Two Sources Say 2 Aggies Showing Up

[UConnCat]

Absolutely, in fact he already has according to the article, but there is a huge difference between impressions and knowing someone for years. That's not assuming that there will be an enmity or resentment, but it does recognize the fact that chemistry takes time.

There have been freshman who joined the UConn program and hurt team chemistry. There's always a risk no matter what age or what stage of their careers or how well you think you know them. Geno has known Danni Williams since high school. He certainly knows what kind of family she comes from. I'm sure Lou knows Danni as well. They likely don't know Howard very well but they'll do their best to gauge how she'll fit in with the current team. I trust Geno and Chris to know what their doing. As a fan, that's enough for me.

Most fans would be thrilled to have these 2 young women visiting and considering their schools. Only here does it lead to hand-wringing, kvetching, second-guessing and you name it.

 

[oldude]

There have been freshman who joined the UConn program and hurt team chemistry. There's always a risk no matter what age or what stage of their careers or how well you think you know them. Geno has known Danni Williams since high school. He certainly knows what kind of family she comes from. I'm sure Lou knows Danni as well. They likely don't know Howard very well but they'll do their best to gauge how she'll fit in with the current team. I trust Geno and Chris to know what their doing. As a fan, that's enough for me.

Most fans would be thrilled to have these 2 young women visiting and considering their schools. Only here does it lead to hand-wringing, kvetching, second-guessing and you name it.

Did Geno recruit Danni Williams? If not, how does he know her?

As for Lou, I assume they played together at some point?

 

[BigBird]

Per Howard's mom Che: "The stipulations are a lot more vigorous this time around." Me no likey the sound of that. Texas A&M rebounding ace Anriel Howard visiting UConn this weekend

I would be surprised were it otherwise.

 

[CocoHusky]

If these players had problems with Carter taking the spotlight over them, what makes you believe they would not also have a problem with Samuelson, Collier and Dangerfield taking the spotlight instead? I can understand players leaving a program due to lack of playing time, or not meshing with the coaches, but that isn't the case here. If they really just don't want to play with Carter, that is one thing, but some of you are assuming that Carter or other dominant players like Deshields or Mitchell are difficult and/or selfish players and no teammate in their right mind would want to play with them. Would you have wanted people on your team who didn't want to play with someone like Taurasi - who was the dominant player on your team for a couple of seasons? Sometimes offenses are built around one player in particular for good reason (think Baylor and Griner). As for leaving A&M just to win a championship, as we have seen for the last two seasons, there is no guarantee they will win one by transferring to UConn. These players could be a great fit for UConn next season or a total disaster - and remember, you only get them for one year. RU had a great experience with Gia Greene, but IMO it pays to remember caveat emptor (Let the buyer beware).

Huge difference between a "dominant player" and a "ball dominant player". Chennedy Carter bears no resemblance to DT because DT was for a time UCONN all time assist leader. Using your own example Napheesa Collier can be considered a dominate player but the ball is hardly ever in her hands. A ball dominant player stifles opportunity for everyone else because while they are pounding the ball into the ground their teammates are standing around watching. You never see players dominating the ball at or standing around at UCONN.

 

[CL82]

There have been freshman who joined the UConn program and hurt team chemistry. There's always a risk no matter what age or what stage of their careers or how well you think you know them. Geno has known Danni Williams since high school. He certainly knows what kind of family she comes from. I'm sure Lou knows Danni as well. They likely don't know Howard very well but they'll do their best to gauge how she'll fit in with the current team. I trust Geno and Chris to know what their doing. As a fan, that's enough for me.

Most fans would be thrilled to have these 2 young women visiting and considering their schools. Only here does it lead to hand-wringing, kvetching, second-guessing and you name it.

I'm not critical of it Cat, nor I am suggesting that they'll be 'locker room poison' or come from 'bad' families. I am saying that chemistry takes time. Things like knowing where people like the ball, when they will cut, etc. It's probably less of a concern at programs that don't do things at the pace and intensity that UConn does. I also think it is a bit different for HS kids, who are adapting to college for the first time.

I trust Geno and CD (and Shea, who looks like she may have taken the lead) but it will be adjustment, imo. I'm glad we are pursuing them though. They definitely fill a need.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Most fans would be thrilled to have these 2 young women visiting and considering their schools. Only here does it lead to hand-wringing, kvetching, second-guessing and you name it.

It's great, isn't it!

