April Recruiting Thread

[BobbyJ]

I don’t follow H/S basketball as much as many on here. but I am always skeptical of freshmen and “shooting” when it comes to trying to win championships. As for Poffenbarger, there were words "sharp shooter" being thrown around. Go back at that time if possible and see how many people felt she was a sharp shooter / good outside shooter.

Secondly, what did we hear about Ducharme? And another sharp shooter Courtney Ekmark? Unless Brady is "Azzi/Katie Lou/KML" Imo her shooting as a frosh will be overrated. The jump from h/s to college championship is so big - "a sharp shooter in h/s" is almost as if they need to be considered super if you were to rely on them.

So, unless Brady is like Azzi/Katie Lou/KML, then all it means is that she is taking away shots from Paige, Azzi and Caroline. While Patterson won’t need the ball to be effective.

As for the team; Dorka is not strong as a low post. Neither is DeBerry. They are good passers and I do consider Edwards to be better as both a passer and a low post scorer for next year , in addition to, Geno won't just keep her inside. I think the team not winning titles the last few years- a big reason is lack of consistent inside scoring. So, imo in this case, Patterson fits more of a need. Especially because she won't take shots away from our potential great 3 of PB, Azzi Fudd and CD.

On the first bolded sentences, I wasn't really interested in all those comments that may have been tossed around. I trust what I saw and that was a fair HS shooter who was not going to be a good college shooter. Balance and mechanics were going to have to be improved a lot to become a good college shooter.
On the second bolded part, Brady would not be taking shots away from anyone. She would be taking and making a much better percentage of the shots ONO wouldn't take or couldn't make from the high post when open. That shot is needed to open the middle for UConn's offense to get people to the rim. I didn't call Brady a sharpshooter, I see her as a really good shooter for a big and it seems Auriemma sees the same thing.

 

[Alydar]

So now we're going to take Geno’s comments to the bank even before the season/practice starts? What would he have thought of CD before season started as an example?

As for Saylor, I get the impression BobbyJ was saying she wasn’t a sharp shooter. And I believe coco feels the same. So by you making the comment of her being hurt, are you saying she was?

And again-- you and Bobby and coco might be saying it (no way a sharp shooter)-- but you go back last year and see how many weren't saying what you are. In which I agree with you- because I am skeptical of frosh as "championship" shooters unless I hear they are like Azzi Fudd/KLS/KML.

I don’t know who else was agreeing with me at the time (there were some ofc. I wasn’t alone thinking it crazy.), but I was extremely skeptical. SO unless Brady is Azzi/KLS/KML I'm in that boat as well of skepticism vs what Patterson brings. Mind you I'm not saying Brady will be no good. Just that Patterson will be better.

I don't think Brady has to be Fudd/KLS/KLM. Just Dolson, as a senior. When left wide open around the foul line Dolson was very efficient. A high post has to force the defense to come out and cover her. Maybe take one or two 3's a game and a few open midrange shots. She seems to have good footwork and I liked her hands. Patterson has real potential as a shot blocker. I remember Gabby saying that she wished she had done more as a freshman to get minutes.

 

[hoophuskee]

On the first bolded sentences, I wasn't really interested in all those comments that may have been tossed around. I trust what I saw and that was a fair HS shooter who was not going to be a good college shooter. Balance and mechanics were going to have to be improved a lot to become a good college shooter.
On the second bolded part, Brady would not be taking shots away from anyone. She would be taking and making a much better percentage of the shots ONO wouldn't take or couldn't make from the high post when open. That shot is needed to open the middle for UConn's offense to get people to the rim. I didn't call Brady a sharpshooter, I see her as a really good shooter for a big and it seems Auriemma sees the same thing.

Well we can disagree on the 2nd part. She would be taking shots away from the 3. They were shots that Liv would mostly miss in big games. SO she didn't take as much. But if Brady is shooting more from the high post then that is shots taken away from the others. IMO the others teams will be happy to give Brady high post shots (as a freshman. Other years could be much different.) rather than have Paige, Azzi or CD take them.

Also, imo the middle is already open with Paige, Azzi, and CD. The real good teams aren't clogging the lane in fear of UCONN's low post game. And the OReb only got pretty good during Edwards late improved play. But she isn’t a low post scorer yet. She can score off of offensive rebounds and she can hit an occasional outside shot. And as for high low Dorka and DeBerry can be high low as well Edwards can but only Edwards is a big time threat for tough inside play getting Orebounds and converting. Dorka is a bit soft on that department. SO when Edwards is out or on the outside, I think Patterson can be of very high value.

