Coombs to UConn

[Nuyoika]

ND has nobody committed for 2017 yet. Lauryn Miller (6'1 PF, ESPN #46) has taken an official visit. Danielle Patterson (6'3 forward, ESPN #11) is scheduled to visit in the fall as is Walker. ND is still in on Evina Westbrook and La'Dazhia Williams as far as I know, though I have not heard of visit plans. Not sure if they still are interested in Jade Williams or vice versa.

I would assume there are other targets as ND probably wants to sign at least 3, maybe 4 this year, but I don't know who they would be.

ND doesn't really *need* a wing given that they got Mabrey (2/3) and Ogunbowale (2) in '15 and have Young (2/3/4) and Boley (3/4) in '16. Really ND's glaring need is for posts. Wings are probably last on the priority list in terms of need but I think ND feels that Walker and Westbrook would be scheme fits and are too good to pass up if they want in.

Posts are the hardest to get. It seems like it goes in waves. There's a couple of years with a bunch of good post options then in dries up for a few years. There are so few skilled posts who can run the floor out there that it's really a daunting task to find those true gems who play on the block. I'm sure it's a ridiculous amount of man ours on the road watching kids play. Thankfully, ND still has Ivey in the back pocket.

 

[Dougie]

Time for a 2017 Roster update

SR - Nurse (G), Gabby (F), Butler (C)
JR - Collier (F), Stevens (F/C), KLS (W)
SO - Camara (F), Dangerfield (G), Irwin (F), Bent (G)
FR - AEH (G), Gordon (F), Coombs (G)

Hopefully I didnt miss anyone. But I'm sure I will be quickly corrected if I have.

Yeah, you did miss someone. Let's just keep our fingers crossed.

 

[BobbyJ]

If we are going to go International how about adding a big to the class in Julia Reisigerova.


I know I know I been hyping her for a while now.

Go get her! You can always use a big banger who sees the floor and runs it. UConn could use her mobility and quickness right now.

 

[Charliebball]

ND has nobody committed for 2017 yet. Lauryn Miller (6'1 PF, ESPN #46) has taken an official visit. Danielle Patterson (6'3 forward, ESPN #11) is scheduled to visit in the fall as is Walker. ND is still in on Evina Westbrook and La'Dazhia Williams as far as I know, though I have not heard of visit plans. Not sure if they still are interested in Jade Williams or vice versa

ND doesn't really *need* a wing given that they got Mabrey (2/3) and Ogunbowale (2) in '15 and have Young (2/3/4) and Boley (3/4) in '16. Really ND's glaring need is for posts. Wings are probably last on the priority list in terms of need but I think ND feels that Walker and Westbrook would be scheme fits and are too good to pass up if they want in.

Interesting............seems that neither team really have a need at the wing yet MW is so good that either would be thrilled to get her...........I wonder if Texas is in the same situation............seems like everyone thinks it's between UConn and ND but Texas is on the rise and MW may find them an intriguing alternative

 

[Charliebball]

Posts are the hardest to get. It seems like it goes in waves. There's a couple of years with a bunch of good post options then in dries up for a few years. There are so few skilled posts who can run the floor out there that it's really a daunting task to find those true gems who play on the block. I'm sure it's a ridiculous amount of man ours on the road watching kids play. Thankfully, ND still has Ivey in the back pocket.

Williams is 6'3", Miller is 6'2", perhaps MM will be satisfied with a smaller lineup if they don'r end up with Jade Williams or one of the other big bigs..............

 

[Sluconn Husky]

“I committed on my birthday, July 1, but I kept it quiet because I wanted to talk to all the coaches who had been recruiting me and let them know first,” Coombs said.

...

“They emphasize the little things,” Coombs said. “UConn is focused on a team game. If a person isn’t having a hot game, you pass the ball to the one who is. They focus on steals and rebounds and assists.”

...

“It’s a good fit for Mikayla because she wants to be pushed to be the best she can be both on and off the court,” Azar said. “Mikayla can do things athletically that not many people can do. She can slash, hit the three and run the court. Defensively, she can guard the way UConn likes to.

“She’s really, really talented, but she knows UConn will help her be even better.”

