Morgan Valley update!

[CamrnCrz1974]

A recent article from SB Nation (the Arizona sites) asked why top recruits (four- and five-star recruits) were flocking to the Arizona women's basketball program, which has struggled for over a decade. Since that 2004-05 season, Arizona has only had one winning campaign.

Yet the 2018 recruiting class was ranked 5th by Prospects Nation, 14th by All Star Girls Report, and 14th by ESPN/Hoopgurlz (Dan Olson).

The SB Nation article above references a number of reasons for the uptick in recruiting -- players wanting to play at a school where they felt close to their teammates, a family atmosphere, coaching staff and fit, etc.

But can it be traced to a single event?

Head women’s basketball coach Adia Barnes announced the hiring of new assistant coach Morgan Valley on April 26, 2017.

In her first year at Arizona, Morgan Valley helped secure the highest ranked recruiting class in Arizona history! Not only does she bring a championship pedigree (she is the one of just two Division I assistant coaches to have played in four Final Fours and win three National Championships), but she is, per Arizona Head Coach Adia Barnes, a specialist in player development and scouting and someone who knows how to build a championship culture.

 

[vtcwbuff]

Is Valley destined to be a career bridesmaid? This is her 7th assistant position since leaving UConn.

 

[GoingPostal]

A great article. There are several glowing comments from past head coaches and former players that she mentored. I think she has all the attributes that are needed to become a head coach. Her time will come.

 

[Carnac]

A great article. There are several glowing comments from past head coaches and former players that she mentored. I think she has all the attributes that are needed to become a head coach. Her time will come.

Agreed. After being with 7 other programs as an assistant, this should be her last "assistant coach" position. After 3-4 years here, if she's not ready to become a head coach by then, When? The right opportunity will come at some point.

You pick up things from each coach you work for. After awhile, you should be ready to cast aside the training wheels, hire your own staff and go for it, even if that first HC position is at a D-2 or NAIA program.

 

[KnightBridgeAZ]

We are very happy to have her.

The entire coaching staff is an upgrade from what went before. But no head coach - even Adia Barnes who I really think is something special - can do it without players and without really good assistants. Her husband is a good fit, bringing European connections as well, and, as I say, Morgan Valley was a win.

Even looking at Rutgers - and yes, I know CVS is "old" and a lot of folks will blame that - but they thrived with strong assistant coaches and recruiters - Jolette Law and Carlene Mitchell, mostly, with a brief dose of Marianne Stanley. Interestingly, Law and Mitchell were not successful as head coaches, I think some folks are just better at being assistants.

 

[eebmg]

It sounds so funny coming from the BY that her assistant coaching status is being "analyzed". We have a history of long term assistant/associate coaches who
thrive in that environment and would only change if a "once in a lifetime HC offer" would materialize. As long as her efforts are being acknowledged by all that matter, she will have great opportunities when the time is right.

 

[vtcwbuff]

Elliott - long time UConn asst to head coach
Cardoza - long time UConn asst to head coach
Ralph - long time UConn asst to head coach whenever she wants
Mosely - long time UConn asst to head coach
Dailey - long time assoc head coach could have been a head coach whenever she wanted

Valley - 7 short time asst positions in 14 years. Career journeyman assistant?

 

[01Neaggrad02]

I bet her sister Ashley would love to have those 7 gigs

 

[KnightBridgeAZ]

Valley - 7 short time asst positions in 14 years. Career journeyman assistant?

I don't know. But the last 3 make some sense. She worked for Dennis Wolfe at Virginia Tech and when he was let go went to work for Mike Neighbors in Washington (coached one year with Adia there) and then came to Arizona when he left Washington.

The life of an Assistant.

 

[DaddyChoc]

add her to the list of Geno replacements

 

[paisan]

add her to the list of Geno replacements

My hope is for Shea as the next head coach.

 

[HuskylnSC]

Wonder if she was considered for Marisa's position?

 

[Jaybird65]

Wonder if she was considered for Marisa's position?

Nope....they targeted Lister all along

 

[DaddyChoc]

Wonder if she was considered for Marisa's position?

had to have some "soul" on the staff if they want certain recruits... people who can relate to these young teeny boppers