Boston to South Carolina

[JustinesGuy]

Skilled size is still an important ingredient of a championship team. Look at the last two National Champions. ND had Shepard and SCar had Wilson. And the beaten finalists in each case were McCowan and Miss. St.

I think size for size's sake is overrated but Boston is not only big but highly skilled.

I think it’s great to have skilled players and clearly ones that can rebound is important too. That being said Wilson was overrated for me. She could not impact the game like a guard. We wanted her soooo bad and it was not impressed we we played against her. I’m sure her stats were impressive but whatever.
Don’t lose sleep over Boston. If u want to lose sleep lose sleep over Geno striking on on recruits he was all in for, and lose a weeks worth of sleep the day lou and pheese leave.

 

[JustinesGuy]

I'm going to remind you of that post when teams try to overwhelm poor ONO on the boards next year....you don't necessarily need a physical 6'5" 250 lb. post when you have a 6'2" jumping jack with long arms but that train is leaving the station

I rather have ONO than Boston.
Ono also wants to be here.

 

[paisan]

Just another recruiting failure, one of many for the past few years.

 

[lebronfan23]

We’ll be ok without her. She probably felt competition from Olivia. But I must say they way Geno always spoke negative about the freshmen last season may have taken effect on some of these recruits. Glad he changed his tone within Williams and Olivia

 

[Sifaka]

Ms. Boston has made a decision: Play for a good coach at a place that feels right for her. She announced this at her home base. I wish her well.

A few folks posting here have made some assertions that leave me no choice. I simply must accept that some Great Diety has unscrewed the celestial lag bolts, and the sky has fallen. Fire, famine, war, pestilence and the like are all that remain.
We are forever vanquished. All that remains is...

A realy good college basketball program, a superb coaching staff, some fine young women with exceptional skills and character. In short, the ashes of an empire.

To those who are in agony because it is their birthright to win a national championship each and every year, to be victorious in every recruiting joust...
take deep breaths, appreciate the good, hug somebody you care for.

 

[connboy77]

Guy's it is not the end of the world, but after last years two player class and this years probable one player class, UCONN needs to sign at least four or five quality players for 2020. Hopefully two or three top ten. UCONN will be back, but it must start with the 2020 class.

 

[Bigpetunia]

Happy Thanksgiving to all, even to those sorry souls contemplating a leap off of the edge of the cliff!

I am an ardent fan of UConn women's basketball. Like most fans of this program, I am outrageously spoiled, given the unprecedented dynasty that Geno has built here. Many...far too many...of the comments that I have read on this thread betray a level of ignorance that can only be characterized as breathtaking! The coach's methods are no longer "relevant," His disciplinary style is not right for "today's players." It's time for him to "move on." Some room temperature IQ's at work here! No dynasty in history lasted forever. I cannot say if this one is now ending or not, though that day must inevitably come. But what I know and appreciate with certainty are those elements that Geno brought to the program that led to eleven national championships, 100+ game winning streaks, and the greatest record in the history of the sport, one that will NEVER be equaled by any other. I'm going to be an ardent fan whether this run continues a while longer or if it doesn't, though it's certainly in its twilight years. But, in the time that Geno has left, and, I certainly hope, in the coaching philosophy of his eventual successor, no significant deviation from the fundamental approach that he has established will be evident, irrespective of the inevitable vicissitudes of individual recruiting class efforts. If one expects or requires national championships to be delivered on an annual basis, one must question the nature of one's fandom, to say nothing of one's intelligence!

 

[UConnCat]

This is what Boston said:

“I wanted to go pro. I just have a lot of goals,” Boston said, explaining her reasoning for choosing the Gamecocks. “I just felt like that is where it was at.”

I don't know what to say other than ask whether she's been paying attention to the WNBA or Team USA. Dawn was sure glad to have all those former Huskies in Tenerife and probably wished another (Maya) were there.

So much for the Brunelle effect. Once again, that stuff rarely matters when it's time to make these decisions.

 

[meyers7]

Though we had successfully disputed this notion. Boston is and will be a very good player, she is not a generational type player. Generational type players reach consensus #1 in the class.

At least. There have been some consensus #1's who weren't generational.

It's disappointing she didn't pick UCONN. Especially being from MA. But hey, we move on. You know maybe (maybe) watching ONO the other night, she thought she may not see as much playing time the next 3 years. OR maybe she just really liked S. Carolina.

