ESPN 2021 class rankings

[SCspur]

Feagen can produce as a big, but not at the post position.

I’d rethink that statement about Feagin. She plays the Post position for her high school squad although she’ll likely play stretch four at SC. She’s dominated every event she’s been invited to and she was named Queen of the Paint from Day 1 at the Wootten150 showcase. I’ve seen tons of evaluators say she’s the best combo big in this class and has drawn comparison to Candace Parker.

 

[visitingcock]

I’d rethink that statement about Feagin. She plays the Post position for her high school squad although she’ll likely play stretch four at SC. She’s dominated every event she’s been invited to and she was named Queen of the Paint from Day 1 at the Wootten150 showcase. I’ve seen tons of evaluators say she’s the best combo big in this class and has drawn comparison to Candace Parker.

She is definitely a "big" and can play post, but I don't think that's her best position. She has great moves to the hoop as a stretch four. Her offense from there is better than keeping her in the bucket. He can also defend opponents further out from the hoop. She will probably back up Boston at post as a frosh and draw the chore of facing up with her in practice. Dawn is clearly placing a premium on getting a quality 2022 post (or two), so I think the plan is stretch four down the line.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

I’d rethink that statement about Feagin. She plays the Post position for her high school squad although she’ll likely play stretch four at SC. She’s dominated every event she’s been invited to and she was named Queen of the Paint from Day 1 at the Wootten150 showcase. I’ve seen tons of evaluators say she’s the best combo big in this class and has drawn comparison to Candace Parker.

Like A'ja Wilson she might never play a ton of minutes at 5, but she's more than capable of being better than anyone else's 5 when she does.

Maybe I'm too high on her and low on the others, but she's the most no doubt star of the class to me. Granted, I've not seen any full games of her and that's the only dependable way of knowing, but the skill set shines in highlights.

South Carolina's biggest concern is how the pieces fit together (socially maybe more than athletically) and how it plays in the big games.

UConn will be there too, I feel sure. They seem fated to clash, but some other elite and who knows perhaps not elite teams will have something to say about it too.

 

[jumpstart]

Like A'ja Wilson she might never play a ton of minutes at 5, but she's more than capable of being better than anyone else's 5 when she does.

Maybe I'm too high on her and low on the others, but she's the most no doubt star of the class to me. Granted, I've not seen any full games of her and that's the only dependable way of knowing, but the skill set shines in highlights.

South Carolina's biggest concern is how the pieces fit together (socially maybe more than athletically) and how it plays in the big games.

UConn will be there too, I feel sure. They seem fated to clash, but some other elite and who knows perhaps not elite teams will have something to say about it too.

Socially ? I think these girls just have fun.....

 

[SCspur]

Like A'ja Wilson she might never play a ton of minutes at 5, but she's more than capable of being better than anyone else's 5 when she does.

Maybe I'm too high on her and low on the others, but she's the most no doubt star of the class to me. Granted, I've not seen any full games of her and that's the only dependable way of knowing, but the skill set shines in highlights.

South Carolina's biggest concern is how the pieces fit together (socially maybe more than athletically) and how it plays in the big games.

UConn will be there too, I feel sure. They seem fated to clash, but some other elite and who knows perhaps not elite teams will have something to say about it too.

What I like most about this class other than their versatility is the defensive potential they have. Outside of Columbia not many folks expected our 2019 class to be as good so early but that’s because they didn’t realize how good they were defensively coming out of high school. I think the same will be said for the 21’Class with 4 elite defenders coming in. All are incredible lockdown defenders and I think they’ll be able to proved that as soon as they reach campus next year. That to me is what separates them as #1 class from everyone else IMO.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

What I like most about this class other than their versatility is the defensive potential they have. Outside of Columbia not many folks expected our 2019 class to be as good so early but that’s because they didn’t realize how good they were defensively coming out of high school. I think the same will be said for the 21’Class with 4 elite defenders coming in. All are incredible lockdown defenders and I think they’ll be able to proved that as soon as they reach campus next year. That to me is what separates them as #1 class from everyone else IMO.

I don't think there is any question that they will defend.

