Serah Williams On Why UConn

[RockyMTblue2]

“It's my last year and I'm a very [instinctual] person,” she said in June. “I really thought: Where can I have the most fun but also take a big jump on the court?”

June? I missed that. It is from this weeks UConn WBB Weekly. Part of a fairly detailed article by Dan Connoly. I'm not going to quote extensively and risk wrath of those who bestow wrath. I didn't know she only visited LSU first, then UConn. A UConn was the place, the people, feels like home to me decision quickly made.

“Once I got here, the girls were very funny, the staff was very [welcoming]. It was homey, the environment,” she said. “You see all the championships everywhere and the success of the program, it's hard to not want to come here after seeing that.”

She commited before leaving campus. I hear they are still trying to get Kim's jacket down from the power pole outside her office.

 

[oldude]

I believe Serah Williams is the very best player available in the transfer portal this season. The still bizarre event in the pursuit of Serah Williams was the decision by LSU to post photos of Serah in an LSU uniform in front of the school logo right after her visit to Baton Rouge.

That created a lot of angst among Husky fans. But in the end, once Serah committed to UConn, LSU’s decision to post those photos looked silly and amateurish. That’s one of the reasons you will never see UConn post any information on a recruit or transfer coming to UConn until all the i’s are dotted and the T’s are crossed.

 

[Bigboote]

I liked that Dan Connolly mentioned that LSU pulled out all the stops and put on a big show, while UConn didn't even tell anyone outside of the team that Serah was visiting. As Geno has said (paraphrasing) he doesn't want anyone coming to his team for any reason other than basketball.

One more quote from the article, talking about Marisa Moseley:

“I’m not a big outside advice person. I know she did work here and she's had her time here, but that was when she was here and I'm here now. So I don't really look for that,” Williams explained. “But me and her do stay in contact, we just talk, she wishes me good luck and she keeps me confident.”

Contrast that with the thread about the lawsuit. (Note that I'm not casting aspersions, just pointing out that Serah has a different take.)

 

[Geew1992]

I liked that Dan Connolly mentioned that LSU pulled out all the stops and put on a big show, while UConn didn't even tell anyone outside of the team that Serah was visiting. As Geno has said (paraphrasing) he doesn't want anyone coming to his team for any reason other than basketball.

One more quote from the article, talking about Marisa Moseley:

“I’m not a big outside advice person. I know she did work here and she's had her time here, but that was when she was here and I'm here now. So I don't really look for that,” Williams explained. “But me and her do stay in contact, we just talk, she wishes me good luck and she keeps me confident.”

Contrast that with the thread about the lawsuit. (Note that I'm not casting aspersions, just pointing out that Serah has a different take.)

Unlike most schools, we never know when a recruit is on campus. It’s under wraps unless a player or the player posts about it.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I believe Serah Williams is the very best player available in the transfer portal this season. The still bizarre event in the pursuit of Serah Williams was the decision by LSU to post photos of Serah in an LSU uniform in front of the school logo right after her visit to Baton Rouge.

That created a lot of angst among Husky fans. But in the end, once Serah committed to UConn, LSU’s decision to post those photos looked silly and amateurish. That’s one of the reasons you will never see UConn post any information on a recruit or transfer coming to UConn until all the i’s are dotted and the T’s are crossed.

Connolly commented on LSU's Red Carpet approach to her visit. Not what you mention. I think it is beyond tacky to stick uniforms on the kid and publish precommitment but Kim screams tacky.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I liked that Dan Connolly mentioned that LSU pulled out all the stops and put on a big show, while UConn didn't even tell anyone outside of the team that Serah was visiting. As Geno has said (paraphrasing) he doesn't want anyone coming to his team for any reason other than basketball.

One more quote from the article, talking about Marisa Moseley:

“I’m not a big outside advice person. I know she did work here and she's had her time here, but that was when she was here and I'm here now. So I don't really look for that,” Williams explained. “But me and her do stay in contact, we just talk, she wishes me good luck and she keeps me confident.”

