2019 Recruiting Update Entering the Cloud
by dillon77 (2018-12-05 08:20:03)
Edited on 2018-12-05 08:21:56

Hey all: Working on the first 2020 Recruiting Post. This is the last of the 2019's, which I'm putting here so it can be "on the record" (at least for awhile).

Moving forward soon....

IRISH RECRUITING UPDATE: AS OF NOVEMBER 28th

Well, Benchers, the 2019 Recruiting Season (Early Signing Period) came to a close when Haley Jones announced her commitment to Stanford.

With that commitment, Stanford jumped to #2 in the HG Class Rankings, right behind South Carolina, who benefited from the unexpected signing of Aliyah Boston. Notre Dame has the highest-ranked, two-person class with Sam Brunelle and Anaya Peoples. Overall, it came in 11th in the Hoopgurlz ratings.

What I'll do with this current update is tidy up all the prospects considered over the year so readers can see just how much effort goes into pulling a class together and where these prospects eventually ended up. Remember, the class of 2019 prospects have been on this board for a minimum of two years; in some cases, three. And guess what? Two of the biggest -- Anaya and Sam -- will be in Irish uniforms come Summer 2019.

I'll then strip away the 2019 information and we can start fresh, focusing on 2020 with 2021 and even 2022 news listed as appropriate and/or relevant.

Right now, NCAA WBB is in an EVALUATION period, during which a college coach may watch student-athletes compete, visit their high schools and write or telephone student athletes and their parents.

However, a college coach may not have face-to-face contact with college-bound student-athletes or their parents off the college's campus during an evaluation period. (There is one more "dead" period from Dec. 24-26, during which a coach can only write or telephone student athletes and their parents.)

The update looks at the overall Irish team, as well as a breakdown of positions. For those who like this kind of information graphically, there's Baba Ghanouj’s chart, for which I've attached a link. You can print this out and use while reading along. Scroll down and see below in the HTTP Link area.

This includes the most up-to-date ratings of Prospects Nation and Hoopgurlz,which just updated their rankings

OVERALL LOOK AT PERSONNEL

After the 2018-2019 season, Brianna Turner, Jessica Shepard, Arike Ogunbowale and Marina Mabrey will graduate and/or exhaust their collegiate eligibility.

- Including current players, the Class of 2018 (4) and the two (2) 2019 Commits (but no non-scholarship players), the projected Irish WBB squad for the start of the 2019 season now stands at nine (9) players.
- Muffet has preferred to carry some 11-12 players on the roster, so that higher number is used as a baseline.
- That means ND could easily take up to three (3) more commitments this year to join Alli Campbell, assuming MM gets affirmatives from all three of the remaining prospects that have/will take OVs.

- Many of the 2020 prospects were present with Anaya, Sam and Alli at the 2017 fall mass recruiting event (Nielefest/Recruitapalooza).

So let's take a look at the team, by position.

GUARD/WING

Context:
Jackie Young will be the sole returning starter in Fall 2019. She plays the "big guard/wing" role right now and could keep doing so. Or could move over to the other guard position.

Abby Prohaska, combo guard Katlyn Gilbert and incoming guard Anaya Peoples will also be on board.

2019 Guards Who Committed To ND:

- Anaya Peoples (#21 HG, #8 PN), 5’10” PG from Illinois, who plays club ball with 2018 commit, Katlyn Gilbert.
-- In August, played on the U.S. National U18 Team in Mexico City.

Coach McGraw is on record as saying Anaya will not play point guard at ND, which should be kept in mind in who ND is targeting at guard in 2020.

2019 Players Who Committed Elsewhere or Will Commit Elsewhere

- Haley Jones (#1 HG, #1 PN), 6'1" wing from Archbishop Mitty in California. Irish coaches have attended a showcases there the last two years and MM went to see her play and visited her home in March. Wing with size who "plays taller than advertised" and "finishes plays in traffic." Versatile and plays with verve and intelligence.
-- Starred for U.S. National u17 team in 2018 after getting cut in '17.
-- Jumped from #14 to #1 in Prospect's Nation rankings. Also #1 in HG.
-- Took official visit to ND during Stanford weekend of Sept. 29th
-- Her other finalists are Stanford, Oregon, South Carolina and UConn. Visted The Farm Oct. 5 and UConn scheduled for Nov. 2, with Boston.
-- On November 28, she COMMITTED TO STANFORD.

