2026 Recruiting: Sara Okeke | Page 11 | The Boneyard

2026 Recruiting: Sara Okeke

BobbyJ said:
Correct. The only limitation is only one per school.
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Thanks for clarifying this. I did not know that the NCAA had changed that rule. That is very good to know.
 
visitingcock said:
Last official visit?

I think the NCAA did away with the 5 official visit limitatoonand she can visit as many schools as she has time for between now and her decision date
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That is great news! Thank you for clarifying this.
 
The tweet I saw was translated in English, but that version shows up in Spanish here.

 
southie said:
The tweet I saw was translated in English, but that version shows up in Spanish here.

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Below is the article included in Enrique Corbella's publication X, translated in English. Sara must be very disappointed, because as we can read, she really wanted to be selected for the McDonald's All-American Girls Game. I find it hard to believe that she wasn't selected. Probably the eligibility rules have changed. Last year, three international players came to finish their high school careers in the US, as Sara is doing this year. Lara Somfai from Australia, Denya Prawl and Agot Makeer from Canada, and all three were selected!

NCAA

In the United States, they are raffling off Okeke, the 18-year-old Spaniard who is making waves: “We want Sara!”

Sara Okeke begins her tour of some of the top NCAA universities to decide her destination for next season.

ENRIQUE CORBELLA (2026/02/11)

Sara Okeke, an 18-year-old Spanish center standing at 6'4", has become one of the biggest sensations in basketball in the United States with her averages of 17 points, 7 rebounds, and a 70% field goal percentage.

The former Estudiantes and Zentro Basket player is excelling at DME Academy, which has attracted the interest of numerous top-level universities in the NCAA. Sara Okeke wore the University of Kentucky jersey and was greeted with chants of “We want Sara!” at the Historic Memorial Coliseum, demonstrating the Spanish player's huge impact in the United States.

“I'm really hungry, to be honest, I want to shine in the United States,” Sara Okeke said in an interview with El País at the end of July.

Indiana and Kentucky are two of the universities that Okeke, MVP of the European Under-18 Championship last summer, has scheduled to visit.

Sara Okeke makes history in Spanish basketball by aiming for the McDonald's All American Game

Sara Okeke recently made history in Spanish basketball and broke another barrier by making the preliminary list for the McDonald's All American Game, the youth All Star game that brings together the best high school players in the United States.

The McDonald's All American has been held since 1978 and is a nationally televised event attended by scouts from all US universities, as well as WNBA and NBA teams.

It is a kind of baptism of fire for future basketball stars. And to realize this, you only have to look at the list of players who have worn the red ‘M’ uniform. Names such as Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Breanna Stewart, Elena Delle Donne, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Paige Bueckers have shown off their skills in New York before the eyes of the entire basketball world.



Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
 
From Canada said:
Below is the article included in Enrique Corbella's publication X, translated in English. Sara must be very disappointed, because as we can read, she really wanted to be selected for the McDonald's All-American Girls Game. I find it hard to believe that she wasn't selected. Probably the eligibility rules have changed. Last year, three international players came to finish their high school careers in the US, as Sara is doing this year. Lara Somfai from Australia, Denya Prawl and Agot Makeer from Canada, and all three were selected!

NCAA

In the United States, they are raffling off Okeke, the 18-year-old Spaniard who is making waves: “We want Sara!”

Sara Okeke begins her tour of some of the top NCAA universities to decide her destination for next season.

ENRIQUE CORBELLA (2026/02/11)

Sara Okeke, an 18-year-old Spanish center standing at 6'4", has become one of the biggest sensations in basketball in the United States with her averages of 17 points, 7 rebounds, and a 70% field goal percentage.

The former Estudiantes and Zentro Basket player is excelling at DME Academy, which has attracted the interest of numerous top-level universities in the NCAA. Sara Okeke wore the University of Kentucky jersey and was greeted with chants of “We want Sara!” at the Historic Memorial Coliseum, demonstrating the Spanish player's huge impact in the United States.

“I'm really hungry, to be honest, I want to shine in the United States,” Sara Okeke said in an interview with El País at the end of July.

Indiana and Kentucky are two of the universities that Okeke, MVP of the European Under-18 Championship last summer, has scheduled to visit.

Sara Okeke makes history in Spanish basketball by aiming for the McDonald's All American Game

Sara Okeke recently made history in Spanish basketball and broke another barrier by making the preliminary list for the McDonald's All American Game, the youth All Star game that brings together the best high school players in the United States.