...

Coombs returned from a tryout this summer with the USA Basketball U17 national team and Azar noticed the difference.

...

“But she even looked a whole step up this summer after all the U.S. (national) stuff,” Azar said. “ She got to play with and against the best. When she came back, she was at a whole other level.”


Wesleyan’s Mikayla Coombs picks UConn over slew of other offers

 

[Kibitzer]

Wesleyan’s Mikayla Coombs picks UConn over slew of other offers

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[Go/huskies]

“I committed on my birthday, July 1, but I kept it quiet because I wanted to talk to all the coaches who had been recruiting me and let them know first,” Coombs said.

...

“They emphasize the little things,” Coombs said. “UConn is focused on a team game. If a person isn’t having a hot game, you pass the ball to the one who is. They focus on steals and rebounds and assists.”

...

“It’s a good fit for Mikayla because she wants to be pushed to be the best she can be both on and off the court,” Azar said. “Mikayla can do things athletically that not many people can do. She can slash, hit the three and run the court. Defensively, she can guard the way UConn likes to.

“She’s really, really talented, but she knows UConn will help her be even better.”

...

Coombs returned from a tryout this summer with the USA Basketball U17 national team and Azar noticed the difference.

...

“But she even looked a whole step up this summer after all the U.S. (national) stuff,” Azar said. “ She got to play with and against the best. When she came back, she was at a whole other level.”


Wesleyan’s Mikayla Coombs picks UConn over slew of other offers

Sounds little like Courtney Williams who played at USF.

 

[Kmoney]

Sounds little like Courtney Williams who played at USF.

 

[southie]

There is always room for a talent like Walker but it is interesting that UConn has basically 3 wings already committed from this class. Honestly, it looks like they could stand pat from here and be in good shape. Y'all are pretty much in the bonus round now.

Each recruit is different. Those 3 verbal commitments may not deter Megan from choosing UConn; but, her verbal could cause one of the other 3 commitments to reconsider.

Or, if Megan and the other do sign, it could have an effect on 2018 kids. I've always felt Christyn Williams would chose UConn, especially with friend, Gordon in the fold. But, Coombs' commitment could have an effect there.

All in all, not a bad problem to have.

 

[Charliebball]

Each recruit is different. Those 3 verbal commitments may not deter Megan from choosing UConn; but, her verbal could cause one of the other 3 commitments to reconsider.

Or, if Megan and the other do sign, it could have an effect on 2018 kids. I've always felt Christyn Williams would chose UConn, especially with friend, Gordon in the fold. But, Coombs' commitment could have an effect there.

All in all, not a bad problem to have.

You could be right about the UConn log jam at wing...............I view Christyn Williams as more of a shooting guard then a wing but regardless it would be really disappointing if she headed someswhere else as she is a personal favorite of mine

 

[rvwsleep]

You could be right about the UConn log jam at wing.....I view Christyn Williams as more of a shooting guard then a wing but regardless it would be really disappointing if she headed someswhere else as she is a personal favorite of mine

I thought that Williams was easily the best player the USA had in the recent U17 tournament and I would also be disappointed if she chose to go elsewhere. Coombs could possibly get some pt at the point with CD. if Walker commits, you have to think she'll play sooner rather than later. However, she would have Nurse & Williams ahead of her for one year and Lou & Collier for 2. That's quite a log jam.

 

[Dillon77]

Interesting..seems that neither team really have a need at the wing yet MW is so good that either would be thrilled to get her......I wonder if Texas is in the same situation..seems like everyone thinks it's between UConn and ND but Texas is on the rise and MW may find them an intriguing alternative

Orangutan has ND's current situation laid out clearly.The only thing I can add is that Jade Williams still has ND listed as one of her top four and that Niele Ivey was down in Texas to see a tourney that included lots of Texas and regional teams, including the one Jade plays for.

Agree that UConn seems to have the combo guard/combo 2-3 covered well and ND is pretty much in the same state, particularly with Young joining Mabrey and Ogunbowale. However, Walker and/or Westbrook would obviously bring a whole lot of upside to the proceedings.