Because of the Boston class, I don't think any of them necessarily will start. Seems like they'll help create the best second unit in the country from the drop. (that's not what wins national titles, but will put a lot of games away)

it will be interesting to compare the two classes about 6 years from now.

 

[SCspur]

I don't think there is any question that they will defend.

Because of the Boston class, I don't think any of them necessarily will start. Seems like they'll help create the best second unit in the country from the drop. (that's not what wins national titles, but will put a lot of games away)

it will be interesting to compare the two classes about 6 years from now.

yeah I figured they won’t be starters until their junior season but I don’t think it’ll be a drop off from the starters when they enter the game. I’ve seen all in person on multiple occasions and they have that “it” factor that the 19’ class has, of course I may be a bit biased but those four young ladies could really be special for our program over the next couple years.

 

[ConwayGmck]

I’d rethink that statement about Feagin. She plays the Post position for her high school squad although she’ll likely play stretch four at SC. She’s dominated every event she’s been invited to and she was named Queen of the Paint from Day 1 at the Wootten150 showcase. I’ve seen tons of evaluators say she’s the best combo big in this class and has drawn comparison to Candace Parker.

Other perspectives:

MVP’s

2021’s – Sania Feagin / Jersey Wolfenbarger


2022’s – Talaysia Cooper / Kailyn Gilbert


2023’s – Taliah Scott / Jada Williams

10 Takeaways from Coach Wootten’s Top 150 in Dallas, TX - Jr. All-Star Basketball

Total disclaimer I was only on Saturday of the Wooten Top 150 so the opinions formed here were written only from Saturday. Coach Wootten’s Top […] More

jrallstar.com

Feagin really seemed to impress....

 

[SCspur]

Other perspectives:

MVP’s

2021’s – Sania Feagin / Jersey Wolfenbarger


2022’s – Talaysia Cooper / Kailyn Gilbert


2023’s – Taliah Scott / Jada Williams

10 Takeaways from Coach Wootten’s Top 150 in Dallas, TX - Jr. All-Star Basketball

Total disclaimer I was only on Saturday of the Wooten Top 150 so the opinions formed here were written only from Saturday. Coach Wootten’s Top […] More

jrallstar.com

Feagin really seemed to impress....

Hearing she’s the real deal for sure, as soon as she stepped on the court her presence was felt! Very similar ability to A’ja Wilson and Candace Parker which will be exciting to watch the next 5 years.

 

[hoophuskee]

I believe it is second best if our history. The 2019 class, the best, is semi-proven in battle. This 2021 class doe not have a big/post. Feagen can produce as a big, but not at the post position. Is Raven # 2? Doesn't matter. She is a high quality point guard that has won numerous state championships in hs and has performed well against quality competition on the AAU circuit. She is what we needed in this class.


Am I happy with this call? Oh yes!

You’re are extremely high on Rivers and Feagin. If at least one is a superstar – you’ll have 2. With that, and you’re going to have possible at least 2 other very good players that support more than likely – so you already have 3- you’re on your way to witnessing your team play at a certain quality level unlike anything you’ve ever seen from your team before.

I realize this past years team was amazing for you but there were quite a few games that you won but you didn’t crush along with the Indiana game. Nearly 40% of your games (a loss combined loss with 12 others) – nearly 40% - were decided by 15 points or less. In reality – you were a hard team to beat – but you were not a super great all-time team.

One poster said he didn’t care about all-time great. Sure in one manner you don’t. It’s just about the wins. And in some cases you might prefer winning gritty games as a fan (though I prefer watching complete annihilation.).

Just put this in perspective: The 09-10, 14-15, and 15-16 UCONN Teams had a total of 17 games in which they won by 20 or less. Nine of the17 were 15 or less. If your 2021 class is near what the 2/3/4 rating is and at least 1 if not 2 are superstar caliber – you’re going to enjoy something on a whole another level. Those 13 games of 15 or less can possibly be 2 years of 13 or less.

 

[visitingcock]

You’re are extremely high on Rivers and Feagin. If at least one is a superstar – you’ll have 2. With that, and you’re going to have possible at least 2 other very good players that support more than likely – so you already have 3- you’re on your way to witnessing your team play at a certain quality level unlike anything you’ve ever seen from your team before.

