Possible Grad Transfers Next Year?

[oldude]

Not a single name on this thread worth the effort.

You need a year to integrate whoever walks in. It’s half wasted time. UConn grads come out as close to pro ready as there is in College. The player gets more than the program gets back from the player.

Commitments work 2 ways — if somebody at the talent level to compete at the highest levels commits to your program they deserve the full opportunity to develop. I be pissed if I were ONO, Walker and Williams.

Grad transfers and rent-a-players undermine development of the recruited talent. Ultimately, they will undermine the program itself.

This is a race to become just like everybody else, and the endpoint will be to become just like everybody else.

These are not “normal” times for UConn. Assuming that Batouly does not return as a RS Senior, that leaves the Huskies with only 8 players. 3 of those players will be solid, returning starters. 3 will be reserves who’s contributions have been inconsistent at best. One will be a BIG with potential who we all hope will make a significant “sophomore leap.” One will be an unproven freshman.

While I agree that Geno can’t bring in just any grad transfer, there are a number of solid, experienced transfers who’s experience would be extremely welcome at UConn. Laksa & Mompremier immediately come to mind. I’m sure there are others.

 

['nuff sed]

These are not “normal” times for UConn. Assuming that Batouly does not return as a RS Senior, that leaves the Huskies with only 8 players. 3 of those players will be solid, returning starters. 3 will be reserves who’s contributions have been inconsistent at best. One will be a BIG with potential who we all hope will make a significant “sophomore leap.” One will be an unproven freshman.

While I agree that Geno can’t bring in just any grad transfer, there are a number of solid, experienced transfers who’s experience would be extremely welcome at UConn. Laksa & Mompremier immediately come to mind. I’m sure there are others.

I’m not counting on a huge leap from ONO——she needs to gain weight, and then get used to the body before the real development work shows up on the court. 2nd to 3rd years I would expect it, with the “blossoming” starting later yr 3.

I expect significant jumps from Walker and Williams.

Respectively,

I would suggest the transfers at best are of very limited value. The players get what ?....move up in the draft ?

What’s the team get....not an NC.

I’d be somewhat more amenable to the idea if you could make the case that a transfer can deliver a NC, but I still wouldn’t like it. They can’t. The best they can deliver is a better tournament seeding.

Be real - That’s what you guys are talking about.

You want to sell out your program, customize your offense for one season to accommodate your transfers in order to get full value because otherwise, again, it’s not worth it. And what happens to the rest of the team, you put them behind where they oughta be.
AZ was a bolt on, bolt ons gotta fit. A non starter, limited minutes —-that’s what you get. And no guarantee they will will deliver. They’re free agents, suitable for the pro game, not college.

It’s just absolutely ridiculous for a program like UConn.

Die hards love it cuz they wanna nitpick the coach and they can’t handle a single loss.

But your also going to turn off the general fan base eventually since they have absolutely no investment into those transfers.

You’re constantly working against yourself playing the transfer game.

It’s just utter nonsense and does not help the long term development of the game.

 

[DaBball]

The thing here is, while we can list all the players in the world who were members of the 2015 class and have at one point or another redshirtted (transfer, injury, medical, etc), making them a junior this season, the one thing we can’t determine is whether any 2016 players will be graduating in 3 years, such as Anriel Howard and Dani Williams did.

 

[oldude]

I’m not counting on a huge leap from ONO——she needs to gain weight, and then get used to the body before the real development work shows up on the court. 2nd to 3rd years I would expect it, with the “blossoming” starting later yr 3.

I expect significant jumps from Walker and Williams.

Respectively,

I would suggest the transfers at best are of very limited value. The players get what ?....move up in the draft ?

What’s the team get....not an NC.

I’d be somewhat more amenable to the idea if you could make the case that a transfer can deliver a NC, but I still wouldn’t like it. They can’t. The best they can deliver is a better tournament seeding.

