espnW --The 10 best women's basketball recruits regardless of class

[DaBball]

The 10 best women's basketball recruits regardless of class

Paige Bueckers, the top recruit in the Class of 2020, and Azzi Fudd, No. 1 in 2021, lead the way, but the Class of 2023 has a lot of potential.

www.espn.com

1. Paige Bueckers
5-11 PG, Hopkins High School (MN)
2020 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 1

Bueckers, the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year, is the ultimate playmaker. The future UConn Husky is simply outstanding, helping her Hopkins High School team to an undefeated record and No. 1 ranking in the espnW 25 Power Rankings.

I first watched her play when she was an eighth grader for her high school team. She came off the bench to drain six or seven 3-pointers. She's a skilled guard and is a capable scorer as an off-guard. More importantly, she has the ability to make her teammates better. She averaged 21.4 points and 9.4 assists per game. Many people, including Geno Auriemma, have said she possesses a special intangible that can make her one of the greatest. It's easy to see why.

Player comparison: Diana Taurasi

 

[DeeHusky]

They compared Fudd’s game to Asia Durr, I really don’t see it.

 

[CocoHusky]

They compared Fudd’s game to Asia Durr, I really don’t see it.

Me neither & if I Lauren Betts I demanding a retraction-don't nobody want to be compared to Mercedes Russell! That Aalyah Del Rosario looks promising.

 

[UConn2SF]

I noticed 2022 commit Isuneh Brady was bumped up to #2 (from #3) in the updated rankings.

 

[CocoHusky]

I really like Aalyah Del Rosario response to being name in that ESPN article.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

I noticed 2022 commit Isuneh Brady was bumped up to #2 (from #3) in the updated rankings.

Also added Ashlon Jackson (#19) and Shay Bollin (#20) to their list.

UConn with known interest in 8 of the top 20.

 

[donalddoowop]

Me neither & if I Lauren Betts I demanding a retraction-don't nobody want to be compared to Mercedes Russell! That Aalyah Del Rosario looks promising.

Mercedes Russell before she got all that wonderful coaching at Tennessee. Last season in the WNBA she looked as if she may reach her potential. I heard she was the number one recruit in her high class. If so, that should be considered a compliment.

 

[DeeHusky]

Me neither & if I Lauren Betts I demanding a retraction-don't nobody want to be compared to Mercedes Russell! That Aalyah Del Rosario looks promising.

I concur, the only aspect I would want to be compared to Russell in is maybe height. I don’t know much about Del Rosario but if she really is a good comparison to Tina Charles I’d want her. There has not been many bang-in-the-paint, imposing big like Tina out there.

 

[bballnut90]

Mercedes Russell before she got all that wonderful coaching at Tennessee. Last season in the WNBA she looked as if she may reach her potential. I heard she was the number one recruit in her high class. If so, that should be considered a compliment.

Betts physically is very similar to Russell in height, frame and mobility. With better coaching she could develop into a much better collegiate player than Russell was. 6-7 coordinated girls with solid frames don't grow on trees.

 

[bballnut90]

Keep in mind, the WNBA player comparison is comparing playing style rather than potential. Otherwise players compared to Tina Charles/Diamond Deshields would surely be ahead of one compared to Brooke McCarty.

 

[SCspur]

Rivers stats are ridiculous! Her two-way ability will be a blessing for whoever lands her. I wonder why ESPN continues to exclude SC from her list of schools? She’s definitely still considering SC.

 

[CocoHusky]

Rivers stats are ridiculous! Her two-way ability will be a blessing for whoever lands her. I wonder why ESPN continues to exclude SC from her list of schools? She’s definitely still considering SC.

I think ESPN is just being pragmatic by listing UCONN first and excluding SC because her list of schools is so long. !

 

[donalddoowop]

Rivers stats are ridiculous! Her two-way ability will be a blessing for whoever lands her. I wonder why ESPN continues to exclude SC from her list of schools? She’s definitely still considering SC.

That's what you think!

 

[SCspur]

I think ESPN is just be pragmatic by listing UCONN first and excluding SC because her list of schools is so long. !

I thought UConn was all in On Fudd

 

[CocoHusky]

I thought UConn was all in On Fudd

UCONN is. Me? I've been clear since day one if Azzi so much as flinches Rivers is THE WOMAN in this class because she would bring something to UCONN than no one else can-A NDPOY caliber Tasmania perimeter defender.

 

[bluedevil]

I wonder if there might be a school out there that would give Tim Fudd an assistant job to land her..wonder which school has done such a shocking thing in the past..