We have a really good team this year. Enjoy it. Worry about next year, next year.

 

[augustaTC]

They preceding 8+ pages generally gives me a headache, but in response I'd like to make a few small points (most, if not all, have been made endlessly on this blog over the years!):

I really doubt Geno's age has much to do with any kid's decision (MM at Notre Dame, TV at Stanford HW at Tennessee and VS at Miss State are hardly spring chickens). I'm sure when he recruits a kid he tells them that, God willing, he'll be there for the next four years. His coaching style is what it is, but you can hardly argue with the results.

This whole "we gotta win a NC or the program has gone to hell in a hand basket" idea is silly. With the number of good teams growing every year, it's just plain harder to go all the way. And in UConn's case, a total of FOUR points busted up their run the last two years. You simply can't win a NC, Every. Single. Year. Not gonna happen.

Yes, the league they're in is pretty dismal, but show me a program that plays a tougher non-conference schedule. If you want to play against the best, you want to play for UConn.

UConn has a few minor disadvantages in recruiting: It's a good, but not great, academic institution, if that's what floats your boat. Storrs, CT isn't exactly the most exciting place in the world and the winters generally suck, particularly if you're a kid from the West Coast (but somehow Dee, Kaleena, and Lou managed to see past that). And I'm sure there's other stuff that makes a difference to a 17 year old (which I'll probably never get), but at the end of the day, they come to UConn to play for the best coach, in the best program, that gives them the best chance to win NC's and improve their own performance. Period.

I watch UConn WBB to see the teams come together. Every year is different and I really enjoy watching the process as the players and team evolve. Yes, I get into a funk if they don't go all the way. For maybe a week.

Enough pontificating. If you're still awake, my apologies to those I've offended, bored, or otherwise upset.

 

[Rings R Us]

First time poster here...but I’ve been reading the Boneyard for awhile now...it’s great!

I too was very disappointed upon hearing the news yesterday..but I have a really good feeling about Haley Jones coming to UConn. My ‘inside source’ on this is my gut.

Dawn Staley has been an ok recruiter.. but I think what has put South Carolina over the top was bringing over Jolette Law from Tennessee this past year. She is known as an excellent recruiter and it looks like it has immediately paid off for Staley and company.

Let’s wait until Monday passes before we freak out...or like people said let’s just wait until next year and then start freaking out (a little bit) if we only get a 1 person class. Although..I think Aubrey Griffin will get an even higher ranking after her high school season wraps up. She will prove to be a valuable asset for us I believe. I think we will be in for a treat after the Jones announcement on Monday...and we will forget all about the Boston announcement...fingers crossed!

Let’s Go Huskies!

 

[cferraro04]

It was the end of the world for the Huskie Nation. Arch Rival Tennessee Volunteers and Geno Auriemma nemesis Pat Summit had just inked the best recruiting class in the nation. The “doom and gloom” hung like s funeral pyre over the UConn fan base. Pat Summit and her hated orange hordes had just guaranteed 4 consecutive championships and had all but relegated the UConn Huskies to plying bridesmaid to their most hated rival for the next 4 years. I mean just look at this amazing class of All American recruits: 1. Nkolita Anosiki 6’4” (15 pts / 14 RBs); 2. Sybil Dosty 6’3” (21 pts / 13 RBs); 3. Alexis Fuller 6’3” (18 pts / 9 RBs); 4. Alexis Hornbuckle 5’11” (21 pts / 10 RBs / 6 assists / 5 steals / 4 blocks); 5. Sa’de Wiley-Gatewood 5’9” (25 pts / 9 RBs / 10 assists / 5 steals); 6. Candace Parker 6’3” (24 pts / 14 RBs / 3.5 steals). Truly a remarkably historic class and certainly the end of the world for the UConn Huskies. We all know how these 6 All Americans turned out with transfers, lack of chemistry and under performances it certainly turned out a heck of a lot better for the Huskies than anyone expected.

 

[hjoerring]

It’s not any worse then a HS football player picking up one schools hat then tossing it aside and putting on another schools hat to announce where He’s going. I guess I see no issue with it.

