2016 recruiting

[rattfatt]

Sorry, but you thinking she'll have a bigger impact than Cox is insane; Lauren will be a 4 year starter for Baylor. The reason Chou wouldn't start at Texas or Baylor is her defense; both Mulkey and Aston preach defense, and I think she would get schooled defensively in the Big 12, and she would find herself on the bench because of it. She will be a situational player at best, and mainly to bust a zone defense. Not saying she isn't talented, but I just don't playing at Baylor or Texas gets her much court time. Sadly, she will be one of those players at Baylor who stays for only 2 seasons.

There's really not that much of a difference between Cox and Beatrice or Beavers. Lauren is probably a little more skilled in terms of passing the ball but in my opinion there's really not that much of a difference. Also Chou is a perimeter player who doesn't need anyone to get her the ball. And she's not just a spot up jump shooter she can get her own shot off the dribble. There's plenty of film that you can watch if you'd like.

Also, at her size she doesn't need to be a lock down defender she just needs to give her defender space and use her length to contest shots. There's also something called team defense, when you have the kind of offensive skill that she has coaches who know what they're doing will always make exceptions.

 

[Moooooo]

Justis Sczepanski-Beavers is another player who will get buried on the bench at Baylor; even many of the Baylor fans have said as much on their message board. I honestly can't believe you are saying there isn't much difference between a Top 2 national player like Cox, and Justis; JSB will have a very difficult time seeing the court at Baylor I believe she is a candidate to redshirt this season; my prediction is that she plays some this season, but transfers out of Baylor next Spring.

The main point I am making is that Chou, whether at Baylor or Texas, has a lot of competition just to get on the court. Would stand a better chance of excelling somewhere with not as much depth.

 

[rattfatt]

Justis Sczepanski-Beavers is another player who will get buried on the bench at Baylor; even many of the Baylor fans have said as much on their message board. I honestly can't believe you are saying there isn't much difference between a Top 2 national player like Cox, and Justis; JSB will have a very difficult time seeing the court at Baylor I believe she is a candidate to redshirt this season; my prediction is that she plays some this season, but transfers out of Baylor next Spring.

The main point I am making is that Chou, whether at Baylor or Texas, has a lot of competition just to get on the court. Would stand a better chance of excelling somewhere with not as much depth.

When I watch Cox play I just don't see her being that much better than a lot of other 6'4 players with good athleticism, Beatrice and Beavers are a couple of those players. In my opinion we needed a player like Chou more than baylor. They actually have perimeter players that can shoot the ball reasonably well from the perimeter and can create their own shot of the dribble. That is something our perimeter players don't have and can't do. But I do agree, it's obviously clear that there will be players transferring in 2016 I just don't think that Chou will be one of them.

 

[BabHorn]

Okay, let’s address her position in college. Natalie will be a wing. Her primary scoring threat is from behind the arc. But she can dribble penetrate and score off that as well. Hard to say if she will be an All American, but she certainly should be in the rotation for a starting spot after her freshman year. BU has a lot of wings/guards but Natalie fits in as someone who is capable of hitting the open three, will work hard on team defense (remember that she will not be isolated one on one like a DB-there will be help); and has the work ethic to continue to get better.

Next, let’s look at Rattfatt’s comment about Empress’ 3pt shooting. Yes, she shot 10% from BTA last season. But before that, she was just under 30%. 3pt shooting is not her strength. She’s much better penetrating and either finishing or shooting the short jumper. But she has not been expected to be a 3pt threat. She does need to take and hit the open three at times to keep the defense honest but that is not her primary offensive strength. And EVERYONE last season that was not a freshman ended up shooting a poorer percentage than from the season before. That’s why the team ended up shooting 29.6% from BTA compared to 36.5% the season before last.

I realize that Rattfatt was exaggerating when stating that Texas could not run their inside out offense with the backcourt players shooting 10%. We saw teams last season daring us to take the three. But that was later in the season. Initially, before we showed that we were having such a tough time from BTA, opponents scrambled to not leave us open. But neither do I expect the shooting from the 3pt line to be that bad again. That’s not what they have done in the past before last season. I expect them to shoot for a higher percentage this time around.

