2027 Recruiting: Kaleena Smith

[Bone Dog]

If Sarah and Azzi win a second NC, I suspect a lot of top prospects will reconsider UConn.

 

[Charliebball]

It was quite dope. I take it that means UConn might still be in the running.

Everything that she said she's looking for is exactly what she'd get at UConn........sadly, I think some of the best players are being warned off UConn with the thought that Geno might retire in the next few years.......you've got to believe that other programs in the recruiting mix are bringing that up too....

 

[uconnfan68]

Everything that she said she's looking for is exactly what she'd get at UConn........sadly, I think some of the best players are being warned off UConn with the thought that Geno might retire in the next few years.......you've got to believe that other programs in the recruiting mix are bringing that up too....

Other programs bring up coach’s age? I’m shocked, just shocked.

 

[ConnMotors]

We know one thing and that Geno isn’t going anywhere while Strong is still on the team.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

She visited the 2024 national champion Huskies in January and met the whole team, including Azzi Fudd and now Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers. She liked coach Geno Auriemma and was impressed by how he runs the program.

"He's for sure cool. The campus is great," Smith said. "Just the way that they practiced was great. It was a great visit for sure."

Kaleena Smith, one of the nation's top women's basketball recruits, talks UConn, JuJu Watkins, Hannah Hidalgo

The No. 1 prospect in the Class of 2027 spoke with CBS Sports this week

www.cbssports.com

 

[BobbyJ]

She visited the 2024 national champion Huskies in January and met the whole team, including Azzi Fudd and now Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers. She liked coach Geno Auriemma and was impressed by how he runs the program.

"He's for sure cool. The campus is great," Smith said. "Just the way that they practiced was great. It was a great visit for sure."

Kaleena Smith, one of the nation's top women's basketball recruits, talks UConn, JuJu Watkins, Hannah Hidalgo

The No. 1 prospect in the Class of 2027 spoke with CBS Sports this week

www.cbssports.com

If it was only about BB, the program, and Auriemma and staff I think they'd get her. But I don't believe it will be. And I certainly hope I'm wrong.

 

[Charliebball]

If it was only about BB, the program, and Auriemma and staff I think they'd get her. But I don't believe it will be. And I certainly hope I'm wrong.

For many of today's best players, it's about the money and the style of play........they've got to "sacrifice" a bit on both if they want to play UConn basketball.......

 

[BobbyJ]

For many of today's best players, it's about the money and the style of play........they've got to "sacrifice" a bit on both if they want to play UConn basketball.......

I agree with you for the majority of top players but for Smith I think it could be a little different. As far as NIL, I think UConn can be competitive and in the ballpark. And style of play shouldn't be a problem either. When Auriemma respects a PG's skills, control, and unselfishness like with Bird, Jefferson and even Dangerfield, he knows how to utilize and maximize their abilities and still let them freewheel. With Smith I get the sense it could come down to her family and close friends being able to share closely in her career without traveling big distances for 4 years to do it and the large amount of endorsements her notoriety and play will be able to generate in the LA area for her and her family. With two years of HS remaining, she's already like a legend in that metro area.

 

[Bone Dog]

And style of play shouldn't be a problem either.

I suspect “style of play” could be a significant obstacle. It’s hard for me to see a real similarity between Sue Bird and Kaleena Smith. In terms of physicality, Kaleena seems rather more like MoJeff. But even then, none of Geno’s point guards have ever been ‘ball dominant’ scorers on the scale of Special K.

 

[BobbyJ]

I suspect “style of play” could be a significant obstacle. It’s hard for me to see a real similarity between Sue Bird and Kaleena Smith. In terms of physicality, Kaleena seems rather more like MoJeff. But even then, none of Geno’s point guards have ever been ‘ball dominant’ scorers on the scale of Special K.

She's only as ball dominant as she needs to be because that's what her teams require of her and her ball security is excellent. She averages almost double digit APG and doesn't take bad shots. Her teammates seem to enjoy playing with her and she does what her coach wants. Watkins, Hidalgo, and Chavez are what I consider to be ball dominant, constantly looking for their own shot first. Smith facilitates as often as she shoots. In UConn's offense she be very similar to Jefferson but obviously not at MJ's level defensively.