I realize this past years team was amazing for you but there were quite a few games that you won but you didn’t crush along with the Indiana game. Nearly 40% of your games (a loss combined loss with 12 others) – nearly 40% - were decided by 15 points or less. In reality – you were a hard team to beat – but you were not a super great all-time team.

One poster said he didn’t care about all-time great. Sure in one manner you don’t. It’s just about the wins. And in some cases you might prefer winning gritty games as a fan (though I prefer watching complete annihilation.).

Just put this in perspective: The 09-10, 14-15, and 15-16 UCONN Teams had a total of 17 games in which they won by 20 or less. Nine of the17 were 15 or less. If your 2021 class is near what the 2/3/4 rating is and at least 1 if not 2 are superstar caliber – you’re going to enjoy something on a whole another level. Those 13 games of 15 or less can possibly be 2 years of 13 or less.

Blowouts are relaxing but not particularly fun. Winning is the issue - not fun or relaxation. If you blow out the majority of your opponents during the season, are you as prepared for a tournament run as you would be by winning every game by ten points? I don't know the answer to that.

No, we are not on the UConn dynasty level and two excellent recruiting classes in three years does not approach that. (Now, if we can make it 3 of 4 with the 2022 class . . ..) Nevertheless, it does create the possibility of perennial championship-caliber runs for a few years. Gotta start somewhere.

Yes, we are chasing UConn's legacy. Everybody is and the decades of dominance by UCONN will never be matched. Ever. I don't think even UConn will ever achieve its previous level of dominance again, though I think Geno still has championships ahead of him.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

Blowouts are nice. Reasonably close games vs quality opponents don't bother me.

I'd just like for there to be an NCAA tournament going forward. I'm not real interesting in making a claim to all time greatest status.

Fortunate championship #2 would be just fine at this point.

 

[JonathanXIV]

Blowouts are relaxing but not particularly fun. Winning is the issue - not fun or relaxation. If you blow out the majority of your opponents during the season, are you as prepared for a tournament run as you would be by winning every game by ten points? I don't know the answer to that.

No, we are not on the UConn dynasty level and two excellent recruiting classes in three years does not approach that. (Now, if we can make it 3 of 4 with the 2022 class . . ..) Nevertheless, it does create the possibility of perennial championship-caliber runs for a few years. Gotta start somewhere.

Yes, we are chasing UConn's legacy. Everybody is and the decades of dominance by UCONN will never be matched. Ever. I don't think even UConn will ever achieve its previous level of dominance again, though I think Geno still has championships ahead of him.

I'm beginning to think that going forward for the next few years WCBB will be a two-headed monster, with UConn and South Carolina as the two heads.

 

[Plebe]

Is anyone prepared to make the case that the Big 12 is stronger than the Big East?

Yes.

It's close only if we limit our comparison to just the top 3 teams of each conference. After that it's not really a close call. Plus the BE has an additional weak team at the bottom.

Last year's Massey rankings in parentheses:

1. Baylor (3) ----- UConn (4)
2. TCU (26)-------- DePaul (16)
3. Texas (28)------ Marquette (29)
4. Iowa St (30)---- Creighton (53)
5. WVU (38)-------- Seton Hall (54)
6. Kansas St (40)-- St. John's (57)
7. Okla. St (42)--- Villanova (72)
8. TX Tech (52)---- Butler (74)
9. Oklahoma (69)--- Providence (118)
10. Kansas (75) ---- Georgetown (!58)
11. ---------------- Xavier (181)

The Big 12 was actually the #2 conference per Massey last year. No nationally elite teams outside of Baylor, but they had half of their conference concentrated in the 26-42 range and no one outside the top 75.

 

[Baylor1994]

I'm beginning to think that going forward for the next few years WCBB will be a two-headed monster, with UConn and South Carolina as the two heads.

Don’t count out Baylor or Stanford! Stanford has some pretty good pieces too

 

[visitingcock]

I'm beginning to think that going forward for the next few years WCBB will be a two-headed monster, with UConn and South Carolina as the two heads.

