Let's be honest. There are like 5 elite bigs in all of WCBB right now. That means there is about 1 elite big coming out of high school each year.
In the entire top 25 of scoring, there are exactly 3 elite post players. Kitley from Va Tech, Holmes from Indiana, and Lee from KSU. THAT'S IT. I'd also add Cardoso, even tho her scoring is not astronomical, as an elite post too. So what was Geno supposed to do to get these guys? For size and post, he's gotten Edwards (elite), DeBerry (she was supposed to be elite), Brady, Patterson, El Alfy, and transfer Juhaz. That's pretty darn elite IMHO.
And as far as recruiting, the last 3 years, Geno has landed the following:
- #1 and 5 in 2021
- #4 and 5 in 2022
- #6 and 15 (Shade is better than 15 IMHO) in 2023. I'd put Jana in the top 10 easily as well.
- #4 and 18 in 2025 (Cheli is WAY better than 18 IMHO).
So to be honest, I'm not sure where this continued chatter about recruiting falling off is coming from. Not sure what Strong will do. If she wants guaranteed PT or a guaranteed starting spot, UConn is definitely NOT the right place for her. BUT even on a full roster, if we lose Nika and Aaliyah, I COULD see Sarah starting even over Caroline, Ice, and Ash depending on how things pan out. She will be a starter sooner rather than later. Just look at this season - 2 freshmen starters, 2 key freshmen reserves off the bench. The opportunity will be there.