If ND signs Clark.. What are our chances with Paige B??

[hoopsfan22]

Gotta wonder if ND is working so hard to get Clark does that mean Paige is coming to UConn???????

What advantage does UConn have over ND at this point? Both have hall of fame coaches. Both programs are mainstays at the top of weekly polls and the final four. ND is generally regarded as the better academic institution. Location wise ND is a lot closer to home. ND has won a national championship more recently than UConn, and did so in such dramatic fashion that we are still seeing the replay on every ESPN game a whole year later.

 

[Dillon77]

Gotta wonder if ND is working so hard to get Clark does that mean Paige is coming to UConn???????

Tony: As a Notre Dame-based contributor to The Boneyard, I've got to give you credit for always looking at issues in a glass half-full attitude. And the glass is filled with water that is UConn blue!

That said, I'll take a crack at this from an Irish perspective.
I think Muffet, Niele Ivey, et al, are recruiting Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers hard primarily because they'd like to have (one of) them attend Notre Dame. They're extraordinary talents who would both fit into MM's way of running a team and their singular talents would help propel others on the team.

But they're after both, in part, because numerous fine programs are also pursuing Clark and Bueckers. And I can bet that MM does not want to be caught holding the proverbial empty PG bag come next fall. That also explains why Deja Kelly visited an ND game this season. To my viewpoint, UConn is taking a somewhat similar tack with Paige and Hailey Van Lith. It's not "coming to UConn" or "coming to Notre Dame"; it could be "going to Minnesota or Stanford" or "Iowa, Drake or Oregon/Oregon State."

Along those lines, here's a very in-depth article on Caitlin Clark's recruiting. While there are a few schools mentioned I hadn't seen up to now (Duke), the Iowa schools, Oregon universities and Notre Dame are all specifically mentioned. The fact that Drake is nearby and their young HC, Jenny B., is also a Dowling HS alum is worth noting. Glad to see Clark has been to ND twice; the most recent a summer workshop, that 2020 ND commit Alli Campbell also attended.

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/s...ate-drake-texas-notre-dame-oregon/2909724002/

 

[CocoHusky]

What advantage does UConn have over ND at this point? Both have hall of fame coaches. Both programs are mainstays at the top of weekly polls and the final four. ND is generally regarded as the better academic institution. Location wise ND is a lot closer to home. ND has won a national championship more recently than UConn, and did so in such dramatic fashion that we are still seeing the replay on every ESPN game a whole year later.

11:2 UCONN Nationals Championships vs ND national Championships
37:17 Geno vs. Muffet head to head.
8:1 UCONN National Player of the Year : ND NPOY
17:5 UCONN players on WNBA rosters on opening day 2018 vs ND Players on WNBA rosters.
10:0 Overall #1 ranked player (like Paige) to play at UCONN vs playing at ND.

 

[hoopsfan22]

11:2 UCONN Nationals Championships vs ND national Championships
37:17 Geno vs. Muffet head to head.
8:1 UCONN National Player of the Year : ND NPOY
17:5 UCONN players on WNBA rosters on opening day 2018 vs ND Players on WNBA rosters.
10:0 Overall #1 ranked player (like Paige) to play at UCONN vs playing at ND.

That last one is surprising. Muffet's never had a #1 recruit? What about Ivey?

 

[Dillon77]

That last one is surprising. Muffet's never had a #1 recruit? What about Ivey?

The closest ND has come recently (I believe) to attaining a #1 pick is Brianna Turner, who was Hoopgurlz's #2 in 2014, behind A'ja Wilson.

 

[CocoHusky]

The closest ND has come recently (I believe) to attaining a #1 pick is Brianna Turner, who was Hoopgurlz's #2 in 2014, behind A'ja Wilson.

+ Jessica Shepard was #2
+ Skylar was #3
+ Taya Reimer was #4
+ Jewell Loyd was #4

 

[Fightin Choke]

Notre Dame had Michelle Marciniak (#1 recruit) for the 1991-1992 season, but she and Muffet clashed and she transferred to Tennessee for her last 3 seasons of eligibility. Notre Dame has had none since. Paige can be the first #1 recruit that graduates from Notre Dame. (And her BFF Azzi could be the second!)