- Kierstan Bell (#5 HG, 18 PN), 6’1” guard who was named Ms. Ohio Basketball twice and allegedly had an ND offer. Made unofficial visits to ND, Ohio State and Michigan State. On August 25, COMMITTED TO OHIO STATE.
- Rickea Jackson (#9 HG, 3 PN), 6’2” wing from Detroit. Slasher who has interest from Louisville, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Tennessee, among others. No known interaction with ND. Did well at U.S. u17 trials and named player of USNJ Tournament in D.C. by Blue Star's Mark Lewis.
In early November, she COMMITTED TO MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY.
- Breanna Beal (#13 HG, 16 PN), a 6'1" wing/forward from Rock Island, Ill. ND coaches attended a 2017 exhibition but no known interaction since. Finalists are Illinois, Duke, Louisville, S. Carolina and Michigan. In Nov. 2018, she COMMITTED TO S. CAROLINA.
- Celeste Taylor (#20 by HG, 26 PN), 5’11” guard from Lutheran H.S. in Long Island, who made USA Basketball’s U16 and U17 teams. Athletic slasher, able defender. Took unofficial visit to ND, but committed to TEXAS in Fall 2017.
- Diamond Miller (#18 by HG, 27 PN), 6’1” wing from Franklin H.S., NJ who played on USA U16 Team in 2017. Took unofficial visit to ND but committed to MARYLAND, citing proximity to NJ as one reason.
- Sammie Puisis (#37 HG, 41 PN) 6’1” wing/guard from Ohio, who had interest in UConn and ND at one point. Committed to FLORIDA STATE, as of Labor Day 2017.

Class of 2020 Players of Interest:

- Sydney Parrish, (#11 in HG, 18 PN) 6’2” wing/forward from Hamilton Southeastern, Indiana., who was a semi-finalist for the USA Basketball’s U16 and U17 teams. Already has offers from virtually all B1G teams. Played at Annual USJN Nat'l. Championships and got a shout-out from Mark Lewis of Blue Star Media. Has not been mentioned in recent months.
- Madeleine (Mady) Westbeld (45 in HG, 25 in PN), 6’2” wing from Ohio who favors outside game more than her high-post sister, one Katherine. Made cut to 45 at recent U.S. Nat'l. U17 trials. Played at Annual USJN Ntl. Championships, getting a shout-out from Mark Lewis of Blue Star Media.
- Maddie Burke (NR in HG, 39 in PN), 6’0” shooting guard from Pennsylvania who is another member of the Philly Belles. Good stroke.

(Parrish and Burke both attended the 10/27-28/17 unofficial group visit to ND. One would guess Ms. Westbeld knows a bit about ND.)

Class of 2021 Players of Note:

- Azzi Fudd (#1 HG, #1 on PN), a 5’11” guard who is starting her sophomore year at. St. John’s College in Washington, D.C., the same school that Lindsay Allen attended.
-- Youngest player on the U.S. teams in Argentina and Europe.
-- Has scored 30+ points in several HS games, prompting coaching pilgrimages to D.C.
-- Could be that she's just a good friend, but attended Brunelle's announcement in April and wore an ND T-Shirt. Plays with Brunelle on Fairfax AAU team and U.S. Nat'l. U16 and U17 teams.
-- She and Cameron Brink became first women to attend Stephen Curry's Summer Camp. Won the three-point shoot-around.

- Matyson Wilke (Unranked in HG, PN Top 25 Lists), a 5’9” guard from Beaver Dam. Attended ND games last season.

- Sonia Citron, (Unranked in HG, PN) 6'1" Guard/Wing from Ursuline Academy, NY and Hudson Valley Elite 16 Gold
Mix of post and perimeter skills…Will hit the three off the jab…Comfortable handling the ball to score off the bounce…Comes to a jump stop and utilizes pivot foot to score. According to tweets, ND, UConn, Maryland know about her. Syracuse allegedly has offered a scholarship.

- Sydney Affolter, 5'10" guard who plays for Marist H.S. in Chicago. Strong, sturdy build for rising sophomore. Drives to hoop, plays defense and has a quick 3-pt. release.


FORWARDS/POSTS

Context
- In 2019-20, the Irish will have the following posts and forwards: Mikayla Vaughn, Danielle Cosgrove and Sam Brunelle. Dani Patterson could be used at the high post, as well.

Committed Player:

- Sam Brunelle (#4 HG, 5 PN), 6’2” F, Virginia, who committed to ND in April. Seems tailor-made for the high-post, where she can utilize her jump shooting, interior moves and drives, and passing. Just played on U.S. Nat'l. U17 Team. Very close to 2019 prospect Aliyah Boston, 2020 prospect Paige Bueckers and 2021 prospect Azzi Fudd, all of whom were on U.S. squad. In fact, Sam B. took her official visit to ND on Sept. 1, the same weekend as Boston.