 

[TerpWomenFan]

I wonder if there might be a school out there that would give Tim Fudd an assistant job to land her..wonder which school has done such a shocking thing in the past..

There is a school in the mid Atlantic that just lost an assistant coach to a SEC school.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

They compared Fudd’s game to Asia Durr, I really don’t see it.

Far more questionable is stating that Fudd would be #1 had she remained healthy while comparing her to Durr and Bueckers to Taurasi.

 

[bballnut90]

Far more questionable is stating that Fudd would be #1 had she remained healthy while comparing her to Durr and Bueckers to Taurasi.

The comparisons are about style of play, not potential.

 

[DeeHusky]

Far more questionable is stating that Fudd would be #1 had she remained healthy while comparing her to Durr and Bueckers to Taurasi.

yea I saw that — Bueckers in my opinion is the closest I’ve seen to her (Dee) down to the mannerisms and everything. I haven’t seen anything like Fudd, it’s hard to compare her to anyone. She is the first I’ve seen like her, she does not miss. She’s automatic!

 

[Sluconn Husky]

The comparisons are about style of play, not potential.

We take a crack at breaking down the top 10 regardless of class and offering a player comparison for each of them, taking their age, class and potential all into consideration.

 

[bballnut90]

We take a crack at breaking down the top 10 regardless of class and offering a player comparison for each of them, taking their age, class and potential all into consideration.

I may be interpreting that statement differently than you, but I think that means the age/class/potential is a product of the top 10 player ranking, not a direct reflection of player comparison. Otherwise why on earth would the next Tina Charles be ranked 5 spots below the next Brooke McCarty.

 

[skyct]

Some reason Fudd reminded me of Ray Allen when I saw Fudd sinking those jumpers for the first time. Just so smooth and floating so lightly!

It seems little odd to say Fudd is the next big thing since BS after saying PB could be one of the greatest.

 

[eebmg]

Azzi is Azzi but is this maybe a bit disrespectful to Paige?? Paige did improve dramatically in many areas.

The only reason Fudd, the 2019 Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year, isn't No. 1 is because she missed most of this past season due to an injury.

 

[Kurebeach5]

Would someone be kind enough to list these ten players. For the life of me I can't get the ESPNW site to open !! Many thanks.

 

[Dawson]

Would someone be kind enough to list these ten players. For the life of me I can't get the ESPNW site to open !! Many thanks.

1. Paige Bueckers
5-11 PG, Hopkins High School (MN)
2020 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 1

Bueckers, the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year, is the ultimate playmaker. The future UConn Husky is simply outstanding, helping her Hopkins High School team to an undefeated record and No. 1 ranking in the espnW 25 Power Rankings.

I first watched her play when she was an eighth grader for her high school team. She came off the bench to drain six or seven 3-pointers. She's a skilled guard and is a capable scorer as an off-guard. More importantly, she has the ability to make her teammates better. She averaged 21.4 points and 9.4 assists per game. Many people, including Geno Auriemma, have said she possesses a special intangible that can make her one of the greatest. It's easy to see why.

Player comparison: Diana Taurasi

2. Azzi Fudd
5-11 G, St. John's College High School (DC)
2021 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 1

The only reason Fudd, the 2019 Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year, isn't No. 1 is because she missed most of this past season due to an injury. But when she returned to the court, she rounded back into her normal self during the end of the season, recording 17 points, six rebounds and five assists in a state championship game.

Fudd and Bueckers both played on USA Basketball national teams and complemented each other well. Fudd defines consistency on the court. She has a strong mid-range game and can knock down shots under pressure with ease. She could be the next big thing, the next ambassador in women's basketball since Breanna Stewart.

Player comparison: Asia Durr

Azzi Fudd, the 2019 Gatorade National Girls' Basketball Player of the Year, is the top-ranked prospect in the Class of 2021. Caitlin O'Hara for ESPN

3. Angel Reese
6-3 W, St. Frances Academy (MD)
2020 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 2

Reese, the No. 2 overall prospect in the Class of 2020, is headed to Maryland next season after averaging 18.6 points and 10.2 rebounds as a high school senior. But she will bring another intangible to College Park when she sees the court: physical toughness.

Reese is a capable scorer in the paint, but what makes her so special is her ability to stretch the defense out to the arc. She has a knack for baiting the defender and selling a number of different fakes along the way to either finish around the rim or get to the free throw line. She is 6-foot-3 and plays taller than that.

Player comparison: Jonquel Jones

4. Lauren Betts
6-7 F, Grandview High School (CO)
2022 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 1

Betts, a 6-7 sophomore center, is a defensive stopper in the frontcourt. She averaged 17.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.9 blocks in 26 games for the Wolves, and she has an even higher ceiling.