Be real - That’s what you guys are talking about.

You want to sell out your program, customize your offense for one season to accommodate your transfers in order to get full value because otherwise, again, it’s not worth it. And what happens to the rest of the team, you put them behind where they oughta be.
AZ was a bolt on, bolt ons gotta fit. A non starter, limited minutes —-that’s what you get. And no guarantee they will will deliver. They’re free agents, suitable for the pro game, not college.

It’s just absolutely ridiculous for a program like UConn.

Die hards love it cuz they wanna nitpick the coach and they can’t handle a single loss.

But your also going to turn off the general fan base eventually since they have absolutely no investment into those transfers.

You’re constantly working against yourself playing the transfer game.

It’s just utter nonsense and does not help the long term development of the game.

Desperate times require desperate measures. Per your suggestion, if Liv doesn’t develop next year, and the Huskies get very little out of Kyla, Molly & Mikayla, and freshman Aubrey Griffin is just not ready yet, UConn will be playing 3 on 5 basketball. That will make for a very long and difficult season at UConn. So my question to you is simple. If next year at this time, UConn has 5-6 losses or more, and all but whiffs again on top 2020 HS grads because UConn is no longer viewed as a top destination for WBB, will you still be opposed to propping up the program with a couple key transfers?

 

[DaBball]

Friendly reminder that UConn will still have one of the highest ranked rosters in the country next season, will still have two #1 recruits, and six 5*. If Geno loses 5-6 games (given that they play in the American) I’d be a little disappointed in either a. his ability to develop some of the players or b. his ability to win games without 7+ 5*. So many teams out there win without all that talent.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Kiah 17 ppg 9.3 rebs. time to come home?

KIAH GILLESPIE

Did Geno et al. look at Kiah at Capital Prep? Did she attend games?

 

[HopJim]

Desperate times require desperate measures. Per your suggestion, if Liv doesn’t develop next year, and the Huskies get very little out of Kyla, Molly & Mikayla, and freshman Aubrey Griffin is just not ready yet, UConn will be playing 3 on 5 basketball. That will make for a very long and difficult season at UConn. So my question to you is simple. If next year at this time, UConn has 5-6 losses or more, and all but whiffs again on top 2020 HS grads because UConn is no longer viewed as a top destination for WBB, will you still be opposed to propping up the program with a couple key transfers?

Dude, you bring up good points. While we could be "3 on 5" next year, those 3 are good enough for UConn to still be a top 10 team. Just as Notre Dame came back from a few average (for them) years, doubt it would affect recruiting, good or bad. Its been only 3 seasons since we won 4 National Championships in row. While I never have been a big supporter of transfers, next year is a perfect year. We need 1-2 bigs and a solid shooting point guard and have the minutes a transfer may like.

 

[DaBball]

Per your suggestion, if Liv doesn’t develop next year, and the Huskies get very little out of Kyla, Molly & Mikayla, and freshman Aubrey Griffin is just not ready yet, UConn will be playing 3 on 5 basketball.

If we play 3 on 5 with Coombs, Griffin, and Nelson-Ododa, there is an issue. Not that they need to be superstars next year, but two HIGHLY ranked talents in Coombs, being an upperclassman, and Nelson-Ododa, being a soph, should be ready to be adequate role players.

 

['nuff sed]

Yes

I would argue that as far as UConn is concerned the program is Geno and CD. It’s elite because they are elite.

What you are saying in reality is the changing of the landscape in types of kids that are coming up, and the rise of transfers, is an environment that they cannot complete in and keep the level of success they have enjoyed.

I say nonsense. The Taurasi’s, Sales, Moore’s and Stewart’s will still be attracted by Geno and CD. The best are driven to be the best. Lobo came for Geno, Taurasi came for Geno.

The sun will come up and life will go on, and still be just as much fun.

On another level however, I would offer this, what are the 2 biggest separators between the men’s and women’s game that makes the women’s game attractive ?

