Recruiting after a super year(s)

[Sonny44]

I'm thinking that 9 NC's in what, 19 years and being able to refer to a 4 year stretch (2005-8) as "the dark ages" is kind of telling me not to worry about Geno's recruiting. At least while he's still around. Geno, CD, and staff will "muddle through" somehow.

No worries mate, just discussion.

 

[Ctpaul0825]

Geno's career is winding down and I would think that while he is still around kids would want to be coached by a legend. Like John Wooden, books will be written and history will show that his career has changed the game.

 

[HoopsFan21]

That's good example then. Do you remember what she was ranked?

I don't know her ranking, but UConn wasn't the only program interested in Stef. CViv during one of her press conference said she recruited her, and I think Stef said she had some other offers besides UConn and Rutgers (I forget where but she listed them off during an interview once). I guess the point I'm trying to make here is two-fold. One is Stef was good before she went to UConn, or at least good enough to garner multiple Div. I-A scholarship offers, so it's not like Dolson was the equivalent of Rudy turned pro. Second, there is still competition for even those second or third tier kids. Kids that you think aren't "on the radar" of anyone probably are, so it's not easy to find the diamonds in the rough.

 

[meyers7]

That's good example then. Do you remember what she was ranked?

I don't know her ranking,

Dolson was ranked #39 by Hoopgurlz and #24 by Bluestar.

 

[jimazee]

Most big post players on the AAU circuit will get at least a glance...the taller they are the longer the glance. Coaches, parents, alums, etc. will also report them to schools etc. Videos are commonly made... many by 'pros' in the business of helping 'market' players. Those with some skills will get a second glance. Most get and stay on someone's list.

Few big girls go unseen.

 

[UcMiami]

FYI:
Stokes was ranked No. 42 overall by ESPN HoopGurlz.com, 14th by Blue Star Basketball, and ninth by All-Star Girls Report.

 

[Scotter]

FYI:
Stokes was ranked No. 42 overall by ESPN HoopGurlz.com, 14th by Blue Star Basketball, and ninth by All-Star Girls Report.

And recruited by Tennessee, Oklahoma, and a bunch of other top programs as well as UConn. Stef had offers from Rutgers and especially Maryland among others. Someone like Andy Landers may not have valued Stef, but there were plenty of top programs competing for a 6'5" kid with good hands.

 

[wallman]

There are definitely 6' 5" kids out there but that doesn't mean they can translate into Dolson who I watched as a high schooler and never thought she would be who she is, a tremendous basketball player and young lady. Why - because I am not Geno, I did not know what her personality was like. There are a lot of things that go into whether a player can make it. Some of these kids don't have the mentals, they have been pampered in high school and never been challenged.

I think your coaches have proved they know who to recruit that they can coach and play team ball. Sure there may be the odd 1 or 2 and they have a pretty good idea going in what to expect from them even if we have a different idea.

 

[Kibitzer]

There has been some discussion her about "diamonds in the rough." My recollection is that when we got word about Kalana Greene and Tiffany Hayes committing, many Boneyarders said, "Who?"

And there was disappointment when McCall stayed in California and Bria Smith went to Louisville.

Yes, we tried to get Mavunga and Reimer. And we're still uncertain what went awry with McDaniel. There were suspicions that Meghan Gardler was recruited only as the daughter of an old friend of Geno's. Geno went hard after Hammond (wish we had her) but she wanted to stay closer to home. Walker came and left. So did EDD.

Geno tried to get Chiney Ogwumike. After she visited UConn, Geno said that he asked her why she leaned toward Stanford, and when she told him all the reasons, he wanted to enroll there himself.

The list of hits and misses goes on and on. Geno and Chris have not only remained steadfast in upholding the UConn standard, but they also have admitted that they simply can't sign every single player they offer a scholarship to.

Only one thing is certain. Geno will continue to recruit and sign players who will keep UConn in the hunt for national championships. We can ask for no more than that.

 

[Scotter]

I wouldn't have been able to predict Stef would be a 2-time All-American, but it was easily evident to me that she could play at UConn because she had all the requisite skills that Geno and CD demand of their post players. Skills that very few post players have in terms of passing, handling the ball, and shooting.

 

[Icebear]

I wouldn't have been able to predict Stef would be a 2-time All-American, but it was easily evident to me that she could play at UConn because she had all the requisite skills that Geno and CD demand of their post players. Skills that very few post players have in terms of passing, handling the ball, and shooting.

Me, too, Scotter. I saw her twice in high school. It was clear even then that she had certain very good skills and some good coaching. She had great hands and great footwork and that constant smile even when she was knocked down.

 

[Sonny44]

There are definitely 6' 5" kids out there but that doesn't mean they can translate into Dolson who I watched as a high schooler and never thought she would be who she is, a tremendous basketball player and young lady. Why - because I am not Geno, I did not know what her personality was like. There are a lot of things that go into whether a player can make it. Some of these kids don't have the mentals, they have been pampered in high school and never been challenged.

I think your coaches have proved they know who to recruit that they can coach and play team ball. Sure there may be the odd 1 or 2 and they have a pretty good idea going in what to expect from them even if we have a different idea.

Bring on any reasonably coordinated 6"5" kid, even a volleyballer like the BYU gal, and Geno and staff will develop her into a star.

 

[Icebear]

Historically, I think it has had less to with big runs than big classes the year before.

 

[johnnyc]

Dolson was ranked #39 by Hoopgurlz and #24 by Bluestar.

Wow.....did not know that. Well.....she was coached and worked herself into a # 1

 

[Buzzyboy]

Here we go again...any player that does not choose UCONN is not willing to work hard and is more interested in immediate gratifiation.

What???????