Erica McCall to commit

[alexrgct]

2013-14

Seniors - Hartley, Dolson
Juniors - Stokes, Lewis, Banks
Sophs - Stewart, Jefferson, Tuck
Freshman - Chong

9 players

2014-15

Seniors - Stokes, Lewis, Banks
Juniors - Stewart, Jefferson, Tuck
Sophs - Chong
Freshman - Ekmark + 3?

11 players

2015-16

Seniors - Stewart, Jefferson, Tuck
Juniors - Chong
Sophs - Ekmark + 3?
Freshman - 3-4?

11-12 players??

2016-17

Senior- Chong
Juniors - Ekmark + 3?
Sophs - 3-4?
Freshman - 3-4?

10-12 player?

I just don't see a problem. As long as Geno gets the cream of the crop and the players he wants.

Here is the problem with what you are stating: the further you go into the future, the less likely the year-by-year scenarios you are describing actually are just by the nature of statistical probability. They may happen, but they may not.

Think about all of the things that can happen:

• Someone you thought was a lean ends up going elsewhere (not sure how Geno felt about his chances with DeShields, but certainly a lot of fans thought we led).
• Someone commits and then gets cold feet for whatever reason (EDD)
• Someone commits, matriculates, plays, but ends up deciding UConn isn't for her (Walker)
• Someone commits, matriculates, plays, but doesn't really pan out and ends up transferring (Engeln, Johnson)
• Someone commits, matriculates, plays, but is limited by injuries (Doty)
• Someone commits, matriculates, plays, but doesn't really pan out and, although she sticks with the program, ends up with a more limited role than you anticipated when she was a sophomore/junior in high school (Buck)

If you have to rely on a quantitatively big class, the first bullet point is a major issue, and even if you get the numbers you want, you have to hope that you don't have more of those other issues pop up than you'd expect. In tandem, the Kelly Faris class followed by a 2010 class with only two contributors out of five kept UConn from winning a championship either of the past two years...and that was with Kelly not having any of the issues above. If she had, it could have been worse.

 

[EricSD]

IIRC, Geno said something like "There may be a surprise [re: recruiting] this year". Is there someone we don't know about?

Anywho, the following is from Jim Fuller's blog: "When I sat down with Geno Auriemma [on 9/25/12] (before he headed out on recruiting trips to Chicago and then Atlanta) I asked him if he'd be more open accepting walk ons next season in order to avoid using starters during garbage time and he said he would be but also that they are still working to get to an ideal 12-player roster. That could mean that he knows of a Jacquie Fernandes type of player or players who could join the team next season either on scholarship or as a non-scholarship player (with 11 players on this year's team there are no such concerns)."

You know, he said that so long ago (at least it feels like long ago). But he said that indeed. Several of us speculated off the board on every idea we could think of - A surprise from the top 10, a foreign kid from his Olympic trip, reclassifying Ekmark to the class of 2013, to a JUCO. No idea but I do agree 12 is an ideal roster.

Someone in another thread posted an excellent comment (I forget who sorry). He said that Geno and co. seem more likely to forgo adding a kid in favor of team chemistry, meaning that chemistry and a smaller team is more important than a larger team if it sacrifices chemistry.

Also to echo what Alex said - I believe Maya's senior year the lack of depth cost us a NC. Samarie had left, Caroline was injured, and Geno had to start 2 freshmen. When Stef got into foul trouble, Maya was playing the 5. Dixon was the only player off the bench in big games.

Yes there were reasons we were so short handed - EDD, McCormack and Walker all transferred (or never made it to a first UCONN game). Doty had torn her ACL again. There actually should have been at least 9-10 quality players for a rotation in a big game. But we had 6.

The 2nd was in 2006 (Tina's freshman year). Mel, Charde and Ketia were seniors. Brit could only give us 10 minutes a game. We basically started Renee, Charde, Mel, Kalana and Tina. We had Ketia and Brit/Kaili off the bench. Just not enough quality depth. PLENTY of depth for blowouts - we also had Kerns, Gardler, Fernandez and Williams. But not enough for the big games.

 

[UConnCat]

The sense I'm getting from reading this thread is that but for Geno's recruiting failures, UConn would win a national championship every year. I hope he works on that.

