UConn (only) Recruiting (only) Speculation

[Hawk]

Is it official?

Not yet, she followed the director of player development, content video coordinator, and their director of operations and a lot of players then skilm mulkey on Twitter posted a teaser video of Oklahoma hinting that they got a recruit so it’s pretty safe to say that she’s going there.

 

[The CDR-Ret]

Not yet, she followed the director of player development, content video coordinator, and their director of operations and a lot of players then skilm mulkey on Twitter posted a teaser video of Oklahoma hinting that they got a recruit so it’s pretty safe to say that she’s going there.

It's NOT OVER until it's over...

Beers to UConn on Weds! MAY DAY, MAY DAY, MAY DAY!!!

We can wait three days, can't we?!?

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

That would likely be true but for the assistant coach thing. Clearly, she values her relationship with this coach more than a potential championship with people she does not even know. One has to admire that kind of loyalty if that is truly the case. This shows one of the disadvantages of recruiting from the portal. There is not time for building a relationship with the layer before she has to choose. (Perhaps that would not matter in this case, but it might in some cases)

It is also possible that she simply does not want to play for a high profile team like UConn where she will be under the microscope more than at a place like Oklahoma. I don’t know what her background is, but perhaps she’s more of a country girl and feels more comfortable there. Sad for us, but if she thinks she’ll be happier there, then all you can say is; I wish you well! (Unless you’re playing us!)

Cuango- - -There are a couple things I don't seem to agree with you on!
First, I would think she'd have more loyalty to a Head Coach that moved on to another school, like Georgia Amore going to KY! Not so much for an assistant coach! Even if she went through the HS recruiting process with UConn she's going on 2 to 3 days with the team in practices and on campus sightseeing! What does she really learn about that situation but 1st reactions?
Second, She played 2 years for Oregon State and was in a high pressure situation that could have taken OSU to the Final Four.
She thrived in the high pressure situations and if you're as talented as she obviously is I would think she'd want to test herself vs the best competition every day in practice and in every game on UConn's schedule!
I'd be disappointed in her if she took the easy way out!

 

[Hawk]

I would keep an eye on Janiah Barker. Morgan Cheli, Caroline, KK, Ayanna, Sarah Strong, and Aliyah Edwards are all following her. I’m to sure when they all started following her. I think it’s interesting that Morgan and Sarah are following her. Just speculation though

Also, she has followed back Kk, Sarah strong and Ayanna.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

I would keep an eye on Janiah Barker. Morgan Cheli, Caroline, KK, Ayanna, Sarah Strong, and Aliyah Edwards are all following her. I’m to sure when they all started following her. I think it’s interesting that Morgan and Sarah are following her. Just speculation though

Also, she has followed back Kk, Sarah strong and Ayanna.

That would be seriously interesting for various reasons. There would have to be a significant change of heart on at least her part to make that happen.

 

[Cuango]

Cuango- - -There are a couple things I don't seem to agree with you on!
First, I would think she'd have more loyalty to a Head Coach that moved on to another school, like Georgia Amore going to KY! Not so much for an assistant coach! Even if she went through the HS recruiting process with UConn she's going on 2 to 3 days with the team in practices and on campus sightseeing! What does she really learn about that situation but 1st reactions?
Second, She played 2 years for Oregon State and was in a high pressure situation that could have taken OSU to the Final Four.
She thrived in the high pressure situations and if you're as talented as she obviously is I would think she'd want to test herself vs the best competition every day in practice and in every game on UConn's schedule!
I'd be disappointed in her if she took the easy way out!

And yet she’s apparently spurning UConn for Oklahoma who is reportedly hiring her former assistant coach. Not seeing where I’m wrong. I think it’s pretty clear that the coach thing is a huge factor in her decision and I would not be at all surprised if the relative status level between the two schools is also a factor. She just strikes me as not wanting to be in the spotlight that being a star player at UConn would bring. Obviously, I have no real idea as to why she is (apparently) choosing Oklahoma. I’m just musing out loud but I think it’s safe to say that something at Oklahoma is more attractive to her than the (I think it’s fair to say) strong likelihood of her both winning a national championship and materially improving her draft stock for the WNBA!

