A'ja Wilson pre-commitment threads (merged)

[CL82]

If there were then it wouldn't be a rumor

Beat me to it, though I was going to say..."I can substantiate that it definitely is a rumor."

 

[HoopsFan21]

Dawn doesn't play games. If A'ja wants to come to USC, we will be excited to have her, but if she goes elsewhere, we will move on. As a fan, I've always taken more of a liking to the good players who are hung ho about being there, more than superstars who may not mesh as well.

I'll give you an example: Kaydra Duckett is ecstatic about being a Gamec rooster and I'm excited about seeing her play. I also can't wait to see Bianca Cuevas, the MGB Spitfire, in the garnet and black.

I feel the same way about the recruits we have coming in who by their social media postings are just excited about being Huskies and can't wait to get here. Those are the kids likely to give 110%+ to the program every day and that you can't wait to see hit the court. Kind of why Dolson and Hartley leaving has seemingly been the most emotional departure we've seen in a long, long time. You could tell with those two that they just love UConn and fully appreciated the opportunity they were given. At the start of the season SNY had an All-Access show and they were interviewing Hartley about her senior year and she talked about how fast her college career went and how much she loved it there, so I knew she was gonna be an emotional wreck at the end of this season. I think the kids that come in with no expectations that are willing to give their all are the ones you become most attached to as opposed to star players that are looking for what the program can do for them before they even step foot on a campus.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I didn't lock that thread because of the topic; I locked it because it was becoming uncivil. I knew there would be one or two ill-advised comments and I responded right away, reminding people we do not trash players here unless I come late to the party, as I did in the other thread. MUCH to my dismay, I'd like to add. And people have responded positively in this thread. Thanks to all who've participated.

Heck, Nan, I know why you shut it down. Just suspect you will be doing the same with this one for the same reason.

 

[doggydaddy]

Dawn doesn't play games. If A'ja wants to come to USC, we will be excited to have her, but if she goes elsewhere, we will move on. As a fan, I've always taken more of a liking to the good players who are hung ho about being there, more than superstars who may not mesh as well.

I'll give you an example: Kaydra Duckett is ecstatic about being a Gamec rooster and I'm excited about seeing her play. I also can't wait to see Bianca Cuevas, the MGB Spitfire, in the garnet and black.

Sorry, but USC isn't at the caliber of team where not getting the #1 recruit is no big deal. I understand you downplaying it. But not only is she the #1 recruit, but she is local.

It's a big deal.

 

[doggydaddy]

I feel the same way about the recruits we have coming in who by their social media postings are just excited about being Huskies and can't wait to get here. Those are the kids likely to give 110%+ to the program every day and that you can't wait to see hit the court. Kind of why Dolson and Hartley leaving has seemingly been the most emotional departure we've seen in a long, long time. You could tell with those two that they just love UConn and fully appreciated the opportunity they were given. At the start of the season SNY had an All-Access show and they were interviewing Hartley about her senior year and she talked about how fast her college career went and how much she loved it there, so I knew she was gonna be an emotional wreck at the end of this season. I think the kids that come in with no expectations that are willing to give their all are the ones you become most attached to as opposed to star players that are looking for what the program can do for them before they even step foot on a campus.

Every kid is looking for what a program can do for them.

 

[msf22b]

With all the possible information available:

-2x National champions, on a mission for more
-The coach incumbent Olympian
- Nine National Championships
-a slot open for a young woman of size
- the most outstanding record of player development, Olympians, WNBA stars, etc, etc, etc

How can any choice but UConn be rational for an ambitious young woman?

 

[doggydaddy]

Well, it typically takes place every recruiting cycle, so there must be an answer out there somewhere....

Rational is not a good word for it. There are always good reasons for attending other schools. We sometimes lose sight of that.

 

[HoopsFan21]

How can any choice but UConn be rational for an ambitious young woman?

Because there are other factors involved in making the decision. It isn't just basketball. Basketball may in fact not even be the most important factor in the decision. You'd think UConn could just pick their roster, but apparently it ain't so. Like Geno says, most good players go to other schools, and Wilson may or may not follow suit.

 

[msf22b]

Because there are other factors involved in making the decision. It isn't just basketball. Basketball may in fact not even be the most important factor in the decision. You'd think UConn could just pick their roster, but apparently it ain't so. Like Geno says, most good players go to other schools, and Wilson may or may not follow suit.

For this kid:
It's just about Basketball.

 

[Vowelguy]

With all the possible information available:

-2x National champions, on a mission for more
-The coach incumbent Olympian
- Nine National Championships
-a slot open for a young woman of size
- the most outstanding record of player development, Olympians, WNBA stars, etc, etc, etc

How can any choice but UConn be rational for an ambitious young woman?

So, if Wilson goes somewhere else she's irrational? Nice.

1) UConn is not for everyone
2) Geno is not for everyone
3) By this logic, Rebecca Lobo should've gone to Stanford, not UConn
4) There are lots of factors that go into this decision

 

[triaddukefan]

For this kid:
It's just about Basketball.

Why do you say that ?

 

[msf22b]

So, if Wilson goes somewhere else she's irrational? Nice.

No, not exactly, not name-calling.

