2026 recruiting targets?

[Stasher599]

I am definitely in the “Trust in Hurley” camp as far as recruiting goes but I do enjoy the recruiting part of the game and have not seen UConn mentioned with any of the Top 2026 recruits(aside from the West Haven kid). Only reason I am bringing it up is because I am reading some of the articles on the major recruiting sites and lots of 06 kids are starting to talk about tops schools they are involved with and no UConn anywhere. I think we have interest in Ripley and Samuels but anyone else hearing about any 06 names?

 

[Huskyforlife]

Think we’re gonna be so much more picky with freshmen moving forward. Gotta go after kids and clearly define their roles.

 

[AfgHusky15]

I am definitely in the “Trust in Hurley” camp as far as recruiting goes but I do enjoy the recruiting part of the game and have not seen UConn mentioned with any of the Top 2026 recruits(aside from the West Haven kid). Only reason I am bringing it up is because I am reading some of the articles on the major recruiting sites and lots of 06 kids are starting to talk about tops schools they are involved with and no UConn anywhere. I think we have interest in Ripley and Samuels but anyone else hearing about any 06 names?

The past few years Hurley/UConn have been very selective with offers. They are very intentional with recruiting and probably have one of the, if not the, highest batting average in college basketball when it comes to recruiting even when other schools have been recruiting a player for much longer.

Hurley & Co with 2 rings and reputation for developing pros, coupled with UConn’s war chest = elite recruiting for years to come.

 

[bendm]

Toure and Deron Rippey

 

[GHSWolverines]

This is what I saw on 247

 

[6&counting]

Don't think 247 is up to date. Toure's recruitment has been going on a couple months. Seen this guy play. Imagine he could be the jewel of Uconn's recruiting class next year, followed by some lower rated recruits. Especially if these high rated recruits keep going the way of Darius Adams, Acaden Lewis, etc. in search of guaranteed PT

https://www.ctinsider.com/gametimect/boys-basketball/article/ciac-championship-abdou-toure-class-of-26-recruit-20218668.php

 

[Stasher599]

Toure does look like a stud and was happy with his recent offer. He has pro written all over him. I’m sure he is a high priority behind the scenes.

 

[UCTitleTown]

We better get Toure. That is all.

 

[superjohn]

Toure and Deron Rippey

Those are the two names. I don't know if Rippey loves UConn but we need to get Toure.

 

[caw]

Those are the two names. I don't know if Rippey loves UConn but we need to get Toure.

No clue if accurate anymore (high school kids interest does fluctuate and this is very old) but:

Top-40 sophomore Deron Rippey Jr. talks interest from 'dream schools' UNC and UConn, updates recruitment | Zagsblog

By CHARLIE PARENT ROSELLE, N.J. — Deron […]

www.zagsblog.com

 

[Stasher599]

Rippey Jr. is definitely taking some visits but nice to hear that UConn being mentioned in the Zags article. I will say by looking at the 2026 top 20-30 ranked players and many are from the West Coast.

 

[SoFla Steve]

In addition to Toure, Rippey and Holt, I've seen offers for Jordan Smith Jr, Miikka Muurinen and Qayden Samuels (his sister was on the women's team and just entered the portal). Also, there was interest but no offer yet for Brandon McCoy and Tyran Stokes.

Admittedly, I haven't followed 2026 very closely in recent months so things may have changed.

 

[navery12]

Rippey Jr. is definitely taking some visits but nice to hear that UConn being mentioned in the Zags article. I will say by looking at the 2026 top 20-30 ranked players and many are from the West Coast.

The Zags article is from December 2023

 

[Slim Marlo]

Hurley and co. usually waits until the summer circuit starts and gets to watch these kids then zeros in on the top targets who end up making there decision late summer early fall timeline

 

[UCTitleTown]

In addition to Toure, Rippey and Holt, I've seen offers for Jordan Smith Jr, Miikka Muurinen and Qayden Samuels (his sister was on the women's team and just entered the portal). Also, there was interest but no offer yet for Brandon McCoy and Tyran Stokes.

Admittedly, I haven't followed 2026 very closely in recent months so things may have changed.

Cross Samuels off the list. No chance he comes here.

 

[TheHorde]

Rippey has described UConn as his dream school in the past I’m pretty certain.

 

[UconnU]

Is it to the point where schools are in season scouting and recruiting kids from mid-majors and disgruntled high majors? This is really the wild Wild West here so who knows.

 

[HooperScooper]

The Zags article is from December 2023

He mentioned UConn back in August. I know he was at some UConn games during the 2023-2024 season. But I haven't seen him mention UConn more recently. But not surprised since Hurley seems to heavily recruit guys he likes later on in the process. We'll see what happens this spring and summer.

For sure, and have any new schools reached out?

“Kentucky, UNC, Duke, Kansas, UConn, Miss. State, and Seton Hall.”

And what is a school like UConn pitching to you early on?

“They’ve been out to see me multiple times; they said they love my game, but that’s it. I’ve been up to see the campus and meet Coach Hurley and Kimani, and it was a really good and exciting experience. I loved their style of play and culture there.”

Five-star 2026 recruit Deron Rippey Jr. talks his recruitment, game

One of the most talented guards in America talked about recruiting and his development.

stockrisers.com

 

[auror]

Is it to the point where schools are in season scouting and recruiting kids from mid-majors and disgruntled high majors? This is really the wild Wild West here so who knows.

Definitely.

 

[Dabutlerdidit]

2026 recruiting class now means either Top 10 player or Transfer Portal… lol.

 

[UConnSwag11]

Is it to the point where schools are in season scouting and recruiting kids from mid-majors and disgruntled high majors? This is really the wild Wild West here so who knows.

Deon said a few years ago there’s no point in recruiting high school players. Another coach agreed and said you know what you’re getting with transfers - character, skill, family, etc.

 

[Lafayette]

That said, if you can get top 10 talent like Castle, McNeeley then you get. We are pretty good at finding talent in 1-30 as well. Gotta nuture some else it's just a money game for known talent.

 

[StllH8L8ner]

For sure, and have any new schools reached out?

“Kentucky, UNC, Duke, Kansas, UConn, Miss. State, and Seton Hall.”

 

[gsmooth]

For sure, and have any new schools reached out?

“Kentucky, UNC, Duke, Kansas, UConn, Miss. State, and Seton Hall.”

Kind of reminds me of the games in those Highlights children magazine that I used to play when I was 5 years old, "What does not belong in this group?".

 

[StllH8L8ner]

Kind of reminds me of the games in those Highlights children that I used to play when I was 5 years old, "What does not belong in this group?".

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.”