The McDonald's All American has been held since 1978 and is a nationally televised event attended by scouts from all US universities, as well as WNBA and NBA teams.

It is a kind of baptism of fire for future basketball stars. And to realize this, you only have to look at the list of players who have worn the red ‘M’ uniform. Names such as Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Breanna Stewart, Elena Delle Donne, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Paige Bueckers have shown off their skills in New York before the eyes of the entire basketball world.



Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
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She definitely deserved to be on that list. I figured she was a shoe in for it.
 
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If we don't get her, do we want/need to use the portal for a big? Or just leave the spot open for 2027 and assume Jana, Olivia and Ice can fill the 5? With Yana as the back up for Sarah?
 
Ralph said:
If we don't get her, do we want/need to use the portal for a big? Or just leave the spot open for 2027 and assume Jana, Olivia and Ice can fill the 5? With Yana as the back up for Sarah?
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I think it largely depends on who is available in the portal, how many years of eligibility they have, and whether the team can secure a top player from Europe instead.
 
DME Academy (FL) 55 - Fort Erie (ON,CAN) 65. This was part of the Grind Session Circuit that took place yesterday. Before the game, DME Academy had an 8-0 record and Fort Erie was 6-1. Sara Okeke #4 in white, 21 points - 7 rebounds. More than half of her production came in the last quarter with 12 points and 4 rebounds. For Fort Erie, the most productive player was #8 Portia Reisen, born in 2010, class of 2028. She finished with 24 points and 3 assists. Portia Reisen was part of the Canadian U16 team at the 2025 Americas Championship.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
 
From Canada said:
DME Academy (FL) 55 - Fort Erie (ON,CAN) 65. This was part of the Grind Session Circuit that took place yesterday. Before the game, DME Academy had an 8-0 record and Fort Erie was 6-1. Sara Okeke #4 in white, 21 points - 7 rebounds. More than half of her production came in the last quarter with 12 points and 4 rebounds. For Fort Erie, the most productive player was #8 Portia Reisen, born in 2010, class of 2028. She finished with 24 points and 3 assists. Portia Reisen was part of the Canadian U16 team at the 2025 Americas Championship.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
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Thanks for sharing this video
 
From Canada said:
DME Academy (FL) 74 - Example Varsity (IL) 28 Grind Session Circuit 2026 FEB.14. Sara Okeke #4 in black.
18:23 MIN - 18 PTS - FG 7/12 (1/2 3pt) - 6 REB - 2 AST - 1 BLK
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Thanks for the link
 
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She is by the most athletic girl in the 2026 class and it would be awesome to have her but it also would be an abundant of riches that would cause undo stress on the front court situation. To wit, Sarah Strong-Junior, Jana-Junior, Olivia V-Freshman, Ayanna-Junior, Ice-Senior, Morgan-Soph, Blanca-Soph. I know some will say that Morgan or Blanca could switch to the 2 but the fact is Geno does not like using a traditional lineup of bigs to begin with so, how would he logical incorporate everyone into the lineup? I get he wants everyone to compete but this would be akin to "recruiting over" very good players, something this board has regular accused Jeff Waltz of doing. Something drastic would have to occur to the roster to warrant adding her to the current stable of players, but yeah, she's really good and would be awesome with Sarah and Blanca...
 
DefenseBB said:
She is by the most athletic girl in the 2026 class and it would be awesome to have her but it also would be an abundant of riches that would cause undo stress on the front court situation. To wit, Sarah Strong-Junior, Jana-Junior, Olivia V-Freshman, Ayanna-Junior, Ice-Senior, Morgan-Soph, Blanca-Soph. I know some will say that Morgan or Blanca could switch to the 2 but the fact is Geno does not like using a traditional lineup of bigs to begin with so, how would he logical incorporate everyone into the lineup? I get he wants everyone to compete but this would be akin to "recruiting over" very good players, something this board has regular accused Jeff Waltz of doing. Something drastic would have to occur to the roster to warrant adding her to the current stable of players, but yeah, she's really good and would be awesome with Sarah and Blanca...
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There is no doubt that Okeke is looking at UConn’s depth chart, and the other schools of interest are showing that to her as well. There is one other player to note, Gandy Malou-Mamel. UCONN is incredibly stacked, but within two years, the depth chart really clears out for her. I realize, that this is a very long time for a 5 star recruit.
 