She's a skilled low-post player with superior length and a tremendous ability to block shots, someone who can force her opponent to change her game around the rim. Offensively, she keeps the ball away from the defense and can run the floor. Betts showed a lot of maturity at USA Basketball trials last year, and she has plenty of room to grow.

Player comparison: Mercedes Russell

5. Olivia Miles
5-10 PG, Blair Academy (NJ)
2021 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 2

Miles adds depth, athleticism and size to any roster. The second-ranked prospect in the Class of 2021, Miles has the ability to do it all on the court. She averaged 13.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.6 assists as a junior for Blair Academy this season.

Yet another one of Bueckers and Fudd's USA Basketball teammates, Miles is a cerebral and unselfish student of the game with strong fundamentals. She can read defenses, play up-tempo, defend in pressure and bury shots to the arc.

Player comparison: Brooke McCarty-Williams

6. Judea Watkins
6-0 SG, Windward School (CA)
2023 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 1

It's easy to see what makes Watkins the top-rated prospect in the Class of 2023. Competing against top-tier high school talent in California, she averaged 21 points and nine rebounds as a freshman.

She can provide size in the backcourt and the ability to defend numerous positions. At this point in Watkins' prep career, she is most adept at driving, drawing contact and finishing the play, but she has also shown the ability to drain shots from deep as well. She can score in bunches and take over a game.

Player comparison: Jewell Loyd

Judea Watkins, the top-ranked prospect in the Class of 2023, averaged 21 points and nine rebounds as a freshman. Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

7. Saniya Rivers
6-0 G, Eugene Ashley High School (NC)
2021 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 3

Rivers has the potential to be a future star. She's a two-time Gatorade North Carolina Player of the Year and averaged 25.0 points, 11.7 rebounds and 6.3 steals per game as a junior. Yet while she is third in the Class of 2021 behind Fudd and Miles, Rivers has a different game.

A rangy, athletic guard with size in the backcourt, Rivers is a menace on defense and can score off of opponents' miscues. She is best off the dribble and can attack the basket from all angles. Among the schools she is listing: UConn, Florida State, Indiana, Notre Dame, Maryland, Duke, NC State and North Carolina.

Player comparison: Diamond DeShields

8. Sania Feagin
6-3 F, Forest Park High School (GA)
2021 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 6

Feagin is the sixth-ranked prospect in the Class of 2021. Right now, Stanford commit Brooke Demetre (fourth) and UConn commit Amari DeBerry (fifth) are ranked ahead of her, but Feagin has a higher upside than both of them.

She can bury the 3-pointer and is a great rebounder who can also attack in transition. Plus, she can play at the top of a full-court zone defense, deflect the ball and turn those turnovers into points. Feagin certainly knows how to fill out a stat sheet -- she averaged 17.0 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 3.0 steals and 3.6 blocks as a junior.

Feagin showed her versatility on the court and can play almost any position on the floor, though her game translates into more of a hybrid 4 who can play inside and outside.

Player comparison: Angel McCoughtry's mindset and DeWanna Bonner's frame

9. Sammie Wagner
6-1 W, Ronald Reagan High School (TX)
2023 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 2

Wagner committed to Baylor when she was in eighth grade. That could have added pressure to her entering high school, but she averaged 15.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 5.0 blocks for the Rattlers.

She might be young but she has proved her scoring prowess. She can beat opponents inside or outside, with her consistency from within 15 feet and her silky jump shot from beyond the 3-point arc.

Player comparison: Sophie Cunningham

10. Aalyah Del Rosario
6-5 C, Trenton Catholic Academy (NJ)
2023 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 3

Not many know of Del Rosario yet, but she will catch on to Power 5 programs soon. Del Rosario is the third-ranked prospect in the Class of 2023 who scored 17 points and brought down eight rebounds in her team's win in the New Jersey state semifinals.

Del Rosario was born in Texas and spent most of her childhood in the Dominican Republic before she moved back to the United States as a seventh grader. In addition to her accomplished interior game, she is explosive in the paint, rising over the defense and showing off her feathery touch around the rim.

Player comparison: Tina Charles

 

[Kurebeach5]

1. Paige Bueckers
5-11 PG, Hopkins High School (MN)
2020 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 1

Bueckers, the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year, is the ultimate playmaker. The future UConn Husky is simply outstanding, helping her Hopkins High School team to an undefeated record and No. 1 ranking in the espnW 25 Power Rankings.

