Centerstream- - -Remember Ines Bettencourt signed maybe 1 or 2 days before classes started so UConn could sign a big up to classes starting in September!
In theory that is correct from a logistics standpoint, particularly with a foreign player, but for a couple of reasons I don't think the situation is the same as it was with Ines. In her case Uconn was desperate to get another guard, hopefully a PG because they were not deep there even before Paige's injury.
They had talent, but Ines was not recruited to be in the rotation, but rather as insurance in case of further injuries to guards. At that point late in the summer the HS recruits had made their decisions, the players that entered the portal had too, and even the foreign players that had decided to come to the states, had decided where by then. Geno could have tried to convince a foreign player who wasn't planning on playing in the US to change their mind, but even then you had the visa issue. If they didn't already have one they probably couldn't get one in time to enroll.
So he found someone who had agreed to come to a Jr College and already had her visa to change her mind in Ines. To say our options were limited would be an extreme understatement, and Geno did well to get a player that was at least a substantial upgrade to the last option, which frankly was a walk-on at that point.
This year the goal in the portal was quite different, we weren't looking for backup insurance in case say Ice or Ayanna got another injury, but rather a player that would be an upgrade over them, possibly reducing their minutes substantially and maybe starting. There were several players in the portal that were potential difference makers for us, but we didn't get them. Another complication is that potential player ideally would only have one year of eligibility left, or else it could limit our 2025 recruiting.
At this point while there are plenty of players still in the portal, the well is dry in terms of players who might be upgrades over Ice and Ayanna that have only one year remaining. Yes we have time for a foreign recruit, and much more time than we had with Ines, but the potential impact on 2025 recruits is still there. To me that means it has to be a real difference maker (not insurance) and good enough that if it meant it cost you a 2025 recruit, it was still a good move. I would have my eyes open to a possibility there, but think it is far more likely we are done and will start next year with 14.
, she will be our pride and joy. She’ll be the vehicle for team pride and unity. The team will rally around her. That’s my dream.
