January 2021 UConn recruiting thread | Page 7 | The Boneyard

January 2021 UConn recruiting thread

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Thanks to Stoli for this. Same group that did the video of UConn's 2021 class did one on some of UConn's 2022 targets. Janiah Barker not noted, and they have Isuneh Brady's teammate shown instead of Isuneh herself.


 
jazz said:
there are minutes to be gained at uconn. we could use a big or two in the coming years. if you are good, you play. this team will still not be as deep as past teams.
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A big or two are DeBerry and Ice. And if Piath develops that's another big. The only real need on the team is a true stretch 4 and Aaliyah has the skill set to develop into one. Anyone who signs with UConn for the next two years will have to be extremely confident in their abilities (Barker, Patterson, Rice, Watkins, Del Rosario) and feel with a high degree of certainty that they can win time over the existing players or someone may be willing to apprentice under current players to play a major role in later years.. Recruiting in the next couple of years will be thin perhaps 2 players who are either exceptional players or prepared to spend their years practicing.
 
visitingcock said:
I don’t think the 1-5 prospects worry about rosters because they probably consider themselves Number 1 in the class and capable of starting anywhere. ICE certainly isn’t scared off. Players 6-15 might think about pt and look more closely at a roster. Still, they consider themselves elite.

I doubt they look too much at the class that precedes them. Okay, maybe a shooting guard considers that Azi is coming in but most prospects consider what they see playing for a school - not the ones that aren’t playing yet.

i also see kids wanting to try a loaded roster more than in the past due to the loosening of transfer rules. Stockpiled teams like UConn, SCar, Stanford, Oregon etc might start seeing large numbers of high quality bench players leaving.
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I think your point on transfers is very good. Previously if a player thought she made a mistake, for whatever reason, there was a significant price to play, namely sitting out a year. Now you can gamble a bit on the playing time issue knowing if you are wrong, you can change things without so much downside. Coaching staffs are similarly effected, yes they will lose more players to transfers, but they can quickly fill the holes by bringing in transfers of their own.

Instead of the initial recruiting being say 95% of the process, and transfers a rarely used fringe, recruiting via transfer becomes a significant part of the overall strategy, as does the foreign market. All three are in the mix now for most top programs.
 
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HuskeyinSC said:
A big or two are DeBerry and Ice. And if Piath develops that's another big. The only real need on the team is a true stretch 4 and Aaliyah has the skill set to develop into one. Anyone who signs with UConn for the next two years will have to be extremely confident in their abilities (Barker, Patterson, Rice, Watkins, Del Rosario) and feel with a high degree of certainty that they can win time over the existing players or someone may be willing to apprentice under current players to play a major role in later years.. Recruiting in the next couple of years will be thin perhaps 2 players who are either exceptional players or prepared to spend their years practicing.
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Maybe you are right Husky.

I don't know about DeBerry being a classic big since she is so skinny. I think we could still 'use' a big or two but it is not a 'real need', at least until Liv leaves which will be when Ice comes in I think.

I'd like another big body when Liv leaves. Too early to say it is is a 'real need' but I think we could 'use one' as I mentioned in my original post.
 
Sluconn Husky said:
KK Bransford:

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Thanks for that. I almost forgotten about KK. Very Jackie Young ( workman) like in these highlights. I didn't see deep ball in these highlights but I like everything else I saw. Hopefully the one leg wrapped is a fashion statement and not injury related. That lack of a deep ball might be a concern, she was the only guard at USA basketball U16 that did not even attempt a 3 ball.
 
CocoHusky said:
Thanks for that. I almost forgotten about KK. Very Jackie Young ( workman) like in these highlights. I didn't see deep ball in these highlights but I like everything else I saw. Hopefully the one leg wrapped is a fashion statement and not injury related. That lack of a deep ball might be a concern, she was the only guard at USA basketball U16 that did not even attempt a 3 ball.
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Nice strong, physical guard. And she could show the posts how to drop step and extend with one hand. ;)
 
How many 2022 prospects do yous guys/y'all expect UConn to sign for 2022. It looks like (barring transfers and early draftees) y'all will have 11 scholly players in 2022, Theoretically that means you could take Ice and three others but I surmise from reading this board that Geno never carries a full load.