To address Rattfatt’s statement about needing 3pt shooters, that’s where Natalie would have helped or Sabrina. And don’t forget that that Brady and Brooke are good shooters from BTA. True, Brady did dip in her 3pt shooting percentage and Brooke’s percentage dropped late in the season. But, as I said before, I expect improvement. It wouldn’t need to be much improvement to get defenders from cheating into the paint. And we have no idea just yet what LaShann and Jordan will add from BTA this season.

And, finally, the staff is well aware of the need for 3pt shooters, witness the pursuit of Sabrina and Natalie and, currently, of one of the top 3pt shooters in 2017.

BTW, the competition for playing time at with W/G positions at both schools is and will continue to be fierce. Texas loses three players there after this season but that is about the only difference.

 

[Moooooo]

Which 3 point shooter in 2017?

 

[rattfatt]

Okay, let’s address her position in colleg e. Natalie will be a wing. Her primary scoring threat is from behind the arc. But she can dribble penetrate and score off that as well. Hard to say if she will be an All American, but she certainly should be in the rotation for a starting spot after her freshman year. BU has a lot of wings/guards but Natalie fits in as someone who is capable of hitting the open three, will work hard on team defense (remember that she will not be isolated one on one like a DB-there will be help); and has the work ethic to continue to get better.

Next, let’s look at Rattfatt’s comment about Empress’ 3pt shooting. Yes, she shot 10% from BTA last season. But before that, she was just under 30%. 3pt shooting is not her strength. She’s much better penetrating and either finishing or shooting the short jumper. But she has not been expected to be a 3pt threat. She does need to take and hit the open three at times to keep the defense honest but that is not her primary offensive strength. And EVERYONE last season that was not a freshman ended up shooting a poorer percentage than from the season before. That’s why the team ended up shooting 29.6% from BTA compared to 36.5% the season before last.

I realize that Rattfatt was exaggerating when stating that Texas could not run their inside out offense with the backcourt players shooting 10%. We saw teams last season daring us to take the three. But that was later in the season. Initially, before we showed that we were having such a tough time from BTA, opponents scrambled to not leave us open. But neither do I expect the shooting from the 3pt line to be that bad again. That’s not what they have done in the past before last season. I expect them to shoot for a higher percentage this time around.

To address Rattfatt’s statement about needing 3pt shooters, that’s where Natalie would have helped or Sabrina. And don’t forget that that Brady and Brooke are good shooters from BTA. True, Brady did dip in her 3pt shooting percentage and Brooke’s percentage dropped late in the season. But, as I said before, I expect improvement. It wouldn’t need to be much improvement to get defenders from cheating into the paint. And we have no idea just yet what LaShann and Jordan will add from BTA this season.

And, finally, the staff is well aware of the need for 3pt shooters, witness the pursuit of Sabrina and Natalie and, currently, of one of the top 3pt shooters in 2017.

BTW, the competition for playing time at with W/G positions at both schools is and will continue to be fierce. Texas loses three players there after this season but that is about the only difference.

See, I don't want Empress shooting three point shots. That's one of the other things that bothers me about our perimeter players. They need to have better basketball IQ and understand their strengths and weaknesses as players. Empress took 30 three point shots last year and only made three. She shouldn't take more than 10 three point shots the entire year.

She needs to try to become the best mid range jump shooter she can possibly be. If teams are sagging off of her and daring her to shoot she needs to take one or two dribbles and shoot a mid range jumper. You notice I didn't mention Brianna who is also not a very good three point shooter but she understands her strengths and weaknesses as a player and doesn't take very many.

What I don't understand is, if the coaches know that three point shooting is an issue why didn't they continue to pursue Amber Ramirez instead of Sabrina or Chou, because Amber is a better shooter than both. I sure hope that Coach Aston understands that they need better three point jump shooters because the offense will continue to struggle until they get better shooters.

 

[racerx5908]

I'm disappointed to see that Chou is going to Baylor, but just as disappointed at the view of her on this thread once her decision was to go elsewhere. Before she decided it was Baylor, the word was "She'll make this a kick-*** class". Now that she's going to our arch-nemesis, it's now "She'll be a benchwarmer".

Our recruits are winners and their recruits will be second-string thrown in occasionally?

Mmmm, okay.