 

[Zarathustra]

That would be seriously interesting for various reasons. There would have to be a significant change of heart on at least her part to make that happen.

Maybe a "change of Heart". Ms. Janiah Barker played with Ayanna 4 to Barker's #11 in
the 2021 3X3 Women's U 18 World Cup. They won GOLD in the Finals vs Team Spain. The other team
members for USA were Kiki Rice, Mickaela (sp) Williams. Many things can change over a few YEARS!
Janiah is 6' 4" and very athletic. Watch the video of the FIBA 2021 3x3 U18 World Cup. You could
also google the USA WOMEN's 3x3 U 18 National Team to see the roster and some stats. This
could be more than a "maybe". It is truly a waiting game! GENO: "standing pat" or " filling up
the Huskie Team" for Paige's last year??? To be continued???
At Texas A & M this year Janiah played 30 games last year with 12.2 ppg and had a FG % of 47.9,
a three point % of 34.3 and I think 7.6? RB per game (I'm not sure on that last stat).

 

[HuskyNan]

And yet she’s apparently spurning UConn for Oklahoma who is reportedly hiring her former assistant coach. Not seeing where I’m wrong. I think it’s pretty clear that the coach thing is a huge factor in her decision and I would not be at all surprised if the relative status level between the two schools is also a factor. She just strikes me as not wanting to be in the spotlight that being a star player at UConn would bring. Obviously, I have no real idea as to why she is (apparently) choosing Oklahoma. I’m just musing out loud but I think it’s safe to say that something at Oklahoma is more attractive to her than the (I think it’s fair to say) strong likelihood of her both winning a national championship and materially improving her draft stock for the WNBA!

Are there two states more different than Connecticut and Oklahoma? Raegan is from Colorado - maybe Oklahoma is just more comfortable for her as a place to live.

 

[oldude]

Maybe a "change of Heart". Ms. Janiah Barker played with Ayanna 4 to Barker's #11 in
the 2021 3X3 Women's U 18 World Cup. They won GOLD in the Finals vs Team Spain. The other team
members for USA were Kiki Rice, Mickaela (sp) Williams. Many things can change over a few YEARS!
Janiah is 6' 4" and very athletic. Watch the video of the FIBA 2021 3x3 U18 World Cup. You could
also google the USA WOMEN's 3x3 U 18 National Team to see the roster and some stats. This
could be more than a "maybe". It is truly a waiting game! GENO: "standing pat" or " filling up
the Huskie Team" for Paige's last year??? To be continued???
At Texas A & M this year Janiah played 30 games last year with 12.2 ppg and had a FG % of 47.9,
a three point % of 34.3 and I think 7.6? RB per game (I'm not sure on that last stat).

Interesting. While we’ve all been waiting to see if it’s black or white smoke from Raegan Beers, along comes Ms Barker, who adds an entirely different dimension to a basketball team. Her ability to run the court, pull up from the arc and her athleticism would be on full display if she came to UConn.

 

[BRS24]

That would be seriously interesting for various reasons. There would have to be a significant change of heart on at least her part to make that happen.

I don't know the history of JB, however as players mature and look towards the future, it's reasonable to change opinions on things from when they were in HS. As an incoming junior, she has two years to shore up her pro potential. And somewhere on this board is a post I made a few weeks ago, about what if we were all looking in the wrong direction and Geno pulls off a stunner, aka Evina Westbrook.

 

[LwrcasefaN]

I don't know the history of JB, however as players mature and look towards the future, it's reasonable to change opinions on things from when they were in HS. As an incoming junior, she has two years to shore up her pro potential. And somewhere on this board is a post I made a few weeks ago, about what if we were all looking in the wrong direction and Geno pulls off a stunner, aka Evina Westbrook.

Plus when you're stuck in neutral and what you've been doing isn't working a wise person would be more open minded about options.

