Recruiting: Nell Angloma | The Boneyard

Recruiting: Nell Angloma

A few months ago, Nell Angloma was viewed as a long-term stash with upside but plenty of uncertainty. Now, she’s forcing evaluators to take a harder look.

At just 19, Angloma is having one of the most productive seasons by an international wing in years, averaging 16.3 points while finishing at an elite rate inside the arc. What stands out most isn’t just the scoring — it’s how she scores. Her physicality, contact balance, and explosive first step already look pro-ready, and her ability to consistently get to the free-throw line suggests her game translates beyond the box score.



 
Her ability to attack the rim, push the pace in transition, create shots for herself and her teammates, get to the free-throw line, and make an impact defensively has consistently been on display this season.

The one thing that hasn’t been consistent is her 3-point shot. Angloma isn’t afraid to shoot threes. She took 49 shots from long range over her first 19 games. She only made 12 of them, though.




 
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Morgan Valley has started following 19-year-old French wing Nell Angloma, a projected 1st round WNBA pick in next year's draft.

Why would a projected 1st round WNBA pick (assuming there is a season) go to college?

She looks really good though.
 
Why would a projected 1st round WNBA pick (assuming there is a season) go to college?

She looks really good though.
Being eligible for the draft doesn't necessarily mean she's ready. The American game is faster and the officiating is different. Rather than being drafted and stashed in Europe, it would probably be a wise decision to spend at least a couple of seasons getting adjusted and prepped at UConn while finding an instructor to fix her shooting mechanics. And if she actually wants the education, she could do four years and come out in the draft a finished product at the same age that Bueckers did and like Quinonez is doing.
 
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This kid's game looks very familiar. She could be Quinonez' smaller French twin.
You're right to compare her to Blanca, she's fast and physical. She's 1.84 m (6'1/2'') tall. I think she has the kind of playing style that would be perfect for UConn, and her three-point shooting is pretty good too. She was named MVP at the 2024 European U18 Championship, and last summer she played in the U19 World Cup, averaging 17 points per game and scoring 20 points against the USA. Attached is the full game from January 15 with the box score. It starts at 12:57, and she wears #33 in blue for BLMA (Lattes-Montpellier). Also included is her FIBA profile from last summer's U19 World Cup. She has also been invited by the French national team to the next selection, which will take place in March, in preparation for the qualifiers for the next World Cup.

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Why would a projected 1st round WNBA pick (assuming there is a season) go to college?

She looks really good though.

I think it’s safe to assume Blanca could’ve been a first rounder this year as well.

You have the chance to compete collegiately at the greatest program in CBB, why not take it?
 
I don't really see Blanca, but her body type, body motions, and game remind me of Gabby Williams in a bunch of ways. If she's 1/3 as good as Gabby she'll be an asset.
 
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I don't really see Blanca, but her body type, body motions, and game remind me of Gabby Williams in a bunch of ways. If she's 1/3 as good as Gabby she'll be an asset.
Though Gabby is a phenomenal athlete and one of my all-time UCONN favorites, Nell's speed, height, physicality, and balance are more reminiscent of Blanca than Gabby to me.
 
I would be shocked to see Nell opt for college at this point. She could easily be a top 10 pick in the 2026 draft. She is tearing up in Europe at the moment, more than any other international prospect.
 
If we have a choice in who finishes the 2026 class who do you prefer, Sara Okeke or Nell Angloma?
I would go with Angloma for the short term because she's the more ready to play solid minutes right now and I'm not sure she'd stay more than a year or two. And although Okeke may not stay long term either, because of her size and potential impact, she could become possibly one of the best players in the country in a couple of years. So obviously, either one is certainly fine for me.
 
I would go with Angloma for the short term because she's the more ready to play solid minutes right now and I'm not sure she'd stay more than a year or two. And although Okeke may not stay long term either, because of her size and potential impact, she could become possibly one of the best players in the country in a couple of years. So obviously, either one is certainly fine for me.
Totally agree. What a wonderful problem to have, if they would both want to come to UConn.
 
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Totally agree. What a wonderful problem to have, if they would both want to come to UConn.
There’s only room for one right now unless somebody hits the portal this spring.
 
I think Nell's play and athleticism reflect how the game is evolving and where UCONN, as a team, is moving. Her ability to get to the rim and draw fouls would be a strong value-add to the team. You are not getting additional strength for the team from the three-point line with either player at this stage of their development, but neither would UCONN have gotten that skill if Jerzey Robinson filled the final open slot. Since the Final Four runs between April 3-5 and the Regular Signing Period does not open until April 15, you never know what might happen to the roster at large.
 
I would go with Angloma for the short term because she's the more ready to play solid minutes right now and I'm not sure she'd stay more than a year or two. And although Okeke may not stay long term either, because of her size and potential impact, she could become possibly one of the best players in the country in a couple of years. So obviously, either one is certainly fine for me.
If Nell Angloma chooses to play in the NCAA next year, she will have to play for at least two years. She was born in 2006, and to play in the US she must be at least 22 years old during the draft year, which means that for her, it will be the 2028 draft. The only way to be drafted before the age of 22 while playing in the US is to have obtained a four-year degree. This year, there could be Cassandre Prosper from ND. She was born on June 25, 2005, which means she will be 20 years old at the time of the next draft. She was born in the same year as Allie, Morgan, and Gandy. Prosper's situation is very rare, however. Lanie Grant from NC, who was born in 2007, will also have this choice to make in two years. Prosper could be credited with another NCAA year due to injury, but there is no indication that Grant will have this choice. As for Sara Okeke, she will have to play for at least three years. Born in 2007, she will be eligible in 2029 if she plays in the US. We can take comfort in the fact that, if the rules remain the same, Sara will have to play for four years.

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If we have a choice in who finishes the 2026 class who do you prefer, Sara Okeke or Nell Angloma?
I would take Okeke if it was a choice. The possibility of a great three big rotation with Sarah and the Big O is intriguing. With solid options for a 4th and 5th big in Ayanna and Jana, and a development project in Gandy. When teamed with Olivia, Okeke can be the 5 on offense and the 4 on defense.

If she does well and warrants more minutes, it also covers the 3 position with great play for 40 minutes, because Sarah could be Blanca's backup there for a few minutes playing with The Big O and Okeke.

Part of my preference for Okeke, is I like the prospect of Sarah getting minutes at the 3 better than Blanca getting more minutes at the 4. Blanca can play the 4, but is a much better 3. Sarah is exceptional at either position, and amazingly good at the 5 as well, but I consider the 5 her least great position of the three.

Having players like Paige and Sarah that can play not just two positions but 3 or 4 at an exceptionally high level can solve a lot of potential problem areas. I'm pretty sure Okeke would be a two position player as well, maybe Nell too, but the 4 seems like a stretch because of her size, and the 2 not ideal because of her 3 pt shot. As a 3 she could be great, but that is best for Blanca and maybe Morgan as well, although she could be another 4 position player like Paige, but at a much lower level of course.
 
These numbers 1-5 are actually random.yes the person bringing the ball up is considered the 1, but once they pass it if they get it back in the corner and shoot are they the 2, and if you only stay close to the basket are you the 5? Olivia shoots 3's what does that make her? Some teams use multiple players to bring the ball up. If we go small and Sarah is the tallest player is she really a 5? She probably guards the tallest player on the other team but does that make her a 5? Uconn had Azzi Ashlyn Allie and KK on the court at the same time with Sarah. Does that mean we have a 1,,2,2,3,4. One team can put any combo of 5 and the other team decides how to counter it.
 
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