That said, there is a focus on bigs...we're losing Nelson and Thompson after this year, which would leave Turner, Westbeld and Boley. Stay tuned.

 

[BRS24]

So how does the roster look now? Getting crowded much?

 

[Vowelguy]

View attachment 1446

Consider these starting 5s / first two off bench

2016: Nurse (Jr), Chong (Sr), KLS (So), Gabby (Jr), Collier (So) / CD (Fr), Butler (Jr)
2017: Nurse (Sr), CD (So), KLS (Jr), Gabby (Sr), Collier (Jr) / Stevens (Jr), Camara (So)
2018: CD (Jr), Coombs (So), KLS (Sr), Collier (Sr), Stevens (Sr) / AEH (So), Camara (Jr)

 

[Charliebball]

View attachment 14465

Thanks for that chart....it makes it much easier to figure out what UConn's needs will be........looks like they need a big for 2018-2109 which is great because the 2018 class is loaded with post players

 

[huskyd]

Yes. We all know of whom you speak. She would be the nuts on top of the sundae.

I believe that "cherry" works better here . . .

 

[TitleTown]

Consider these starting 5s / first two off bench

2016: Nurse (Jr), Chong (Sr), KLS (So), Gabby (Jr), Collier (So) / CD (Fr), Butler (Jr)
2017: Nurse (Sr), CD (So), KLS (Jr), Gabby (Sr), Collier (Jr) / Stevens (Jr), Camara (So)
2018: CD (Jr), Coombs (So), KLS (Sr), Collier (Sr), Stevens (Sr) / AEH (So), Camara (Jr)

I think that Stevens is hands down a starter in 2017 and may even be one of the Top 3 players in the country.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

"I haven't seen the campus, but that's not important to me," Coombs said Friday night. "What's important to me are the people there. I've built a good relationship with the coaching staff and I have good relationships with the players in my recruiting class, Andi and Lexi. I sent them a text before I put out on Twitter that I had committed to let them know what I was doing and they were very excited. I'm really looking forward to playing with them."

Coombs said she will take her official recruiting visit in September.


Coombs sets her sights on UConn

 

[BRS24]

"I haven't seen the campus, but that's not important to me," Coombs said Friday night. "What's important to me are the people there. I've built a good relationship with the coaching staff and I have good relationships with the players in my recruiting class, Andi and Lexi. I sent them a text before I put out on Twitter that I had committed to let them know what I was doing and they were very excited. I'm really looking forward to playing with them."

Coombs said she will take her official recruiting visit in September.


Coombs sets her sights on UConn

Didn't Tiffany Hayes commit without visiting the campus?

 

[Longtime fan]

I don't know much about the high school kids. Where is coombs ranked?

Coombs was ranked number 21...higher than both Espinoza and the signee from Texas ( is it Lexi Gordon? Lexi Cox? ...my apologies)

 

[Longtime fan]

I am guessing this means M Walker will go somewhere else.

They are different position players, but if Walker sees the need to " wait" two years to earn a full-time spot at UCONN, she'll wind up at ND. If she is a kid of immense character, she'll come to UCONN and fight her way into the line-up. We'll know in September. If the commits to UCONN, we can all rest easy. If not, we will struggle. But with Geno, his coaching staff, and the current roster, don't despair. They will make it exciting and competitive.

 

[connboy77]

They are different position players, but if Walker sees the need to " wait" two years to earn a full-time spot at UCONN, she'll wind up at ND. If she is a kid of immense character, she'll come to UCONN and fight her way into the line-up. We'll know in September. If the commits to UCONN, we can all rest easy. If not, we will struggle. But with Geno, his coaching staff, and the current roster, don't despair. They will make it exciting and competitive.

We are not going to struggle in 2017-18 with or without Walker! In fact I think UCONN will be a strong favorite to win it all.

 

[southie]

They are different position players, but if Walker sees the need to " wait" two years to earn a full-time spot at UCONN, she'll wind up at ND. If she is a kid of immense character, she'll come to UCONN and fight her way into the line-up.

There is no reason to be questioning someone's character . . .

 

[Carnac]

Go get her! You can always use a big banger who sees the floor and runs it. UConn could use her mobility and quickness right now.