 

[CocoHusky]

Notre Dame had Michelle Marciniak (#1 recruit) for the 1991-1992 season, but she and Muffet clashed and she transferred to Tennessee for her last 3 seasons of eligibility. Notre Dame has had none since. Paige can be the first #1 recruit that graduates from Notre Dame. (And her BFF Azzi could be the second!)

Glad see ND fans have moved off that Samantha Brunelle as #1.

 

[connboy77]

That last one is surprising. Muffet's never had a #1 recruit? What about Ivey?

Wasn't Sam a #1 for awhile?

 

[Fightin Choke]

Glad see ND fans have moved off that Samantha Brunelle as #1.

Sam was once ranked #1, but has since dropped (as you know), so no Notre Dame fans of which I am aware are touting her as a #1 recruit. She is presently ranked 4th by Hoopgurlz, Prospects Nation, and Blue Star and 10th by ASGR. Certainly excellent numbers, and Irish fans are excited to welcome her to South Bend.

 

[gophers1995]

I’m still not convinced it’s ND vs Uconn. It’s a three way race including the Gophers.

http://m.startribune.com/hiring-of-lindsay-whalen-goes-beyond-public-relations/479598603

Bueckers has a signed Whalen jersey hanging in her room and a pair of Whalen’s game-used shoes that Whalen gave her a few years ago.

The Gophers had zero chance of signing Bueckers before Whalen’s announcement. Bueckers’ father, Bob, was asked if his daughter will look at the Gophers differently now.
“Absolutely,” he said.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

The closest ND has come recently (I believe) to attaining a #1 pick is Brianna Turner, who was Hoopgurlz's #2 in 2014, behind A'ja Wilson.

Turner was #1 in Blue Star's final rankings.

Blue Star Basketball

 

[eebmg]

+ Jessica Shepard was #2
+ Skylar was #3
+ Taya Reimer was #4
+ Jewell Loyd was #4

slackers.

 

[connboy77]

I’m still not convinced it’s ND vs Uconn. It’s a three way race including the Gophers.

http://m.startribune.com/hiring-of-lindsay-whalen-goes-beyond-public-relations/479598603

Why would she go to the Gophers where she has very little chance of getting to a final four let alone win an NC?

 

[gophers1995]

Why would she go to the Gophers where she has very little chance of getting to a final four let alone win an NC?

Same could have been said for Whalen going to gophers. You don’t need to go to UCONN or ND to have a shot at the final four.

Also, look at the way Minnesota treats Whalen. She is synonymous with women’s basketball in Minnesota. paige could stay home and learn the game from one of the greatest PGs to ever play the game. She could be the 2nd coming of Whalen.

 

[Reypl21]

Why would she go to the Gophers where she has very little chance of getting to a final four let alone win an NC?

Perhaps she wants to be an in-state hero and stay home to rebuild that program. Whalen is also the coach. I'm sure if Whalen can bring in better classes, Bueckers could be the straw that stirs the drink. She would everyone else better.

I'm not sure about Paige's feelings on how much of a fan or how much Minnesota means to her. If it means a lot to her, I'm sure winning one NC probably her last year would be more meaningful than winning one or possibly more at an elite school.

 

[Gus Mahler]

Gus: I suppose, as in all things, there is more than one way to look at comments or words. Even Recruits may see it positive or negative.
Personally, if I or mine was being thought of as potential UConn player and compared to DT. I would think: I/ they must be very good to be compare to the Best player in the world when she was in Uconn. Or if she was frightened away by that comment there is the strong possiblity she does not have the confidence to be a Uconn kid.
One of the two singular attirbutes top level Uconn players had as Frosh--was talent and CONFIDENCE in their abilities. Stewie had that comparison in some post as she came, CW now is getting it. Others possibly. Geno has an affinity to those with Confidence. How often have you heard or read about some not having confidence as a source of their not being Of course as you are not pointing at any one poster, neither am I point towards any potential recruit. A generalization, if you will

You are right. That slipped my mind. That is a big incentive, if they realize the opportunity they are getting. If they have a modicum of talent and confidence they could get CW's opportunity. Smart kid have to be ready when the iron is hot. Thanks I forgot that completely.

A thoughtful post.