Olivia To UConn!

[CocoHusky]

Cocohusky turned me onto ONO some time ago. He then continued to pine for her, so I've looked for his post on this thread. Hard to imagine anyone who could be happier. I've checked out ONO on videos since I heard about her, and I must say I, too, pined for the young lady. We've had such problems landing a quality big (Wilson, Cox, C. Collier) that I felt we were jinxed in that area. Ain't so; we got the player(s)(including C. Williams) who we needed for a pleasant transition from one NC to the next. Somebody wants the train to roll on: don't even think of retiring G-man. As Mel Brooks said, "It's good to be King!"

I followed @Sluconn Husky lead and was blown away by Olivia. As Slu siad " For the things that UCONN likes to do ( which is to get up and down the court and not be predictible about placing any player in a set spot, defend,& defend some more ) ONO was the perfect fit. Slu has a good track record with these things he also was the first to predict stardom for Napheesa Collier when most people (including me) were thinking she would just be another good contributor at UCONN.
For those who are wondering how ONO compares to C. Collier she compares very favorably, is much more mobile, longer and more versatile offensively. You can give ONO the ball on the wing and she can use one dribble to get to basket. As in this short clip.
.
The video of the USA basketball vs Ezi is online. In that game ONO was the best American player. Ezi was the best player and the tournament MVP. C.Collier barely played in the game. If UCONN lands Ezi I'll be the one joining in on the backflips and the rest of WCBB would have to be put on suicide watch.

 

[MilfordHusky]

So 2018 we have Z, 6'6" and ONO, 6'6" too. Both can stand next to C. Collier and block her balls.

I’m not sure if ONO is taller than 6’4”, but the great Stewie was “only” 6’4”. Their builds and length are similar. Olivia is a defensive nightmare.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Tickled pink and quite frankly shocked. Had all but given up on getting Nelson-Ododa a long time ago. Didn't think they'd get KLS either. Never been happier to be wrong twice.

Oh, and UConn somehow has two #1 players in this class.

I wasn’t even sure Olivia was going to visit. When I heard she was visiting with Christyn, I became optimistic. Geno thought the visit went great. That made me even more optimistic.

 

[MilfordHusky]

IIRC there was another recruit from Georgia that did fairly well - just can't remember her name right now. . .

The Chinese call her The Invincible Queen. The WNBA calls her 4-time champion.

 

[bags27]

But like Stewie, she will need to pump iron, although I think Stewie has a slightly wider frame and presumably can hang the extra muscle more easily.

Not sure it's going to happen, and, if it does, ONO might not be fully ready for it, but could you imagine her and Z on the court at the same time?

 

[MilfordHusky]

Collier will come back for sure. She made that rather clear already. Note that she won't have graduated like Tuck did and Stevens will. Plus, her best friend in the world KLS is on the team.

Stevens' recent comments about being at UConn three years is a positive sign.

I think Z will stay. I’d bet the ranch on Pheesa staying. She’s not going anywhere without her twin, Lou.

 

[CocoHusky]

ESPNHoop constantly changes their ranking, will not be surprised if they change ONO to #2 in next 6 months.

Before she got hurt ESPN had ONO at #1. Don't see her moving up significantly because the ESPN ranking focus will shift to 2019 starting with the Tournament of Champions, West Coast Jamboree, and The Beach Ball classic in December. All top 100 players in 2018 are committed or signed so hardly anyone will care about the rankings anymore.

 

[MilfordHusky]

But like Stewie, she will need to pump iron, although I think Stewie has a slightly wider frame and presumably can hang the extra muscle more easily.

Not sure it's going to happen, and, if it does, ONO might not be fully ready for it, but could you imagine her and Z on the court at the same time?

If you liked the first half defense against Stanford, you’ll really like it when Olivia in is the mix.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

One of ONO's last big achievements before sustaining the knee injury was showing out at the Crescom Classic last December, a tourney where Mikayla Coombs and Megan Walker also made their mark.

Olivia Nelson-Ododa – 2018 – 6-5 – Post – Winder-Barrow – Established and well known prospect who shows time and time again why she’s so highly regarded…Big, long, active player who makes her presence known every game… So mobile, getting around to get position in the post, handling the ball some in transition, and getting up off the ground quickly to pull boards… The footwork is there…Boxes out every time…Rare combination of size and skills with a still evolving game

U17 and U18 recruiting target observations

 

[SVCBeercats]

Notice anyone conspicuously absent from the list? A team that's usually vying for the top players? Remember ND? Seldom heard of these days.