First I would suggest the below the rim game itself, that should be self evident.

But second I would suggest that the lack of one and done’s in the women’s game makes it just as different. Fans have an opportunity to make an investment into the players they root for in a way that the men’s game does not offer.

 

[oldude]

Friendly reminder that UConn will still have one of the highest ranked rosters in the country next season, will still have two #1 recruits, and six 5*. If Geno loses 5-6 games (given that they play in the American) I’d be a little disappointed in either a. his ability to develop some of the players or b. his ability to win games without 7+ 5*. So many teams out there win without all that talent.

You are absolutely correct. What is troubling me is that frequently this season when Geno tries to play 1 or 2 reserves with the starters, execution drops off considerably. There is only so much UConn will get from Kyla and Molly. Mikayla remains an enigma. Aubrey has a tremendous upside, but she’ll just be a freshman.

Absent transfers, the key to success next year will be Liv’s development. While I believe she will ultimately be a great player at UConn, she basically missed her entire jr yr in HS + AAU ball, and has a lot of work to do to have a “college ready” game.

 

[CocoHusky]

recruiting a 2019 player like ESPN #49 Faith Masonius would have made this conversation less necessary.......really good skills, fundamentally sound, great basketball IQ and better teammate....always loved UConn where her brother was a UConn hockey player....instead she'll be playing at Maryland next season..

Should have know the answer to UCONN's recruiting issues is a player from New Jersey. . So Maryland lowest ranked recruit in the 2019 class is the answer for UCONN? Really surprised you didn't throw out Diamond Millers name also.

 

[Charliebball]

Should have know the answer to UCONN's recruiting issues is a player from New Jersey. . So Maryland lowest ranked recruit in the 2019 class is the answer for UCONN? Really surprised you didn't throw out Diamond Millers name also.

make all the comments you like, I go with the kids I know and I know she can play......................she's won everything there is to win in NJ against the best competition and while you're now checking to see if kids have criminal records and why they failed failed out of school I'm talking about a great kid, great family with a 4.0 GPA and a 96 five star ESPN rating...........

 

[Checkmate 2.0]

Has Geno or any other UConn coach indicated they are still recruiting for the 2019 class? .....( grad transfer/ transfer, HS, JUCO) I doubt they want to go into next year with the current roster.

 

[CocoHusky]

Has Geno or any other UConn coach indicated they are still recruiting for the 2019 class? .....( grad transfer/ transfer, HS, JUCO) I doubt they want to go into next year with the current roster.

Yes.
In Auriemma’s view, recruiting has become “too corporate; too many people involved in the process.” But he also remains convinced that he will stock UConn’s roster next season with top-shelf talent, perhaps including graduate transfers and international players.
NYT December 2nd 2018.
Is UConn’s Dominance of Women’s Basketball Over? Cue Eye Rolls, for Now

 

[TerpWomenFan]

recruiting a 2019 player like ESPN #49 Faith Masonius would have made this conversation less necessary.......really good skills, fundamentally sound, great basketball IQ and better teammate....always loved UConn where her brother was a UConn hockey player....instead she'll be playing at Maryland next season..

I think Brenda did one of her better jobs in recruiting the two New Jersey girls (Masonius and Diamond Miller). I think Kiah Gillespie is really happy at FSU. There she is the go to player, something that she will not be at UConn.

As far as problem players, there have been several example of so called problems players turning it around at another college. Two that comes to mind are Angel McCoughtry and Demauria (Dee) Liles. McCoughtry's accomplishments are well known. Dee Liles committed to Maryland from high school. Didn't qualify and wound up making JUCO POY. She was signed by Maryland and help lead them to an ACC title plus the Elite 8 (where they lost to of all people McCoughtry and Louisville). Grades and other issues lead her to not return to Maryland for her senior season.