Saying It's not a rational decision is different from she's something or another.

 

[msf22b]

Why do you say that ?

i suppose a case can be made, could have been made…that the University of North Carolina is a prestigious institution of learning.
Now?

 

[doggydaddy]

i suppose a case can be made, could have been made…that the University of North Carolina is a prestigious institution of learning.
Now?

it's a rumor. Sheeesh.....can we wait until Wednesday?

 

[triaddukefan]

i suppose a case can be made, could have been made…that the University of North Carolina is a prestigious institution of learning.
Now?

I guess its still prestigious..... as long as your arent an athlete.

 

[HoopsFan21]

i suppose a case can be made, could have been made…that the University of North Carolina is a prestigious institution of learning.
Now?

I don't know if it's that prestigious. Duke certainly is if we're talking about North Carolina schools. The U.S. News Best Colleges ranking has it not a whole lot better than say Penn State.

 

[UConn990411]

Elena Delle Donne officially left UConn in August of 2008. UConn has won four national championships since then.

I will never, ever worry about Geno and recruiting again. I suggest the rest of you don't either.

 

[uconnfan68]

Unfortunate, because we do need to add a some depth down low, but I am sure Geno and the coaches will find one in the 2015 class - hopefully Kalani Brown will fill that void.

That's who I'm hoping for. I think her Dad would like it too.

 

[sawxfan23]

Elena Delle Donne officially left UConn in August of 2008. UConn has won four national championships since then.

I will never, ever worry about Geno and recruiting again. I suggest the rest of you don't either.

Couldn't agree more and I have said this in the past and I will say it now IF{a big IF I know} UConn is able to get Brown in next years class they will be better off.

 

[cferraro04]

Diamond DeShields - #1 in her class
A'ja Wilson - #1 in her class

Two back to back number ones usually leads to a national championship...I would say if A'ja commits to North Carolina there is a good chance that North Carolina will win a national championship before June of 2017.

 

[triaddukefan]

I don't know if it's that prestigious. Duke certainly is if we're talking about North Carolina schools. The U.S. News Best Colleges ranking has it not a whole lot better than say Penn State.

Oh ok.... I wouldnt know. I havent read that report since 1989. So im a bit out of touch as to what schools are prestigious these days. I assume the same schools that were when i was a young lad, are still at that level today.

Diamond DeShields - #1 in her class
A'ja Wilson - #1 in her class

Two back to back number ones usually leads to a national championship...I would say if A'ja commits to North Carolina there is a good chance that North Carolina will win a national championship before June of 2017.

If thats the case.... I might want to think about moving out of NC before then

 

[doggydaddy]

Diamond DeShields - #1 in her class
A'ja Wilson - #1 in her class

Two back to back number ones usually leads to a national championship...I would say if A'ja commits to North Carolina there is a good chance that North Carolina will win a national championship before June of 2017.

Well, it's only one back to back.....lol.

But I know what you meant.

And I believe you left off the third #1 you need. Coaching staff.

 

[semper]

If they don't get sidelined for academic scandals...what a mess.

 

[MilfordHusky]

We just had freshmen shooting guard that was required to be a pt guard named Hartley and a freshman center named Dolson get us to Final Fours and complete a 90 game win streak!!!! It'll be more fun winning- more coaching involved!!!!
Have NO FEAR!!!!! We'll be Rolly Massamino's old Villanova team and win championships!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, but in addition to Stef and Bria, both of whom became great players, we also had Tiffany Hayes, Kelly Faris, and the great Maya Moore.

 

[Tonyc]

Listen it doesn't matter how many HS AA's they have. Just look at Tenn. Tenn have proven with a team stacked with HS AA talent, and playing a weak schedule that they cant make the elite 8. UNC is on the could be on the same path. All that talent with no defense and you will never win a NC. UConn continues to prove its all about defense not offense. UConn continues to prove its about playing as a team unit and not individuals. UConn continues to win because they continue to play team ball.

 

[HuskyNan]

Diamond DeShields - #1 in her class
A'ja Wilson - #1 in her class

Two back to back number ones usually leads to a national championship...I would say if A'ja commits to North Carolina there is a good chance that North Carolina will win a national championship before June of 2017.

Not next year, though. UConn's pair of #1's, aka Kaleena and Breanna, will be tough to beat.

 

[cferraro04]

Not next year, though. UConn's pair of #1's, aka Kaleena and Breanna, will be tough to beat.

Agreed:
Next Year
Kaleena vs Diamond - even possibly a slight edge to Diamond
Breanna vs A'ja Wlison - major advantage Breanna
Moriah vs Grey - even, possibly slight edge to Moriah
Tuck vs Mavunga - If Tuck is healthy even
Stokes vs Xlina McDaniel - slight advantage McDaniel


Bench North Carolina loaded; UConn Chong, Banks, 4 freshman...

 

[msf22b]

Not next year, though. UConn's pair of #1's, aka Kaleena and Breanna, will be tough to beat.

Perhaps nigh on impossible

 

[intlzncster]

That's who I'm hoping for. I think her Dad would like it too.

 

[msf22b]

Agreed:
Next Year



Bench North Carolina loaded; UConn Chong, Banks, 4 freshman...

But what freshman!