Playing in 3 x 3 Championships with Boston Bueckers and Hailey Van Lith in Argentina this October.

2019 Players Who Committed/Will Commit Elsewhere:

- Aliyah Boston (#3 HG, 11 PN, 6’4” Post from Worcester Academy, MA. Played on U.S. Team in Argentina in 2017 and was named MVP. Just played on U.S. National U17 team and was named to All-Tourney team. Took an OV to ND in September. The day before Thanksgiving she COMMITTED TO SOUTH CAROLINA.


- Laeticia Amihere, (#10 HG, Not in PN), 6’3” forward from Ontario, Canada. ND staff observed in Summer 2017. A dunker who is still recovering from an ACL/MCL injury. Allegedly took OV to ND on September 28th 2018, which cut down on 14 or so school list. Announced Finalists of Kentucky, Louisville and South Carolina. COMMITTED TO S. CAROLINA.

- Francesca Belibi (23 HG, 13 PN) 6’1” athlete from Denver/Cameroon, who is now more than the “other dunker.” Made the USA Basketball U16 and U17 Teams. Took official visit to ND in April, but COMMITTED TO STANFORD in May 2018. Played well in Belarus behind Boston.
- Faith Masonius (#49 HG, 84 PN). 6’-footer with nice array of hooks, jump-hooks and spin moves, who can also go outside. COMMITTED to MARYLAND in Jan. 2018.
- Malu Tshitenge-Mutombo (#56 HG, #51 PN), 6’3” post/forward from St. John’s Academy in Washington D.C., same school as Irish alum Lindsay Allen and 2021 prospect Azzi Fudd. She is a niece of former NBA All Star Dikembe Mutombo. Known for strong defensive presence, rebounding. Took an OV to ND during Michigan weekend (Sept. 1) and announced Irish, North Carolina as finalists. COMMITTED to NC shortly thereafter.
- Sydnee Roby (#64 HG, 59 PN), 6’3” Post from Rufus King HS, Milwaukee, WI. Powerful inside presence who scores & rebounds in double figures. Named five finalists in mid-September: Cal, Marquette, Miami (Fla.), Michigan State and Texas A&M. Made cuts to top 45 at recent U.S. Nat'l. Team U17 trials. As of Nov. 2nd, COMMITTED to MIAMI (FL.).
- Ramani Parker (#99 at HG, 28 PN) 6'4" forward who had ND as a finalist. Offensively, can put ball on floor and drive, as well as shoot 3's. Lock-down defender. Committed to LOUISVILLE this winter.


2020 Players to Keep An Eye On:

- Natalija Marshall (#12 HG, 15 PN), 6’5” forward from Christ the King H.S. in Queens, NYC. Attended 10/28/17 Unofficial Group Visit. Has connection to Mabreys via AAU team. Made several cuts at recent U.S. National U17 trials. Recently announced finalists: ND, Duke, Stanford, UConn, Texas, Tennessee, UCLA, Syracuse, South Carolina and Michigan.

- Kylee Watson (#30 in HG & 16 PN), Agile 6’4” Post from Mainland HS in NJ who played on USA Basketball’s U16 Team in Argentina. Prospects Nation’s Chris Olson compares her to ND alum Natalie Achonwa. Was part of 10/27-28/17 Unofficial Group Visit. Did not make finalist cut at recent U17 Trials. "Mutual Interest" talk with ND had seemingly slowed down. However, ND was among the schools that recently attended an open workout at Watson's Mainland H.S. in NJ.

2020 Posts/Forwards Of Note Who Will Head Elsewhere

- Cameron Brink (#2 HG, 3 PN), a 6’4” stretch forward from Beaverton, Oregon, who led team to state championship. Just played on the U.S. National U17 Team. Rail thin, but mixes it up. As of Oct. 28, 2018: COMMITTED TO STANFORD.
- Angel Reese (#5 HG, 6 PN), 6’2” forward who plays for St. Frances Academy in Maryland. Was a finalist at U17 Trials this spring. Reese recently announced 10 finalists: Baylor, UCLA, Louisville, Maryland, Rutgers, South Carolina, Syracuse, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
- Hannah Gusters (#7 HG, 7 PN), a 6'5" center from DeSoto, Texas.Was a finalist at U.S. Nat'l. U17 Trials. In August 2018 listed a Final 12 list that includes 5 schools in Texas, UConn, Florida State, Louisville & others...but not ND.

2021 Player To Keep Track Of:

- Amari DeBerry (#2 in HG, #2 in PN), a 6’5” forward starting at Williamsville South H.S. in New York. Another Blue Belle player. Made several cuts at U.S. National U17 Team trials. ND recently visited HS open gym.

