In-coming Freshman impact potential

[DefenseBB]

While compiling my player watch list, I also use the HoopGurlz ranking lists and with the immediate impact of the freshman classes the past few years, I am left wondering which players from the 2025 Class will earn AA spots this coming year. Coaching, Opportunity and skill are the 3 main factors.

For example, #2 Sienna Betts is a wonderful talent but she is joining a loaded UCLA team where she will earn minutes off the bench and with a limited offensive schemed coach. Cori is rarely in the top 40 in offensive scoring and while this team will be, I just don't see the opportunity for Sienna to earn AA awards.

#1 Jazzy Davidson at USC on the other hand will have a lot of opportunity with Juju out for a substantial part of the year. Plus USC lost a lot of transfers with limited skill players transferring in.

#3 Aaliyah Chavez is going to a noted offensive minded coach in Jen Baranczyk at Oklahoma who can utilize her with Beers and Verhulst.

There will players with a higher ranked number on lesser teams who could shine like #14 Brynn McGaughy at Washington or #23 Addison Deal at Iowa who has a big hole with Lucy Olsen leaving and a noted offensive, 3 pt shooting scheme.

Curious what the rest of the forum thinks.

 

[stwainfan]

Jaida Civil may be the best raw talent in this class.

 

[DefenseBB]

Jaida Civil may be the best raw talent in this class.

Shocked I am that you would promote a Tennessee player ranked #20 as a top talent.....But given your coaches style of play, she simply won't be able to take over a game and dominant vs. other freshman on the list. In fact, I think the only player on your roster with any AA aspirations is Talaysia Cooper. She has size for a guard, name recognition and a solid scoring reputation already to garner eyeballs.

 

[bballnut90]

Shocked I am that you would promote a Tennessee player ranked #20 as a top talent.....But given your coaches style of play, she simply won't be able to take over a game and dominant vs. other freshman on the list. In fact, I think the only player on your roster with any AA aspirations is Talaysia Cooper. She has size for a guard, name recognition and a solid scoring reputation already to garner eyeballs.

Tennessee will have a hard time garnering individual AA honors going 10-11 deep. Similar situation to South Carolina the last few years.

 

[bballnut90]

If Skinner is as good as advertised she could make noise for Duke. I’d also look for LSU and Tennessee’s freshmen to make an impact.

Realistically I think Betts, Crump, and Makeer are on rosters that are too deep to breakout as freshmen.

UCONN’s Quinonez is intriguing, will she have an impact closer to Sarah Strong’s level or Jana El Alfy’s?

I haven’t watched a lot of footage from this class but the last two freshmen classes were historically strong so I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re due for a weaker freshman class. There’s also a good amount of hype behind the 2026 class (especially Hall), so I think another monster class is right around the corner.

 

[jdote33]

 

[GamecockFam]

If Skinner is as good as advertised she could make noise for Duke. I’d also look for LSU and Tennessee’s freshmen to make an impact.

Realistically I think Betts, Crump, and Makeer are on rosters that are too deep to breakout as freshmen.

UCONN’s Quinonez is intriguing, will she have an impact closer to Sarah Strong’s level or Jana El Alfy’s?

I haven’t watched a lot of footage from this class but the last two freshmen classes were historically strong so I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re due for a weaker freshman class. There’s also a good amount of hype behind the 2026 class (especially Hall), so I think another monster class is right around the corner.

With the loss of Paopao, Hall, and Fulwiley someone will have to step up at guard and give good minutes. One of the two freshman will need to provide a spark off the bench and help establish a 5 guard rotation and ensure our starters keep their legs throughout the season.

 

[DefenseBB]

Tennessee will have a hard time garnering individual AA honors going 10-11 deep. Similar situation to South Carolina the last few years

Um, not true, just last year, SC had 4 players receive votes-Edwards, Kitts, Fulwiley and Paopao, all who earned Honorable Mention status. Cooper will most definitely be on the ballot and may crack through to the 2nd or 3rd team depending on how well Tennessee does during the year.

For @GamecockFam, you still have Raven Johnson, a healthy Ashley Watkins and the two additons of Okot and a 3 time AA in Latson. I think you will be fine at guard and in the front court.

 

[GamecockFam]

Um, not true, just last year, SC had 4 players receive votes-Edwards, Kitts, Fulwiley and Paopao, all who earned Honorable Mention status. Cooper will most definitely be on the ballot and may crack through to the 2nd or 3rd team depending on how well Tennessee does during the year.

For @GamecockFam, you still have Raven Johnson, a healthy Ashley Watkins and the two additons of Okot and a 3 time AA in Latson. I think you will be fine at guard and in the front court.

Oh I know we have playmakers and tons of depth in the frontcourt. I am not disputing that at all.

My concern is with backcourt depth. We have fantastic starting guards in Raven, Ta'Niya, and Tessa. But after that we just have Maddy as a returning guard and two incoming freshmen in Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell. One of those two freshman will be given good minutes at guard and have the potential for post season honors...just like Joyce Edwards did this past season despite a crowded frontcourt.