And if Brady is not a sharp shooter, then why would UCONN want to give her shots in big games vs the stronger teams rather than the other 3?- Vs having a better defense (which Patterson will provide) and better rebounding/ better inside scoring? ?

 

[hoophuskee]

I don't think Brady has to be Fudd/KLS/KLM. Just Dolson, as a senior. When left wide open around the foul line Dolson was very efficient. A high post has to force the defense to come out and cover her. Maybe take one or two 3's a game and a few open midrange shots. She seems to have good footwork and I liked her hands. Patterson has real potential as a shot blocker. I remember Gabby saying that she wished she had done more as a freshman to get minutes.

I'm with ya. Each year Brady can get much better but I'm talking year 1 (I'm hopeful Patterson can too.).

 

[Charliebball]

You think she could get better healing at home than with the UConn medical staff? I doubt it.

While it's impossible to know whether it would have made a difference in her UConn career, I think she should have stayed in high school to finish up her senior year from a social standpoint whether she played or not............unlike PB who could have played for UConn when she was a junior in high school, I clearly didn't see that in Saylor...

 

[Charliebball]

So now we're going to take Geno’s comments to the bank even before the season/practice starts? What would he have thought of CD before season started as an example?

As for Saylor, I get the impression BobbyJ was saying she wasn’t a sharp shooter. And I believe coco feels the same. So by you making the comment of her being hurt, are you saying she was?

And again-- you and Bobby and coco might be saying it (no way a sharp shooter)-- but you go back last year and see how many weren't saying what you are. In which I agree with you- because I am skeptical of frosh as "championship" shooters unless I hear they are like Azzi Fudd/KLS/KML.

I don’t know who else was agreeing with me at the time (there were some ofc. I wasn’t alone thinking it crazy.), but I was extremely skeptical. SO unless Brady is Azzi/KLS/KML I'm in that boat as well of skepticism vs what Patterson brings. Mind you I'm not saying Brady will be no good. Just that Patterson will be better.

I thought Saylor would be a pretty good shooter for UConn but didn't think she was all that athletic.........she apparently also had some injury issues that didn't help her cause..........I don't have to tell you that Geno doesn't hand out praise very often, especially when it comes to players that have yet to participate in a single UConn practice.........yet he publicly went out of his way to predict that Brady would be a contributor to the team next season..........I was already of the same mind after watching extensive full game videos of Brady so why would I doubt him? After watching a whole lot of Patterson video it's clear she's a great athlete and is going to compete at a high level on the defensive end and on the boards but unlike Brady, I'm not sure where she's at offensively against college level competition.....

 

[hoophuskee]

I thought Saylor would be a pretty good shooter for UConn but didn't think she was all that athletic.........she apparently also had some injury issues that didn't help her cause..........I don't have to tell you that Geno doesn't hand out praise very often, especially when it comes to players that have yet to participate in a single UConn practice.........yet he publicly went out of his way to predict that Brady would be a contributor to the team next season..........I was already of the same mind after watching extensive full game videos of Brady so why would I doubt him? After watching a whole lot of Patterson video it's clear she's a great athlete and is going to compete at a high level on the defensive end and on the boards but unlike Brady, I'm not sure where she's at offensively against college level competition.....

I don’t have tell you how often Geno has exaggerated but more importantly how often he has said practices are important. And to further that how minutes are earned. So why would I believe a comment he has made when he hasn't seen Brady yet perform in UCONN practices and in any games vs Patterson?

Secondly, Patterson is ranked on HG as 4th overall while Brady ranked 5th. How could Patterson be ranked so high if she has no outside shot, is only 6'2, and can't finish very well around the basket? If she can finish around the basket, then what is it that you are questioning? A player that you question if they can finish around the basket and can't shoot free throws well, and has no outside game, you think that is a 4th ranked player?