Really, playing time with 14 scholly players in 2021-22 is gonna be sparse. (Scar will have the same problem next year with 14 scholly players). Not enough balls and minutes to go around.

FWIW I'm guessing that Dawn won't take over 3 commitments for 2022. One post if we can find one. One forward that I expect us to find, and one multipurpose guard.

Over abundance of wealth?
 
visitingcock said:
How many 2022 prospects do yous guys/y'all expect UConn to sign for 2022. It looks like (barring transfers and early draftees) y'all will have 11 scholly players in 2022, Theoretically that means you could take Ice and three others but I surmise from reading this board that Geno never carries a full load.

Really, playing time with 14 scholly players in 2021-22 is gonna be sparse. (Scar will have the same problem next year with 14 scholly players). Not enough balls and minutes to go around.

FWIW I'm guessing that Dawn won't take over 3 commitments for 2022. One post if we can find one. One forward that I expect us to find, and one multipurpose guard.

Over abundance of wealth?
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My speculation is that '22 will be 2-3 person class. I'm not concerned about the numbers right now, much more concerned about the quality. If the two are Brady and Patterson or Barker I think UCONN is set for a while. As you know Barker has been silent on recruiting. I'm beginning to warm up to Patterson a lot. I don't see the need to add a guard in '22 now that Jackson is off the table but Rice or Bransford or Asai would be welcomed but the '23 available guards are better IMO. So if you had to pin me down I'd say UCONN 2022 recruiting class is Brady and Patterson and that will certainly be enough quality for me. BTW ( don't share this with anyone), I have no idea if UCONN is interested, but I got a new crush to replace Miss Jackson-Mikayla Williams from the 504.
 
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CocoHusky said:
My speculation is that '22 will be 2-3 person class. I'm not concerned about the numbers right now, much more concerned about the quality. If the two are Brady and Patterson or Barker I think UCONN is set for a while. As you know Barker has been silent on recruiting. I'm beginning to warm up to Patterson a lot. I don't see the need to add a guard in '22 now that Jackson is off the table but Rice or Bransford or Asai would be welcomed but the '23 available guards are better IMO. So if you had to pin me down I'd say UCONN 2022 recruiting class is Brady and Patterson and that will certainly be enough quality for me. BTW ( don't share this with anyone), I have no idea if UCONN is interested, but I got a new crush to replace Miss Jackson-Mikayla Williams from the 504.
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Are you saying that you think Patterson comes to UCONN? What is your intel?
 
CocoHusky said:
My speculation is that '22 will be 2-3 person class. I'm not concerned about the numbers right now, much more concerned about the quality. If the two are Brady and Patterson or Barker I think UCONN is set for a while. As you know Barker has been silent on recruiting. I'm beginning to warm up to Patterson a lot. I don't see the need to add a guard in '22 now that Jackson is off the table but Rice or Bransford or Asai would be welcomed but the '23 available guards are better IMO. So if you had to pin me down I'd say UCONN 2022 recruiting class is Brady and Patterson and that will certainly be enough quality for me. BTW ( don't share this with anyone), I have no idea if UCONN is interested, but I got a new crush to replace Miss Jackson-Mikayla Williams from the 504.
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Yeah, that's kinda what I figure for SCar. 2 or 3.

I'm thinking Ashlyn Watkins (SC) a SF though she could be a smallish post. I really like Maya Nnaji's offense at forward. Might be one or the other on those two. Talaysia Cooper (SC) 6 footish at big guard/forward/wing. She is a jack-of-all-trades type player.

A commitment by Patterson and/or Barker alters the position of the two forwards above. SCar and UConn are on the finalist lists for Tyanna Todd, but I doubt whether either has offered. Maybe, but she does not appear to my eyeball test to be in the class of Cooper.

Milaysia Fulwilley (SC) would be our focus of attention for 2023. Del Rosario would also be a focus in that class. Joyce Edwards (SC) is the focus of 2024

No publicly disclosed offer to Barker, but why wouldnt we? Dawn has purportedly offered everybody else mentioned above.
 
visitingcock said:
A commitment by Patterson and/or Barker alters the position of the two forwards above. SCar and UConn are on the finalist lists for Tyanna Todd, but I doubt whether either has offered. Maybe, but she does not appear to my eyeball test to be in the class of Cooper.
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Has Todd narrowed her list below 13?
 