I consider the 2022 class to be imperative to our reaching a level clearly above the other top flight programs like Baylor, Stanford, Maryland etcWe have great talent now - as a team. But I want a program not just a team

 

[JonathanXIV]

Don’t count out Baylor or Stanford! Stanford has some pretty good pieces too

Stanford does have some nice recruiting classes. Need to put them together, but they have the coach to do it. Baylor seems to have taken a small step back.

 

[JonathanXIV]

Yes.

It's close only if we limit our comparison to just the top 3 teams of each conference. After that it's not really a close call. Plus the BE has an additional weak team at the bottom.

Last year's Massey rankings in parentheses:

1. Baylor (3) ----- UConn (4)
2. TCU (26)-------- DePaul (16)
3. Texas (28)------ Marquette (29)
4. Iowa St (30)---- Creighton (53)
5. WVU (38)-------- Seton Hall (54)
6. Kansas St (40)-- St. John's (57)
7. Okla. St (42)--- Villanova (72)
8. TX Tech (52)---- Butler (74)
9. Oklahoma (69)--- Providence (118)
10. Kansas (75) ---- Georgetown (!58)
11. ---------------- Xavier (181)

The Big 12 was actually the #2 conference per Massey last year. No nationally elite teams outside of Baylor, but they had half of their conference concentrated in the 26-42 range and no one outside the top 75.

I think the problem with the Big 12 right now is that they don't have a number 2 team. No one to challenge Baylor at all.

 

[Plebe]

I think the problem with the Big 12 right now is that they don't have a number 2 team. No one to challenge Baylor at all.

Okay, but that doesn't make them any worse than the Big East.

 

[JonathanXIV]

Okay, but that doesn't make them any worse than the Big East.

Depaul is significantly better than anyone in the Big 12 apart from Baylor.

 

[hoophuskee]

Blowouts are relaxing but not particularly fun. Winning is the issue - not fun or relaxation. If you blow out the majority of your opponents during the season, are you as prepared for a tournament run as you would be by winning every game by ten points? I don't know the answer to that.

No, we are not on the UConn dynasty level and two excellent recruiting classes in three years does not approach that. (Now, if we can make it 3 of 4 with the 2022 class . . ..) Nevertheless, it does create the possibility of perennial championship-caliber runs for a few years. Gotta start somewhere.

Yes, we are chasing UConn's legacy. Everybody is and the decades of dominance by UCONN will never be matched. Ever. I don't think even UConn will ever achieve its previous level of dominance again, though I think Geno still has championships ahead of him.

I wasn't talking about "legacy." If you want to look at it like that- that's fine. But I'm just talking specifically about 2018/2019/2020/2021 S.C. classes and I doubt you'll be completely shutout when 2022 comes in. You'll have an amazing senior class (Boston's sr year) along with your 2021 class may get the sophomore leap. I was just talking about specific seasons - the 2021 and 2022 - and just wanted to get an idea of what the expectations from SC fans have in terms of a certain level of play and your expectations for the next few years. It doesn't appear your expectations won't be anything more than "win as much as possible and a chance to compete." My posts were just curiosity posts. Nothing meant of ill-intent or anything like that.

In terms of your boredom comment by having too many blowouts- - I'll be flippant - are you saying that you'd prefer that your team didn't have too many superstars? Because the more superstars you have the far greater chance your team will be super-great resulting in many, many blowouts. Thus, you'd be very bored I guess with too many superstars? So if you and your fanbase and coaching staff are not interested in that kind of excellence - we'll be happy to take Boston off your hands if that is the case. We'll "suffer" through winning 110-40 games while you can win without her and show your grit. How's that?

In terms of blowouts - UCONN has won between 7-8 titles through complete domination and very few close games.. How did those other teams that played more close games fare against them? Just saying with the 2021 class- depending on how legit the 2/3/4 classification is-- - ofc UCONN and Stanford will be tough (and a surprising tough game here or there)-- but there won't be near as many 15 point games. And it won't be because the competition stinks.

 

[Plebe]

Depaul is significantly better than anyone in the Big 12 apart from Baylor.