Third, what if you were to see early on that Patterson can finish inside? I don'[t mean low post but I mean she is able to get hit on pick-and-rolls and finish. She is able to get offensive rebounds and finish, and she is able to get out fast in transition and finish? And because of her great defensive athletics, - with all of this---- would that change your mind? Because that is what I think you are going to see that is better than Brady as a frosh. It’s not like I'm expecting Patterson to average 12-15 a game. Instead I'm expecting Patterson to be able to perform vs any type of competition because of her freak athleticism and very good strength.

Ofc as a frosh she'll be inconsistent just as nearly every frosh is.

 

[TeamFirst!]

Ice has some decent moves in the paint which enable her to get her shot off well. She has a lot of skill. Both she and Ayanna have a lot of potential.

 

[Cuango]

I guess I don’t understand the big focus on Geno’s remarks about Ice Brady. He is not promising that she will do these things, but rather that she possesses the potential to do them. Whether she does or not is really up to her.

 

[CocoHusky]

I guess I don’t understand the big focus on Geno’s remarks about Ice Brady. He is not promising that she will do these things, but rather that she possesses the potential to do them. Whether she does or not is really up to her.

It is the off-season, hope springs eternal. The next UCONN recruit is the one that going to get us over the hump to #12. We have spent the last three off-seassons hoping/praying that ONO is going to come back with a jump hook and be an AA. Now we are pinning our hopes on Ice Brady and Ayanna. What is there to understand?

 

[From France]

Hi, can someone tell me when the WBCA High School AA will be named ?

That's just to know when the incoming freshmen will get to be recognized (or not).

 

[CocoHusky]

Hi, can someone tell me when the WBCA High School AA will be named ?

That's just to know when the incoming freshmen will get to be recognized (or not).

To the best of my knowledge the WBCA does not name a HS AA team.
Although the organization has some activities that target uniform legislation and play at the HS level (eg, a shot clock at all HS levels) the focus of the organization appears to be collegiate basketball.

 

[From France]

Past Teams - High School

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Back to recruiting again...


Prephoopsgirls scout watching AAU ball today:

 

[Sluconn Husky]

 

[Sluconn Husky]

 

[CONN78SEJ]

Somehow you got scrapping our offense from my comment. I Said no such thing. Using the post by no means says scrap the perimeter orientated offense. However attracting top post players will be difficult to get if we can't showcase them within our perimeter orientated offense.

We have good defensive post players. Your bigs are only as strong as your defensive perimeter players just take a look at South Carolina's perimeter defenders.

I think it’s quite apparent that it’s the other way around, your perimeter defenders are only as good as your bigs. Take away Zia Cooke or Destiny Henderson and put in someone else and South Carolina doesn’t miss a beat, but take away Boston and put in someone else, and South Carolina’s game has big problems. Same thing with Dorka, when she broke her wrist, that killed UConn, but if either of Westbrook, Fudd, Muhl, or CW had been the one to break their wrist, UConn doesn’t lose nearly as much. If you want to look at why UConn hasn’t won a NC since 2016 ask yourself who was the last UConn big to make first team All American?

 

[nomdoux]

Well, I think Napheesa Collier did earn 1st Team AA subsequently but your point is a good one since Phee was an undersized 4 @ 6’2” & mostly a lone [husky] in paint against bigger front lines of best opponents.

 

[Geesworld]

I think it’s quite apparent that it’s the other way around, your perimeter defenders are only as good as your bigs. Take away Zia Cooke or Destiny Henderson and put in someone else and South Carolina doesn’t miss a beat, but take away Boston and put in someone else, and South Carolina’s game has big problems. Same thing with Dorka, when she broke her wrist, that killed UConn, but if either of Westbrook, Fudd, Muhl, or CW had been the one to break their wrist, UConn doesn’t lose nearly as much. If you want to look at why UConn hasn’t won a NC since 2016 ask yourself who was the last UConn big to make first team All American?

Well then that would mean Pheesa, Azura and Gabby weren't good Post. If I understand you right, we have to have an All American post to win the Chip?

Of course Dorka hurt. For if any reason it was five more fouls that allows your post players to be more aggressive. Keep in mind though she was benched a game or two in the Tourney.
To your post defense comment. Two things can be true. So yes your bigs do have to be stellar. But let's break that down. What is SC offense? They're a chuck and go get it offense with their height is might advantage. So in this case UCONN perimeter can't give up drive penetration as often as they were. It redirects the
defensive post players who now have to show help and also try to contend with their own player. Simply to much against a team like SC. UCONN Guards were non committal on defensive rebounding and often in lala...standing and watching.

