Women's Recruiting Info

[EastTNG8TR]

I did this last year for the fans who follow the women's team and figured I'd compile some recruiting info into one place for everyone because it is hard to find much info out there for recruiting on the women's side. I narrowed it down to 13 prospects that could end up in the orange and blue....there very well could be more out there with a good possibility but these are the names I would keep an eye on. I will give the player's position and stats as listed on ESPN Hoopgurlz....though stats and even positions vary from site to site. HG, BS, NL, and WB are the national rank of each girl on Hoopgurlz, Blue Star, Next Level, and the Women's Basketball Insider respectively..... Here goes:

Adrienne Motley: 5'9 PG from Newport News, Virginia (HG 40, BS 39, NL UR, WB UR) is down to a final 5 of UF, FSU, Miami, Va Tech and Marshall.

Raigyne Moncrief: 5'10 G from Lauderhill, Florida (HG UR, BS UR, NL 10, WB 24) is reportedly down to UF, FSU, Miami, and NC State...though I have also seen it stated that she has not officially trimmed her list down yet.

Kai James: 6'4 C/P from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida (HG 29, BS 70, NL 19, WB 8) is officially down to UF, FSU, Miami, Clemson, UGA, and Oklahoma. She is the sister of Joel James who is at UNC.

Ronni Williams: 6'0 W from Daytona Beach, Florida (HG 14, BS 27, NL 25, WB 21) is officially down to UF, FSU, UGA, Baylor, and Tennessee. Her father, Rodney, played two years at UF. My guess is this is Butler's top target along with Kai James.

Faith Woodard: 6'2 F from Brandon, Florida (UR nationally but a 3 star player on HG with a grade of 90) has a considering list of Bama, Auburn, UF, Miami, South, Carolina, USF, and UCF. Possibly a secondary option but a very solid player none the less....for perspective she is rated similar to what Jennifer George was in high school.

Shanae Armbrister: 6'0 W from Dania Beach, Florida (HG 59, BS 81, NL 114, WB 58) shows a considering list of FSU, UF, USF, Miami, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Va Tech on HG. She was committed to FSU at one point but has since decommitted.

Marques Webb: 6'0 F from Montgomery, Alabama (HG 24, BS 37, NL 94, WB 69) has a list of UF, FSU, Ga Tech, UGA, UK, Clemson, UT, and Baylor on HG.

The next set of girls do not have any lists of schools that I have found but are each either mentioned in articles or I know they are in communication with UF via some means, ie twitter, FB, etc and are also within a close proximity to UF.

Shayla Cooper: 6'1 F from Norcross, Georgia (HG 28, BS 58, NL 41, WB 45). Plays AAU ball with Essence Purple out of Florida.

Ieshia Small: 6'0 W from Miami, Florida (HG 13, BS 11, NL 21, WB 31).

Ivey Slaughter: 6'1 F from Lizella, Georgia (HG UR, BS UR, NL 34, WB 86). ESPN HG seems pretty high on this girl from articles, but for some reason her name doesn't show up when you search their database.

Erica Young: 6'2 F from Tampa, Florida ( HG UR, BS UR, NL 81, WB 88). My guess is Young, Slaughter, or Woodard will be in the class...but first dibs at the F slot are held for Cooper or Webb...possibly even Williams at F depending on who else signs.

Trimaine McCullough: 5'9 PG from Orlando, Florida (HG UR, BS UR, NL 58, WB 15). Very solid prospect but I think first dibs in the class will be for either Motley or Moncrief.

Lastly, another name to watch that is not Class of 2013 is Lauren Engeln, a 5'11 G from Laguna Hills, California. She is transferring from UCONN with 2 years of eligibility left. The ESPN article on her transfer mentions Boston College, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Oregon, and USC as possible destinations. She was rated 95 nationally by HG in her class...as well as 39 on BS and 14 on All Star Girl's Report.

[Singaporegator]

Thanks!

[LabraGator]

Thanks for the information. What time period would this group be signing?

[EastTNG8TR]

I believe early signing period is in November....most in women's hoops sign then. We have room for at least 4, barring transfers so the next couple of months should be interesting because the timeframe is dwindling. Engeln I would imagine will make a decision soon in order to be enrolled somewhere for fall.

[LabraGator]

Hopefully things go well. Admittedly, the women's team hasn't attracted a lot of my attention in the past. Having a daughter just turned four, the prospect of successful program in town is appealing.

She's already into the gymnastics, and we may have to go see some diving after her reaction to the Olympics.

[Gatorgal04]

Thanks so much, EastTN. Great stuff!

[MJGator8104]

Thanks, EastTN, do you have any idea what our needs are for wbball? Info on the women's team seems to be greatly lacking lately...