Contrast that with the thread about the lawsuit. (Note that I'm not casting aspersions, just pointing out that Serah has a different take.)

I started that topic but I've got Marisa's back.

 

[Bone Dog]

Connolly commented on LSU's Red Carpet approach to her visit. Not what you mention. I think it is beyond tacky to stick uniforms on the kid and publish precommitment but Kim screams tacky.

I agree. What on earth do they think they’re doing by pressuring a prospect to model a uniform? That sounds totally creepy.

 

[ec33]

I agree. What on earth do they think they’re doing by pressuring a prospect to model a uniform? That sounds totally creepy.

Everyone does a photo-op in uniform. It is a scheduled part of the on-campus visit in basketball and football.

 

[Bone Dog]

Everyone does a photo-op in uniform. It is a scheduled part of the on-campus visit in basketball and football.

I know they do, especially in men’s sports. But it still seems really creepy to me

 

[drweo]

They didnt even need to have her put on a uniform (if they did that). In the age of the deep-fake, a trained tech person could create the image, uniform and all.

 

[WFFL]

I believe Serah Williams is the very best player available in the transfer portal this season. The still bizarre event in the pursuit of Serah Williams was the decision by LSU to post photos of Serah in an LSU uniform in front of the school logo right after her visit to Baton Rouge.

That created a lot of angst among Husky fans. But in the end, once Serah committed to UConn, LSU’s decision to post those photos looked silly and amateurish. That’s one of the reasons you will never see UConn post any information on a recruit or transfer coming to UConn until all the i’s are dotted and the T’s are crossed.

I think shes top 5 out of the portal but #1 when the nations leading scorer transferred as well is a bit of stretch.

 

[Bone Dog]

I think shes top 5 out of the portal but #1 when the nations leading scorer transferred as well is a bit of stretch.

I think Serah was the #1 post player, and that’s what really matters. Geno shored up the front court with that signing and the backcourt with Kayleigh and Kelis, and brought in an incredible X factor in Blanca. All in all, Geno made the biggest roster improvement of any team, and Serah was key to that.

I could wax lyrical on Serah’s skills, or what she achieved at a mediocre team, and what playing next to Sarah and Azzi will open up for her in the paint. But in the end, talent is only half the equation, even though Geno has assembled an incredibly talented roster. The other, and perhaps more important half is motivation. How hungry is Serah? That’s what we’ll find out starting in November.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Everyone does a photo-op in uniform. It is a scheduled part of the on-campus visit in basketball and football.

I believe it is done to have when they commit not before. That is the way it should be anyhow.

 

[oldude]

I think shes top 5 out of the portal but #1 when the nations leading scorer transferred as well is a bit of stretch.

We all tend to focus on scoring, and it is certainly the most important part of the game. But coaches like Geno know there’s a lot more to winning basketball games then just scoring the basketball.

The top 3 transfers this year imo were Gianna Kneepkins, Ta’Niya Latson & Serah Williams. Kneepkins and Latson are both big time scorers, and that is primarily why they were brought in to UCLA & SC respectively. But they really have to score to be impactful at their new schools.

Serah averaged 19.2 ppg on a bad Wisconsin team, and for her to be impactful at UConn, where she will be surrounded by great scorers, she doesn’t need to be a big time scorer. Serah is one of the best rebounders in WBB, as well as an outstanding rim protector. While she is a very capable scorer out to 15-20’, she is also an excellent screener and passer.

Her size, skill, versatility and athleticism make Serah the very best player in this past season’s transfer portal imo. It will also make her a 1st round draft pick in 2026 and very likely one of the key contributors to UConn’s 13th national championship.

 

[RoadWarrior]

We all tend to focus on scoring, and it is certainly the most important part of the game. But coaches like Geno know there’s a lot more to winning basketball games then just scoring the basketball.