 

[EricSD]

The sense I'm getting from reading this thread is that but for Geno's recruiting failures, UConn would win a national championship every year. I hope he works on that.

Sorry if you thought i implied that - I did not mean to. Other teams can also claim that if not for injuries, etc etc. might have happened. I wouldn't trade our HC for anyone one else out there. And I think when he finally hangs em up, he'll be mostly recognized as the greatest of all time.

 

[doggydaddy]

The sense I'm getting from reading this thread is that but for Geno's recruiting failures, UConn would win a national championship every year. I hope he works on that.

All this angst about a 1 player is ridiculous.

In the four Faris years, UConn will more than likely have won 1 NC (maybe 2), and gone to 4 Final Fours.

Are we really saying here that Uconn would have done better with some imaginary player?

 

[Phil]

Sorry if you thought i implied that - I did not mean to. Other teams can also claim that if not for injuries, etc etc. might have happened. I wouldn't trade our HC for anyone one else out there. And I think when he finally hangs em up, he'll be mostly recognized as the greatest of all time.

I'm pretty sure tongue was firmly in cheek.

 

[Phil]

Are we really saying here that Uconn would have done better with some imaginary player?

Well, they are really hard to guard.

 

[doggydaddy]

Well, they are really hard to guard.

hard to pass to also.

 

[Phil]

Which suggests a Wonkster type joke:

Who wants to be an imaginary player?

i do.

 

[EricSD]

All this angst about a 1 player is ridiculous.

In the four Faris years, UConn will more than likely have won 1 NC (maybe 2), and gone to 4 Final Fours.

Are we really saying here that Uconn would have done better with some imaginary player?

Yes I think we are. I pointed out at least 2 final 4 trips that ended because of lack of depth. And I'm not sure where I see any angst. I see discussion, comments, opinions, and some concern. Just because you disagree doesn't make the comments or discussion "ridiculous".

Not all UCONN fans share your or Tony's sublime optimism, or "what, me worry?" mantra!

 

[wallman]

Don't worry Bre counts for 2 players at at least 5 foot a piece!

 

[Vowelguy]

In tandem, the Kelly Faris class followed by a 2010 class with only two contributors out of five kept UConn from winning a championship either of the past two years...

And your point is?
I'm sure the coaches tried to have a 2010 class with 5/5 contributors, but it didn't work out. It's not an exact science.

 

[doggydaddy]

Yes I think we are. I pointed out at least 2 final 4 trips that ended because of lack of depth. And I'm not sure where I see any angst. I see discussion, comments, opinions, and some concern. Just because you disagree doesn't make the comments or discussion "ridiculous".

Not all UCONN fans share your or Tony's sublime optimism, or "what, me worry?" mantra!

Well, if someone is going to say that we will "rue the day", I'd call that angst.

And that lack of depth in your examples are not from the small class of Faris, but not having QUALITY depth.

Who from the Faris HS class that UConn should have had would have made a difference? It's all guesswork.

I agree that injuries and transfers of quality players impacts possible championships, but I don't see that as being on topic. We are talking about 1 player classes costing championships.

The Chong class, with the players on the team already, will not be the difference between winning and losing, IMO.

It's only my opinion that the angst about it is ridiculous.

And I much prefer the "what, me worry" attitude than the "worry about recruits 3 years away" outlook. Especially with a coach that is the best in recruiting over the last 25 years.

 

[Kevin G]

Has anyone read comments on McCall's visit to UCONN? Has she made any public?

 

[Scotter]

They only ended because of depth if you accept Geno could have successfully recruited another contributor that Geno would have actually played in the Final Four, and would have played better the players that did play in those Final Fours. I'd be interested to see the people that think depth cost UConn National Championships actually name a player that would have made that difference. As I said before Geno can only play the hand he is dealt in any given recruiting year.

Yes I think we are. I pointed out at least 2 final 4 trips that ended because of lack of depth. And I'm not sure where I see any angst. I see discussion, comments, opinions, and some concern. Just because you disagree doesn't make the comments or discussion "ridiculous".

Not all UCONN fans share your or Tony's sublime optimism, or "what, me worry?" mantra!

 

[uconnfan68]

I pointed out at least 2 final 4 trips that ended because of lack of depth.

Do you mean the ones we weren't supposed to come close to making?

