Ayanna entering the transfer portal

[Gus Mahler]

This was as predictable as the sun setting in the west. But it's clearly the move to make.

My hope for her that she lands at a place where she can get good minutes, and, ideally, she could then petition the NCAA for an additional year of eligibility. It seems that in each injury case, she had surgery to solve a problem, but had to have a second surgery to make it right. Many players have gotten waivers over the years to get additional eligibility (e.g., Patberg at Indiana), so it would certainly seem fair to me that she would as well.

 

[Topdawg]

I wish Ayanna the very best! I hope the next step in her life journey is all that she wishes for.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Best wishes to Ayanna! I could see her at Indiana or Northwestern.

 

[donalddoowop]

I kind of thought this might happen.........I feel badly that Ayanna was unable to showcase all of talents due to a series of injuries during her time at UConn.......I hope she stays healthy and regains the form that made her such a high-ranking recruit coming out of high school......perhaps she'll head back to Indiana to continue her career.......

Why not Vanderbilt?

 

[Charliebball]

Why not Vanderbilt?

You never know.......I thought she might want to play closer to home......

 

[BB Dawg]

Best of luck to Ayanna. Her next team is getting an exceptional teammate.I really wish we could have seen her healthy. Quite a talent.

I remember when recruiting her she was a dunker! Then injuries happened

 

[BB Dawg]

Best wishes to Ayanna! I could see her at Indiana or Northwestern.

Northwestern maybe one of the prime locations this year

 

[stamfordhusky]

I remember when recruiting her she was a dunker! Then injuries happened

She still dunks easily. For example, Maggie Vanoni on X had a video a couple weeks ago of her dunking in practice.

 

[Scud49]

Best wishes Ayanna - I so want her to get a shot at her dream....!

 

[VA Huskie]

I could see her ending up at Maryland. That’s where another athletic ex-UConn player with an injury history ended up (hint MM).

 

[enigmatic]

I would love to see Ayanna at Vanderbilt. They could use some post presence to compliment Blakes and Galvan.

 

[Dogdude]

Bummer for us, of course, but nothing but the best for her. I hope he stays healthy and has a career that she dreamed of going forward.

 

[FormerCTrez]

Best wishes to you Yanna. Husky Nation is saddened to lose you, but we totally understand. Go be great!

 

[maple]

Sad to see her go, but it just didn’t seem to work out for her here. Hopefully she can get onto a team and shine like the player she is.

 

[MSGRET]

If she's going back to Indiana, I believe that it will be either Butler, Indiana or Purdue.

 

[Gus Mahler]

Evansville also occurs to me as a potential landing spot. I'd just hate to see her aim too high and not get much time on the court in what could be her last year playing. Is IU too high? Purdue? Don't know. Sure hope it works out for her.

 

[uconnfan68]

If she's going back to Indiana, I believe that it will be either Butler, Indiana or Purdue.

Not sure she’s ready for B1G. Maybe a step down for playing time.

 

[ec33]

Not sure she’s ready for B1G. Maybe a step down for playing time.

Wherever she is going is a step down.

Impressed she had the courage to make this move. Go play great somewhere Yanna. It is in you.

 

[Centerstream]

Sad to see her go, but it just didn’t seem to work out for her here. Hopefully she can get onto a team and shine like the player she is.

I hope she becomes the next Natalie Butler. Goes to a lesser known basketball school and then plays like some of us think she is capable of.

 

[meyers7]

I wonder if she’ll go home to Indiana (cue up the Jackson 5 fans!) Butler or IU would be lucky to have her.

Cued up.

 

[stamfordhusky]

I hope she becomes the next Natalie Butler. Goes to a lesser known basketball school and then plays like some of us think she is capable of.

One difference is that Butler already had shown what she was capable of at a high D1 level before she got to UConn. At Georgetown she was Big East rookie of the year and averaged about 14 PPG and 13.5 RPG as a freshman. Was one of the top freshmen in the entire country.

 

[Pharos]

Ayanna, go have fun!

 

[Ozimoto]

Best wishes, good luck, and Godspeed Ayanna!

 

[WiseWillie]

I'll miss Ayanna's beautiful smile. She could light up the court and make any day brighter.

Ayanna, an old Irish saying as you leave us: "May the road rise up to meet you and may the wind always be at your back".

 

[Centerstream]

One difference is that Butler already had shown what she was capable of at a high D1 level before she got to UConn. At Georgetown she was Big East rookie of the year and averaged about 14 PPG and 13.5 RPG as a freshman. Was one of the top freshmen in the entire country.

Thanks for the info but I'm quite aware of Natalie's bio. I was using her as an example not a comparison.

 

[Dugway]

I certainly wish Patterson the best and have hopes that she will flourish elsewhere.

I dislike the transfer portal in general, but it has been beneficial for several former UConn's players; just of recent, examples: Qadence Samuels, as well as Ines Bettencourt. I hope that it works out in similar fashion for Yanna!

 

[BRS24]

Let's keep the discussion here about Ayanna or ...

 

[mainerhuski]

If she's going back to Indiana, I believe that it will be either Butler, Indiana or Purdue.

That was my thought, too, maybe not Butler now since the coach is leaving.

 

[ME Husky Fan]

My opinion, she’s better suited for a mid major if he wants minutes and to make some sort of impact. Too many others who have left with greater potential (Mir, Saylor) never really made a significant dent within the multiple programs they chose, and those were near or at Top25 teams.

 

[HopJim]

My opinion, she’s better suited for a mid major if he wants minutes and to make some sort of impact. Too many others who have left with greater potential (Mir, Saylor) never really made a significant dent within the multiple programs they chose, and those were near or at Top25 teams.

Don't disagree, but with a school in between, say a low D1, being a great fit. A few games a year versus top competition would likely prove her skills and help her self respect without being too much to overcome. She will still need teammates that can get her the ball and assist in other areas no matter where she goes.