that said, if Allie had all the tools to play big-time college basketball Geno would have put her on the floor. I'm sure the UConn staff is providing all the resources and guidance to help her realize her dream but she is the one that needs to put in the work and there's no obligation to hold a spot open for her to "develop" in the interim. We all know that a high HS rating does not guarantee great success at the level that UConn plays (we can all think of several recent examples). UConn's practice of short-term "plugs" while hoping people like Allie can make the jump to the next level is wise and fair to recruits. Hoping Allie is capable of improving her fitness to top D1 level (I assume that is part of the challenge to play great defence).

 

[ec33]

UConn is pretty high in the mix for Kayleigh Heckel (USC) according to Skim Mulkey’s discord which is usually pretty accurate.

UConn just saw Kayleigh up close a couple of weeks ago. Including a fair amount of scouting for game prep. If UConn is interested, something must have really grabbed their attention.

 

[Zarathustra]

I'm sure Allie is a super person. With that said, if Allie had all the tools to play big-time college basketball Geno would have put her on the floor. I'm sure the UConn staff is providing all the resources and guidance to help her realize her dream but she is the one that needs to put in the work and there's no obligation to hold a spot open for her to "develop" in the interim. We all know that a high HS rating does not guarantee great success at the level that UConn plays (we can all think of several recent examples). UConn's practice of short-term "plugs" while hoping people like Allie can make the jump to the next level is wise and fair to recruits. Hoping Allie is capable of improving her fitness to top D1 level (I assume that is part of the challenge to play great defence).

I went back and read the reference note # 53 (above in this thread). I read it as
a ++ report on Allie Ziebell potential. I see no clear reason for
the comment by MHD789 of "holding a spot open for her" and that she "she is
the one who needs to put in the work"? This is a way rumors get
started and propagated. If there is NO EVIDENCE, then IMHO, there
should be NO COMMENTS. BTY... We should all recall the well
documented story of ALLIE shooting 100,000 practice shots during
her summers of H.S. when the H.S. coach challenged every team member to do
10,000. That is hardly the story of a player not willing to "put in the work".
(Again, this is "IMHO"!)!!!!...Go ALLIE... shoot the lights out next year!

 

[SCHuskiedad]

This surprises me a little. I was just watching something yesterday where someone mentioned all her ties are to SCar and there was no reason for her to leave. Guess not …

Yeah she is from Columbia. Lots of surprised folks down here.

 

[maple]

I'm sure Allie is a super person. With that said, if Allie had all the tools to play big-time college basketball Geno would have put her on the floor. I'm sure the UConn staff is providing all the resources and guidance to help her realize her dream but she is the one that needs to put in the work and there's no obligation to hold a spot open for her to "develop" in the interim. We all know that a high HS rating does not guarantee great success at the level that UConn plays (we can all think of several recent examples). UConn's practice of short-term "plugs" while hoping people like Allie can make the jump to the next level is wise and fair to recruits. Hoping Allie is capable of improving her fitness to top D1 level (I assume that is part of the challenge to play great defence).

Honestly none of us know what goes on behind the scenes and what Allie expected coming in to UConn. I think it’s extremely unfair to speculate about her work ethic or act like she’s just taking up space on the team.

 

[mainerhuski]

Any BONEYARD thoughts on JERSEY WOLFENBARGER, 6'5"
guard/ wing / center (take your pick). Jersey is now in
the Transfer Portal. She is a rising senior after two years
at Arkansas and one year at LSU (where Kim worked
to develop her as a backup center). Note: She originally
was GUARD in H.S. before she grew something like 7??
inches during her late H.S. years. Tall, trained at LSU
as a potential "C" with a h/o " handles (well maybe in H.S.),
and ball handling skills (I've seen the H.S. highlight tapes).
Do you we know a program which might be interested
in such a talent for one year? At least as a backup plan to SERAH?

« Trained at LSU”?

 

[mainerhuski]

"Per a report from On3’s Talia Goodman, former Utah sharpshooter Gianna Kneepkens will visit South Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, and UCLA."

Just saw this on a South Carolina article. Does not list UConn as planned visit. Not good if SC gets her.

They can only play 5 at a time

 

[mainerhuski]

Honestly none of us know what goes on behind the scenes and what Allie expected coming in to UConn. I think it’s extremely unfair to speculate about her work ethic or act like she’s just taking up space on the team.

I am fully expecting Allie to make the sophomore jump! I think we are going to appreciate her outside shooting skills next year!

 

[NycUcWbbFan]

I'm sure Allie is a super person. With that said, if Allie had all the tools to play big-time college basketball Geno would have put her on the floor. I'm sure the UConn staff is providing all the resources and guidance to help her realize her dream but she is the one that needs to put in the work and there's no obligation to hold a spot open for her to "develop" in the interim. We all know that a high HS rating does not guarantee great success at the level that UConn plays (we can all think of several recent examples). UConn's practice of short-term "plugs" while hoping people like Allie can make the jump to the next level is wise and fair to recruits. Hoping Allie is capable of improving her fitness to top D1 level (I assume that is part of the challenge to play great defence).

Imo, we can make at least 4 fair statements about Allie:

• (1) Allie was not part of the 9-starter-level-basketball-players in peak postseason-form (new Geno blueprint) in this recent championship run;
• (2) Geno said he sees two types of UConn freshmen — rare players like Sarah who are UConn-ready as Athena-sprung-from-the-head-of-Zeus and other players who need seasoning in UConn’s practice-driven farm system; Allie is unlike Sarah in being UConn-ready as a freshman, but, then again, very few are like Sarah;
• (3) The coaching staff said Allie “does not miss” in practice; so, for Allie’s core competency as a shooter, the coaching staff sees potential in Allie as a future peak postseason rotation player;
• (4) Towards the end of the regular season, Geno used Allie as the point guard in some possessions; I’ve commented earlier that there are shades of Maria Conlon in Allie (a complement) as she may be used by Geno as part of KK’s backup point guard platoon next season, especially in the tough OOC schedule when Kellis is still getting her sea legs while Morgan is recovering from injury.

It is an absurd leap from (1)-(4) into a statement effectively implying that Allie is unengaged, perhaps overrated, and underperforming scholly-taker.

• What makes your entire statement a bit off-putting is that while your preamble consists of individually true statements, it is non-sequitur to use them to justify your absurd implication.

 

[LuvBball]

Any BONEYARD thoughts on JERSEY WOLFENBARGER, 6'5"
guard/ wing / center (take your pick). Jersey is now in
the Transfer Portal. She is a rising senior after two years
at Arkansas and one year at LSU (where Kim worked
to develop her as a backup center). Note: She originally
was GUARD in H.S. before she grew something like 7??
inches during her late H.S. years. Tall, trained at LSU
as a potential "C" with a h/o " handles (well maybe in H.S.),
and ball handling skills (I've seen the H.S. highlight tapes).
Do you we know a program which might be interested
in such a talent for one year? At least as a backup plan to SERAH?

I wanted Jersey last year and would love her this year. Too bad her career has been squandered so far by making her play out of position.

My new transfer ranking wishlist:
1. Serah Williams
2. Serah Williams
3. Serah Williams
4. Serah Williams
5a. Aaliyah Guyton
5b. Jersey Wolfenbarger