 

[meyers7]

Are we really saying here that Uconn would have done better with some imaginary player?

Well yea. Duh. Who couldn't use a 6-6 point guard, with blazing speed, who can dunk with either hand? I "imagine" she would have put up 26 ppg, 12 rpg, 8 apg, 4 blocks, 7 steals and shot 51% from 3-pt.

Are you actually saying she wouldn't have helped?

 

[meyers7]

As I said before Geno can only play the hand he is dealt in any given recruiting year.

Well not really, recruiting is basically stacking the deck in your favor.

 

[doggydaddy]

Well yea. Duh. Who couldn't use a 6-6 point guard, with blazing speed, who can dunk with either hand? I "imagine" she would have put up 26 ppg, 12 rpg, 8 apg, 4 blocks, 7 steals and shot 51% from 3-pt.

Are you actually saying she wouldn't have helped?

Yes, Stewart would have helped....!

 

[pinotbear]

DD, I was thinkin' Meyers meant Ivana Stepovaya - although 'Vana doesn't often shoot from the three-point line, she just gets a running start and dunks from there.

 

[CompSci87]

I like and respect Stanford so this is in no way a shot at the program but, yes, ice's comment does apply to the Cardinal. Here is the list of the PAC12's televised games. Stanford is on ESPNU twice (vs UConn and vs UCLA) and on ESPN2 once (vs Cal). There are 15 other games televised regionally on ESPN affiliates.

Stanford's schedule at http://www.gostanford.com/sports/w-baskbl/sched/stan-w-baskbl-sched.html shows the majority of their games will be televised this year. Most are on the national channel of Pac-12 Network, so you can see them nationally on DISH and on some cable carriers, though some of the cable carriers that contracted with Pac-12 don't offer even the national Pac-12 channel in all their markets currently.

 

[ucdt3]

I don't understand the complete fascination with Stanford to the point where there needs to be TWO practice courts to hold the amount of players on the team (and that's not even including male practice players, if they use them like UConn).

Obviously, players should go where they want and if McCall ends up at Stanford or UCLA, it will be understandable since she's from CA, but there's already 17 players committed (as scholarship or walk-ons) to play next and that does NOT include McCall.

No.NamePos.Ht.Yr.Hometown (Last School)
00 Alex Green G 5-9 RS FR Dallas, Texas (Bishop Lynch)
3 Mikaela Ruef F 6-3 RS JR Beavercreek, Ohio (Beavercreek)
4 Taylor Greenfield F 6-3 SO Huxley, Iowa (Ballard Community)
5 Denia Ebersole G 5-6 FR San Francisco, CA (International)
13 Chiney Ogwumike F 6-3 JR Cypress, Texas (Cy-Fair)
21 Sara James G 5-10 JR El Dorado Hills, Calif. (Oak Ridge)
22 Kiran Lakhian G 5-10 FR Plano, TX (Plano West)
23 Jasmine Camp G 5-7 SO Ellenwood, Ga. (Chamblee)
25 Erica Payne F 6-2 SO Concord, Calif. (Carondelet)
31 Toni Kokenis G 5-11 JR Oak Brook, Ill. (Hinsdale Central)
33 Amber Orrange G 5-7 SO Houston, Texas (Westbury Christian)
34 Tess Picknell F/C 6-5 FR Medford, OR (South Medford)
35 Aly Beebe F 6-3 FR Santa Maria, CA (Saint Joseph)
41 Bonnie Samuelson F 6-3 SO Huntington Beach, Calif. (Edison)
44 Joslyn Tinkle F 6-3 SR Missoula, Mont. (Big Sky)

Remove:
Tinkle
Ruef (apparently won't stay for 5th year)

Add:
Khaliya Thompson (V)
Briana Roberson (V- WO)
Karlie Samuelson (V)
Kailee Johnson (V)

 

[Wbbfan1]

Samarie Walker would have made a difference in both ND Losses in the Semi Finals. UConn most likely beats A&M for the title with Samarie on the roster. Baylor still probably wins the Championship last year.

If EDD had decided to stay at UConn, then IMHO UConn wins the last two championships and would now have 4 consecutive championships. I wouldn't disagree with anyone if they believed Baylor would have still won last year. It would have been a great game.