- Destiny Adams (NR in HG, #13 in PN) 6-3" wing from Jersey Warriors Basketball Club. Had to get a Jersey girl in here!
"USJN-April 2018: Athletic faceup-4 with off-the-charts potential; rebounds, handles and finishes plays coast-to-coast; superior length, wingspan, defends all 5 positions on the floor; knocks down the jumper to the arc; rebounds, outlets, executes in transition game; stretch-4 game with guard skills." (Dan Olson)


POINT GUARDS/GUARDS

Context
- In Fall 2019, Jordan Nixon will have one year of experience at point guard under her belt. She will either take over, continue to have and/or compete for the reins to the starting PG position.

2019 Point Guard Committed to Notre Dame:

- Anaya Peoples has been listed as a point guard for years, but MM has said she will play another guard position when she reports to campus. This probably means that PG could be a priority during the 2020 recruiting period. With that in mind...

Class of 2020 Point Guards of Interest:

- Paige Bueckers (#1 in HG, #1 PN), 5’11” guard from Minnesota. Athletic, fast and very creative offensively. Can score or pass off the drive. Can play PG, combo- or off- guard. ND staff saw her in Minnesota in March '18. She started for the gold-medal-winning U.S. Nat'l. U17 team in July.
- Caitlin Clarke (#4 in HG, 5 in PN) 6’0” PG from Iowa who played on USA U16 team. Very confident in her ability to run a team and look for her own shot. Did not make Nat'l. U17 team in May. One inside report said she had "banged" up fingers, but came back strong in Nike EYBL in Chicago.
- Allison (Alli) Campbell (#24 HG, 23 PN). 6’0” guard from Pa. whose Bellwood-Antis HS won a 2018 state title. Made final 18 of National u17 trial. Played for Philly Belles in AAU ball this summer and was cited as a key 2020 performer at Annual USJN Ntl. Championships by Jason Key, Premier Basketball Report & The Jukes Report. AS of Sept. 13, 2018: COMMITTED TO NOTRE DAME. Visited campus during Pitt game, Oct. 13.

Other 2020 Point Guard:

- Keegan Sullivan (NR in HG, 21 PN), 6’0” from South Bend, Indiana, who is racking up offers/interest already (S. Carolina, DePaul, etc.). Made several cuts at U.S. National Team U17 trials. Played at USJN Ntl. Championships and got a shout-out from Mark Lewis of Blue Star Media.

All but Sullivan attended the 10/27-28/17 Unofficial Group Recruiting Visit. Even though all four of these prospects are listed as point guards, ND continues to have interest in a few of them, which indicates the staff could also be considering them as off- or combo guards. Or other HS PGs on ND’s roster could be used off-ball, such as Gilbert is this year. This approach offers flexibility in both recruiting and game match-ups.

Class of 2021 Point Guards To Watch:

- Ari Wiggins, (HG #23, #6 PN) 5’8” sophomore at Heritage Christian, Indianapolis, who already has an offer from Indiana. Interested in ND and visited campus with 2018 commit Katlyn Gilbert. Very quick. Attended USJN Championships in Washington, D.C. and was cited by Jason Key, Premier Basketball Report & The Jukes Report.
- Taylor Bigby, (NR in HG, #15 in PN) 5'11" soph at Centennial H.S. in Las Vegas, Nevada. While playing AAU Ball for Cal Sparks, ND coaches apparently checked her out at a Nike event. Louisville has offered.

MEANWHILE ON THE SOCIAL MEDIA FRONT

A few of you are very good at tracking recruits and/or have interest in recruits via social media, which is great since so many of them communicate via one of the tools.

Here is a list of uncommitted players followed by MM's twitter account (thanks to Orangutan for supplying this…):

Alli Campbell (Yes! Verbal Commit)
Natalija Marshall
Azzi Fudd
Kylee Watson
Caitlin Clark
Paige Bueckers


On McGraw's Bench:
Also, please take in posts/insights/links/research by Orangutan, Fighting Artichoke, Baba Ghanouj, Dave Winkler, Domerduck, MPG, RI Steve, Cbiebel and others who scour the internet for more information/tape.







Great job. Much appreciated. I remain in awe of this work *
by RISteve  (2018-12-05 16:31:59)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post


Calling MPG (Or Any Other Bencher at UConn Game)
by dillon77  (2018-12-05 14:59:14)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

...who had a view of the Recruiting section.

You mentioned there was a guard there who somewhat resembled Abby Prohaska.
This prospect, Sydney Affolter, has blondish hair, but is from south side of Chicago and my have come down for the day.

Here's a link to her twitter site so you can take a look.