 

[EricSD]

Super excited about this. Playing in the UCONN system is HARD. Geno has not taken a JUCO transfer since Sadiq, and I think after his experience with her, it seemed he was unlikely to mine that well again any time soon. So... It does come as somewhat of a surprise that he'd consider graduate transfers who only have 1 year left - after all, Stevens had a year on the bench and she still had a TON to learn about how to play at UCONN during her 2nd year in Storrs.

Having said that, perhaps @MilfordHusky hit the nail on the head - Geno is yet again changing with the times. And if that means he needs to keep it more simple for any 1 and done's he gets, then it will be an interesting experiment.

I see ZERO potential issues with chemistry. First of all, these 2 kids have GREAT reputations. They are proven in the college game under a coach who has a similar philosophy to Geno's. Any kid who is disappointed about losing PT for the year can either work harder to give Geno a reason to put them in, wait their turn till next year, or look for other schools that might feel like a better fit for them.

Second, the team lost 3 out of their core 6 players in big games, 2 of who were starters. Anything that gives UCONN more depth to shore up weaknesses this year is AWESOME.

3rd, people seemed to have no problem thinking that the freshmen would need to take on big roles at UCONN. People pointed to folks like Dolson, Hartley, Montgomery, Moore, etc. who started as freshmen and had great freshmen years. So it IS possible for a kid to play really well at UCONN their first season in Storrs. No reason to think that 2 kids who are a lot older than the normal freshman and who have 3 years college experience can't fit in if it's a good match all the way around.

4th, it needs to be a win-win-win. The recruits need to want UCONN, Geno needs to want the recruits, and the team needs to sign off on it. If all 3 of those things work out, then it will be a huge win for UCONN. Does that suddenly make us "better" than Baylor or ND? We won't know until we see how well these kids mesh and how the team plays.

Gonna be a fun off season for sure!!! Let's see what happens!!!

 

[BigBird]

Respectfully, this isn’t one and done or leaving without a degree. These are two wonderful students who somehow managed to juggle the intense requirements of playing Basketball in the SEC while earning their degree in only 3 years. They’ve clearly earned the right to transfer.

I do wish that the term “graduate transfer” had never been born. A transfer student brings earned credit hours forward toward the eventual completion of the degree at the receiving institution. These two won’t bring credit hours, as their degrees will have been completed. To be more accurate, they are entering graduate students. They begin their next (masters) degree with exactly zero credit hours completed. This is the norm.

I do realize that they can “switch” teams. But when one graduates, their studies have been completed. Why is this of any importance? Because some snarks would say that Azurá and Natalie quit on Geno. They didn’t, and it’s a nasty slam on a couple of good players to say or imply otherwise.

Where true transfers are concerned, it’s going to be a new day sooner than later. New rules are forthcoming, and UConn will either “play” or “pass” as is best for the program. It is going to be interesting.

 

[Jim]

Since when did we turn into South Carolina-Storrs branch?

When you start to lose one game per year, you resort to desperate measures.

 

[hugefan]

It’s a win win. Both players will improve. We saw that with Z. she improved and needed to improve, could she have become better with 1 more year, absolutely, but going through the Uconn program is a win for anyone. Nothing will affect the Uconn core, as those that do will sit the bench and have no affect. Therefore it’s a win win.

 

[Charliebball]

Are you kidding discontent? This is college D1 basketball not high school. You have to be really good to play and teams of this caliber keep recruiting the best players. You don't pass on a player that is better than the ones on the team because they may get mad. And are you kidding a warning to those players being recruited that's a joke.

Sorry but no I'm not kidding...........I don't believe that UConn has ever been known as one of the major transfer in schools............if I'm a current player and two new one and dones come in I'm not going to be pleased and future recruits will see that UConn is really no different then South Carolina or Louisville............it gets back to that Geno philosophy.......he does things differently then everybody else...........or so we've been told...........

 

[Gus Mahler]

Something like this maybe?

Is that what the InfoWars guy has been ranting about?

 

[Vowelguy]

Why is Mom involved in this at all?

Seriously?

 

[Vowelguy]

Geno has had a lot of HS players and transfers visit. Many don't come. Why is everyone talking like it's a done deal?

 

[Charliebball]

Geno has had a lot of HS players and transfers visit. Many don't come. Why is everyone talking like it's a done deal?

it's called wishful thinking............

 

[MilfordHusky]

Regarding team chemistry, Anriel’s mother said that Coach Shea told the team about Anriel’s upcoming visit, and they were excited. That’s good enough for me.