 

[Charliebball]

I think Brenda did one of her better jobs in recruiting the two New Jersey girls (Masonius and Diamond Miller). I think Kiah Gillespie is really happy at FSU. There she is the go to player, something that she will not be at UConn.

As far as problem players, there have been several example of so called problems players turning it around at another college. Two that comes to mind are Angel McCoughtry and Demauria (Dee) Liles. McCoughtry's accomplishments are well known. Dee Liles committed to Maryland from high school. Didn't qualify and wound up making JUCO POY. She was signed by Maryland and help lead them to an ACC title plus the Elite 8 (where they lost to of all people McCoughtry and Louisville). Grades and other issues lead her to not return to Maryland for her senior season.

My daughter covered Miller last year in the TOCs and she is a handful with a super competitive attitude that Mary;and fans will love....................I have no idea why UConn has no interest in her......................Masonius is solid, a real glue player that should thrive at the next level................. ...........................What are the odds of UConn taking a risk on such a "troubled" player like AM? It goes against their entire recruiting philosophy and would really show either a change in philosophy or a real sense of desperation.........

 

[CocoHusky]

I think Brenda did one of her better jobs in recruiting the two New Jersey girls (Masonius and Diamond Miller). I think Kiah Gillespie is really happy at FSU. There she is the go to player, something that she will not be at UConn.

As far as problem players, there have been several example of so called problems players turning it around at another college. Two that comes to mind are Angel McCoughtry and Demauria (Dee) Liles. McCoughtry's accomplishments are well known. Dee Liles committed to Maryland from high school. Didn't qualify and wound up making JUCO POY. She was signed by Maryland and help lead them to an ACC title plus the Elite 8 (where they lost to of all people McCoughtry and Louisville). Grades and other issues lead her to not return to Maryland for her senior season.

Brenda has always done a good job of recruiting NJ with players like Crystal Langhorne & Laurin Mincy.

 

[TerpWomenFan]

Brenda has always done a good job of recruiting NJ with players like Crystal Langhorne & Laurin Mincy.

Blair Watson is also from New Jersey but she is in a bit of a slump right now.

 

[Dillon77]

Blair Watson is also from New Jersey but she is in a bit of a slump right now.

Still a solid player who will continue to get stronger as she gets further away from her ACL injury.

Saw her play quite a few times against Montclair (she played for Nutley) and she had game then. As Coco said, Brenda does a good job of traveling up I-95 for talent. Maryland is not too far away for the Garden State kids. In fact, Diamond Miller cited that closeness as a reason for selecting the Terps...her parents will get to see her play a lot of games.

 

[SECbbfan24]

Judging by the stuff I am hearing, LSU's Ayanna Mitchell could very well will be in that database after the season ends.

 

[Plebe]

Judging by the stuff I am hearing, LSU's Ayanna Mitchell could very well will be in that database after the season ends.

What stuff are you hearing?

 

[SECbbfan24]

What stuff are you hearing?

Talks of wanting to compete for a national title. She may be the star at LSU but she doesn't have a shot at a national title run here unfortunately.

Chloe Jackson left LSU because she "wanted to improve her game and compete at the highest level". Baylor offered her that and one of the graduate programs there fit into what she wanted to do outside of basketball.

 

[CocoHusky]

Judging by the stuff I am hearing, LSU's Ayanna Mitchell could very well will be in that database after the season ends.

Does she have to enter the database if she has her degree from LSU?

 

[SECbbfan24]

Does she have to enter the database if she has her degree from LSU?

Maybe I am mistaken but I thought all transfers have to go through the portal/transfer database. It allows everyone else to know that you are on market available. Now, since she will be a graduate transfer, she would be able to transfer and play immediately.

 

[Go/huskies]

Personally I think Mitchell would fit in nicely at Uconn, she would give the team some rebounding and toughness, I think she would have a chance to start at the 4 next to Liv, or provide quality minutes of the bench as the sixth man.

