Walker's Visit this weekend

[bags27]

Connecticut is a late bloomer as we're still getting regular frosts and freezes in April.

Kids make decisions for a variety of reasons, but I suspect that a (say) top 20 recruit (McD's AA) pretty much puts the look of a campus low on her list. She's thought and rethought all variables for the past 3-4 years, and is going to chose because of:
1. totality of the basketball program (coach, philosophy, playing time, development, teammates etc)
2a. proximity to home
2b. academic reputation
(2a and 2b can reverse or one or both may not be a major consideration)

Everything else, really, gets lost in the wash of these 3 potential considerations, which are themselves enough to create vast uncertainty in a lot of recruits. Similarly, academically superior students turn down (say) Duke (which has stunningly beautiful gardens) all the time to go to (say) Harvard or Yale which are physically dreary most of the academic year. These kids don't care about the shrubbery and neither do all-american athletes.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Nice weather Saturday and Sunday is the report for Storrs.

Storrs Weather - AccuWeather Forecast for CT 06269

 

[CocoHusky]

Let the kid have some space. What she does and where she is is none of our business until she runs out the tunnel on to the court at Gampel.

One major edit!
Until she runs out the tunnel on to the court at Gampel in a UCONN uniform.

 

[UcMiami]

Kids make decisions for a variety of reasons, but I suspect that a (say) top 20 recruit (McD's AA) pretty much puts the look of a campus low on her list. She's thought and rethought all variables for the past 3-4 years, and is going to chose because of:
1. totality of the basketball program (coach, philosophy, playing time, development, teammates etc)
2a. proximity to home
2b. academic reputation
(2a and 2b can reverse or one or both may not be a major consideration)

Everything else, really, gets lost in the wash of these 3 potential considerations, which are themselves enough to create vast uncertainty in a lot of recruits. Similarly, academically superior students turn down (say) Duke (which has stunningly beautiful gardens) all the time to go to (say) Harvard or Yale which are physically dreary most of the academic year. These kids don't care about the shrubbery and neither do all-american athletes.

A good list, but ... there is a visceral reaction most people have arriving in any knew place, especially a place they may (or have) committed to moving that cuts across all the rest of the crap. It is like house hunting and walking into 20 different houses and 18 of them you know right away you will never live in regardless of amenities and price and square footage and location. They just feel alien. And the same may happen just driving on the block before you see the house itself.

So yes, have a beautiful spring weekend in Storrs is a lot better than having a grey cold wet weekend. Today was spectacular with a vivid blue sky warm sunshine and a refreshing bite to the air. And the forecast is for two more days of the same getting a little warmer each day. Daffodils are in bloom all over - not a bad look for Storrs.

 

[HoopsFan21]

Sunny with highs in the 60s and lows in the 30s this weekend. You can't beat that for April in Connecticut!

 

[bags27]

A good list, but ... there is a visceral reaction most people have arriving in any knew place, especially a place they may (or have) committed to moving that cuts across all the rest of the crap. .

I appreciate what you say, but I'm having a hard time buying it, because it's not (as it usually is for the average kid) a spontaneous decision. Everything's been pointing to it for 3-4 years; nothing is new, all is calculated, with massive amounts of input from parents, coaches, and friends. All the noise of weather, type of town, dorms, etc. has been normalized out. It's inconceivable to me that a highly recruited all-american returns home from a college visit, and says to her parents: I really think this is the best WCBB program for me, but it just seemed like a dreary campus in April; I think I'll go somewhere else that's sunnier and has almost as good a program. I think that's a far more likely decision by a 3 or 4 star athlete. But 5 star athletes have been conditioned by all their support people to be singularly focused on achievement. IMHO.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Mo said yesterday that the four years at UConn were great but she's looking forward to smelling some Texas. I think that supports someone in the UcMiami/bags27 debate. But too tired to cognate.

 

[Carnac]

Call the Tennessee compliance office.

Good one!!

 

[cohenzone]

Dang. I was hoping Virginia would see snow this weekend, but the forecast is 0 snow for the entire state. I knew it was a long shot, but a guy can hope can't he.

Weather Street: Virginia Snowfall Forecast

One of my sons was down to three colleges. one of which was UVA and another U of Mich. He had always liked Mich sports, but swore up and down that he wanted warmer than Connecticut. So after he was accepted, we visited UVA in early April. It was a lousy early spring here in CT. Charlottesville was mid-80s. student in shorts, the perfect weather to validate my son's vision. At the end of April my wife and he went to Ann Arbor (my father had just died, in fact Tax Day is the anniversary, so I was home with my mother). The weather in Mich was still clammy and cold. Of course, he picked UM, sports was higher on his list than warm weather, at least for a CT kid who was used to cold. Let's hope for MW that a series of NC banners is more her dream than going to a school that is typically a pretender in her sport, but 18 year olds do what they do, which is mess with their parents' minds.