 

[CocoHusky]

I am clearly in the minority but I worry about bringing in relatively big name players for 1 year who played their whole college career elsewhere. It has to be a very difficult adjustment to change cultures and irregardless of being told beforehand that it is an open competition, if they are not a significant part of the team rotation, I think there would be undercurrents of disappointment. I was less concerned for Anriel since she is an energy offensive rebounder that can make her own shots out of effort but I think Williams may be harder to integrate.

There is also a part of me that feels this is very mercenary (not a reputation I want for UConn) and I would rather try to get our holes filled with our developing students. When it was just Anriel, I could justify it with the loss of Z and Gabby and the health concerns of Batouly but it is harder for me to justify Williams.

I disagree with you from a couple of aspects. The UCONN staff has a responsibility to bring as much talent as possible. Since UCONN did not do anything to make D. Williams and A. Howard want to leave Texas A&M the word mercenary does not and should not apply here. The only thing UCONN did to make Storrs an attractive destination for D. Williams and A. Howard was win. The alternative to winning is not an option for this program-nor will it ever be.

Filling holes on any roster is a yearly endeavor including bringing new players. The development of the existing players will continue. The players on the existing roster were given ample opportunity and failed to fill those gaps adequately. To put it more bluntly: Danni Williams would not be visiting UCONN if one of the current UCONN guards had filled the gap that Geno identified very early into last season. That gap (contributing guard play) has increased significantly with the graduation of Kia Nurse who was a 4-year starter for the program.

There is an implicit assumption that you are making that Williams will move ahead of the other guards on the roster in Molly, Christyn, & Mikayla. If Danni does move ahead of those three players in one year in the UCONN system it will be because she has earned it which is the only UCONN way. UCONN has a need, Danni Williams has the ability to fill the need.

 

[Gus Mahler]

Super excited about this. Playing in the UCONN system is HARD. Geno has not taken a JUCO transfer since Sadiq, and I think after his experience with her, it seemed he was unlikely to mine that well again any time soon. So... It does come as somewhat of a surprise that he'd consider graduate transfers who only have 1 year left - after all, Stevens had a year on the bench and she still had a TON to learn about how to play at UCONN during her 2nd year in Storrs.

Having said that, Perhaps @MilfordHusky hit the nail on the head - Geno is yet again changing with the times. And if that means he needs to keep it more simple for any 1 and done's he gets, then it will be an interesting experiment.

I see ZERO potential issues with chemistry. First of all, these 2 kids have GREAT reputations. They area proven in the college game under a coach who has a similar philosophy to Geno's. Any kid who is disappointed about losing PT for the year can either work harder to give Geno a reason to put them in, wait their turn till next year, or look for other schools that might feel like a better fit for them.

Second, the team lost 3 out of their core 6 players in big games, 2 of who were starters. Anything that gives UCONN more depth to shore up weaknesses this year is AWESOME.

3rd, people seemed to have no problem thinking that the freshmen would need to take on big roles at UCONN. People pointed to folks like Dolson, Hartley, Montgomery, Moore, etc. who started as freshmen and had great freshmen years. So it IS possible for a kid to play really well at UCONN their first season in Storrs. No reason to think that 2 kids who are a lot older than the normal freshman and who have 3 years college experience can't fit in if it's a good match all the way around.

4th, it needs to be a win-win-win. The recruits need to want UCONN, Geno needs to want the recruits, and the team needs to sign off on it. If all 3 of those things work out, then it will be a huge win for UCONN. Does that suddenly make us "better" than Baylor or ND? We won't know until we see how well these kids mesh and how the team plays.

Gonna be a fun off season for sure!!! Let's see what happens!!!

I largely like your post and especially the picture. My concern with the 2nd player coming would be the effect on Mikayla. Assuming her blood clot problem resolves in a timely manner, she could contend for a starting spot or a regular rotation spot. She's the one I can see losing out the most.

I wish Geno would redshirt people. If Williams came this might be a good opportunity to redshirt Molly. Or if Mikayla's problem lingers, maybe her.

 

[oldude]

When you start to lose one game per year, you resort to desperate measures.

My favorite post of the year.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

There is also a part of me that feels this is very mercenary (not a reputation I want for UConn) and I would rather try to get our holes filled with our developing students. When it was just Anriel, I could justify it with the loss of Z and Gabby and the health concerns of Batouly but it is harder for me to justify Williams.

It's the players' choice to attend a different university and play on a different team. I don't see how that equates to schools that recruit them as hiring mercenaries. Nobody is forcing them to go to UConn or anywhere else. Free choice and all that.