I first watched her play when she was an eighth grader for her high school team. She came off the bench to drain six or seven 3-pointers. She's a skilled guard and is a capable scorer as an off-guard. More importantly, she has the ability to make her teammates better. She averaged 21.4 points and 9.4 assists per game. Many people, including Geno Auriemma, have said she possesses a special intangible that can make her one of the greatest. It's easy to see why.

Player comparison: Diana Taurasi

2. Azzi Fudd
5-11 G, St. John's College High School (DC)
2021 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 1

The only reason Fudd, the 2019 Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year, isn't No. 1 is because she missed most of this past season due to an injury. But when she returned to the court, she rounded back into her normal self during the end of the season, recording 17 points, six rebounds and five assists in a state championship game.

Fudd and Bueckers both played on USA Basketball national teams and complemented each other well. Fudd defines consistency on the court. She has a strong mid-range game and can knock down shots under pressure with ease. She could be the next big thing, the next ambassador in women's basketball since Breanna Stewart.

Player comparison: Asia Durr

Azzi Fudd, the 2019 Gatorade National Girls' Basketball Player of the Year, is the top-ranked prospect in the Class of 2021. Caitlin O'Hara for ESPN

3. Angel Reese
6-3 W, St. Frances Academy (MD)
2020 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 2

Reese, the No. 2 overall prospect in the Class of 2020, is headed to Maryland next season after averaging 18.6 points and 10.2 rebounds as a high school senior. But she will bring another intangible to College Park when she sees the court: physical toughness.

Reese is a capable scorer in the paint, but what makes her so special is her ability to stretch the defense out to the arc. She has a knack for baiting the defender and selling a number of different fakes along the way to either finish around the rim or get to the free throw line. She is 6-foot-3 and plays taller than that.

Player comparison: Jonquel Jones

4. Lauren Betts
6-7 F, Grandview High School (CO)
2022 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 1

Betts, a 6-7 sophomore center, is a defensive stopper in the frontcourt. She averaged 17.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.9 blocks in 26 games for the Wolves, and she has an even higher ceiling.

She's a skilled low-post player with superior length and a tremendous ability to block shots, someone who can force her opponent to change her game around the rim. Offensively, she keeps the ball away from the defense and can run the floor. Betts showed a lot of maturity at USA Basketball trials last year, and she has plenty of room to grow.

Player comparison: Mercedes Russell

5. Olivia Miles
5-10 PG, Blair Academy (NJ)
2021 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 2

Miles adds depth, athleticism and size to any roster. The second-ranked prospect in the Class of 2021, Miles has the ability to do it all on the court. She averaged 13.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.6 assists as a junior for Blair Academy this season.

Yet another one of Bueckers and Fudd's USA Basketball teammates, Miles is a cerebral and unselfish student of the game with strong fundamentals. She can read defenses, play up-tempo, defend in pressure and bury shots to the arc.

Player comparison: Brooke McCarty-Williams

6. Judea Watkins
6-0 SG, Windward School (CA)
2023 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 1

It's easy to see what makes Watkins the top-rated prospect in the Class of 2023. Competing against top-tier high school talent in California, she averaged 21 points and nine rebounds as a freshman.

She can provide size in the backcourt and the ability to defend numerous positions. At this point in Watkins' prep career, she is most adept at driving, drawing contact and finishing the play, but she has also shown the ability to drain shots from deep as well. She can score in bunches and take over a game.

Player comparison: Jewell Loyd

Judea Watkins, the top-ranked prospect in the Class of 2023, averaged 21 points and nine rebounds as a freshman. Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

7. Saniya Rivers
6-0 G, Eugene Ashley High School (NC)
2021 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 3

Rivers has the potential to be a future star. She's a two-time Gatorade North Carolina Player of the Year and averaged 25.0 points, 11.7 rebounds and 6.3 steals per game as a junior. Yet while she is third in the Class of 2021 behind Fudd and Miles, Rivers has a different game.

A rangy, athletic guard with size in the backcourt, Rivers is a menace on defense and can score off of opponents' miscues. She is best off the dribble and can attack the basket from all angles. Among the schools she is listing: UConn, Florida State, Indiana, Notre Dame, Maryland, Duke, NC State and North Carolina.

Player comparison: Diamond DeShields

8. Sania Feagin
6-3 F, Forest Park High School (GA)
2021 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 6

Feagin is the sixth-ranked prospect in the Class of 2021. Right now, Stanford commit Brooke Demetre (fourth) and UConn commit Amari DeBerry (fifth) are ranked ahead of her, but Feagin has a higher upside than both of them.

She can bury the 3-pointer and is a great rebounder who can also attack in transition. Plus, she can play at the top of a full-court zone defense, deflect the ball and turn those turnovers into points. Feagin certainly knows how to fill out a stat sheet -- she averaged 17.0 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 3.0 steals and 3.6 blocks as a junior.

