Poll - Agot Makeer's final three

[Alydar]

This has been an interesting thread to peruse.

I can certainly see why Makeer would be interested in UConn and, particularly, South Carolina (more on that in a bit).
However, my gut and tendency to root for underdogs says "Why not Michigan State?"

One of the adages I see thrown a lot are that great players don't think about whether they'll play a lot, but how can you not when looking at the Husky and Gamecock rosters? McDonald All-Americans galore, leading scorers that don't start.

However, Staley has a way of getting a large number of her players court time. Going back a few years, one such player was also a lithe Canadian by name of Laeticia Amihere, who was heavily pursued by multiple schools before going to S. Carolina. She had her moments, but was never a star before moving onto -- and making -- a WNBA roster with the Atlanta Dream. I've got to think this kind of progression is known to Makeer.

UConn is, of course, known for finishing school, too, but I just haven't heard of strong mutual interest. But publicity doesn't matter if they have contact.

Michigan State -- not Michigan and, btw, not a "mediocre" school -- is very much headed in the right direction under Coach Robyn Fralick. For those not familiar, she holds the highest winning percentage of any coach in any division ever for her 10-year stint at Ashland in D-II. She then went onto Bowling Green and got that school -- hardly a hoops mecca -- into the WNIT (saw a great semifinal between them and Columbia a few years back). She's done a great job at Michigan State, bringing in transfers and working with the Suzy Merchant players who stayed. Now, it's time to bring in her own high schoolers. If she could bet a Makeer, that would be a major progression for the program.

I don't know the young woman, but I can guess which one would give her prominent court time sooner rather than later. Stay tuned.

That has always been the case and yet the apex schools continue to fill their rosters with elite players. The thing that has changed over the years is that college is seen by top players as a stop on the path to a pro career, not the final goal. They can see what programs will train them for a successful pro career. And it's those same top players that win titles.

 

[HuskyNan]

True, I’m just not completely convinced she is an elite player. She’s very good obviously, but so are the ones I mentioned in my post, with Sarah being far beyond “elite”! I am far more concerned tha we get Blanca, who I believe to be better than Makeer. Again, I’m happy to see her commit to UConn if she does, I’m just sharing an opinion on probabilities.

I dunno, the people that have actually seen her play several times rank Agot #4 in the Class of 2025. They must think she's pretty good.

 

[marti3td]

My gut says South Carolina. Hope I am wrong because I was not confident SS was coming here but happy to be wrong on that one obviously.

 

[Bone Dog]

I am focused on Blanca most of all. She looks great, super athletic and an intense defender above all. And for the following year Kate Harpring, after I saw her shut down Kaleena Smith in a game. And Kaleena Smith, too. I rewatched the Duke game from two seasons ago, the Phil Knight Classic, and was reminded, vividly, of what Nika brought to games that season, and we need to keep getting kids like that.

Bigs are important, sure. But we need the little pests, too.

 

[Skeets]

I’m picking UConn because I’m a homer and eternal optimist.

LOL, me too (and of this writing 74 other people). After reading your post I had to go with UConn.

 

[Tonyc]

I'm hoping UConn. Much like Sarah's announcement she keeps us waiting.

 

[Dillon77]

That has always been the case and yet the apex schools continue to fill their rosters with elite players. The thing that has changed over the years is that college is seen by top players as a stop on the path to a pro career, not the final goal. They can see what programs will train them for a successful pro career. And it's those same top players that win titles.

True enough. But you do see some stand-out players choose lesser known or just-about-there ones to go to and lift them to another level. A'ja Wilson, Brittany Griner come to mind for South Carolina and Baylor, respectively. Skylar Diggins revitalized Notre Dame, as has JuJu Watkins. Somebody has to help take that first giant step.

I'm not saying this prospect or that one will make that kind of difference, but some of them do...otherwise you wouldn't see new teams on the horizon.

 

[Stagnant]

I hope she comes here because next years class seems a little weak if I’m being honest.