You have to give McGraw credit for her success. She does not attract the same quality of players that Auriemma does. I wonder how much it has to do with Notre Dame being a Catholic institution. Does this shrink her player pool? How much would religion factor into a player's decision? I wonder what percentage of ND students are Catholic.

In the last 4 recruiting periods Notre Dame recruited 2 top 10 players. While during the same period UCONN recruited 6 top 10 players including (3 #1s). I may be wrong but I think Nelson-Ododa was ranked #1 prior to her injury. I used to think the Stewart, Jefferson, Tuck class was like getting 3 #1s, since at one point or another they were all ranked #1 for their class. Bet no one else ever had 3 #1s in a single class.

Notre Dame Reruiting
2015
98 Arike Ogunbowale, PG HoopGurlz 100 #10 POS RANK PG #5 HT 5-9
98 Ali Patberg, G HoopGurlz 100 #13 POS RANK G #1 HT 5-11
97 Marina Mabrey, G HoopGurlz 100 #24 POS RANK G #4 HT 5-10
2016
98 Erin Boley, F HoopGurlz 100 POS #5 RANK F #3 HT 6-2
98 Jackie Young, G HoopGurlz 100 POS #11 RANK G #3 HT 5-11
2017
97 Danielle Patterson, F HoopGurlz 100 #30 POS RANK F #9 HT 6-3
95 Mikayla Vaughn, F HoopGurlz 100 #56 POS RANK F #13 HT 6-3
2018
97 Katlyn Gilbert, PG HoopGurlz 100 #27 POS RANK PG #7 HT 5-10
95 Jordan Nixon, PG HoopGurlz 100 #59 POS RANK PG #15 HT 5-8
95 Danielle Cosgrove, P HoopGurlz 100 #67 POS RANK P #13 HT 6-3
94 Abby Prohaska, G HoopGurlz 100 POS #80 RANK G #21 HT 5-10

UCONN Recruiting
2015
98 Katie Lou Samuelson, W HoopGurlz 100 #1 POS RANK W #1 HT 6-3
98 Napheesa Collier, W HoopGurlz 100 #6 POS RANK W #3 HT 6-1
97 De'Janae Boykin, F HoopGurlz 100 #23 POS RANK F #5 HT 6-2
2016
98 Crystal Dangerfield, PG HoopGurlz 100 #3 POS RANK PG #1 HT 5-6
90 Molly Bent, G HoopGurlz 100 #NA POS RANK G #22 HT 5-8
90 Kyla Irwin, P HoopGurlz 100 #NA POS RANK P #16 HT 6-2
2017
98 Megan Walker, W HoopGurlz 100 #1 POS RANK W #1 HT 6-1
98 Mikayla Coombs, G HoopGurlz 100 #13 POS RANK G #2 HT 5-10
98 Andra Espinoza-Hunter, G HoopGurlz 100 #16 POS RANK G #4 HT 5-10
97 Lexi Gordon, W HoopGurlz 100 #29 POS RANK W #5 HT 5-11
2018
98 Christyn Williams, G HoopGurlz 100 #1 POS RANK G #1 HT 5-11 Signed
98 Olivia Nelson-Ododa, P HoopGurlz 100 #6 POS RANK P #1HT 6-4

 

[Suebird10fan]

Gabby keeps moving up my list of favorite players.

Mine too. And my list of favorite people.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

 

[NewCorn]

But like Stewie, she will need to pump iron, although I think Stewie has a slightly wider frame and presumably can hang the extra muscle more easily.

Not sure it's going to happen, and, if it does, ONO might not be fully ready for it, but could you imagine her and Z on the court at the same time?

Exactly my thought. And I have been imagining a starting 5, consisting of a point guard like Crystal, and four players on the order of Stewie, Az, ONO, and Ezi. I wonder how that would work.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

“Just the culture they have up there, the girls and the coaching staff, I was able to connect with them almost instantly,” Nelson-Ododa said. “The ability to form relationships with the coaches and girls and realizing they have a special type of culture up there, that’s what led to this decision.”

....