They only ended because of depth if you accept Geno could have successfully recruited another contributor that Geno would have actually played in the Final Four, and would have played better the players that did play in those Final Fours. I'd be interested to see the people that think depth cost UConn National Championships actually name a player that would have made that difference. As I said before Geno can only play the hand he is dealt in any given recruiting year.

 

[doggydaddy]

Samarie Walker would have made a difference in both ND Losses in the Semi Finals. UConn most likely beats A&M for the title with Samarie on the roster. Baylor still probably wins the Championship last year.

If EDD had decided to stay at UConn, then IMHO UConn wins the last two championships and would now have 4 consecutive championships. I wouldn't disagree with anyone if they believed Baylor would have still won last year. It would have been a great game.

Naming a player that was there and left isn't the arguement here. If that was the case, add EDD to that short list.

The question is who could have Geno added in the Faris year or any other small class year that would have come to UConn and made a difference. This list shouldn't include players that came to UConn and left or were injured and players that were recruited by UConn and went somewhere else. Those are as Scotter said "the hand that was dealt".

 

[Wbbfan1]

Its the Stanford degree the players want more then anything else. The Stanford Campus and weather that goes along with it, isn't bad either . Stanford is the most prestigious educational college program that plays big time Women's Basketball that has the talent to compete for a National Championship. I suspect that many of the Stanford players currently on their roster have little desire or talented enough to play basketball at the next level.

Duke IMHO is second and notice they don't have any problems recruiting either.

I don't understand the complete fascination with Stanford to the point where there needs to be TWO practice courts to hold the amount of players on the team (and that's not even including male practice players, if they use them like UConn).

Obviously, players should go where they want and if McCall ends up at Stanford or UCLA, it will be understandable since she's from CA, but there's already 17 players committed (as scholarship or walk-ons) to play next and that does NOT include McCall.

No.NamePos.Ht.Yr.Hometown (Last School)
00 Alex Green G 5-9 RS FR Dallas, Texas (Bishop Lynch)
3 Mikaela Ruef F 6-3 RS JR Beavercreek, Ohio (Beavercreek)
4 Taylor Greenfield F 6-3 SO Huxley, Iowa (Ballard Community)
5 Denia Ebersole G 5-6 FR San Francisco, CA (International)
13 Chiney Ogwumike F 6-3 JR Cypress, Texas (Cy-Fair)
21 Sara James G 5-10 JR El Dorado Hills, Calif. (Oak Ridge)
22 Kiran Lakhian G 5-10 FR Plano, TX (Plano West)
23 Jasmine Camp G 5-7 SO Ellenwood, Ga. (Chamblee)
25 Erica Payne F 6-2 SO Concord, Calif. (Carondelet)
31 Toni Kokenis G 5-11 JR Oak Brook, Ill. (Hinsdale Central)
33 Amber Orrange G 5-7 SO Houston, Texas (Westbury Christian)
34 Tess Picknell F/C 6-5 FR Medford, OR (South Medford)
35 Aly Beebe F 6-3 FR Santa Maria, CA (Saint Joseph)
41 Bonnie Samuelson F 6-3 SO Huntington Beach, Calif. (Edison)
44 Joslyn Tinkle F 6-3 SR Missoula, Mont. (Big Sky)

Remove:
Tinkle
Ruef (apparently won't stay for 5th year)

Add:
Khaliya Thompson (V)
Briana Roberson (V- WO)
Karlie Samuelson (V)
Kailee Johnson (V)

 

[UcMiami]

Just a couple of thoughts -
Geno is always open to walk-ons. We do not hear about the ones that do not stick, but I remember Geno talking about it a few years ago - it seems many years there are one or two players that last about a week before they quit. Walk-ons are expected to have the exact same commitment, and with very few exceptions, the reality of a top college program commitment is ebyond what they are willing to do. So saying he will accept a few is meaningless - they have to materialize for him to accept them.
I too wondered about that quote about 'a surprise' and I still wonder about some connection he may have made overseas during USA basketball. There is so much attention paid to USA HS players that a surprise with USA kids is pretty hard. With foreign players academic creditation is much more complex and probably would not be completed until much later this academic year, and the recruiting process is a totally different 'game'. (Not sure how the Sveta situation played out in terms of when it actually became known - someone with a longer memory might provide insight.)