I agree with this. I am back to being pretty concerned with UConn’s recruiting. I think somfai was the top target for UConn this cycle and UConn missed. No one has committed for 2026 yet. I would like to see a win on the recruiting trail right now.

 

[yhun89]

I agree with this. I am back to being pretty concerned with UConn’s recruiting. I think somfai was the top target for UConn this cycle and UConn missed. No one has committed for 2026 yet. I would like to see a win on the recruiting trail right now.

We’ve got a big chance for Vukosa and Robinson in 26. Big contender for Smith in 27 according to interviews.

 

[Charliebball]

I am very interested to see the future of recruiting for Dawn after she came out and said that she wants players that are for team success only as she is not looking to create players for the WNBA.

She's undoubtably looking for team players...........what coach isn't? If she's placing an emphasis on team play and improving overall basketball skills, then she is in fact preparing her players for pro ball.....

 

[uconnever]

We’ve got a big chance for Vukosa and Robinson in 26. Big contender for Smith in 27 according to interviews.

I too hope 2026 brings a great class, but I’m concerned with the 2025 class. If Azzi doesnt come back, next year will be a tough year. We will be good but in my opinion, literally no shot at a championship. That’s why I’m so hoping Jana and Ice give us something this year because this may be our last real shot in the foreseeable future. I also think with the way recruiting is looking, Sarah has to get her title this year or may have to wait until her senior year IF recruiting picks up in 2026. Just the way it looks to me.

 

[Dugway]

I dunno, the people that have actually seen her play several times rank Agot #4 in the Class of 2025. They must think she's pretty good.

I do not recall exactly where other players were ranked in High School, other than the #1's we have, and for whatever reason cannot find a dang link to a website. I think UConn has several who were ranked right in and/or around #4.

Just to put into perspective of our other players, and recognizing that H.S. rankings are only as good as what they are ... maybe none; but does anyone recall what the ranking was for:

Caroline Ducharme?
Ayanna Patterson?
Ice Brady?
KK Arnold?
Ashlynn Shade?
Morgan Cheli?
Allie Ziebell?

 

[Cuango]

I am focused on Blanca most of all. She looks great, super athletic and an intense defender above all. And for the following year Kate Harpring, after I saw her shut down Kaleena Smith in a game. And Kaleena Smith, too. I rewatched the Duke game from two seasons ago, the Phil Knight Classic, and was reminded, vividly, of what Nika brought to games that season, and we need to keep getting kids like that.

Bigs are important, sure. But we need the little pests, too.

Agreed on Harpring! She is probably my second most wanted recruit, after the Big O! My hope: Harpring, Vukosa, Robinson/Bjorn plus I’d like to see Geno look into Abuna Ruop, currently raked #48 to see if she would be right for us. She’s now 6’8” and could become a dominant post!

 

[Cornell Lt]

These recruit discussions always amuse me. If UConn doesn't get a certain prospect then they magically become not that good or they were not UConn good. If a prospect does commit to UConn then they are the greatest thing since sliced bread. There doesn't tend to be much middle ground.

 

[Puppy Love]

I do not recall exactly where other players were ranked in High School, other than the #1's we have, and for whatever reason cannot find a dang link to a website. I think UConn has several who were ranked right in and/or around #4.

Just to put into perspective of our other players, and recognizing that H.S. rankings are only as good as what they are ... maybe none; but does anyone recall what the ranking was for:

Caroline Ducharme? 5
Ayanna Patterson? 4
Ice Brady? 5
KK Arnold? 6
Ashlynn Shade? 15
Morgan Cheli? 11
Allie Ziebell? 7

I pulled these out of archived ESPN ranking , so some of them might not be finals, but they are probably pretty close.

 

[ConnMotors]

If Blanca comes and Azzi & CD graduate, UConn has 12 players next year. I'm sure Geno will add more whether thru recruiting or the portal.

