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I saw recent posts on other schools' message boards that Aaliyah had been close to verbally committing to the previous Texas staff. Not exactly sure when that might have been. Didn't realize she had made so many unofficial visits to Texas (especially since she is an out-of-state prospect); but, that was bigger than huge since campus visits of any kind aren't allowed during this pandemic.I guess my main surprise is that the previous coaching staff had almost secured her commitment. But then, as her comments made clear, it was really the school (and city) and not the coaches the primary reason she came.
I'll say this... the current staff definitely inherited a better situation than the last two did. Add to that the current staff's proven record, and I think we have the next piece of our gradual ascension back to a perennial Top 5 in place.I saw recent posts on other schools' message boards that Aaliyah had been close to verbally committing to the previous Texas staff. Not exactly sure when that might have been. Didn't realize she had made so many unofficial visits to Texas (especially since she is an out-of-state prospect); but, that was bigger than huge since campus visits of any kind aren't allowed during this pandemic.
Obviously, the previous staff(s) was not perfect. But, one thing they were very good at was building relationships with recruits and their families. They were very good (especially 2-4 years ago) at getting elite recruits across the country (Sabrina Ionescu, Megan Walker, Azzi Fudd, etc.) interested in Texas enough for them to take unofficial or official visits.
I know the previous staff had many flaws, but I think crediting them with an "assist" (pun intended) to Schaefer's staff in landing DeYona Gaston, Rori Harmon, and Aaliyah Moore is more than appropriate.
I have no idea where Miss State stood with her but Vic offered the #25 player in the 2021 class back in January, 6’ 6” center Clarice Akunwafo (Rolling Hills Prep - Inglewood, CA). Also has offers from Duke, UCLA, Michigan, Southern Cal and I assume Cal (visited).
ESPN scout:
Agile low-post prospect brings emerging offensive attack to the paint; defensive presence, alters shots, rebounds and initiates the fast break; mobile in uptempo game; brings off-the-charts potential. (Olson)
Her offense could use some work but you can’t coach that height/length. Seems to have good agility and mobility...
Maryam Dauda also offered by Missouri, Arkansas, Baylor, Tennessee and UCLA.
Watching this clip...eerily reminiscent of Imani (build/moves).
I have no idea where Miss State stood with her but Vic offered the #25 player in the 2021 class back in January, 6’ 6” center Clarice Akunwafo (Rolling Hills Prep - Inglewood, CA). Also has offers from Duke, UCLA, Michigan, Southern Cal and I assume Cal (visited).
ESPN scout:
Agile low-post prospect brings emerging offensive attack to the paint; defensive presence, alters shots, rebounds and initiates the fast break; mobile in uptempo game; brings off-the-charts potential. (Olson)
Her offense could use some work but you can’t coach that height/length. Seems to have good agility and mobility...
Aaliyah’s commitment probably zeroed out what I thought were Texas’ slim chance to land Jersey Wolfenbarger and she ends up where I thought she would. I know she’s listed as a PG but I still think she ends up at the wing.
I think they’ll be the program that will be the challenger to South Carolina in the future.Coach Neighbors is building quite a program, as I feel almost certain he will also get Dauda.
That's more like it. I am not saying rankings matter because they really don't at all but in the espn rankings Rori is ranked way to low and there is no way she is the 6th best pg in that class. She is top 3 for sure and deserves to be top 10-15 nationally. Again they don't matter but she needs respect put on her name!Aaliyah #8 and Rori #9?
I think so, too.I think they’ll be the program that will be the challenger to South Carolina in the future.
Challenger in the way MSU was, very competitive games but likely only winning every 3 years or soI think so, too.
I think they’ll be the program that will be the challenger to South Carolina in the future.
I don’t. With the talent steadily improving and his style of play I see them being the team in the conf to challenge South Carolina in the future.Doubt it.
I don’t. With the talent steadily improving and his style of play I see them being the team in the conf to challenge South Carolina in the future.
IMO his current style of play is what is because of the lack of overall talent that he’s had. Once he does get the above all on the court he’ll adjust his DDM/ style of play. And EVERY team in the sec outside of A&M has to get their talent from around the country because of the lack of natural recruiting bases which is why it made obvious sense for Vic to come to Texas.His style of play is the main reason why I don’t see them as a challenge. Run and gun won’t work if you can’t rebound or play defense. His teams can score but they’ll never be a threat if they can’t defend and get stops. Also him landing Wolfenbarger, Eaton, and possibly Dauda doesn’t tip the meter in his favor the slightest, especially if SC lands Rivers and/or Feagin. He’s benefiting from landing talented in state player’s but Neighbors has to be able to pull players from all corners of the country to be able to compete with Dawn.
IMO his current style of play is what is because of the lack of overall talent that he’s had. Once he does get the above all on the court he’ll adjust his DDM/ style of play. And EVERY team in the sec outside of A&M has to get their talent from around the country because of the lack of natural recruiting bases which is why it made obvious sense for Vic to come to Texas.