I don't think Gardiner or Barker did themselves a favor picking UCLA last year. We'll see about the incoming transfers this time around.
That's a 3 guard rotation with Rice, Leger-Walker, and Kneepkens. I don't think Jaquez loses time at the 3, and UCLA will play 3 guards a fair amount, if you think of Jaquez as a guard.
If Close is smart, and I think she is (and a darn good coach in spite of what some fans on here continue to think), she will have discussed downplaying individual goals, or whatever, for the good of the team and the hope of winning a NC. UCLA has the talent - I still think UConn is the best team in the country next season - but it seems to be a good decision on both sides.
Well...she hasn't been the coach there for a long time. Close on the other hand....
1) Jacquez is a nice player for the Big 18 but has minimal impact against Top 5-10 competition like UConn etc.
This is a very good question. Rice gets a ton of credit as the "locker room" leader, but she is quiet on the court, and really has never lived up to her potential in tough games. Leger-Walker is, by all accounts, the team "mom" and may assume that role on the court. Kneepkens may assert herself, or may enjoy not having all the pressure on her own head.
Looking at stats doesn't remotely reveal Leger-Walker's impact on a team. Those Washington St. teams didn't have a whole lot of talent, but she made them relevant. I agree she's never been a very efficient scorer, but that's missing the point with her.
Great points and questions. I also find it ironic that Coach Close now has two players she had to coach against being key pieces of her offence next season.
I realize this and I'm not a stats reliant person. UCLA needs at least one other impact scorer that can get them 20 a game against Top5 teams to support what Betts gives them. CLW's leadership and scoring will be fine during conference play but the NC tournament is where they'll need that big impact and those shooting stats indicate not much more than they get from Rice and Jacquez. We'll see if she can provide it when top teams are able to minimize Betts' damage.
Close is well-known for being very nice to opposing players (I remember Haley Jones mentioning that on her podcast, among others), and definitely uses her time at UCLA, and as an international coach, to scout players. She presents herself as someone who would be "nice" to play for.
Um... Kneepkens?
Everybody continues to focus on Paige not being around next season, and she will certainly be missed. But the 2 players most responsible for the beat down of UCLA in the national semifinals were Sarah and Azzi who will be back. Furthermore, Sarah will be a strong (pun intended) contender for NPOY next season. Finally, with all due respect to Cori Close, Geno’s coaching is worth an extra 10 points or so in a FF game.
Of course Close has discussed downplaying individual goals. Every coach everywhere does. But it is obvious that not every player and not every team takes the admonition to heart.
Sure, maybe? I'm sure that's why Close went after her hard. She knew that's what she needed and probably didn't think she had enough yet in her current roster.
Interesting points. This is my whole tension with the arms race that is the transfer portal. Some times these programs stack talent, and imo limit the growth of their current players. I actually think Jacquez at her best can be an impact player vs any team. She had 18 in the elite 8 against LSU. She's a natural scorer imo, but the team is built to play through Betts and be balanced (not a bad thing just partially explains her limited numbers despite her efficiency). I feel like the whole team kinda struggled against UConn. As far as the second point CLW did make history at her former school when she lead Wash State to winning the pac 12 conference tournament, when the pac 12 was super stacked. She had Shania Twain singing her praises jk. I hear the inefficiency, critique, I just think she's special. I'm a UConn fan and I'm just saying if she comes back a better shooter, imo her alone made ucla scarier. Lastly, just wondering , who in your opinion is the most talented team in the country. I think I mentioned rotation because I like to look at the top 8. Most teams struggle playing 10, if you play 6 or 7 you probably lack depth. So I always wonder about a teams best 8 or 9 players. Just my random thought process. Anyhow Ucla has Betts, baby Betts, Dugalic, Gardener, Kneepkens, Jacques, CLW, Kiki Rice. I think Betts, Kneepkens, and Rice are all top 10 in the country at their respective positions.
No so delusional. Heckel and Blakes would be the dynamic duo. Since Heckel has not declared and after a lengthy discussion with Geno about PT, he might have talked to Shea about her going to Vandy. Better there than a traditional foe.I've decided this calls for some delusional thinking. Maybe Heckel has committed and coach Ralph had to cancel Daley's visit. Yeah, that's it. All's well.
I get that. However, Paige's impact is being significantly downplayed. Who was the first team AA/Wade Trophy winner in 2025 that was at the top of the scouting report? It wasn't Kaitlyn Chen. It wasn't even Sarah (or Azzi).
Heckel visited Vandy last week before going to Notre Dame, Michigan State and UConn. I'm assuming UConn is a done deal. Thus the delusional scenario I posted above.
Better coaching, closer to home, all possibilities but for a dynamic personality like Kaleigh, first and foremost it would have to be PT. Realistically she would be a nice to have at UConn, but she has to see the competition at guard, both now and who it might be from the commits in '26 and '27. I could see her at Vandy with Blakes (Batman and Robin) where she get the coaching and PT and only be a short plane ride from home. I also see Geno advising her, perhaps even in a discussion with Shea, about her options. And, should getting a good education be a criteria, Vanderbilt is certainly one of the best.
You have no idea nor do any of us. She is a gritty player who has a lot of talent. She would be welcomed here
What in Bone Dog's post is not true? She will be welcomed here, and you know that how?