 

[Bone Dog]

I don't know the history of JB, however as players mature and look towards the future, it's reasonable to change opinions on things from when they were in HS. As an incoming junior, she has two years to shore up her pro potential. And somewhere on this board is a post I made a few weeks ago, about what if we were all looking in the wrong direction and Geno pulls off a stunner, aka Evina Westbrook.

Thank you for reminding me of Evina, a consummate Husky who Geno stunned us all with. One of my all time favorites, as a player and a teammate.

I haven’t seen enough of Barker’s games at Texas AM to know what sort of teammate she might be. I know she’s quick and a good leaper who runs the court really well — more in the mould of Liv than Mama Stef — but what sort of teammate would she be? Maybe it’s too much to expect of anyone that she take to Storrs as well as Evina did. But will she get along with Azzi and Coach P? That would be enough, since the rest of the team is likely to follow their judgment.

 

[oldude]

I went back to take a look at Barker’s recruiting history. As a jr in HS at Tampa Bay Tech she narrowed down her list of schools to Louisville, UGA, Duke, SC and MS. She transferred to Monteverde Academy for her senior year in HS and ultimately followed Joni Taylor to A&M when Taylor was hired from UGA.

After 2 years at A&M, her decision to transfer is likely not rushed or ill considered. We can only speculate. But the opportunity to play for a championship team as well as the ability to develop as a future pro would appear to be important components of her decision.

 

[BRS24]

Thank you for reminding me of Evina, a consummate Husky who Geno stunned us all with. One of my all time favorites, as a player and a teammate.

I haven’t seen enough of Barker’s games at Texas AM to know what sort of teammate she might be. I know she’s quick and a good leaper who runs the court really well — more in the mould of Liv than Mama Stef — but what sort of teammate would she be? Maybe it’s too much to expect of anyone that she take to Storrs as well as Evina did. But will she get along with Azzi and Coach P? That would be enough, since the rest of the team is likely to follow their judgment.

I'm guessing she'll be the type of teammate that's expected at UConn. If she was interested, I'm sure the coaches and players are all straight with her as to exactly how it goes. Whether on the court or bench, everyone supports each other. There's no way that Geno brings in a player that will impact the team.

 

[oldude]

Thank you for reminding me of Evina, a consummate Husky who Geno stunned us all with. One of my all time favorites, as a player and a teammate.

I haven’t seen enough of Barker’s games at Texas AM to know what sort of teammate she might be. I know she’s quick and a good leaper who runs the court really well — more in the mould of Liv than Mama Stef — but what sort of teammate would she be? Maybe it’s too much to expect of anyone that she take to Storrs as well as Evina did. But will she get along with Azzi and Coach P? That would be enough, since the rest of the team is likely to follow their judgment.

Just a comment. Other than her ability to block shots, Barker’s game is nothing like Liv’s. She is far more athletic, runs the court exceptionally well, with a beautiful pull up jump shot and an array of quick, athletic post moves. She would be a star and potential AA at UConn.

 

[donalddoowop]

Just a comment. Other than her ability to block shots, Barker’s game is nothing like Liv’s. She is far more athletic, runs the court exceptionally well, with a beautiful pull up jump shot and an array of quick, athletic post moves. She would be a star and potential AA at UConn.

You just changed my mind about who I hope UConn gets as a post player from the portal. I knew nothing about her. I thought she was a guard. Barker and Bueckers.

 

[leepaul]

JANIAH BARKER!!! Girl can move!

 

[Bone Dog]

JANIAH BARKER!!! Girl can move!

Thanks for the video. This confirms my impressions from the only games of hers I watched -- the Tennessee and LSU games.

She is fast, quicker in the open court than Aaliyah, who is really fast for a big. She also has quick hands in addition to quick feet. This makes her an excellent open-court defender. She'll be great on the high hedges Geno likes to run.

She also has an impressive midrange shooting game, a shot she can get off without a lot help. And she has some good quick low post moves.