“Now that I’m cleared I’m looking forward to playing,” said Nelson-Ododa, who thanked some of the doctors and physical therapists who have helped with her recovery, along with family, friends and coaches, during her remarks before the announcement. “For some things, I’m not trying to rush it. I’m just trying to take it slow again, easier until I get back fully. It’s been a journey, but luckily I’ve had people supporting me through it.”

Winder-Barrow opens the regular season Saturday against Central Gwinnett.


Winder-Barrow’s Olivia Nelson-Ododa commits to UConn

 

[Carnac]

I've got to salute ONO's camp. Regarding information on ONO as to her thoughts, wants, needs likes etc (leaks), they were as tight as a mason jar. One would think they were ALL related to Sgt. Schultz (Hogan's Heros). You remember what Schultz' favorite come-back line was..............."I know nothing". That's exactly what we got out of her camp, nothing. No whispers, no rumors, no information from that "anonymous source", nothing. The only sound coming out of her camp was crickets.

 

[SVCBeercats]

But like Stewie, she will need to pump iron, although I think Stewie has a slightly wider frame and presumably can hang the extra muscle more easily.

Not sure it's going to happen, and, if it does, ONO might not be fully ready for it, but could you imagine her and Z on the court at the same time?

I know its guys' versus gals' physiology. BUT ... remember Portland took Greg Oden instead of Kevin Durant because Durant was "soft." Hopefully, UCONN will get a female Durant -- "soft" but what a basketball player!

 

[UConnCat]

“Just the culture they have up there, the girls and the coaching staff, I was able to connect with them almost instantly,” Nelson-Ododa said. “The ability to form relationships with the coaches and girls and realizing they have a special type of culture up there, that’s what led to this decision.”

I love this quote. She understands what Geno and Chris have established in Storrs and she wants to be a part of it.

 

[CocoHusky]

Have not heard a peep from our regulars in Texas. @southie and @easttexastrash

 

[Dove]

Just saw the Courant's story. With Geno, CD and the facilities these commitments are of no surprise.

Geno train rolls on!!!

 

[Carnac]

Just in case you were wondering, the lone remaining uncommitted top 100 player for 2018 according to Hoopgurlz is #53 Stephanie Soares. A 6-6 post - #10 position rank (home school) from Pflugerville, Texas. A 4 star prospect.

Note - UCF is the only other AAC school to sign a top 100 player according to Hoopgurlz. #99 Diamond Battles 5-8 PG Winter Haven HS, FL.

 

[rugbymate]

I disagree. I'd put our class at #2 behind only Baylor (who I pointed out got #3, 8, 15, 18 and 24). UCONN got #1 and #5. IMHO, quality beats quantity big time. The reason Baylor is #1 is they have 2 in the top 10, and 4 total in the top 20.

I'd put them in this order:

Baylor - 4, 8, 15, 18, 24
UCONN - 1, 5
Texas - 2, 12, 56, 1 NR
FSU - 6, 35, 40, 64, 82
Maryland 3, 32, 33
Syracuse - 10, 11, and 2 NR
Tennessee - 13, 26, 44, 69
South Carolina - 9, 50
Stanford - 16, 20, 1 NR

Possibly flip Maryland and FSU, and also SC and Stanford. It's just a quick and dirty analysis by me - not sure if I missed any recruits.

One could make the arguement that if you got the #1 and #5 every year then no one could compete against you. IMO , having a class of 5 , like Baylor, with mid-teen and twenty something recruits becomes somewhat limiting. I wouldn't trade our position with any other team. Maybe that doesn't make us the number one class by some definition but it is a better path to maintaining our status as number one team.

 

[UcMiami]

One of the things on recruiting is that you really only need to alternate 2 recruits and 1 recruit each year that are primary rotation players to have a 6 player rotation. Add in a few spot minute players during each four year cycle and you have a full team. If you go 2, 2, 1, 2, 2, 1 ... your rotation is 7. These four and five player classes may fill in holes but generally do not live up to hype or disintegrate over the course of 4 years (or worse, end up clogging up space for better recruits in following years.)

So Uconn's ability to get one or two highly ranked players almost every year creates a continuity of excellence - add in a few lower ranked surprise developments and 'glue' players (plus an occasional Canadian Olympian) and you have the juggernaut.

And McGraw at ND has done really well with that kind of formula and with her ability to coach them up. Compare her consistent recent success to some other coaches ... (and not just her, but Tara and a few others.)

And getting a little help in the transfer world doesn't hurt either!