 

[UcMiami]

I appreciate what you say, but I'm having a hard time buying it, because it's not (as it usually is for the average kid) a spontaneous decision. Everything's been pointing to it for 3-4 years; nothing is new, all is calculated, with massive amounts of input from parents, coaches, and friends. All the noise of weather, type of town, dorms, etc. has been normalized out. It's inconceivable to me that a highly recruited all-american returns home from a college visit, and says to her parents: I really think this is the best WCBB program for me, but it just seemed like a dreary campus in April; I think I'll go somewhere else that's sunnier and has almost as good a program. I think that's a far more likely decision by a 3 or 4 star athlete. But 5 star athletes have been conditioned by all their support people to be singularly focused on achievement. IMHO.

Probably not ... but she is driving in from the airport and smells cow manure for the first time, and the IPhone map says they are two miles from Gampel and they are driving through grey woods with no sign of any houses, the ground is semi - frozen and her first step out of the car goes an inch deep in mud with water seeping into her shoe, and then the grey day gets just a little worse as the heavens open and a downpour soaks through her jacket. She is cold, uncomfortable and tracking mud after her as she heads in to meet the coaching staff - probably not in the best frame of mind to be wowed by the program they have built and how she would fit into the future.
Or as one highly sought recruit experienced - within minutes of arriving on campus her father slips on some ice, busts his ankle and they spend the day in a hospital and the following day with a dad made miserable by a cast and crutches. They couldn't get out of town fast enough.

For Walker none of this applies - she has been on campus, appeared to have a good time and her family is spending their own money to come back for a second look - so it is probably immaterial - but a beautiful spring day doesn't hurt - almost everyone is happier when the weather is great.

 

[HoopsFan21]

Probably not ... but she is driving in from the airport and smells cow manure for the first time, and the IPhone map says they are two miles from Gampel and they are driving through grey woods with no sign of any houses, the ground is semi - frozen and her first step out of the car goes an inch deep in mud with water seeping into her shoe, and then the grey day gets just a little worse as the heavens open and a downpour soaks through her jacket. She is cold, uncomfortable and tracking mud after her as she heads in to meet the coaching staff - probably not in the best frame of mind to be wowed by the program they have built and how she would fit into the future.
Or as one highly sought recruit experienced - within minutes of arriving on campus her father slips on some ice, busts his ankle and they spend the day in a hospital and the following day with a dad made miserable by a cast and crutches. They couldn't get out of town fast enough.

For Walker none of this applies - she has been on campus, appeared to have a good time and her family is spending their own money to come back for a second look - so it is probably immaterial - but a beautiful spring day doesn't hurt - almost everyone is happier when the weather is great.

It's UConn in April. If it's not snowing, we're already winning, OK? Just don't tell the recruits to visit the beach where it's frigid until mid-June.

 

[Charliebball]

People I might be wrong. But i also might be right. Notre Dame is getting pretty crowded right now with good talent.

These cards play in Uconn favor...And I say this EVEN IF WALKER - DUE TO HER TALENT ALONE - WAS PROMISED PLAYING TIME ELSEWHERE.

The opportunity at the moment is looking to good at Uconn. Going 1-2-3 in the draft turned more than just Walter's head. Some of them talented high school girls woke up from their sleep when that happen (If they were sleeping at the time).

I'm sure someone said "WTH!"

I agree that ND is going to be stacked but actually UConn is also going to be pretty crowded with talented big guards/wings with AEH, Lexi Gordon and hopefully Christyn Williams (2 yrs) joining the current group...............Somehow I think Geno and staff would find something wonderful for MW to do but in fact I'd be even more excited if the Huskies got a big yes from Charli Collier ot another talented post player or two..............

 

[HGN]

Has anyone spotted her on campus as of yet? Want to make sure that she actually arrived.

Ucalum, you took the question right out of my mouth. Has she been spotted yet?

 

[Sonny44]

I'm hoping Azua Stevens was watching.

You mean Acura, don't you?