I wouldn't call it a significant difference. Are you saying DePaul is a legitimate challenge to UConn for Big East supremacy?

 

[JonathanXIV]

I wouldn't call it a significant difference. Are you saying DePaul is a legitimate challenge to UConn for Big East supremacy?

No, I’m saying that they are a legitimate top 20 team. Which I can’t say about anyone in the Big 12 (other than Baylor).

 

[Plebe]

No, I’m saying that they are a legitimate top 20 team. Which I can’t say about anyone in the Big 12 (other than Baylor).

But that's not how you worded it. You said about the Big 12, "No one to challenge Baylor at all." This implies your criterion is a bone fide challenger to the top team. Which, clearly, the Big East doesn't have.

And nice cherry-picking of the cutoff point as "top 20". That suits you for last season, but that's certainly not always the case. The previous year, Iowa State was a top 20 team and a #3 seed in the NCAA tournament, while DePaul was only a #6 seed. Texas had two down years as the Aston era ebbed, but through 2018 had an extended run where they were clearly ahead of both DePaul and Marquette. (And just based on how he's already recruited in his first 6 months on the job, I'm confident in saying that Vic will soon have Texas back on the upswing.)

 

[JonathanXIV]

But that's not how you worded it. You said about the Big 12, "No one to challenge Baylor at all." This implies your criterion is a bone fide challenger to the top team. Which, clearly, the Big East doesn't have.

And nice cherry-picking of the cutoff point as "top 20". That suits you for last season, but that's certainly not always the case. The previous year, Iowa State was a top 20 team and a #3 seed in the NCAA tournament, while DePaul was only a #6 seed. Texas had two down years as the Aston era ebbed, but through 2018 had an extended run where they were clearly ahead of both DePaul and Marquette. (And just based on how he's already recruited in his first 6 months on the job, I'm confident in saying that Vic will soon have Texas back on the upswing.)

I'm not interested in a back and forth on this topic. Don't have a vested interest I'm willing to defend. I'll simply note that I was pretty clear that I'm referring to the Big 12 now, not what it was. I noted that the Big 12, now that Texas and Oklahoma have fallen from where there were, is not a strong conference. As you note, that can change. But I suppose that's true of every conference. Look at how the Pac 12 has gotten much deeper the last few years.

 

[Plebe]

I'm not interested in a back and forth on this topic. Don't have a vested interest I'm willing to defend. I'll simply note that I was pretty clear that I'm referring to the Big 12 now, not what it was. I noted that the Big 12, now that Texas and Oklahoma have fallen from where there were, is not a strong conference. As you note, that can change. But I suppose that's true of every conference. Look at how the Pac 12 has gotten much deeper the last few years.

And even if we are looking at "now" (i.e., end of last season), the Big 12 is still clearly ahead of the Big East when the analysis is conducted top to bottom. The Big East would have just a slight edge at only one spot, which is the #2 spot, but after the top 3 the Big 12 is far better.

Glad that you're not interested in a back and forth on this matter because neither am I

 

[JonathanXIV]

And even if we are looking at "now" (i.e., end of last season), the Big 12 is still clearly ahead of the Big East when the analysis is conducted top to bottom. The Big East would have just a slight edge at only one spot, which is the #2 spot, but after the top 3 the Big 12 is far better.

Glad that you're not interested in a back and forth on this matter because neither am I

And yet you got the last word...

 

[Plebe]

And yet you got the last word...

Well, I suppose one major takeaway is that we shouldn't ask a question that we're not wanting to hear the answer to

 

[JonathanXIV]

Well, I suppose one major takeaway is that we shouldn't ask a question that we're not wanting to hear the answer to

Nah, I don't mind the answer. Like the thoughts and back and forth from fellow Boneyarders. If the only perspective that one has is one's own, the world gets pretty one dimensional.

 

[Plebe]

Nah, I don't mind the answer. Like the thoughts and back and forth from fellow Boneyarders. If the only perspective that one has is one's own, the world gets pretty one dimensional.

Now that I can agree with! I enjoy the tennis match of perspectives as well. It’s all good and for me it’s part of what makes the Boneyard a fun place.