[EastTNG8TR]

The coverage has been terrible. I don't think I have seen one article from UF's side about the incoming transfer of Cassie Peoples, who was a McDonald's All American PG 2 years ago that signed with Texas. There was at least some coverage for the other incoming transfer in Vicky McIntyre of Oklahoma State...6'6 center who will be the tallest player in UF history. The needs probably vary according to whom you ask. Butler significantly upgraded the roster talent wise this year, but it is mostly very young and/or sitting out per transfer rules this year. Not sure if Peoples can pick up a medical redshirt for her year at Texas but if she comes in as a Sophomore next year that sophomore class will have 7 members, and there are quite a few guards on roster as well.... then again Butler isn't afraid to play a guard centric lineup. My ideal scenario would have us signing one Wing, one Forward, and one Center as well as adding the UConn girl at the two to replace Andrea Vilaro who is no longer on the team (another bit you never see mentioned in the coverage for the women). My guess is UF will sign another guard though...there is room right now for only 4 slots but I anticipate a guard transferring out. Three point guards in that Sophomore class next year makes me think someone of the three is not going to get the playing time they want for several years. All that said the dream/ideal class, imo, would be James, Cooper, and Williams (she can play W or PF) alongside one of Engeln, Motley, and Moncrief.

[Singaporegator]

The coverage has been terrible. I don't think I have seen one article from UF's side about the incoming transfer of Cassie Peoples, who was a McDonald's All American PG 2 years ago that signed with Texas. There was at least some coverage for the other incoming transfer in Vicky McIntyre of Oklahoma State...6'6 center who will be the tallest player in UF history. The needs probably vary according to whom you ask. Butler significantly upgraded the roster talent wise this year, but it is mostly very young and/or sitting out per transfer rules this year. Not sure if Peoples can pick up a medical redshirt for her year at Texas but if she comes in as a Sophomore next year that sophomore class will have 7 members, and there are quite a few guards on roster as well.... then again Butler isn't afraid to play a guard centric lineup. My ideal scenario would have us signing one Wing, one Forward, and one Center as well as adding the UConn girl at the two to replace Andrea Vilaro who is no longer on the team (another bit you never see mentioned in the coverage for the women). My guess is UF will sign another guard though...there is room right now for only 4 slots but I anticipate a guard transferring out. Three point guards in that Sophomore class next year makes me think someone of the three is not going to get the playing time they want for several years. All that said the dream/ideal class, imo, would be James, Cooper, and Williams (she can play W or PF) alongside one of Engeln, Motley, and Moncrief.

You are correct, we know nothing! Can you comment on the two situations? Was Andrea homesick? Family issues? And how important is Peoples?

[G2MGA]

Great analysis of the potential recruits. I think it's interesting to note how ofter we are competing against Miami and FSU here, which is unusual for this program and a good sign that we are now being looked at as a viable option for the top in-state recruits who have largely been funneled out-of-state to the likes of UGA, UNC, LSU, etc. over the past decade. I'm pretty sure we haven't landed a HS recruit from south Florida since Carol Ross was the HC, so getting James (and possible package deal with AAU teammate Moncrief) IMHO would be the biggest coup for Butler.

I wasn't aware that Vilaro wasn't returning. For those that are wondering, apparently she has signed to play professionally with the same team as Azania Stewart in the Spanish pro league. Probably not a bad decision for her all things considered, but it's a tough blow for this upcoming season, where 6 of our 10 eligible players will be freshmen.

[Singaporegator]

Great analysis of the potential recruits. I think it's interesting to note how ofter we are competing against Miami and FSU here, which is unusual for this program and a good sign that we are now being looked at as a viable option for the top in-state recruits who have largely been funneled out-of-state to the likes of UGA, UNC, LSU, etc. over the past decade. I'm pretty sure we haven't landed a HS recruit from south Florida since Carol Ross was the HC, so getting James (and possible package deal with AAU teammate Moncrief) IMHO would be the biggest coup for Butler.

I wasn't aware that Vilaro wasn't returning. For those that are wondering, apparently she has signed to play professionally with the same team as Azania Stewart in the Spanish pro league. Probably not a bad decision for her all things considered, but it's a tough blow for this upcoming season, where 6 of our 10 eligible players will be freshmen.

Thanks!

[EastTNG8TR]

I would imagine the death of Andrea's mother and the distance from her family played key roles. I think she is doing what is best for her and her family. As for Peoples, she was one of the elite recruits in the country and the highest rated player UF has had in a while. I have heard some mention of McIntyre applying for a waiver to play this year....whether that is accurate or not I have no idea, but she would be a huge addition to this year's team. If so my guess at a roster breakdown would be....

PG: Jaterra Bonds, January Miller
SG: Chandler Cooper, Carlie Needles
SF: Kayla Lewis, Sydney Moss
PF: Jennifer George, Lily Svete, Christen Mercer
C: Vicky McIntyre, Viktorija Dimaite

[MJGator8104]

Thanks EastTN and G2MGA.