What I didn't see in this video, and in those other games, is a great low post defender. Perhaps this is merely an effect of playing next to Lauren Ware, who carried more of this load.

But she doesn't strike me as a traditional rim protector. Also, she looks small for 6'4". This may be an illusion because she plays in a semi-crouch much of the time, and this may be inevitable for someone who understands her virtue is speed.

When folks here call for another big from the portal, I think they're looking for a low post player and a rim protector. I think Barker could be a great addition for us -- assuming she can fit into the team chemistry -- but I don't think she'd solve the problem others think we have. I don't really think we have the deficiency many think we do. I think Jana will be enough. If Geno brings in Barker, it will mainly be to play next to Jana, not instead of her.

And this leaves us with a conundrum since it means she will effectively displace Sarah Ayanna Ice Caroline and Aubrey for two years. I'm not totally convinced this is the best use of our roster. Still, it's hard not to like this kid and to want to add her. This is why Geno gets paid the big bucks, tough calls like these.

 

[Zarathustra]

JANIAH BARKER!!! Girl can move!

Thanks for the Highlights! NICE! Besides the speed, the defense, the three-point shooting, etc. Here is
another stat: Texas A & M vs U of South Carolina Gamecocks on March 8, 2024. Janiah shot five for 14 from
the field, one for three from three-point range with 2 rebounds and 11 POINTS... But hold on a minute! She
fouled out after playing only 23 minutes and still got near her points per game for the SEASON. THUS... She fouled out,
but she still had 11 points in that game to essentially match her average 12.2 points per game for the season.
I did not watch the game... But my guess is that she played her heart out. I remember while watching the highlights from this year
posted on the BONEYARD (see above) how she played while on the 3X3 for the USA women's 3X3 Basketball team in 2021
with Ayanna Patterson.... at 6'4" she has the skills of a guard!( see again the highlight reel, So, we not really comparing her to Ms. Reagan Beers. Barker is not a post player.... While not a Stewie.... she could blend in very well with the Huskie style. Another " Wait and
See" moment for the BONEYARD. I would not mind adding either of these two exceptional players. Geno will decide
on the chemistry... I wait for the formal announcements. NICE TO HAVE KAITLYN !!

 

[AmeriConn]

I went back to take a look at Barker’s recruiting history. As a jr in HS at Tampa Bay Tech she narrowed down her list of schools to Louisville, UGA, Duke, SC and MS. She transferred to Monteverde Academy for her senior year in HS and ultimately followed Joni Taylor to A&M when Taylor was hired from UGA.

After 2 years at A&M, her decision to transfer is likely not rushed or ill considered. We can only speculate. But the opportunity to play for a championship team as well as the ability to develop as a future pro would appear to be important components of her decision.

From her list of schools it appears she prefers schools in the southeast.

 

[oldude]

From her list of schools it appears she prefers schools in the southeast.

That was then. This is now.

 

[LetteD]

 

[hoopsdiva]

Oh well. Hopefully Geno & company were aware of this with enough lead time to pursue another big in the portal, even if we were unaware of it in the BY.

If not, we run with what we have (which is still pretty darn good.)

 

[Geesworld]

That's good news.

 

[ABCDFE]

Darn. Wish I knew what happened with her recruitment here. Does anyone know if there was anything specific her not choosing UCONN other than the assistant coach situation?

 

[LetteD]

Officially

 

[Jackalope]

Official notice she is going to OU:

 

[BRS24]

Darn. Wish I knew what happened with her recruitment here. Does anyone know if there was anything specific her not choosing UCONN other than the assistant coach situation?

Could have been a number of things - did she see herself as a good fit, did the coaches, how warm/hot were either side for each other, etc. There was a lot of speculation online, however we'll never know.

 

[Ozimoto]

She may have decided she wanted to be closer to home. The east coast vibe isn't for everyone.

 

[fireford]

I know Gardiner (F-Oregon St) had injury issues early in the season last year but seemed to do well when she was healthy enough to get into the lineup. Is she worth consideration at this point now that Beers and Iriafen are off the board?