She looks like a true diamond in the rough, just waiting for the right coach(s) to come into her life and add a little "spit and polish" to her game. Having grown up with a basketball in her hand, she's still hungry, and will no doubt be easy to coach. I like that fact that she can rebound, turn and put the ball on the floor, see the court and throw good accurate passes down court to a hustling wing or guard for a fast break basket. And can do it NOW!!!!

BobbyJ, believe me, someone is going to grab her. She's only going to get better as she grows older and matures. She's a BIG, and as we all know, BIGS are in short supply, and long in demand. How nice would it be for the UConn faithful to get a verbal from a BIG (6-4+........any BIG) from the 2017 or 2018 class, that would remind everyone of Tina Charles? I hope someone in our program at least takes a look at this young lady. I agree with you......go get her.

 

[Carnac]

Didn't Tiffany Hayes commit without visiting the campus?

She didn't commit to the campus (buildings, facilities), she committed to the players, coaches and the warm genuine family atmosphere there. She's coming to play for Geno, just like every other recruit has. She bought in to the program, not the campus. The buildings or facilities on campus do not make a program (they help, but they are not the end all, be all). I'm pretty sure she didn't start looking around at potential programs a few months ago. No doubt she's had her eye on UConn and the things they were doing for some time (like Mone' Davis).

It's the players and coaches that either make you very happy, or sad. They can make want to run through a wall for your coach and teammates, or make you want to transfer. No one ever transferred to another program because they no longer like the campus/facilities. It's the people. It's always the people/coaches/teammates. Just like a small child or a puppy can tell when they are loved, no one has to tell them, they can feel it. No words need be spoken. So can potential recruits. When it's right, they know it.

 

[Carnac]

Exactly. Save it for when a surprise pops up.

You know times are changing when Geno and staff has to carefully manage and scrutinize their allotment scholarships for a given year. This was never a problem before. There are so may talented potential recruits today that want to come to Storrs, what do you do? You know you can't sign them all.

Unless you're a mega-star coming out of high school, and your skill set demands that you either start, or be one of the first 3 off the bench, if you join a program that features a full 15 man roster, you're going to have to sit, and wait a year or two for YOUR turn. Some recruits are willing to do that, some aren't. I'm really liking all of the love appreciation our program has been getting lately from all of the recent commits and transfers.

Have you ever had a dog(s) that were so happy to see you when you come home at the end of the day, and they run up to you, so happy you're home and their tails are just wagging back and forth and they are so exuberant in their glee, that they can't contain themselves, I'm almost at that point.

 

[DaddyChoc]

She didn't commit to the campus (buildings, facilities), she committed to the players, coaches and the warm genuine family atmosphere there. She's coming to play for Geno, just like every other recruit has. She bought in to the program, not the campus. The buildings or facilities on campus do not make a program (they help, but they are not the end all, be all). I'm pretty sure she didn't start looking around at potential programs a few months ago. No doubt she's had her eye on UConn and the things they were doing for some time (like Mone' Davis).

It's the players and coaches that either make you very happy, or sad. They can make want to run through a wall for your coach and teammates, or make you want to transfer. No one ever transferred to another program because they no longer like the campus/facilities. It's the people. It's always the people/coaches/teammates. Just like a small child or a puppy can tell when they are loved, no one has to tell them, they can feel it. No words need be spoken. So can potential recruits. When it's right, they know it.

 

[DaddyChoc]

Didn't Tiffany Hayes commit without visiting the campus?

 

[CocoHusky]

They are different position players, but if Walker sees the need to " wait" two years to earn a full-time spot at UCONN, she'll wind up at ND. If she is a kid of immense character, she'll come to UCONN and fight her way into the line-up. We'll know in September. If the commits to UCONN, we can all rest easy. If not, we will struggle. But with Geno, his coaching staff, and the current roster, don't despair. They will make it exciting and competitive.

Not buying that MW would have to wait even 1 year for a starting spot at UCONN or ND. Not buying that she will demonstrate more "character" by coming to UCONN. Not buying that UCONN will struggle if MW doesn't come to UCONN.