The top 3 transfers this year imo were Gianna Kneepkins, Ta’Niya Latson & Serah Williams. Kneepkins and Latson are both big time scorers, and that is primarily why they were brought in to UCLA & SC respectively. But they really have to score to be impactful at their new schools.

Serah averaged 19.2 ppg on a bad Wisconsin team, and for her to be impactful at UConn, where she will be surrounded by great scorers, she doesn’t need to be a big time scorer. Serah is one of the best rebounders in WBB, as well as an outstanding rim protector. While she is a very capable scorer out to 15-20’, she is also an excellent screener and passer.

Her size, skill, versatility and athleticism make Serah the very best player in this past season’s transfer portal imo. It will also make her a 1st round draft pick in 2026 and very likely one of the key contributors to UConn’s 13th national championship.

I think Serah’s impact will be substantial on the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. Sarah Strong was terrific in the NCAA tournament, but Jana and Ice had a combined two points and two rebounds in the National Championship game. While I fully expect Jana to demonstrate continued improvement on both ends of the floor, I believe the team will get significant production from Serah in the post.

 

[ec33]

I believe it is done to have when they commit not before. That is the way it should be anyhow.

No, it is done for all visits unless the player asks not to have it done.

I am sure the idea is to help facilitate "picturing yourself playing for our school" and usually included NCAA championship trophies (where applicable) to reinforce the idea of this is where you come to win championships.

 

[Jim]

Unlike most schools, we never know when a recruit is on campus. It’s under wraps unless a player or the player posts about it.

You haven’t spent much time on the men’s board, have you? They sometimes seem to have put wiretaps on coaching staff’s phones. And taking a recruit to the Capital Grille in Hartford is Hurley’s tell that they are close to signing the player.

 

[BBallF]

I think shes top 5 out of the portal but #1 when the nations leading scorer transferred as well is a bit of stretch.

Not at all. In her last two games against teams that knew her, Duke and UNC, Latson was a combined 6-35 from the field. She usually took 33 1/3% of the team's shots. Imagine if Paige did that with her proficiency? The point is that scoring average alone doesn't necessarily connote greatness or serve as the only point of comparison between players. I will go one step further. Larson won't average 25 a game with SC but Serah may indeed average closer to her 20 here than Latson's 25 at SC. And, if you prorate the minutes, Williams may average more. But it isn't just the points, it's the presence, it's the weapon.

We haven't had a post scorer like that in along time. She is a classic, fundamentally sound post player, who seals, reseals, gets position and, as has been pointed out, can shoot a 15 footer, is a good free throw shooter, and a glass cleaner. She knows how to protect the rim as well. No, she was the best player in the portal, and definitely the best for us. If she gets enough minutes she will be an AA. Maybe not first or second team due to Azzi and Sarah, but likely third team or honorable mention.

Just watch videos of her at Wisconsin and imagine KK, Sarah, Azzi, Jana (yes, Jana who by the way is a lot better passer than people think), Kayleigh, Ash etc. getting the ball to her when she is open and ready. Remember, the last All Big Ten post player we got as a transfer is in the W. That's where Serah is headed also.

 

[BBallF]

I think Serah was the #1 post player, and that’s what really matters. Geno shored up the front court with that signing and the backcourt with Kayleigh and Kelis, and brought in an incredible X factor in Blanca. All in all, Geno made the biggest roster improvement of any team, and Serah was key to that.

I could wax lyrical on Serah’s skills, or what she achieved at a mediocre team, and what playing next to Sarah and Azzi will open up for her in the paint. But in the end, talent is only half the equation, even though Geno has assembled an incredibly talented roster. The other, and perhaps more important half is motivation. How hungry is Serah? That’s what we’ll find out starting in November.

I think very hungry. Who wouldn't be coming from Wisconsin going to the defending Champs? I'm not worried about her motivation at all. I just always worry about chemistry, usually unnecessarily. It seems with Geno that the February metamorphosis is almost as perceptible as a chemical reaction. Same players but alchemy and poof you have a runaway freight train. That's what we were last year. Last year's team was pure AP Chemistry.