 

[CocoHusky]

Maybe I am mistaken but I thought all transfers have to go through the portal/transfer database. It allows everyone else to know that you are on market available. Now, since she will be a graduate transfer, she would be able to transfer and play immediately.

I'm not sure, that is why I'm asking.

 

[SECbbfan24]

Personally I think Mitchell would fit in nicely at Uconn, she would give the team some rebounding and toughness, I think she would have a chance to start at the 4 next to Liv, or provide quality minutes of the bench as the sixth man.

Mitchell is phenomenal rebounder and a tough defender. She will give you a lot of extra possessions. She moves well on her feet and takes a lot of charges. Honestly at UCONN or anywhere, you couldn't ask for a better bench player to give you rebounding, toughness on defense and energy. I do think she would be better if she had better players to take some of the slack off her. Every team literally put all the eggs into her basket and force everyone else on our team to beat them.

Offensively I do think she could polish up a lot more but I think the lack of it is because of how LSU uses her. They always have her so buried deep in the post next to the basket. She is very capable of hitting outside shots and 3's. Ball handling IMO is something she could improve on a bit.

Personally, I am not fond of how LSU has developed post players. She could be much better elsewhere with legit coaching in that department. Nikki Fargas is very guard oriented and thats what her niche is. Our post play has been suspect over the years. Not very skilled offensively. They rebound and get into foul trouble.

 

[Go/huskies]

Some advantages for Mitchell playing at Uconn would be
More TV exposure
Pretty much a guaranteed conference championship
Improving her WNBA draft stock

 

[Gus Mahler]

Mitchell is phenomenal rebounder and a tough defender. She will give you a lot of extra possessions. She moves well on her feet and takes a lot of charges. Honestly at UCONN or anywhere, you couldn't ask for a better bench player to give you rebounding, toughness on defense and energy. I do think she would be better if she had better players to take some of the slack off her. Every team literally put all the eggs into her basket and force everyone else on our team to beat them.

Offensively I do think she could polish up a lot more but I think the lack of it is because of how LSU uses her. They always have her so buried deep in the post next to the basket. She is very capable of hitting outside shots and 3's. Ball handling IMO is something she could improve on a bit.

Personally, I am not fond of how LSU has developed post players. She could be much better elsewhere with legit coaching in that department. Nikki Fargas is very guard oriented and thats what her niche is. Our post play has been suspect over the years. Not very skilled offensively. They rebound and get into foul trouble.

SECbbfan24,
I appreciate your objective thoughts on this.

 

[CocoHusky]

Maybe I am mistaken but I thought all transfers have to go through the portal/transfer database. It allows everyone else to know that you are on market available. Now, since she will be a graduate transfer, she would be able to transfer and play immediately.

I looked around and as best I can tell the portal only eliminates the permission to contact. So She would have to enter into the portal if she intends to contact a school prior to receiving her degree.

 

[Dillon77]

I watched the Vandy-UTenn game and became reacquainted with Mariella Fasoula, the 6-5" forward from Athens, Greece, who played at BC for two years before transferring out to Vandy. We Irish fans used to see her twice a year and I was always dumbfounded at her array of running hooks, wrap-around-the-opponent's body scoop shots, and general pure funkiness in the lane.

She's done a partial Jess Shepard and dropped body weight, but still has those funky moves. Plus she's doing this while playing with a wrap on her leg, which has a torn knee meniscus.

Fasoula is a red-shirt junior. When she transferred to Vandy, I thought it was a good fit..go to a solid school with a decent program that is being taken over by a dynamic young coach. But, for whatever reasons, Vandy appears to be headed in the wrong direction, Steph White or not.

So, now count me as a person that could see Fasoula getting her degree and wondering if a year spent as a grad transfer might make sense, even if it is her third school (a la Ms. Jackson at NC State, LSU and Baylor).

Let me know if UConn does not have interest..I could see her working at a school in north central Indiana....