Feagin showed her versatility on the court and can play almost any position on the floor, though her game translates into more of a hybrid 4 who can play inside and outside.

Player comparison: Angel McCoughtry's mindset and DeWanna Bonner's frame

9. Sammie Wagner
6-1 W, Ronald Reagan High School (TX)
2023 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 2

Wagner committed to Baylor when she was in eighth grade. That could have added pressure to her entering high school, but she averaged 15.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 5.0 blocks for the Rattlers.

She might be young but she has proved her scoring prowess. She can beat opponents inside or outside, with her consistency from within 15 feet and her silky jump shot from beyond the 3-point arc.

Player comparison: Sophie Cunningham

10. Aalyah Del Rosario
6-5 C, Trenton Catholic Academy (NJ)
2023 espnW HoopGurlz ranking: 3

Not many know of Del Rosario yet, but she will catch on to Power 5 programs soon. Del Rosario is the third-ranked prospect in the Class of 2023 who scored 17 points and brought down eight rebounds in her team's win in the New Jersey state semifinals.

Del Rosario was born in Texas and spent most of her childhood in the Dominican Republic before she moved back to the United States as a seventh grader. In addition to her accomplished interior game, she is explosive in the paint, rising over the defense and showing off her feathery touch around the rim.

Player comparison: Tina Charles

Thank you very much Dawson !!!

 

[MilfordHusky]

They compared Fudd’s game to Asia Durr, I really don’t see it.

I think the player comparison w.r.t. Azzi is easy. She's part Maya and part Kaleena. People overlook KML because of her limited success in the WNBA and because she was overshadowed by Stewie (who also overshadowed Moriah and Morgan). Kaleena had a great college career and would have been a 3-time All-American if not for the elbow injury and mono. She left as the NCAA record-holder in 3-point shots, probably the best shooter ever in terms of volume and accuracy. If not for the injuries, she would be about even with Tina on the UConn career scoring list. Starting in about 9th grade, her shot was dubbed the "Lewis Launch."

Azzi is about Kaleena's height but trimmer. She's shorter and not as strong as Maya, but quicker laterally. Azzi's shot looks a little like Maya's and a little like Kaleena's. Accuracy-wise, Azzi is comparable to Kaleena and EDD. If I had to compare Azzi, I'd compare her to Kaleena (K missed being a 50/40/90 shooter 2 times, both based on 1 missed FT). KML was the best shooter we've seen in a long time. Azzi may be even better as a shooter.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Azzi is Azzi but is this maybe a bit disrespectful to Paige?? Paige did improve dramatically in many areas.

The only reason Fudd, the 2019 Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year, isn't No. 1 is because she missed most of this past season due to an injury.

In 2019, Paige got better, and Azzi got hurt. It's hard to say who was better in 2020. Who do you think was better--Maya or Diana? No real consensus there.

Player comparison for Rivers: Michael Jordan. Way closer than Diamond.

 

[DeeHusky]

I think the player comparison w.r.t. Azzi is easy. She's part Maya and part Kaleena. People overlook KML because of her limited success in the WNBA and because she was overshadowed by Stewie (who also overshadowed Moriah and Morgan). Kaleena had a great college career and would have been a 3-time All-American if not for the elbow injury and mono. She left as the NCAA record-holder in 3-point shots, probably the best shooter ever in terms of volume and accuracy. If not for the injuries, she would be about even with Tina on the UConn career scoring list. Starting in about 9th grade, her shot was dubbed the "Lewis Launch."

Azzi is about Kaleena's height but trimmer. She's shorter and not as strong as Maya, but quicker laterally. Azzi's shot looks a little like Maya's and a little like Kaleena's. Accuracy-wise, Azzi is comparable to Kaleena and EDD. If I had to compare Azzi, I'd compare her to Kaleena (K missed being a 50/40/90 shooter 2 times, both based on 1 missed FT). KML was the best shooter we've seen in a long time. Azzi may be even better as a shooter.

I don’t really see either. Neither have the ball handling skills she has. Maya is more of sf/pf, Kaleena is a wing and Azzi is a sg/sf. I don’t underestimate Kaleena, she’s actually one of my favorite players, graduated the same year of high school that I did so I followed her a lot. I’ve been waiting for her to go to a new team so maybe now being with the Sun will allow her to get more playing time. Maybe you’re saying they have similar shooting strokes, I’m not sure. Accuracy she’s comparable, but playing style, no. — Azzi can do everything offensively, I don’t think she can be stopped.