 

[jdubct]

I agree that ND is going to be stacked but actually UConn is also going to be pretty crowded with talented big guards/wings with AEH, Lexi Gordon and hopefully Christyn Williams (2 yrs) joining the current group.....Somehow I think Geno and staff would find something wonderful for MW to do but in fact I'd be even more excited if the Huskies got a big yes from Charli Collier ot another talented post player or two....

Agree. Walker has the talent and drive to excel wherever she goes to school. I imagine we'll know shortly her choice after her series of visits.

 

[Goodgood]

It is a good sign for me. When prospects spend their own dime for a visit and their decision is only a few months away, that can only mean that they are saving the formal visit for first night.

Those who came on a formal visit last are just using a free trip for them and their parents just to make sure they are not missing on something since they already know they are staying close to home.

Of course I am reading too much into things as usual. Have a great visit, Megan!

 

[bags27]

Mo said yesterday that the four years at UConn were great but she's looking forward to smelling some Texas. I think that supports someone in the UcMiami/bags27 debate. But too tired to cognate.

Thanks, Rocky. Not a debate, of course, just two fans spinning wheels waiting for something significant to happen. But I do think this probably suggests that environment doesn't matter much to a top athlete. They may not find it their favorite place to live for 4 years, but neither are most Olympic training centers. Lou left sunny CA (and a sure-fire spot with her sis at Stanford), because she thought she'd be a significantly better player in the end. Again, campus convenience calculates for those who can't imagine true greatness, but, for those who do, they'll go anywhere, suffer any hardship to learn from the master.

 

[UcMiami]

Bags27 - I am not disagreeing - just saying that most people do have a visceral reaction to some places. Had a friend who arranged to meet me in NYC when I was living there - we were supposed to meet for a late lunch and around 12:30 I got a phone call that they were back in NJ, having spent 10 minutes in the city and gotten on the next train out. Ten minutes was all they could stand of that environment. That was surely a little extreme, but I know there are a few places i have visited that you could not pay me enough money to move to for four years, and at least three that I spent months living in that I hope to never visit again. (Interestingly two are located in Tennessee. )

 

[CocoHusky]

Bags27 - I am not disagreeing - just saying that most people do have a visceral reaction to some places. Had a friend who arranged to meet me in NYC when I was living there - we were supposed to meet for a late lunch and around 12:30 I got a phone call that they were back in NJ, having spent 10 minutes in the city and gotten on the next train out. Ten minutes was all they could stand of that environment. That was surely a little extreme, but I know there are a few places i have visited that you could not pay me enough money to move to for four years, and at least three that I spent months living in that I hope to never visit again. (Interestingly two are located in Tennessee. )

My daughter had a similar reaction on our visit to Columbia University. We visited on Columbus Day and were met with several organized student protest. It took forever to find a parking spot and as we walk across campus to try and find the coaches offices nobody made eye contact and everyone was in a hurry to get somewhere. Five minutes into the meeting I got the sense things weren't going well. When one of the assistant coaches asked her "Could you see yourself going to school here?" "Not really" she responded. 30 Minutes later we were heading home down the NJ turnpike- "Dad I just couldn't she said.

 

[HuskyNan]

My daughter had a similar reaction on our visit to Columbia University. We visited on Columbus Day and were met with several organized student protest. It took forever to find a parking spot and as we walk across campus to try and find the coaches offices nobody made eye contact and everyone was in a hurry to get somewhere. Five minutes into the meeting I got the sense things weren't going well. When one of the assistant coaches asked her "Could you see yourself going to school here?" "Not really" she responded. 30 Minutes later we were heading home down the NJ turnpike- "Dad I just couldn't she said.

My youngest thought he wanted a suburban/rural setting and seemed dead set against an urban college. When it was time to tour colleges, he wanted to go to Washington DC area schools, Virginia Tech, and others, including his eventual destination of Elon University. For the first trip, we drove to Baltimore and visited Loyola which he really liked despite its being in the city. As we drove towards Virginia Tech we passed miles and miles of nothing then we saw only truck stops with adult book stores. We didn't even make it to Blacksburg when he announced "I can't live out here".

Kids have to see a campus and experience its setting before they can truly decide. Or they should, anyway. Just MHO.

 

[BobbyJ]

My daughter had a similar reaction on our visit to Columbia University. We visited on Columbus Day and were met with several organized student protest. It took forever to find a parking spot and as we walk across campus to try and find the coaches offices nobody made eye contact and everyone was in a hurry to get somewhere. Five minutes into the meeting I got the sense things weren't going well. When one of the assistant coaches asked her "Could you see yourself going to school here?" "Not really" she responded. 30 Minutes later we were heading home down the NJ turnpike- "Dad I just couldn't she said.