 

[BobbyJ]

While compiling my player watch list, I also use the HoopGurlz ranking lists and with the immediate impact of the freshman classes the past few years, I am left wondering which players from the 2025 Class will earn AA spots this coming year. Coaching, Opportunity and skill are the 3 main factors.

For example, #2 Sienna Betts is a wonderful talent but she is joining a loaded UCLA team where she will earn minutes off the bench and with a limited offensive schemed coach. Cori is rarely in the top 40 in offensive scoring and while this team will be, I just don't see the opportunity for Sienna to earn AA awards.

#1 Jazzy Davidson at USC on the other hand will have a lot of opportunity with Juju out for a substantial part of the year. Plus USC lost a lot of transfers with limited skill players transferring in.

#3 Aaliyah Chavez is going to a noted offensive minded coach in Jen Baranczyk at Oklahoma who can utilize her with Beers and Verhulst.

There will players with a higher ranked number on lesser teams who could shine like #14 Brynn McGaughy at Washington or #23 Addison Deal at Iowa who has a big hole with Lucy Olsen leaving and a noted offensive, 3 pt shooting scheme.

Curious what the rest of the forum thinks.

Zero freshman AAs. I don't really consider HMs.

 

[Charliebball]

Oh I know we have playmakers and tons of depth in the frontcourt. I am not disputing that at all.

My concern is with backcourt depth. We have fantastic starting guards in Raven, Ta'Niya, and Tessa. But after that we just have Maddy as a returning guard and two incoming freshmen in Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell. One of those two freshman will be given good minutes at guard and have the potential for post season honors...just like Joyce Edwards did this past season despite a crowded frontcourt.

Makeer has great two way talent.......if she gets court time she will make a positive impact....

 

[bballnut90]

Um, not true, just last year, SC had 4 players receive votes-Edwards, Kitts, Fulwiley and Paopao, all who earned Honorable Mention status. Cooper will most definitely be on the ballot and may crack through to the 2nd or 3rd team depending on how well Tennessee does during the year.

For @GamecockFam, you still have Raven Johnson, a healthy Ashley Watkins and the two additons of Okot and a 3 time AA in Latson. I think you will be fine at guard and in the front court.

I was referring to making the first 3 teams. I believe only Cardoso has made a team the past 2 years despite SC having a wealth of talent.

 

[uconnever]

Freshman McDonald’s all American point going to Tennessee. She really stood out to me. I will be surprised if she doesn’t have a huge impact.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

Oh I know we have playmakers and tons of depth in the frontcourt. I am not disputing that at all.

My concern is with backcourt depth. We have fantastic starting guards in Raven, Ta'Niya, and Tessa. But after that we just have Maddy as a returning guard and two incoming freshmen in Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell. One of those two freshman will be given good minutes at guard and have the potential for post season honors...just like Joyce Edwards did this past season despite a crowded frontcourt.

In comparison to the logjam inside, the backcourt depth is a concern. Injuries and foul trouble obviously could derail things.

With that said, I think a short rotation can probably work out just fine with those four and a forward sliding to wing in bigger lineups.

They don't have to have much from the two freshmen though a bigger wing stopper is the major hole on the team. That and overall balance of three point shooting. Tessa needs to be on and Latson can make them in streaks but teams will invite Raven and Mouse.

 

[WBBTakeover]

Emilee Skinner

 

[Bone Dog]

I am left wondering which players from the 2025 Class will earn AA spots this coming year. Coaching, Opportunity and skill are the 3 main factors.

I think you’re exactly right. I haven’t done any research on this, but off the top of my head I’d guess it’s unlikely any player can earn an AA spot unless they average >20 minutes per game. That puts Jazzy and Chavez in a good position, and leaves Betts out unless injuries force Cori to give her more minutes.

I don’t expect Quinonez at UConn to be a contender, unless she does something pretty spectacular, more or less along the lines of what Sarah did last season.

 

[SCspur]

Idk how much she’ll play but I really like Bella Hines at LSU. She might be the best out that bunch of freshmen and she was the lowest rated out of the four.

I REALLY like Emilee Skinner. Very good intangibles, defense, and IQ. She’s going to be very good for Kara and Duke.

I may be biased but I REALLY like the freshmen SC has coming with Ayla McDowell and Agot Makeer. Their length, athleticism, and shooting alone will give SC an impact they probably never had from the perimeter. They also have a very good motor and love to play defense so that’s a plus as well.

 

[triaddukefan]

Sleeper pick, but keep a eye out for Skinner.

Idk how much she’ll play but I really like Bella Hines at LSU. She might be the best out that bunch of freshmen and she was the lowest rated out of the four.

I REALLY like Emilee Skinner. Very good intangibles, defense, and IQ. She’s going to be very good for Kara and Duke.

I may be biased but I REALLY like the freshmen SC has coming with Ayla McDowell and Agot Makeer. Their length, athleticism, and shooting alone will give SC an impact they probably never had from the perimeter. They also have a very good motor and love to play defense so that’s a plus as well.

You might be biased?

 

[Coler]

Idk how much she’ll play but I really like Bella Hines at LSU. She might be the best out that bunch of freshmen and she was the lowest rated out of the four.

