A couple of things to add. I'll admit I did venture over to the ND board - was surprised they were so shocked. She always wanted UCONN. But...
I did enjoy their angst over thinking Bueckers was "in the bag" given her friendship with Brunelle, but a few things about that.
- Brunelle wanted UCONN up to near the end, but there was no scholly extended. Everyone will believe what they want, but there it is. I have reasons for believing what I do. Others may disagree and that's fine.
- If you really listen to Paige's comments, it was ALWAYS UCONN. Just like Tenn fans thought they led for Maya, for any ND fans who thought they ever led for Paige, fact is, it was always UCONN. She idolized UCONN from a young age, and I doubt very much ND EVER led for her, regardless of how much Brunelle may have tried to convince her.
- If you watched any of the games where Bueckers, Fudd, Brunelle, Boston, Jones, Horston etc. played together, it was always Bueckers and Fudd together as thick as thieves. Any ND fan who thinks Fudd is ND bound needs to rethink that. Then again, maybe not, but be prepared to be disappointed.
I think Paige may be the most important recruit since Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis. I'm not talking about sheer talent - I believe Bueckers has the potential, from a talent perspective, to be the 4th true face on UCONN's Mt. Rushmore - Dee, Maya, Stewie and... ? Anyway, I say most important for a couple reasons...
But first an aside to explain about KML... she was not only a #1 recruit, but EVERYONE liked her and most everyone wanted to play with her. I think she was instrumental in helping land the holy trinity (Mo, Stewie, Morgan - even tho I think we always led for Stewie).
So I say most important sine KML for 2 reasons. 1) She's a PG. The PG is who has the most control over the pace of the offense, how it runs, and how gets passed to when/where etc. Even Berube noted everyone wants to play with Paige. She's THAT good. We read about Christyn wanting to play with Dangerfield. Gabby and Kia Nurse wanting to play with Jefferson. I think Paige is the linchpin of the next 2 recruiting classes. Everyone will want to play with her. Not saying we will get everyone, but get ready for a sustained collage of top recruits coming our way. And 2) she's just that good. She just oozes confidence and leadership. Kids who want to win NC's want to go where the talent is. I cannot overstate how important she is to our future and how devastating it is to the team who thought she was coming their way.
I am cautiously optimistic that the dominoes will continue to fall UCONN's way in recruiting for 2020, 21, and 22. If it goes as I hope, UCONN is on the precipice of another era of domination. All the worry warts can officially retire for the next 5 years.