This year's? So far, looks and sounds like a whole lotta joy going around. Listening to Serah, you say to yourself, "of course she came here, she is a UCONN kid". Team first. Going to be very, very interesting.

 

[HuskyNan]

This is a free article. Scroll down

Why Serah Williams chose UConn

The Wisconsin transfer had a simple criteria for her next school and the Huskies checked both boxes.

www.uconnwbbweekly.com

 

[BBallF]

Why Serah Williams chose UConn

The Wisconsin transfer had a simple criteria for her next school and the Huskies checked both boxes.

www.uconnwbbweekly.com

Word!

 

[Cuango]

I think shes top 5 out of the portal but #1 when the nations leading scorer transferred as well is a bit of stretch.

I think most coaches (all things being equal) would choose Serah over Ta’Niyah. Yes, Latson is a great scorer at 25 ppg but she is a 5’8” guard who is not super efficient and while she does produce 4.6 assists as well, she is not (to my knowledge) seen as a dynamic playmaker who makes her teammates better. Will she be able to maintain that scoring level in Dawn’s offense? I will be very surprised if she averages 25 there. Of course, I am not saying she will be unsuccessful but imo, it remains to be seen whether she will be the missing link for Dawn’s 4th.

Serah is a 6’4” forward who essentially put up 20 & 10 last season. She is imo much more likely to be the difference maker for Geno’s 13th. She is (knock wood) exactly what UConn needs to transform this team from strong contender to prohibitive favorite. I think that finding a big with the skills that Serah has is much more difficult. I just see her (Serah) as a better fit for UConn than Latson is for SC.

In the end of corse, these two player’s effect on their respective teams will ultimately be determined by how well they complement the other players on the court with them. This is where I see Serah being more of a difference maker than Latson. She will be the metronome that allows this UConn team to operate with machine like precision. It is difficult to overstate the importance of adding 19 & 9 to Sarah Strong in the UConn front court! I have to agree with WFFL that Serah Williams was the #1 player in this year’s portal and that she will prove that assessment correct as the 25/26 season progresses. Knock Wood!

 

[oldude]

She will be the metronome that allows this UConn team to operate with machine like precision.

That is one outstanding analogy. I wish I wrote that……..

 

[oldhusky]

In terms of what has already been said, Serah probably wasn't the top transfer, but she was among the top, the best at the position we needed most, and our #1 target and best fit.

Serah and Latson will score less points per game than they did last year because they are on much better teams. Yes they have better passers around them, but better scorers and shooters too. Their shot attempts per minute will decrease, but their percentages and efficiency will increase as mediocre percentage shots will be weened from their game.

As for the uniform pictures, I sometimes wonder why so many players allow it if they are not sure yet where they are going. I understand they are pressured to do so, but I still think it is a bad look to wear the uniform and then go elsewhere later. It also might be a status symbol in this social media world.

Just like when recruits have a post showing say 15 or more schools with their logos saying they received an offer from that school. I'm sure they are not seriously considering more than a half dozen or so, but showing all those schools seems to show to others how valued they were. Instead of just saying I am going wherever, when they decide, it is also I could have gone to South Carolina, Notre Dame, LSU, USC, UCLA, Stanford and sometimes Uconn, but I turned them down in favor of my chosen school.

I may be going out on a limb on that view, but I have never understood very long considering lists and then multiple countdowns to shorter lists. One finalist list of 5-6 names max if you must, and then a final decision IMO.

 

[oldude]

Some folks have suggested that everyone puts on a school’s uniform and takes photos on recruiting visits. I don’t believe that’s correct, specifically in regards to UConn. I don’t believe you get to wear a UConn uniform until picture day, which occurs sometime after classes and formal practices start.

UConn does give recruits school sweatshirts or jackets when they visit, stuff that anyone can purchase in the school bookstore. Hence the photo of Serah Williams with a Husky jacket on once she officially transferred to UConn. But there was no photo of Serah in an official uniform in front of the Husky logo as with LSU.