I REALLY like Emilee Skinner. Very good intangibles, defense, and IQ. She’s going to be very good for Kara and Duke.

I may be biased but I REALLY like the freshmen SC has coming with Ayla McDowell and Agot Makeer. Their length, athleticism, and shooting alone will give SC an impact they probably never had from the perimeter. They also have a very good motor and love to play defense so that’s a plus as well.

I believe all four freshmen are going to play quite a bit for LSU. If Bella can hit the open three, she'll play alot. Kim has been missing her three pointer shooter the last two seasons like Carson, Landrum, etc.

I'm most excited about Grace Knox myself.

 

[DefenseBB]

I believe all four freshmen are going to play quite a bit for LSU. If Bella can hit the open three, she'll play alot. Kim has been missing her three pointer shooter the last two seasons like Carson, Landrum, etc.

I'm most excited about Grace Knox myself.

Correct me if I am misunderstanding the roster but with Johnson, Williams, Joyner, Fulwiley, Koval and Gilbert how are all 4 freshman going to get significant playing time? I just don’t see Kim using a 10 person rotation in tough games. While this group of freshman is ranked highly, we know the rankings don’t always translate to success at the collegiate level as overwhelmingly evidenced by Del Rosario #7 in 2023 and Wolfenbarger #7 in 2021. Add in that basically all 4 are guards which already has Johnson, Gilbert, Williams and now Fulwiley, I just don’t see all four having an impact. The LSU team is also undersized compared to SC, Texas and Oklahoma. Kim, while having talent, will need all her coaching acumen to get this team to the elite 8.

 

[Bone Dog]

Correct me if I am misunderstanding the roster but with Johnson, Williams, Joyner, Fulwiley, Koval and Gilbert how are all 4 freshman going to get significant playing time? I just don’t see Kim using a 10 person rotation in tough games. While this group of freshman is ranked highly, we know the rankings don’t always translate to success at the collegiate level as overwhelmingly evidenced by Del Rosario #7 in 2023 and Wolfenbarger #7 in 2021. Add in that basically all 4 are guards which already has Johnson, Gilbert, Williams and now Fulwiley, I just don’t see all four having an impact. The LSU team is also undersized compared to SC, Texas and Oklahoma. Kim, while having talent, will need all her coaching acumen to get this team to the elite 8.

Sounds about right to me, especially the caveat about relying too much on HS rankings. Sometimes there's signs that a highly ranked recruit might not pan out in college. Del Rosario, for example, lacked stamina and foot speed and mostly relied on overpowering smaller players in high school. That tends not to work so well at the D1 level.

And while Wolfenbarger seemed very promising in terms of her skills, a 6'4" player who wants to be a guard in college is often thwarted. If she's not willing to reconsider her game when faced with the reality of college competition, she will find much frustration. The only exceptions I can think of to this are Amihere and Barker, and even they found some frustration in college. It remains to be seen what Barker can accomplish next year at Tennessee which plays a style that may really suit her.

Edited to add: Oops, I forgot about Saylor Poffenbarger, another big kid who wanted to be a guard. She's not quite as big as Wolfenbarger (I love typing out these names!), though she seems a little taller than the 6'2" she's currently listed at. But she differed from Jersey in being willing to crash the boards for rebounds and was pretty good at it. She seems also to be a better ball handler.

 

[Baller29]

Correct me if I am misunderstanding the roster but with Johnson, Williams, Joyner, Fulwiley, Koval and Gilbert how are all 4 freshman going to get significant playing time? I just don’t see Kim using a 10 person rotation in tough games. While this group of freshman is ranked highly, we know the rankings don’t always translate to success at the collegiate level as overwhelmingly evidenced by Del Rosario #7 in 2023 and Wolfenbarger #7 in 2021. Add in that basically all 4 are guards which already has Johnson, Gilbert, Williams and now Fulwiley, I just don’t see all four having an impact. The LSU team is also undersized compared to SC, Texas and Oklahoma. Kim, while having talent, will need all her coaching acumen to get this team to the elite 8.

To be fair LSU was even smaller last year With morrow at 6’1 and Samayah at 6’2 (she also got abused by every competent big. Jersey was way too soft in the interior and ADR wasn’t even playable. No one is replacing morrow but I actually think collectively this group will work much better for mulkey than last years (Koval, Joyner and Knox). Koval will give better rim protection and D than Samayah but she needs significant development offensively. That is what she struggled with at ND

I think LSU will be fine. It’s likely another elite 8 team again. They are deficient in post depth imo to be in final four unless they get hot. Last year their bench was only Gilbert. If one of the 4 five star freshman can’t contribute then coaching is failing big time

Zakiyah and Knox 100% gonna play, not sure about the other two freshmen. And while I agree recruiting rankings don’t always translate, I feel fairly certain this class will prob be much better than that 2023 class. Anyone who watched ADR out of Hs knew she was a major project so I never understood her ranking. Jane and Velez were not what I consider top recruits. Zakiyah and Knox should do just fine imo. I’m pretty high on Zakiyah, I’m shocked she left the state of KY