IndyMark said:
There is no doubt that Okeke is looking at UConn’s depth chart, and the other schools of interest are showing that to her as well. There is one other player to note, Gandy Malou-Mamel. UCONN is incredibly stacked, but within two years, the depth chart really clears out for her. I realize, that this is a very long time for a 5 star recruit.
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I would like to see Sara Okeke land at UCONN, and we will see if that happens soon enough, or if anyone else joins the 2026 recruiting class. @IndyMark, I understand your point about the depth chart, but do you really think Sara Okeke would be scared to compete with Olivia, Jana, Ayanna, or Ice for playing time? Olivia has tremendous potential, but will be a Freshman, while the other three players, when healthy, have not distinguished themselves beyond being role players. Gandy is a TBD.
 
RoadWarrior said:
I would like to see Sara Okeke land at UCONN, and we will see if that happens soon enough, or if anyone else joins the 2026 recruiting class. @IndyMark, I understand your point about the depth chart, but do you really think Sara Okeke would be scared to compete with Olivia, Jana, Ayanna, or Ice for playing time? Olivia has tremendous potential, but will be a Freshman, while the other three players, when healthy, have not distinguished themselves beyond being role players. Gandy is a TBD.
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You are 100% correct, and I totally agree with you. I am really hoping that Sara is a Husky. I am a huge fan of Okeke, and I think she would be a dynamic one two punch with Olivia. Sara has supposedly not mind her mind up, as that was reported in the video earlier this morning. I believe Sara would be in the rotation very early in her freshman campaign.
 
RoadWarrior said:
I would like to see Sara Okeke land at UCONN, and we will see if that happens soon enough, or if anyone else joins the 2026 recruiting class. @IndyMark, I understand your point about the depth chart, but do you really think Sara Okeke would be scared to compete with Olivia, Jana, Ayanna, or Ice for playing time? Olivia has tremendous potential, but will be a Freshman, while the other three players, when healthy, have not distinguished themselves beyond being role players. Gandy is a TBD.
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All good points. I also tend to believe that the depth chart isn't going to be a big factor in her decision. I think there might be a person/advisor/parent behind the scene that helped steer her in the college direction that's going to have a major say in where she winds up. And I don't believe UConn's reputation for pro prep or as a powerhouse program will be a priority for them/her. I'd like to be wrong and I certainly don't have any inside knowledge but her choice might be surprising to UConn fans.
 
BobbyJ said:
All good points. I also tend to believe that the depth chart isn't going to be a big factor in her decision. I think there might be a person/advisor/parent behind the scene that helped steer her in the college direction that's going to have a major say in where she winds up. And I don't believe UConn's reputation for pro prep or as a powerhouse program will be a priority for them/her. I'd like to be wrong and I certainly don't have any inside knowledge but her choice might be surprising to UConn fans.
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If she doesn't choose UConn, I'd love to see her pick a program like Indiana or Kentucky rather than the usual top ten suspects.....
 
.-.
DefenseBB said:
She is by the most athletic girl in the 2026 class and it would be awesome to have her but it also would be an abundant of riches that would cause undo stress on the front court situation. To wit, Sarah Strong-Junior, Jana-Junior, Olivia V-Freshman, Ayanna-Junior, Ice-Senior, Morgan-Soph, Blanca-Soph. I know some will say that Morgan or Blanca could switch to the 2 but the fact is Geno does not like using a traditional lineup of bigs to begin with so, how would he logical incorporate everyone into the lineup? I get he wants everyone to compete but this would be akin to "recruiting over" very good players, something this board has regular accused Jeff Waltz of doing. Something drastic would have to occur to the roster to warrant adding her to the current stable of players, but yeah, she's really good and would be awesome with Sarah and Blanc
Expand ...

RoadWarrior said:
I would like to see Sara Okeke land at UCONN, and we will see if that happens soon enough, or if anyone else joins the 2026 recruiting class. @IndyMark, I understand your point about the depth chart, but do you really think Sara Okeke would be scared to compete with Olivia, Jana, Ayanna, or Ice for playing time? Olivia has tremendous potential, but will be a Freshman, while the other three players, when healthy, have not distinguished themselves beyond being role players. Gandy is a TBD.
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Nan; Can you open up the UConn General Recruiting Thread again? A lot of this could be discussed in that thread. Thank You…
 
My opinion is that the real decisions on Sara Okeke and
any other additional UCONN players will be determined
by the "on the court" performance of everyone
concerned during the next 6 - 7 weeks. My only
speculation is that at that time will the decision
be for 1. an additional freshman or the need to
have 2. an experienced/ mature player, e.g. Emma
Cechova, 21 years old, date of birth July 12, 2004, 6'5",
and listed as one of "The rising stars who shone at
FIBA's Women's Eurobasket, 2025" (reference was
from July 3, 2025). Emma would be listed as a FRESHMAN,
but she (IMHO) would not be a four-year player with
UCONN, but an opportunity for her to get some "GENO
POLISH" prior to her next upward step. The field of
competition vs Emma would be
some USA colligate TRANSFER PORTAL player that
is total unknown to us at this time.
 