 

[brnkj]

I've been highy impressed with Chou since I first spotted her as a freshman at the Duncanville Tournament a few years ago. Wish she'd have chosen Texas, but she's got to go with what feels right for her.

Honestly... I'm not so sure that it's really a big deal to us that she chose Baylor. On the other hand, had they lost that recruiting battle to us it would have further signified what those in Waco are already well aware of -- Aston & Co and the UT program are on the verge of pulling up along side of BU. It's gradually happening on the court and in recruiting as well.

Sure... we're still behind Baylor and we're going to have to start winning some games against them before we can even THINK ABOUT putting ouselves up there with them. However, each of the past few years the pendulum is starting to swing more . When we finally do catch them, it'll be all she wrote - and they know it.

Aston seems to try to assemble recruiting classes based on personnel needs, with the goal being to have quality depth yet not be too overloaded at any position in any class. On the other hand, Baylor seems to try to stockpile every top rated recruit they can get without regard to personnel. They're very much like Tennessee in that aspect.

I can tell you one thing... with the freshman class at Baylor now combined with the 2016 class, the transfer from Duke, and all the relatively young returning players from last year.. there's going to be some unhappy campers in Waco.

Now... about us. I see Aston bringing in players who can play a highly up-tempo style. With Ariel, Brooke, Higgs, Holmes, Sutton, Hosey and the twins we will good and deep at every position other than the five. Not that we couldn't use a dead-eye pure shooter or two, but they would play roles if they couldn't keep up with pace.

Our 3pt shooting hasn't been real good.. that's no secret. But where we have failed miserably is with our mid-range game. If Higgs is all that I hear she is (and I'm certain she is) we now have that element that we've been missing for what seems like a decade... a player that attacks and causes breakdowns in the opponent's defense. When that starts happening and defenses have to rotate, switch, adjust and move then you'll see our ball movement improve which will lead to our being able to get and take shots in the FLOW of an offense. If you don't attack the defense, all they have to do is stand, hold their ground, jam up seems and passing lanes, and clog up our half court offensive sets. Attacking the defense and making it collapse will also allow our long-range shooters to relocate and be ready for a kick-out pass...again, all in a FLOW.

I can't believe that a person would say that Ariel didn't show anything last year as a freshman. Before that injury, she showed PLENTY. Don't know if you know much about a double (high AND low) ankle sprain, but it's very serious, painful, and slow to mend. It also completely messes up your mobility. I believe she even underwent surgery over the summer because it was still not 100 percent. She'll be fine once she gets back to full strengh, alrhough I don't know how long that might take. Believe me... Ariel is a very special player... and she's a winner.

We're in good shape folks. We're just going to have to let Karen continue to get her recruits into her system and let them get some experience over the next couple of seasons. Now we need to work on getting two or three bigs with Imani graduating after this season and Kelsey the next.

Hook 'Em!

 

[rattfatt]

I've been highy impressed with Chou since Ifirst spotted her as a freshman at the Duncanville Tournament a few years ago. Wish she'd have chosen Texas, but she's got to go with what feels right for her.

Honestly... I'm not so sure that it's really a big deal to us that she chose Baylor. On the other hand, had they lost that recruiting battle to us it would have further signified what those in Waco are already well aware of -- Aston & Co and the UT program are on the verge of pulling up along side of BU. It's gradually happening on the court and in recruiting as well.

Sure... we're still behind Baylor and we're going to have to start winning some games against them before we can even THINK ABOUT putting ouselves up there with them. However, each of the past few years the pendulum is starting to swing more . When we finally do catch them, it'll be all she wrote - and they know it.

Aston seems to try to assemble recruiting classes based on personnel needs, with the goal being to have quality depth yet not be too overloaded at any position in any class. On the other hand, Baylor seems to try to stockpile every top rated recruit they can get without regard to personnel. They're very much like Tennessee in that aspect.

I can tell you one thing... with the freshman class at Baylor now combined with the 2016 class, the transfer from Duke, and all the relatively young returning players from last year.. there's going to be some unhappy campers in Waco.

Now... about us. I see Aston bringing in players who can play a highly up-tempo style. With Ariel, Brooke, Higgs, Holmes, Sutton, Hosey and the twins we will good and deep at every position other than the five. Not that we couldn't use a dead-eye pure shooter or two, but they would play roles if they couldn't keep up with pace.