The team is loaded with players. However, we have two that have not played a minute this season yet. Another has just etched her way onto the court. Two that are only getting minutes in the fourth quarter. Another who has seen less action over the past few games. We are not allowed to speculate on this board by name. With players leaving programs at will now I believe that if and CD do leave that we may have more than 12 spots open for next season.

 

[Zarathustra]

Agreed on Harpring! She is probably my second most wanted recruit, after the Big O! My hope: Harpring, Vukosa, Robinson/Bjorn plus I’d like to see Geno look into Abuna Ruop, currently raked #48 to see if she would be right for us. She’s now 6’8” and could become a dominant post!

Some background on Abuna Ruop. This 6'8" center plays on
the Norfolk Christian School WBB team in Norfolk, Virginia.
The "Ambassadors" are currently 14 -2 with a recent win over
"THE STEWARD SCHOOL", 65 -61. Ms. Ruop is a JUNIOR... according to
the school's webpage. The girls' varsity team has a number of 8th graders
on it, some sophomores and two juniors (one being Abuna). I saw
no seniors on their roster. If this information is true (it should be!)
then Ms. Ruop is in the same H.S. graduating class as Olivia Vukosa.
The photo of Abuna displays her as having a RATHER slender body
type. Somewhere I notice that she had offers from Clemson, Wake
Forest, and Rutgers (among others). I could find no game stats. There
were none on the school's webpage... but I did not look very hard.
Based on essentially no real data (stats/reports), I think the future
is more with Gandy (6'6") and "THE BIG O" (my assumption being
Oliva Vukosa is going to be the next BIG "Big" at UCONN.) Thanks to
Cuango, and thread # 89 (above) for this insight.... COULD BE!!!

 

[Topdawg]

Great players can succeed anywhere. That said, UConn and SCar have well honed paths to pro leagues. Michigan State is closest to Ontario. While I have no particular wisdom into the choices teenage players make, I should think the Kia connection should be worth something!

 

[cancontent]

Great players can succeed anywhere. That said, UConn and SCar have well honed paths to pro leagues. Michigan State is closest to Ontario. While I have no particular wisdom into the choices teenage players make, I should think the Kia connection should be worth something!

Not sure if the Kia Nurse program connection has as much impact as some assume, including myself. It didn't work with Fournier. Neither did the Crestwood connection if you want to factor Aaliyah Edwards into the equation.

 

[CONN78SEJ]

The only top players UConn landed before 1995 were Lobo and Sales, both from an hour away.

Geno's first big non-local recruiting was Tammy Arnold (OR) in 1995 and then the 1996 class of Ralph (NC), Hansmeyer (OK), and Sauer (OK/NV)

Kerry Bascom??? Recruited by UConn, Boston College (back when they had a decent women’s program), Syracuse, and Rutgers(CVS).

 

[Charliebball]

Not sure if the Kia Nurse program connection has as much impact as some assume, including myself. It didn't work with Fournier. Neither did the Crestwood connection if you want to factor Aaliyah Edwards into the equation.

I'm somewhat disappointed that Canadian recruits haven't followed in the illustrious footsteps of those two UConn icons......

 

[cancontent]

I'm somewhat disappointed that Canadian recruits haven't followed in the illustrious footsteps of those two UConn icons......

I hear you, but UConn isn't for everyone. In some cases it may be for the best.

 

[HuskyNan]

Great players can succeed anywhere. That said, UConn and SCar have well honed paths to pro leagues. Michigan State is closest to Ontario. While I have no particular wisdom into the choices teenage players make, I should think the Kia connection should be worth something!

Michigan is close by as well and is not a bad choice. MSU was on Agot early, maybe a good relationship developed with the coaching staff. It’s hard to make big decisions like college choice as a 16 or 17 year old - so many disparate factors to consider. It’s not always about basketball either

 

[Stagnant]

I'm somewhat disappointed that Canadian recruits haven't followed in the illustrious footsteps of those two UConn icons......

Me too, not sure how we missed even showing interest in the Swords sisters.