We've gotten some information on one of the other guards whom we'll post up today or tomorrow.


No, I don't think Sydney was the recruit I saw on
by MPG  (2018-12-05 15:30:39)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

Sunday at the left end of the recruit row of ten. From right to left, I saw Brunelle, Peoples, Campbell, Westbeld, probably Wiggins, Fudd, Bueckers,and three others: two African-Americans and a strawberry blonde. All of them seemed guard/wing size. Those on the left end arrived last and were interacting with each other, so it was difficult to see their faces.


Thanks. Your work here and the respect you own on the
by T-Bone  (2018-12-05 12:40:18)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

Boneyard are impressive.


Out of curiosity. How long you been doin this? I mean..
by Jon  (2018-12-05 12:24:50)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

..were you guys back in the day talkin' about that kid Diggins out of SB?

Would've loved to been around here listening to speculation about the potential of that post from Canada, or the wing from Erie.


Isn't 9 scholarship players awfully short handed headed
by enduff  (2018-12-05 10:30:44)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

into 2019?

Am I reading your post correctly?


Yes, and, yes, you are.
by BabaGhanouj  (2018-12-05 10:38:03)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

The good news is that there is plenty of playing opportunity for the talented 2020 graduating class.


Baba, since we already have Campbell
by IAIRISH  (2018-12-05 14:48:00)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

Are both Paige and Caitlyn an option if they want to come or do you think we'd have to say "no" to one because once one of the two commits, we'd have too many of the same type of player? I'd hate to turn either of those potential stars away.

I assume Muffett would make room and then try and figure it out.


ND would do well to sign one of the two.
by MPG  (2018-12-05 15:41:58)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

I think either one is nothing better than a 50% chance to choose ND. As Baba noted, having only nine players, including Alli Campbell, for 2020 opens some possibilities for two or three more additions to the 2020 class. An athletic wing like Priscilla Williams and a talented forward like Nat Marshall would combine with the versatile Alli Campbell for a very good class. Then adding Caitlin or Paige would make it a great group.


JMO, But I Prefer Paige, She’s Going To Be A Special Player,
by savr27  (2018-12-05 20:52:24)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

She’s the real deal


Anxious to see Dillon's revised opus, but
by BabaGhanouj  (2018-12-05 16:36:49)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

your (IAIRISH) post got me thinking. First of all I know nothing more than you. I did go back and revised my chart which I'll publish shortly. Based on Dillon saying that Muffet said Anaya will not be considered for the point guard position, I reclassified her as a G/W (not a PG/G). That means only 2 PG/G for 2020/21, and 3 G/W (the 3 A's, Abby, Anaya, and Allison).

That's leaves more opportunity for PG/G's. To your specific question, I don't know the intricacies of offers, conditional offers, and silent verbals?/offers, but personally I believe Muffet would instantly accept both Paige and Caitlin if they wanted to commit. However, I also believe the chance of that happening is very, very slim. MPG may be too generous.

Plus, you know me, I would sell my sister into slavery if Paige would come. (Just kidding)


Thanks. Awesome job as usual. *
by BTFNDGUY  (2018-12-05 09:54:52)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post


Fantastic! I hope this is a labor of love, it's surely labor
by BabaGhanouj  (2018-12-05 08:40:32)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

Concerning the current "Quiet Period": Was Muffet able to talk face to face with the recruits while they were on campus during the UConn game? Probably not the best of circumstances, but could she?

Oh, you might mention that ASGR ranks our 2019 class as fourth in the country. ESPN, as noted by others, seems to value quantity a bit more than ASGR. Anyway, Benchers probably need as much positive information as we can get at this time.


Regarding Quiet Period...
by dillon77  (2018-12-05 10:54:31)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

"...a college coach may only have face-to-face contact with college-bound student athletes or their parents on the the college's campus."

So, yes, MM and/or fellow coaches could meet with prospects and parents/caregivers, talk a bit, take pictures, etc.

The ASGR ranking is one that does seem to note the quality of recruits over quantity. I would also think the ones we did get -- Sam and Anaya -- seem to fit in perfectly for what our team needs and, hopefully, what they are.

Regarding the update, it's labor-intensive, but I enjoy it and it plays to things I still manage to do well (take in a lot of disparate sources of information).

Besides, I'm still formulating an overall reaction to what we witnessed. I think that the UConn game -- like Muffet -- was just the focal point to elements that have been there most of the season. For those of us who paid the fee for the Vancouver tournament, this is not the first time AO was engaged in some questionable physical activity. Most everything has been covered well by many others...but I think there is a correlation between all of it. Makes one realize how unique everything that happened last year was....