Funny you should mention Columbia. We went with our daughter on a visit there and as soon as she saw the fortress like walls and gates keeping the homeless out along with the sirens every 10 minutes or so we knew we were wasting our time. It was in season and the attendance of about 30 at the game on a Saturday night was the final blow. I could only imagine the poor coaches' embarrassment. No wonder they seem to leave every 3-4 years.

 

[bags27]

Right, these are the visits (often humorous but often frustrating for parents) of children who see college as a four year living and growing experience exclusively. But a truly gifted musician would never turn down (say) Julliard because it happens to be in New York, while some "normal" student might well decide that a New York college isn't for her. Similarly a top-20 WCBB recruit might chose another college for the criteria I set out above, but I doubt that a not especially lovely day during a spring campus visit is going to tip the scales.

 

[HoopsFan21]

Right, these are the visits (often humorous but often frustrating for parents) of children who see college as a four year living and growing experience exclusively. But a truly gifted musician would never turn down (say) Julliard because it happens to be in New York, while some "normal" student might well decide that a New York college isn't for her. Similarly a top-20 WCBB recruit might chose another college for the criteria I set out above, but I doubt that a not especially lovely day during a spring campus visit is going to tip the scales.

Let's just hope breakfast at Geno's tips the scales.

 

[malevocalist#]

Lots of great points on this board for sure. I must say i learned something.

Goes to show you. You like a school, program, their tradition and all that etc.

However, if you don't click with the environment - and I am sure some athelets have other reasons (PLAYING TIME) afterwards.

But to some the surroundings, attitude of the community and environmental issues play a vital role.

 

[Kibitzer]

This discussion about campus environment has certainly been enriching and that is surely an important factor for recruits like Ms Walker to consider. . .

. . . Along with academics, coaching, tradition, NC prospects, and PT.

There is yet another: future teammates. IIRC Lexi Gordon was pleasantly surprised that Huskies are "not robots," but a close knit and fun-loving group - just the kind of girls she would like to be with for arduous practices, extended travel, challenging games, and FOUR YEARS of constant close relationship.

Sooo, if I were in some recruit's sneakers I would closely check out Kia, Gabby, Lou and Pheese -- and, if possible, Kyla, Molly, Andra, Crystal, and Lexi. After all, they might be a huge part of my life for four important years!

 

[JordyG]

You mean Acura, don't you?

My apologies. Again, I meant Azusa, uh Arena. No, sorry, I really meant Altoona. Aroma. Amusa. I think ultimately I'll get to Azura. Hopefully she'll ultimately get to Stoors.

 

[NewCorn]

I appreciate what you say, but I'm having a hard time buying it, because it's not (as it usually is for the average kid) a spontaneous decision. Everything's been pointing to it for 3-4 years; nothing is new, all is calculated, with massive amounts of input from parents, coaches, and friends. All the noise of weather, type of town, dorms, etc. has been normalized out. It's inconceivable to me that a highly recruited all-american returns home from a college visit, and says to her parents: I really think this is the best WCBB program for me, but it just seemed like a dreary campus in April; I think I'll go somewhere else that's sunnier and has almost as good a program. I think that's a far more likely decision by a 3 or 4 star athlete. But 5 star athletes have been conditioned by all their support people to be singularly focused on achievement. IMHO.

Ah, you are so logical, bags. But the effect of environment is likely to be subconscious. The player is likely to say, "it just didn't seem like a fit," without being able to say why. They may be 5-star players, but they are 17-year-olds. remember when you were 17? I'm guessing you might have been far less logical then.

 

[stamfordhusky]

Is Geno even allowed to have any contact with a recruit on an unofficial visit? Not sure what the NCAA rules are on this stuff.

Yes, he can have unlimited contact on or around campus.

 

[NewCorn]

Or as one highly sought recruit experienced - within minutes of arriving on campus her father slips on some ice, busts his ankle and they spend the day in a hospital and the following day with a dad made miserable by a cast and crutches. They couldn't get out of town fast enough.

If I recall corectly, it was D's parents who complained that the UConn campus was too dark. To which Geno replied, "That's because it's nighttime."

 

[stamfordhusky]

As long as she is on campus he can speak with her. Unless the rules have changed, anything she purchases such as meals, souvenirs, etc. on campus can't be paid for by UConn. Also, if lodging is off campus, it also can't be paid for by UConn.

No. UConn can pay for her meals while she is on campus. That has always been the case.