 

[MilfordHusky]

One of the things on recruiting is that you really only need to alternate 2 recruits and 1 recruit each year that are primary rotation players to have a 6 player rotation. Add in a few spot minute players during each four year cycle and you have a full team. If you go 2, 2, 1, 2, 2, 1 ... your rotation is 7. These four and five player classes may fill in holes but generally do not live up to hype or disintegrate over the course of 4 years (or worse, end up clogging up space for better recruits in following years.)

So Uconn's ability to get one or two highly ranked players almost every year creates a continuity of excellence - add in a few lower ranked surprise developments and 'glue' players (plus an occasional Canadian Olympian) and you have the juggernaut.

And McGraw at ND has done really well with that kind of formula and with her ability to coach them up. Compare her consistent recent success to some other coaches ... (and not just her, but Tara and a few others.)

And getting a little help in the transfer world doesn't hurt either!

"Plus an occasional Canadian Olympian"

Laeticia Amihere is next up! Class of 2019 ranked #2, with a recently torn ACL. She's a dunker.

 

[MilfordHusky]

You have to give McGraw credit for her success. She does not attract the same quality of players that Auriemma does. I wonder how much it has to do with Notre Dame being a Catholic institution. Does this shrink her player pool? How much would religion factor into a player's decision? I wonder what percentage of ND students are Catholic.

In the last 4 recruiting periods Notre Dame recruited 2 top 10 players. While during the same period UCONN recruited 6 top 10 players including (3 #1s). I may be wrong but I think Nelson-Ododa was ranked #1 prior to her injury. I used to think the Stewart, Jefferson, Tuck class was like getting 3 #1s, since at one point or another they were all ranked #1 for their class. Bet no one else ever had 3 #1s in a single class.

Notre Dame Reruiting
2015
98 Arike Ogunbowale, PG HoopGurlz 100 #10 POS RANK PG #5 HT 5-9
98 Ali Patberg, G HoopGurlz 100 #13 POS RANK G #1 HT 5-11
97 Marina Mabrey, G HoopGurlz 100 #24 POS RANK G #4 HT 5-10
2016
98 Erin Boley, F HoopGurlz 100 POS #5 RANK F #3 HT 6-2
98 Jackie Young, G HoopGurlz 100 POS #11 RANK G #3 HT 5-11
2017
97 Danielle Patterson, F HoopGurlz 100 #30 POS RANK F #9 HT 6-3
95 Mikayla Vaughn, F HoopGurlz 100 #56 POS RANK F #13 HT 6-3
2018
97 Katlyn Gilbert, PG HoopGurlz 100 #27 POS RANK PG #7 HT 5-10
95 Jordan Nixon, PG HoopGurlz 100 #59 POS RANK PG #15 HT 5-8
95 Danielle Cosgrove, P HoopGurlz 100 #67 POS RANK P #13 HT 6-3
94 Abby Prohaska, G HoopGurlz 100 POS #80 RANK G #21 HT 5-10

UCONN Recruiting
2015
98 Katie Lou Samuelson, W HoopGurlz 100 #1 POS RANK W #1 HT 6-3
98 Napheesa Collier, W HoopGurlz 100 #6 POS RANK W #3 HT 6-1
97 De'Janae Boykin, F HoopGurlz 100 #23 POS RANK F #5 HT 6-2
2016
98 Crystal Dangerfield, PG HoopGurlz 100 #3 POS RANK PG #1 HT 5-6
90 Molly Bent, G HoopGurlz 100 #NA POS RANK G #22 HT 5-8
90 Kyla Irwin, P HoopGurlz 100 #NA POS RANK P #16 HT 6-2
2017
98 Megan Walker, W HoopGurlz 100 #1 POS RANK W #1 HT 6-1
98 Mikayla Coombs, G HoopGurlz 100 #13 POS RANK G #2 HT 5-10
98 Andra Espinoza-Hunter, G HoopGurlz 100 #16 POS RANK G #4 HT 5-10
97 Lexi Gordon, W HoopGurlz 100 #29 POS RANK W #5 HT 5-11
2018
98 Christyn Williams, G HoopGurlz 100 #1 POS RANK G #1 HT 5-11 Signed
98 Olivia Nelson-Ododa, P HoopGurlz 100 #6 POS RANK P #1HT 6-4

Muffet is a good coach, especially with guards. It's that Philly background.

 

[Gus Mahler]

Well, Santa came through for me. Sort of.