 

[hoophuskee]

Well then that would mean Pheesa, Azura and Gabby weren't good Post. If I understand you right, we have to have an All American post to win the Chip?

Of course Dorka hurt. For if any reason it was five more fouls that allows your post players to be more aggressive. Keep in mind though she was benched a game or two in the Tourney.
To your post defense comment. Two things can be true. So yes your bigs do have to be stellar. But let's break that down. What is SC offense? They're a chuck and go get it offense with their height is might advantage. So in this case UCONN perimeter can't give up drive penetration as often as they were. It redirects the
defensive post players who now have to show help and also try to contend with their own player. Simply to much against a team like SC. UCONN Guards were non committal on defensive rebounding and often in lala...standing and watching.

But the UCONN guards couldn't be in 100% contain mode - they had to worry more about being inside to get rebounds rather thabn ball disruption. .

I think both of you are right.

As for Dorka, she was benched one game in Tourney, not 2.

 

[UConnCat]

It will be UNC

 

[Purchase1]

It will be UNC

Yeah I’m feeling the same. Hope we’re wrong!

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Well that's a second major loss in a week.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Ugh!

 

[DefenseBB]

Seeing how it is late Sunday night and TonyC is likely in bed, let me play the role of the optimist on this thread and this particular recruit who TonyC loves and just say “it ain’t over til it’s over (yes I am watching the Yankees/Red Sox so channeling my inner Yogi). Show a little faith my fine colleagues! FAITH I say!

 

[Alydar]

The UNC visit may have been done to make her family happy. And honestly I like the UNC coach and wouldn't mind watching them return to prominence and play that nice motion offense. And beat Duke and NDame.

 

[Blue Ghost]

If and I say If Ciera goes to UNC which I'm still holding out hope it's us. What are the odds that Breya Cunningham picks UConn? Is she leaning towards any school? Any insight?

 

[CONN78SEJ]

Well then that would mean Pheesa, Azura and Gabby weren't good Post. If I understand you right, we have to have an All American post to win the Chip?

Of course Dorka hurt. For if any reason it was five more fouls that allows your post players to be more aggressive. Keep in mind though she was benched a game or two in the Tourney.
To your post defense comment. Two things can be true. So yes your bigs do have to be stellar. But let's break that down. What is SC offense? They're a chuck and go get it offense with their height is might advantage. So in this case UCONN perimeter can't give up drive penetration as often as they were. It redirects the
defensive post players who now have to show help and also try to contend with their own player. Simply to much against a team like SC. UCONN Guards were non committal on defensive rebounding and often in lala...standing and watching.

Your post is gobbledygook. Just forget the perimeter game of both UConn and SC. SC won that game in the Post. SC’s rebounding advantage of 49 to 24 says it all. Yes, Henderson scored 26, but when you’re putting two bodies on Boston the whole game, someone is going to be open on the perimeter.

As for Azura, she had issues at Uconn which I won’t go into, and she didn’t return for her last year. That being said, you can’t teach 6’6”, and with long athletic arms. Calling Collier and Gabby “bigs” or “posts” is a stretch (no pun intended, Lol) Collier is 6’1” (she is not 6’ 2”, as the prior poster stated), Gabby is only 5’11”. I enjoyed watching both during their years at UConn but if you’re going to call them “Bigs”, then Caroline Ducharme is an even bigger “Big” as she is taller than Collier and three inches taller than Gabby Williams.

 

[UcMiami]

FOLKS!
This is the recruiting thread, it is supposed to be about recruits we are looking at and recruits that have committed but not yet shown on campus.

It is not supposed to be:
1. Rehashing our last season.
2. Discussing former recruits (Uconn's or any other school's.)
3. Discussing Uconn's current style of play, former style of play, or what changes need to be made even if those changes relate to the types of players that should be recruited.

Start a new thread if you want to discuss these subjects or any other subjects that come into your mind, but please lets keep this thread clean.

(We seem to have a bunch of 'standard' monthly threads getting derailed this past week - both here and on the general board.)

 

[Heytherego]

Based off social media, I’d say Toomey is headed to UNC. She follows the majority of UNC’s players and only a couple of UConn players. Hopefully that’s not the case, but just my guess. Doesn’t ease any nerves that her dad retweeted this.