RoadWarrior said:
I would like to see Sara Okeke land at UCONN, and we will see if that happens soon enough, or if anyone else joins the 2026 recruiting class. @IndyMark, I understand your point about the depth chart, but do you really think Sara Okeke would be scared to compete with Olivia, Jana, Ayanna, or Ice for playing time? Olivia has tremendous potential, but will be a Freshman, while the other three players, when healthy, have not distinguished themselves beyond being role players. Gandy is a TBD.
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Jana, Ayanna, Ice, Gandy, will be behind Sara and Olivia. They will get more minutes. These European players play against professional woman while the American kids play against 16-18 year olds. This is why they are ready earlier. I know Olivia plays high school ball here but has vast international experience .
 
asuwish said:
Jana, Ayanna, Ice, Gandy, will be behind Sara and Olivia. They will get more minutes. These European players play against professional woman while the American kids play against 16-18 year olds. This is why they are ready earlier. I know Olivia plays high school ball here but has vast international experience .
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I agree with your assessment of Sarah and Olivia as the principal bigs and everyone else behind them. From Okeke's standpoint, however, I don't think Ayanna, Ice, or Gandy are even factors in her decision. I don't think Geno would even be pursuing her if he didn't think she was a significant improvement over those players, maybe Jana as well.

Okeke can play the 4 or 5, and I see her likely minutes at a minimum being the backup to Sarah at the 4 (ahead of Ayanna and Ice), and possibly also being ahead of Jana for backup to the Big O and potentially part of a three big rotation, kind of like with Liv, Aaliyah and Dorka. where Okeke plays Dorka's role, a 5 when subbing for Olivia and a 4 when coming in for Sarah.

The most potential minutes for Okeke and Jana would be increased use of Sarah Strong at the 3, with Okeke getting even more minutes at the 4 and Jana some at the 5. That of course would be a big lineup option., but I think Okeke and the Big O could be very effective in the same lineup. On offense Okeke in the low post as the 5, and on defense she could be the 4 with quickness to guard that position.
 
oldhusky said:
I agree with your assessment of Sarah and Olivia as the principal bigs and everyone else behind them. From Okeke's standpoint, however, I don't think Ayanna, Ice, or Gandy are even factors in her decision. I don't think Geno would even be pursuing her if he didn't think she was a significant improvement over those players, maybe Jana as well.

Okeke can play the 4 or 5, and I see her likely minutes at a minimum being the backup to Sarah at the 4 (ahead of Ayanna and Ice), and possibly also being ahead of Jana for backup to the Big O and potentially part of a three big rotation, kind of like with Liv, Aaliyah and Dorka. where Okeke plays Dorka's role, a 5 when subbing for Olivia and a 4 when coming in for Sarah.

The most potential minutes for Okeke and Jana would be increased use of Sarah Strong at the 3, with Okeke getting even more minutes at the 4 and Jana some at the 5. That of course would be a big lineup option., but I think Okeke and the Big O could be very effective in the same lineup. On offense Okeke in the low post as the 5, and on defense she could be the 4 with quickness to guard that position.
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Sure hope Okeke sees the potential that is there for her at UCONN. She is surrounded by talent that would help her win championships. She would be taught by the best coach and staff that would further her skills, and develop her game.
 
There is a chance that Yanna, Ice and Gandy could be greatly improved next season and that would make it difficult for the new players to play ahead of them. Yanna has the whole Summer to work uninjured on her game to bring her back to the kind of player Geno expected her to be. The same with Ice.
 
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While i hope Sara decides to come to UConn, i don't see where her path is to get major minutes her first 2 seasons at UConn, unless she outplays Olivia and/or Jana. By her third season she can have a major role for UConn (with Sarah and Jana graduating). Hopefully championships (as UConn should be a major contender for championships) are more important for her than minutes (at least for her first 2 years at UConn).
 
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