2026 Recruiting: Olivia Vukosa

[Sluconn Husky]

Olivia Vukosa (2026) – Christ the King HS (NY)6’4”–6’5”

Center | Philly Rise EYBL | Top-3 National Recruit

Elite Paint Presence with Advanced Basketball Intelligence


Scoring Arsenal:

Vukosa combines traditional post moves with modern spacing concepts. Her 19.2 PPG comes from systematic positioning and advanced footwork rather than pure physicality. Watch her seal-and-finish sequences against EYBL competition—she creates scoring opportunities through timing and basketball intelligence.


Facilitating Vision:

Her 3.8 assists from the center position represent elite basketball IQ. Clip sequences showing post-entry reads, double-team recognition, and outlet passing. She manipulates defensive rotations through systematic ball movement.


Shot Selection + Spacing IQ:

Vukosa understands when to attack versus when to relocate. Her ability to step away from the basket and create space demonstrates modern center versatility while maintaining paint presence.


Event Creation:

5.5 blocks per game plus steals create 6.0+ defensive events—systematic rim protection combined with anticipation skills. She doesn’t just block shots; she alters offensive approaches through positioning.


Paint Protection:

Watch possession segments showing help defense, post defense, and rebounding positioning. Her 17.9 rebounds reflect systematic pursuit and basketball intelligence, not just size advantages.


Transition Defense:

Include clips showing defensive rebounding to outlet passing transitions. Her court awareness creates fast-break opportunities while preventing opponent second chances.

 

[WiseWillie]

This isn't a crack at you, @WiseWillie, as you're not the only person I've see type this, but there may be a US English subtlety I've missed...

I would have thought that UConn is the Basketball Capital of the World and Gampel Pavilion is the Basketball Capitol of the World.

There's a long-ish and, to me any way, funny story that ends with someone accusing me of being a pendant and me replying "Ah, I think you mean pedant!". 🤓

And BTW, I'd love to see Olivia end up at UConn.

Absolutely correct, veivoli. You must be a English teacher/professor because you remind me the lesson regarding the use of an'a" or an "o' to differentiate capital and capitol that was hammered home to a young rambunctious kid by a lovable but strict sixth grade English teacher more than a few years ago. The fact that I still remember her is a testament to how influential great teachers can be. (And we need to pay them more!)

Getting back to this thread, Olivia is most definitely exactly the type that Geno and CD have chosen to join an illustrious group of Huskies and acquaint them with The Standard that they have created over a forty year span. Modest, close family, all-around great player and smart young woman are all attributes that are written about Olivia. She would fit in perfectly with this UConn team without a doubt. Wish her the best in whatever direction she chooses but certainly think she and her family must see the benefit of coming to ( Hold on. Let me make sure I've got it right this time) - The Basketball CAPITAL of the World. 😊

 

[Sluconn Husky]

 

[Crossover]

Such a modest kid. I love her self-assessment. "It's convenient that I am an all around player, so that makes the coach's job a little easier".

 

[marti3td]

When are we getting her on campus for an official?

 

[RoadMaster]

Swipe.. Shoutout to Stewie.

 

[marti3td]

I feel like this is a Somfai 2.0 situation...hope I am wrong though.

 

[ec33]

I feel like this is a Somfai 2.0 situation...hope I am wrong though.

In some particular way or just that UConn loses out on a recruit?

 

[Hayven]

Looks like she’s in Baton Rouge, possibly her OV with LSU

 

[DEpup]

I think Australians are tough on the east coast to get if they have other options. It's already a long journey to get home and it gets worse if they have to fly across the US too.

 

[ec33]

I think Australians are tough on the east coast to get if they have other options. It's already a long journey to get home and it gets worse if they have to fly across the US too.

Shhhhh. Don't tell Jacob Furphy.

 

[southie]

Looks like she’s in Baton Rouge, possibly her OV with LSU

 

[ConnecticutBB]

Make the right move… Come to uconn

 

[Zarathustra]

Make the right move… Come to uconn

Agreed!!

 

[connboy77]

It is my wish that we get Olivia; Even if she is the only verbal for 2026 it would still be a very good class for UCONN.

 

[Tonyc]

Home visits in September UConn SC Ohio St Texas and LSU Geno may not be retiring to soon. September was in home visits for the BIG O UConn SC Texas Ohio St and LSU were there. I like UConns chances. Vince Cannizzaro the legendary coach was good friends with Geno CTK and UConn are tight. I think alot depends on how long Geno will coach and when he will retire. Playtime is a factor too. I do know Geno's retirement is a question for all recruits interested in UConn. I am sure UConn has a plan especially after what happened so suddenly at Tenn when Pat was diagnosed with dementia.

 

[Bone Dog]

I don’t know, @Tonyc. I really can’t see retirement or playing time being serious issues for Olivia. She has to have noticed how Geno has nursed UConn’s injury riddled frontcourt all the way to an NC. Is there a post player anywhere who can’t appreciate that? Plus, the playing time is like a perfect storm for her. After Serah moves on, someone with Olivia’s skill set has to believe she can successfully compete for minutes with Ice and Jana even as a freshman. And as a sophomore, it will just be Jana and Gandy. Maybe the only scary thought for her is that she’ll only get two years playing with Sarah.

Frankly it’s difficult to picture a better situation for a big like Olivia. Only some misguided curiosity or a non-basketball reason could lead her away from Storrs. But teenagers have been known to make decisions in odd ways.

 

[Charliebball]

Home visits in September UConn SC Ohio St Texas and LSU Geno may not be retiring to soon. September was in home visits for the BIG O UConn SC Texas Ohio St and LSU were there. I like UConns chances. Vince Cannizzaro the legendary coach was good friends with Geno CTK and UConn are tight. I think alot depends on how long Geno will coach and when he will retire. Playtime is a factor too. I do know Geno's retirement is a question for all recruits interested in UConn. I am sure UConn has a plan especially after what happened so suddenly at Tenn when Pat was diagnosed with dementia.

If there's one good thing to come out of the newer transfer rules, it's that players have almost total freedom of movement, especially when a coach announces a retirement....