CocoHusky said:
My post began: "My speculation..." I have no intel.
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A few posters on McGraw seem to think Patterson is a ND lean. I don’t think Geno is too interested in Nani. But KK or Kiki would be fine.
 
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visitingcock said:
Yeah, that's kinda what I figure for SCar. 2 or 3.

I'm thinking Ashlyn Watkins (SC) a SF though she could be a smallish post. I really like Maya Nnaji's offense at forward. Might be one or the other on those two. Talaysia Cooper (SC) 6 footish at big guard/forward/wing. She is a jack-of-all-trades type player.

A commitment by Patterson and/or Barker alters the position of the two forwards above. SCar and UConn are on the finalist lists for Tyanna Todd, but I doubt whether either has offered. Maybe, but she does not appear to my eyeball test to be in the class of Cooper.

Milaysia Fulwilley (SC) would be our focus of attention for 2023. Del Rosario would also be a focus in that class. Joyce Edwards (SC) is the focus of 2024

No publicly disclosed offer to Barker, but why wouldnt we? Dawn has purportedly offered everybody else mentioned above.
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I've been skeptical of this as well. Considering who has been talked about I don't know if she exceeds their skillsets from what I've seen over the years. She may have gotten questionnaires from both programs in the past, the grouping of schools on her last social media post has me skeptical.
CocoHusky said:
Has Todd narrowed her list below 13?
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It's definitely being posted on February 1.

I'm curious as to whether BYers think she would be a fit for UConn based on who has been targeted and who is coming in.

It's really hard to gauge her play if it's based on her Gr. 10 season Royal Crown. They didn't face teams from the prep league here a lot because they are independent. The roster around her wasn't like the team they put together for this year before COVID shut down most of Ontario for basketball competition.

Royal Crown's goal to compete primarily in the US this year also fell through and has taken away another season to show her skills. She is one of the top guards in the 2022 class for Canada, but there definitely are a few ahead of her. One has verbally committed to Duke (Koabel) and there's another who plays for a school in London ON (Lemyah Hylton) who I believe would give her a run for her money.
 
cancontent said:
I'm curious as to whether BYers think she (Todd) would be a fit for UConn based on who has been targeted and who is coming in.
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I'm personally skeptical about Todd's ability to play at UCONN based on the videos I've seen. She has a good set of combo guard skills and great size for the position but let's face it, with Paige, Azzi and company on board a good set of skills is not going to get you on the floor for UCONN.
 
CocoHusky said:
I'm personally skeptical about Todd's ability to play at UCONN based on the videos I've seen. She has a good set of combo guard skills and great size for the position but let's face it, with Paige, Azzi and company on board a good set of skills is not going to get you on the floor for UCONN.
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Okay - so it's not just me. Phew! 😅

Personally, from what I know of the people associated with her program, I suspect it's to help them gain attention, especially this year with no competition. Royal Crown goal was to play at GEICO Nationals. If it worked as they had planned, it was going to be huge in their effort to grow their program's exposure.

I haven't been a fan of the whole social media hype machine that has become more common here in Canada. I get it to an extent, but it doesn't really show how these kids are during a full game or on the sidelines. And how it can be manipulated to make it look a certain way doesn't help. Some coaches are getting fooled and find out too late.
 
Is there any update on the status/interest (mutual) in Nika or Anna sisters? They both looked pretty talented in last year's videos. Maybe they aren't even playing in Europe.
 
Hoops66 said:
Is there any update on the status/interest (mutual) in Nika or Anna sisters? They both looked pretty talented in last year's videos. Maybe they aren't even playing in Europe.
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I don't recall seeing any updates regarding UCONN interest in either sister.
I did read something on Bluestar recently where Mike Flynn called Anna's sister one of the best for her age group in Europe. Mike was all in an Nika well before anyone else was. I lost track what class would they be?
 
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CocoHusky said:
I'm personally skeptical about Todd's ability to play at UCONN based on the videos I've seen. She has a good set of combo guard skills and great size for the position but let's face it, with Paige, Azzi and company on board a good set of skills is not going to get you on the floor for UCONN.
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I agree on Todd, I also question Lester's ability to play at UConn due to her lack of a motor. I recently read some critiques from scouts about her inability to play hard and hustle, I then watched some film on her and it jumps out at you even in highlight videos. I just don't see a player with a lack of hustle fitting in too well under Coach Auriemma. My dream 22 class is Brady, Patterson, and Rice/Paris. However, I think Patterson is going to be a tough get considering Ducharme and Poffenbarger play the same position as her. If we miss out on Patterson I would certainly take Bransford, but I am not sure her game is going to translate well to the collegiate level. Right now she primarily scores by abusing undersized girls and getting to rim, that is not going to work against stronger college athletes.
 