Our 3pt shooting hasn't been real good.. that's no secret. But where we have failed miserably is with our mid-range game. If Higgs is all that I hear she is (and I'm certain she is) we now have that element that we've been missing for what seems like a decade... a player that attacks and causes breakdowns in the opponent's defense. When that starts happening and defenses have to rotate, switch, adjust and move then you'll see our ball movement improve which will lead to our being able to get and take shots in the FLOW of an offense. If you don't attack the defense, all they have to do is stand, hold their ground, jam up seems and passing lanes, and clog up our half court offensive sets. Attacking the defense and making it collapse will also allow our long-range shooters to relocate and be ready for a kick-out pass...again, all in a FLOW.

I can't believe that a person would say that Ariel didn't show anything last year as a freshman. Before that injury, she showed PLENTY. Don't know if you know much about a double (high AND low) ankle sprain, but it's very serious, painful, and slow to mend. It also completely messes up your mobility. I believe she even underwent surgery over the summer because it was still not 100 percent. She'll be fine once she gets back to full strengh, alrhough I don't know how long that might take. Believe me... Ariel is a very special player... and she's a winner.

We're in good shape folks. We're just going to have to let Karen continue to get her recruits into her system and let them get some experience over the next couple of seasons. Now we need to work on getting two or three bigs with Imani graduating after this season and Kelsey the next.

Hook 'Em!

As I said, I know everyone has high hopes for Ariel but last year she was a high volume inefficient shooter. And if she had played all the games last year she would've lead the team in turnovers which is obviously saying a lot because the team turns the ball over a ton. And I know she was injured but if you're out there your healthy.

 

[Moooooo]

I'm disappointed to see that Chou is going to Baylor, but just as disappointed at the view of her on this thread once her decision was to go elsewhere. Before she decided it was Baylor, the word was "She'll make this a kick-*** class". Now that she's going to our arch-nemesis, it's now "She'll be a benchwarmer".

Our recruits are winners and their recruits will be second-string thrown in occasionally?

Mmmm, okay.

If you're talking about me, I never gushed about Chou's skills on this board. I thought it was better to bite my tongue regarding my opinion of her game until her recruitment was over. As I said today, I don't know how she would have fit in at Texas and earned sufficient playing time, and I'm not sure about the same for her at Baylor.

 

[JoeDallas]

I am majorly disappointed. I've never seen any tape of Chou, but assumed, based on what everyone says, that she is a great 3 point shooter. I do think we will be better BTA this year. When everyone went zone on us last year, our team freaked out and it basically just got worse. I hope each guard has spent many hours working on the 3 since last season. I remember reading that Moriah Jefferson at UConn didn't shoot the 3 that well, but then became determined to improve, practiced it thousands of hours, and got to be a great BTA shooter by last year.

 

[brnkj]

As I said, I know everyone has high hopes for Ariel but last year she was a high volume inefficient shooter. And if she had played all the games last year she would've lead the team in turnovers which is obviously saying a lot because the team turns the ball over a ton. And I know she was injured but if you're out there your healthy.

We'll see how Ariel developes over the course of her career. If I recall correctly, Edwina Brown was very turnover prone early in her career too.

I'll agree to disagree with your statements regarding injury. The only thing that being able to take the floor after an injury means is that you're healthy enough to get out there and make an effort. It does NOT automatically qualify you to be 100%. There's no realistic logic in your statement, "If you're out there, you're healthy."

 

[BabHorn]

I think LaShann will be all that. I can't wait to see her and a healthy Ariel on the court at the same time.

 

[rattfatt]

We'll see how Ariel developes over the course of her career. If I recall correctly, Edwina Brown was very turnover prone early in her career too.

I'll agree to disagree with your statements regarding injury. The only thing that being able to take the floor after an injury means is that you're healthy enough to get out there and make an effort. It does NOT automatically qualify you to be 100%. There's no realistic logic in your statement, "If you're out there, you're healthy."

It's simple, If you were that injured then you wouldn't be out there playing. So anytime you step on the court there are no excuses, you're healthy. And the team you're playing against isn't going to go easy on you because you might be injured. They're going to take the ball right at you which is why I always say, anytime you're on that court, you're healthy.

