Thoughts on 2019, 2020

Thoughts on 2019, 2020
by dillon77 (2018-05-07 16:25:55)
Edited on 2018-05-08 10:02:08

In reply to: One poll at a time is enough, but… posted by BabaGhanouj

Having taken in a lot of information/opinions on these players here and on other boards, here's a gut reaction as of early May. Will rate by year, because the 2019 cycle will have an impact on 2020. Also, these multiple tête-à-têtes tend to take on lives of their own, so I completely reserve judgement to change what I'm looking at (primarily because they'll probably determine themselves anyway!)

2019
- Haley Jones (wing): 5. Eh: Lots of competition. Will she leave West Coast. Her HS coach is a US National Team vet. Ah: Seems like she'd do well in basketball system, at ND.
- Aliyah Boston (low post): 6. Eh. Don't even know her finalists. UConn is local. Louisville is chasing. Ah: Sam Brunelle. Seems like a natch matchup with Coach Owens.
- Laeticia Amihere: (forward). 3. Eh: Huge finalist list.who knows? How is recovery of ACL/MCL going? Ah: Why not -- she's the Black Queen!

- Sydnee Roby (low post). Probably only in play if Boston or Amihere don't come. If so, 6. Could use a banger to be with Mik Vaughn.
- Fran Belibi (forward). 5. Lots of variables here (Jones, Amihere), not to mention Stanford.

2020

- Paige Bueckers: 7. It would've been 8 if Lindsay Whelan hadn't taken the Minnesota position. Obviously Sam Brunelle connection, but just think she'd thrive here.
- Caitlin Clark: 6. How many trained point guards can you have on a team?
Ah: Something about Clark says she'd be in charge regardless of what you brand her position. Eh: While ND-Clark would seem to be a natural pairing, it seems pretty low key. Then again, maybe that's all that is needed.
- Natalija Marshall: 7. This just seems right and tight: Strong mutual interest.
- Mady Westbeld: Totally depends on Jones. If Jones comes: 0. If not, 6.
Unlike Kat, Mady is a wing.
- Sydney Parrish: Think this is similar to Westbeld--Jones decision is key. Great player but do you go with the family you know (Westbeld?) For now, 4.
- Ali Campbell: 2. Not as high on guard pecking order, particularly when you factor in Ms. Fudd in 2021.
- Kylee Watson: 2. Not so much wondering about her interest in ND, as the other way around.

Just what I was hoping for—

Each of us (on the Bench) have seen similar things, yet also different things. We also interpret what we have seen differently. In general, you are much more positive about individual recruits with 5's, 6's, and 7's. I often see ND as just 1 of 3 or 4 strong possible landing spots—kind of like being in the running for Megan Walker and Evina Westbrook from a couple of years ago. It's great to see what others are thinking. You make me a bit more optimistic about some recruits.

I guess my major concern in Jones (Baba 2, Dillon 5), Bueckers (B 3, D 7) and Clark (B 4, D 6) is that we will already have 5 capable guards and wings (counting Jackie) when Jones would come, and 4 or 5 for the 2020 class.

I like how you think. I find it fascinating that my most probable, Ali Campbell, is one of your least probable. I hope the coaching staff is as confident as you are.

A Different View

2019
Laeticia Amihere 7 just a hunch; time for the Nat Achonwa successor
Fran Belibi 6 why not start the ND version of Phi Slamma Jamma?
Haley Jones 5 time for a breakthrough in West Coast recruiting?
Aliyah Boston 2 not likely to land west of Storrs

2020
One of Bueckers, Campbell, or Clark 9 (Red Robin Prophecy says Paige B.)
One of Marshall or Watson 7 I'll guess Marshall

You may be on to something.

We need at least one more in 2019, why not Laeticia Amihere? We know so little about her recruitment, but your hunch is backed up by her twitter page. She has at least two retweets by Sam Brunelle (who else?). One was Sam's announcement that she was committing to Notre Dame. I guess we all think Haley Jones is a toss up.

I also favor your 2020 idea that we most likely will get one of Bueckers, Campbell, and Clark. (We can always hope for two.) I like Marshall also.

All in all, it seems reasonable, not too greedy, and really puts us in good position for the years to come.

Yes, I am riding the Sam Brunelle express. She has the "It"

combination of personality and leadership that will help some good prospects choose ND.

....Which Is One Reason Why I Don't Discount Boston....

Brunelle and Boston are also very tight (National Team, as well as that championship 3x3 team with Bueckers (who else) and Van Lith).

My gut says Boston stays geographically put in New England, but there could be a shot....courtesy of Sam.

Sam Brunelle and my new favorite quote.

Here is the quote:
“For 37 years I’ve practiced fourteen hours a day, and now they call me a genius!”
Pablo de Sarasate, Famous Spanish Violinist and Composer

Here is the Sam Brunelle part which I had trouble embedding.