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cancontent said:
Okay - so it's not just me. Phew! 😅

Personally, from what I know of the people associated with her program, I suspect it's to help them gain attention, especially this year with no competition. Royal Crown goal was to play at GEICO Nationals. If it worked as they had planned, it was going to be huge in their effort to grow their program's exposure.

I haven't been a fan of the whole social media hype machine that has become more common here in Canada. I get it to an extent, but it doesn't really show how these kids are during a full game or on the sidelines. And how it can be manipulated to make it look a certain way doesn't help. Some coaches are getting fooled and find out too late.
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No it’s not just you.
I’m a Scar fan but I check out UConn prospects some even if they are not being recruited. When she announced UConn and Scar among her finalists, I checked out some of her videos. Atlthouh I am not a professional by any means, I just did not see the level of talent shown by other prospects that SCar and UConn are involved with. Those prospects show dominance at the AAU level against other nationally regarded prospects.

again, I am no expert and only Geno and Dawn know if they are seriously involved with her.
 
BobbyJ said:
Nice strong, physical guard. And she could show the posts how to drop step and extend with one hand. ;)
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I like the fact that she can finish with either hand. Also that when she makes a bucket she turns around and runs back on defense.
 
NormanDale said:
I agree on Todd, I also question Lester's ability to play at UConn due to her lack of a motor. I recently read some critiques from scouts about her inability to play hard and hustle, I then watched some film on her and it jumps out at you even in highlight videos. I just don't see a player with a lack of hustle fitting in too well under Coach Auriemma. My dream 22 class is Brady, Patterson, and Rice/Paris. However, I think Patterson is going to be a tough get considering Ducharme and Poffenbarger play the same position as her. If we miss out on Patterson I would certainly take Bransford, but I am not sure her game is going to translate well to the collegiate level. Right now she primarily scores by abusing undersized girls and getting to rim, that is not going to work against stronger college athletes.
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I did a similar deeper look on Lester when she popped up as a UCONN prospect a few months ago and was shocked to find out that Dan Olson at ESPN in his last two reviews pretty much blasted her work ethic.
Nov' 19 Dan Wrote: "(Lester) has the tools to impact at the next level and the work ethic to submit to mediocrity."
Dec '19 Dan Wrote; "the work ethic needs to match and exceed the skill level."
I don't see UCONN in her future.
I also don't see Patterson competing with Saylor for minutes and definitely not Caroline. I think she more of a 4/3 who could work perfectly with Ice 4/5 and Deberry 5/4. Patterson's main competition afs or minutes might come from AE.
 
Crossover said:
I like the fact that she can finish with either hand. Also that when she makes a bucket she turns around and runs back on defense.
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I'd definitely take KK for UCONN because as time goes on it's going to be harder for UCONN to recruit these types of players that a good enough to play and contribute but also accepting of a role backing up a starter that contending for AA honors.
 
CocoHusky said:
I did a similar deeper look on Lester when she popped up as a UCONN prospect a few months ago and was shocked to find out that Dan Olson at ESPN in his last two reviews pretty much blasted her work ethic.
Nov' 19 Dan Wrote: "(Lester) has the tools to impact at the next level and the work ethic to submit to mediocrity."
Dec '19 Dan Wrote; "the work ethic needs to match and exceed the skill level."
I don't see UCONN in her future.
I also don't see Patterson competing with Saylor for minutes and definitely not Caroline. I think she more of a 4/3 who could work perfectly with Ice 4/5 and Deberry 5/4. Patterson's main competition afs or minutes might come from AE.
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Regarding Lester, from the limited video I saw I agree with Olson. Plus her competition looked to be roughly Jr High level. As for Patterson, I don’t see her competing with anyone for PT. It would be a 4 kid rotation with those two plus AE up front. DeBerry is the one who’d have to really compete because those 3 will be animals inside.
 
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