 

[brnkj]

Well, in the world you live in where you clearly know everything about everything, maybe your one-size fits all sweeping generalizations are acceptable. However on THIS side of the universe where the rest of us live, BS gets called when it's seen. Again, that's an unreasonable statement. In fact, it's idiotic. I get it though... there are those who just wouldn't feel like they were living life if they weren't forcing their absolute opinions onto others and creating negativity. Good luck with that.

 

[overseasbbfan1]

Great posts, brnkj. Clearly Ariel's injury impacted her last year, and unfortunately her off-season surgery, and ongoing rehab means she's still not 100%. Though I understand she's doing well and hopefully we'll see her back relatively early in the upcoming season. But no question she had a strong frosh campaign, all things considered. She was our 3rd leading scorer, and actually led the team in scoring during Big12 play. Pretty impressive for someone playing at less than 100% for most of the season. Like all players, and most freshmen in particular, there are areas she needs to improve on (which, no doubt, is what rattfatt meant to imply in his/her post ).

it is obvious we took a step back in our 3 pt shooting last season. And while I'm not using Nneka's injury as an excuse, certainly the sudden absence of our top scorer and rebounder meant a lot of adjustments had to be made. Some roles changed, and in other instances players were asked to do more in specific areas that they might have been otherwise. But problem areas notwithstanding, I'd say our strong finish and Sweet 16 showing means we delivered on those revised roles and expectations. Whether our BTA shooting, or mid-range game turns from weakness into strength, I guess we'll have to wait and see, but Brady, Brooke, Ariel, Tasia and Celina (and quite possibly one or more of the newcomers also) are all capable of hitting those shots.

With respect to Natalie, as with all highly touted newcomers, she will be given an opportunity to make her mark. I don't think her chances of contributing will be any less at Baylor than they might have been elsewhere. We'll have to wait and see whether or not she becomes an impact player, or starter at some point, but that is equally true for all top recruits at all programs.

 

[brnkj]

Overseas you are absolutely correct about the recruits. Not all top rated recruits turn into top players at the next level. Conversely, some refruits who weren't highly touted turn into impact players at the next level. I think the key is for recruits to take some honest inventory of their skills and natural abilities and be cognizant of their strengths and weaknesses. Then try and determine what they CAN improve on and what they may find more challenging to improve. Those things will be determining factors on whether or not they'll be a good fit for a particular program and the system it runs. Like they say, everyTHING ain't for everyBODY. I think Chou's chances of playing at Baylor are as good as anywhere else. I do think, however, Baylor could very well be heading for some issues with there not being enough minutes to go around. They typically don't play their subs as much as they have occasion to IMO... too busy leaving in starters way after the game is out of reach trying to put players in record books with BAYLOR beside their names. Speaking of games being iut of reach, Baylor's non-conference schedule looks like it should belong to a team outside the Top 100. Even the preseason WNIT they're playing in has weak field this year. My thing is, if you're such a powerhouse program, then why are you running? Just sayin...

 

[rattfatt]

Well, in the world you live in where you clearly know everything about everything, maybe your one-size fits all sweeping generalizations are acceptable. However on THIS side of the universe where the rest of us live, BS gets called when it's seen. Again, that's an unreasonable statement. In fact, it's idiotic. I get it though... there are those who just wouldn't feel like they were living life if they weren't forcing their absolute opinions onto others and creating negativity. Good luck with that.

You can get defensive about it and try and be Dr. Phil all you want. The bottom line is the numbers don't lie, look them up. And once again, if you're on that court, you're healthy. Ask any athlete and they will tell you the same thing. Hopefully Ariel can improve and become a better basketball player and make a big jump her sophomore year. I obviously don't have anything against Ariel. I'm just coming with the truth and if you can't handle it, that's your problem.

The program hasn't had a go to perimeter player who could take over a game since Edwina. I really don't care who it is, but it would be nice if we could actually ever get that type of perimeter player. Maybe Ariel will be that player, or maybe Lashann will finally be that perimeter player that other teams have to worry about.

 

[brnkj]

You can get defensive about it and try and be Dr. Phil all you want. The bottom line is the numbers don't lie, look them up. And once again, if you're on that court, you're healthy. Ask any athlete and they will tell you the same thing. Hopefully Ariel can improve and become a better basketball player and make a big jump her sophomore year. I obviously don't have anything against Ariel. I'm just coming with the truth and if you can't handle it, that's your problem.