A false argument. It would be impolite if my 10yr. did so. This is not about what boys do but girls should not. But, we do not know what went on behind the curtains. It is possible that she got pissed over something?? It is possible that she felt more at home with SC players; their system of play suits her game; She wanted warmer weather and; Dawn can do for her what others cannot. I will echo one Poster who wrote that it is not (as a few are suggesting) the end of Uconn, nor are players dumb, if their do not march forward when Uconn blows the trumphet. There is a WNBA player whose name could not be mentioned on this Board bec she chose a low brow Div.1 school overt Uconn. She actually turned out to be a great player (my standards), paving the way, perhaps, for others. And so, we were unable to completely close the door. Now we have to show that we can win without top 10 players. Some failures ahead, but also delights.-

 

[bballnut90]

Only possibly? They'll miss McWilliams but they've had bigger losses and not missed a beat. Losing Grymek should be a non-factor. A year under the belt for this year's Freshmen and two more touted post prospects coming in next year. Veteran group of guards/wings returning.

Post play is a big question mark. I have faith in Rueck but wouldn't put them at the very top with the other teams until we have more of an idea of their post ability next season. I will not be surprised if they're in that top group though sooner than later.

 

[Charliebball]

This is what Boston said:

“I wanted to go pro. I just have a lot of goals,” Boston said, explaining her reasoning for choosing the Gamecocks. “I just felt like that is where it was at.”

I don't know what to say other than ask whether she's been paying attention to the WNBA or Team USA. Dawn was sure glad to have all those former Huskies in Tenerife and probably wished another (Maya) were there.

So much for the Brunelle effect. Once again, that stuff rarely matters when it's time to make these decisions.

I think we'll learn if there really is such a thing as the Brunelle effect next year with the recruit from Minnesota and the following year from the recruit in Virgina.........

 

[UConn2SF]

This recruiting cycle is such a deviation from norm and unusual. Im trying not to jump to any conclusions but Why is UConn struggling so much this recruiting cycle?

 

[DaBball]

Well in the past two years, Dawn has proven to be very good at preparing her players for the WNBA, as both Allisha Gray and A’ja Wilson were the ROTY. Dawn’s 2017 team had immense talent. A’ja Wilson was a former #1, Kaela Davis a #2, Allisha Gray top-10, Coates had developed into a top-10 talent (in the eyes of WNBA coaches), and Cuevas-Moore was a more than adequate PG. To have that talent on the wing and in the post, in a year when UConn just lost Stewie, MoJeff, and Tuck, I thought it was a recipe for UConn’s disaster. But we beat them pretty handily. Had those two stuck around another year, they may have won a second.

Also, if Vic Schaefer can make a national championship starting two ranked players, then three ranked players, I have no doubts Geno should be able to do it with the talent he has. A lot of teams would love the idea of Dangerfield, Williams, Walker, and ONO has 4/5 of the starting lineup. Walker and ONO are both very high ceiling prospects, they will come closer to reaching those ceilings next year. By their juniors years, Coombs and Gordon should be able to come off the bench and give solid minutes and Coombs should be ready to start. Touly should be better too, I hope.

Currently the roster sits at 9 for 2019-20. Maybe a top player decides to grad-transfer and Geno goes after them after this season. I just hope to see him cast a larger net next year, because Hannah Gusters cannot be our only target in the post. Going to be tough to take her from Texas or Baylor. Dalayah Daniels may also be hard to get from PNW. Not sure if we will shortly hear about a few more 2020 targets.

 

[ReadR00ster]

SC's offensive struggles is because of their lack of elite outside shooters that many top level teams have. It's still going to be an issue for them.

 

[Charliebball]

This is what Boston said:

“I wanted to go pro. I just have a lot of goals,” Boston said, explaining her reasoning for choosing the Gamecocks. “I just felt like that is where it was at.”

I don't know what to say other than ask whether she's been paying attention to the WNBA or Team USA. Dawn was sure glad to have all those former Huskies in Tenerife and probably wished another (Maya) were there.

nothing new here................ there are always going to be players that realize that there are other coaches capable of preparing them for pro ball, maybe not quite as well as Geno but without all of the trials and tribulations that come along with being part of the UConn program.............I've had a bad feeling about this 2019 class for quite a while now as evidenced by my gloomy posts.................hopefully 2020 will be much more rewarding.......

 

[hjoerring]

It is possible that Uconn; 1) knew she wasn't coming; 2) gave(?) her tickets nonetheless; 3) she like bb and Uconn was the best in the business in New Engl. Obviously, she saw more of US than THEM and chose the latter. Should we blame players for not choosing Uconn? Our discussion should not be about recruits/players and why some go elsewhere (this is what we have been waiting on- a level playing field), but how we will play (and maybe recruit) in this new environment.