Also, UConn's guard situation is no more settled than its forward one. Outside of Dangerfield what are we looking at? Bent, Coombs who barely played and is recovering from a potentially life-threatening condition, and Christyn Williams, a freshmen. Danni Williams' addition would mean not forcing CW into a pressure situation right off the bat or Coombs' back into the lineup.

 

[JordyG]

Is that what the InfoWars guy has been ranting about?

Naww. This is a photo of Zukerberg's closet painting.

 

[SVCBeercats]

Just a hunch on my part, this may be the result of the "Chennedy Carter" effect. Carter takes 30% (673) of the FGA to Williams 20% (441) to Anriel's 15.5% (347)...of a total of 2250 FGA taken by team.

Well their percentages won't be better at "share the ball" UCONN.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Sorry but no I'm not kidding......I don't believe that UConn has ever been known as one of the major transfer in schools..if I'm a current player and two new one and dones come in I'm not going to be pleased and future recruits will see that UConn is really no different then South Carolina or Louisville..it gets back to that Geno philosophy..he does things differently then everybody else......or so we've been told......

Louisville recruits anything with a pulse. UConn rarely has a roster of more than 11 players. I don't see the connection there. Also, wouldn't current players be more concerned if transfers had multiple years of eligibility? And whose spot would these two really be taking? Players like Bent, Irwin, Camara, and the rising sophomores have to show they can be trusted with minutes regardless of any transfer additions. They'll still get that chance in practice first.

 

[CocoHusky]

It's the players' choice to attend a different university and play on a different team. I don't see how that equates to schools that recruit them as hiring mercenaries. Nobody is forcing them to go to UConn or anywhere else. Free choice and all that.

Also, UConn's guard situation is no more settled than its forward one. Outside of Dangerfield what are we looking at? Bent, Coombs who barely played and is recovering from a potentially life-threatening condition, and Christyn Williams, a freshmen. Danni Williams' addition would mean not forcing CW into a pressure situation right off the bat or Coombs' back into the lineup.

I should have colloborated with you before posting.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

I should have colloborated with you before posting.

Ha, that's rarely a good idea.

 

[EricSD]

I largely like your post and especially the picture. My concern with the 2nd player coming would be the effect on Mikayla. Assuming her blood clot problem resolves in a timely manner, she could contend for a starting spot or a regular rotation spot. She's the one I can see losing out the most.

I wish Geno would redshirt people. If Williams came this might be a good opportunity to redshirt Molly. Or if Mikayla's problem lingers, maybe her.

He's done it in the past - Jess Moore was a non-medical red shirt for her first season. But she was playing behind Schuey, Tamika, Swin, and Ashja. We also had Christine Rigby on that team as well as Sveta - not that they all played the same position, but with Dee/Sue as well, there was lots of talent and it was unlikely she'd have gotten any PT that first year...

 

[oldude]

Well there percentages won't be better at "share the ball" UCONN.

Yes, but I’ll bet their shooting percentages increase substantially. All they have to do is work to get open and Crystal, Lou or some other Husky will fire a perfect pass at them for a wide open shot.

 

[oldude]

Yes seriously. Is the mom her agent or something?

Do you have any college age kids? I know I was intimately involved in my son’s decision, including traveling with him to check out several schools. Of course I was picking up much of the tab, but it wouldn’t have made a difference had he been offered a full ride.

 

[Geew1992]

Do you have any college age kids? I know I was intimately involved in my son’s decision, including traveling with him to check out several schools. Of course I was picking up much of the tab, but it wouldn’t have made a difference had he been offered a full ride.

Although my daughter made the decision on her own, I was there every step of the way. I had an idea when she made the announcement so I wasn’t surprised one bit

 

[Charliebball]

Louisville recruits anything with a pulse. UConn rarely has a roster of more than 11 players. I don't see the connection there. Also, wouldn't current players be more concerned if transfers had multiple years of eligibility? And whose spot would these two really be taking? Players like Bent, Irwin, Camara, and the rising sophomores have to show they can be trusted with minutes regardless of any transfer additions. They'll still get that chance in practice first.

..............the connection with Louisville is that they recruit anybody good and if the player doesn't work out in a year then who cares if they transfer out...........I always thought that UConn was far more discerning in recruiting only those players that had the best chance of thriving within Geno's system and that if the players aren't ready they keep on working in practice until they are..................if you were a part time player and you were finally ready to make your mark, I don't think you'd be pleased to have a couple of one and dones from Texas A&M come in and possibly take many of your minutes.........I know that's the way it is elsewhere but not the norm for UConn.............