The program hasn't had a go to perimeter player who could take over a game since Edwina. I really don't care who it is, but it would be nice if we could actually ever get that type of perimeter player. Maybe Ariel will be that player, or maybe Lashann will finally be that perimeter player that other teams have to worry about.

I'm no Dr. Phil, but i am sharp enough to spot an opinionated know-it-all when I encounter one. You're right, though, numbers don't lie. They also don't always tell the whole truth. Some things just require us to depend on good old common sense in order to see the whole picture.

 

[DFW_Horn]

Signing day is just 2 days away - any reason to believe Joyner, Alecia and Jada won't all sign their LOIs Wednesday? I can recall some men who were committed but didn't sign until the spring (Cam Ridley for instance) but don't remember this happening on the women's side.

 

[brnkj]

Signing day is just 2 days away - any reason to believe Joyner, Alecia and Jada won't all sign their LOIs Wednesday? I can recall some men who were committed but didn't sign until the spring (Cam Ridley for instance) but don't remember this happening on the women's side.

I'm pretty sure we'll be getting our LOIs on schedule DFW. There's some more incredible talent coming our way.

 

[rattfatt]

I'm no Dr. Phil, but i am sharp enough to spot an opinionated know-it-all when I encounter one. You're right, though, numbers don't lie. They also don't always tell the whole truth. Some things just require us to depend on good old common sense in order to see the whole picture.

Use that good common sense and ask any athlete who competed at a high level whether or not you're considered healthy once you step on the court.

 

[brnkj]

Use that good common sense and ask any athlete who competed at a high level whether or not you're considered healthy once you step on the court.

It's that good common sense combined with my experience as a three-sport athlete (one sport at the collegiate level) that shapes my opinion. You're entitled to yours, so I'll give you that... however way you came up with it.

 

[rattfatt]

It's that good common sense combined with my experience as a three-sport athlete (one sport at the collegiate level) that shapes my opinion. You're entitled to yours, so I'll give you that... however way you came up with it.

We'll certainly agree to disagree, but also look forward to Alecia, Joyner, and Jada signing in two days for the class of 2016.

 

[brnkj]

That's right...me too!

 

[BabHorn]

And Audrey-Ann should sign in the spring.

 

[loyallonghorn]

Prospects Nation updated their class rankings with the addition of Natalie to Baylor's class and Ella Hellessey of Australia to TCU's five player class. And yes, Empress needs to stop shooting 3's and develop a mid-range shot. Ariel's going to be just fine.

2016 RECUITING CLASS RANKINGS
***Rankings: Updated as of November 8, 2015

1. Maryland
2. Texas
3. Notre Dame
4. Baylor
5. Louisville
6. Stanford
7. Texas Christian
8. Arizona State
9. Vanderbilt
10. Connecticut
11. Florida State
12. Oregon State
13. Michigan
14. Oregon
15. Michigan State
16. Washington
17. North Carolina State
18. Oklahoma
19. Southern Cal
20. Ole Miss
21. Iowa
22. Harvard
23. Texas A&M
24. California
25. North Carolina
26. Purdue
27. Georgetown
28. Dayton
29. Villanova
30. Texas Tech
31. Duke
32. Kentucky
33. South Carolina
34. Alabama
35. Georgia Tech
36. Nebraska
37. Northwestern
38. Wisconsin
39. Florida
40. Minnesota
41. Oklahoma State
42. Syracuse
43. DePaul
44. Indiana
45. Wake Forest
46. Pittsburgh
47. Arkansas
48. Miami
49. LSU
50. South Florida

 

[Moooooo]

And Audrey-Ann should sign in the spring.

So, why in the Spring and not during the early signing period?

 

[Moooooo]

And yes, Empress needs to stop shooting 3's and develop a mid-range shot.

Are you kidding? I recall plenty of mid-range shots from Empress finding nothing but the bottom of the net.

 

[BabHorn]

Moooooo, seems like most JC players sign in the spring after their season is over. I am just guessing that Audrey-Ann will follow that pattern.

And I agree that Empress has a pretty good midrange game.