 

[Plebe]

I opened this thread thinking it was for long-distance Thanksgiving traveling advice.

Lol a much-needed injection of humor.

 

[Kevin G]

Jones is not coming to UCONN!!! Accept it now!!!!!! Geno made a big mistake!! Being to dam selective!!!! No back up plan!! Jones to
South Carolina Stanford or Oregon!!! UCONN is done!!! Hate to be negative but if Geno lost a recruit who basically sat behind uconns bench the past 2 years and she goes to USC come on people .. writing is on the wall UCONN is over. I see Geno coaching no more then 4 years. Kids don’t want to play for demanding coaches and programs and people are sick of uconns dominance and sadly all good things come to a end.

WHO IS THIS CLOWN?! Take a xanax please. I thought trolls were not allowed here

 

[HuskylnSC]

Really looking forward to the next few years. I have a feeling we are going to see something akin to the showtime LA Lakers. Who except for one old slow guy in the middle were all fast slash and dash with in your face defense. Just roll the ball out and let the players play UConn ball. Geno once said what he has missed the most these last few years was winning games they were not supposed to win. Do you remember those days? UConn fought to the end and triumphed more often than not. If I know Geno (and I really don't), nothing gets his fire going like playing a higher ranked team. I am so expecting a return and Geno, CD, Shea, Jaz put their mark down as the greatest coaches of all time. Sign me up as a believer

 

[Centerstream]

Geno's style is no longer working with today's players. Without naming names, it was pretty clear that some players left here unhappy in the past few years. Reading Boston's comments on why she picked SC, its pretty clear that Geno needs to change if he is going to connect with current players.

Yup Geno needs to change and recruit players that want to take the easiest paths to the WNBA and then they can find out how tough it will be to stay in the WNBA, when they will be facing Elite competition every game instead of being use to giving 110% in every practice and game.

 

[DaBball]

ESPNW: “You need to turn the clock back to 2012 to find a class that could rival Staley's 2019 bunch in overall talent. That's when UConn landed No. 1 Breanna Stewart, No. 2 Moriah Jefferson and No. 6 Morgan Tuck. Those three won four straight NCAA titles with the Huskies.”

 

[CL82]

So a couple of thoughts;

1) For those who think that Boston wanted an easier path to the pros, I think that you underestimate Staley. She is every bit as demanding as Geno.

2) I think we may be seeing the "Geno will be retiring soon - he won't be your coach all four years" negative recruiting. It was inevitable.

3) This is what happens when we let other schools win national championships. We should stop doing that.

4) I do feel like a shift is happening in the way WCBB works. Geno will adjust. He always does.

 

[DaBball]

Another thing that I was thinking about, that was briefly mentioned in earlier posts is the question: “What is actually home for Boston?”

She moved to Massachusetts from USVI when she was 12, alongside her older sister, to pursue her hoop dreams. She moved in with her aunt. It isn’t like MA has been home for forever to her. Perhaps she was just tired of these brutal winters, although she said they don’t faze her anymore. But it is often that students who come to the US from other countries want to explore more of the US. The NE isn’t for everyone! Maybe the whole being in her backyard thing wasn’t as big a deal as we thought.

I know it was compared to if SC lost A’ja or if ND lost Skylar, but I’m just not sure its the same. I just never viewed it the same way. Maybe because MA isn’t CT, or maybe because she isn’t home-bred. We will survive.

 

[MilfordHusky]

It’s not any worse then a HS football player picking up one schools hat then tossing it aside and putting on another schools hat to announce where He’s going. I guess I see no issue with it.

If the rejected school is in his home town and has a game in the next day or two, it would be more comparable.

 

[MilfordHusky]

She would be, but she is not leaving Texas, IMHO.

That could be. We saw how that worked with Cox and Collier. But Geno should pursue her and others, in my opinion. He got MoJeff out of Texas.

 

[MilfordHusky]

This is what Boston said:

“I wanted to go pro. I just have a lot of goals,” Boston said, explaining her reasoning for choosing the Gamecocks. “I just felt like that is where it was at.”

I don't know what to say other than ask whether she's been paying attention to the WNBA or Team USA. Dawn was sure glad to have all those former Huskies in Tenerife and probably wished another (Maya) were there.

So much for the Brunelle effect. Once again, that stuff rarely matters when it's time to make these decisions.

The USA won in Tenerife because of Diana, Sue, Tina, Stewie, and Brit, not because of Dawn.