I had no idea Vilaro wasn't returning; however, if the her reasoning is as G2MGA stated, I wouldn't blame her for essentially going home after her Mother's death and I applaud her for staying thru last season after her Mom died.

[EastTNG8TR]

ESPN just updated their rankings...Moncrief made a huge jump to top 20 and a 5 star recruit. McCullough, Slaughter, and Woodard are all top 100 as well.

[swampgas44]

Thanks EastTN and G2MGA.

I had no idea Vilaro wasn't returning; however, if the her reasoning is as G2MGA stated, I wouldn't blame her for essentially going home after her Mother's death and I applaud her for staying thru last season after her Mom died.

She signed a contract to play in the Spanish league and is on the same team as Azania Stewart.

[G2MGA]

ESPN just updated their rankings...Moncrief made a huge jump to top 20 and a 5 star recruit. McCullough, Slaughter, and Woodard are all top 100 as well.


http://espn.go.com/high-school/girls-basketball/recruiting/rankings/_/class/2013 (http://espn.go.com/high-school/girls-basketball/recruiting/rankings/_/class/2013)

It's not updated on ESPN yet, but McCullough (#98) has recently committed to USF.

Still, looking at the ESPN list, this is an incredibly and unusually strong high school class in Florida (4 of the top 25, 10 of the top 100) and with many of them apparently preferring to stay in state, this is really looking like a make-or-break year for Coach Butler and staff on the recruiting trail. If we can keep a few of these top players home to add to last year's haul, things could really be looking up for this program.

[Juggernautz]

I did this last year for the fans who follow the women's team and figured I'd compile some recruiting info into one place for everyone because it is hard to find much info out there for recruiting on the women's side. I narrowed it down to 13 prospects that could end up in the orange and blue....there very well could be more out there with a good possibility but these are the names I would keep an eye on. I will give the player's position and stats as listed on ESPN Hoopgurlz....though stats and even positions vary from site to site. HG, BS, NL, and WB are the national rank of each girl on Hoopgurlz, Blue Star, Next Level, and the Women's Basketball Insider respectively..... Here goes:

Adrienne Motley: 5'9 PG from Newport News, Virginia (HG 40, BS 39, NL UR, WB UR) is down to a final 5 of UF, FSU, Miami, Va Tech and Marshall.

Raigyne Moncrief: 5'10 G from Lauderhill, Florida (HG UR, BS UR, NL 10, WB 24) is reportedly down to UF, FSU, Miami, and NC State...though I have also seen it stated that she has not officially trimmed her list down yet.

Kai James: 6'4 C/P from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida (HG 29, BS 70, NL 19, WB 8) is officially down to UF, FSU, Miami, Clemson, UGA, and Oklahoma. She is the sister of Joel James who is at UNC.

Ronni Williams: 6'0 W from Daytona Beach, Florida (HG 14, BS 27, NL 25, WB 21) is officially down to UF, FSU, UGA, Baylor, and Tennessee. Her father, Rodney, played two years at UF. My guess is this is Butler's top target along with Kai James.

Faith Woodard: 6'2 F from Brandon, Florida (UR nationally but a 3 star player on HG with a grade of 90) has a considering list of Bama, Auburn, UF, Miami, South, Carolina, USF, and UCF. Possibly a secondary option but a very solid player none the less....for perspective she is rated similar to what Jennifer George was in high school.

Shanae Armbrister: 6'0 W from Dania Beach, Florida (HG 59, BS 81, NL 114, WB 58) shows a considering list of FSU, UF, USF, Miami, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Va Tech on HG. She was committed to FSU at one point but has since decommitted.

Marques Webb: 6'0 F from Montgomery, Alabama (HG 24, BS 37, NL 94, WB 69) has a list of UF, FSU, Ga Tech, UGA, UK, Clemson, UT, and Baylor on HG.

The next set of girls do not have any lists of schools that I have found but are each either mentioned in articles or I know they are in communication with UF via some means, ie twitter, FB, etc and are also within a close proximity to UF.

Shayla Cooper: 6'1 F from Norcross, Georgia (HG 28, BS 58, NL 41, WB 45). Plays AAU ball with Essence Purple out of Florida.

Ieshia Small: 6'0 W from Miami, Florida (HG 13, BS 11, NL 21, WB 31).

Ivey Slaughter: 6'1 F from Lizella, Georgia (HG UR, BS UR, NL 34, WB 86). ESPN HG seems pretty high on this girl from articles, but for some reason her name doesn't show up when you search their database.

Erica Young: 6'2 F from Tampa, Florida ( HG UR, BS UR, NL 81, WB 88). My guess is Young, Slaughter, or Woodard will be in the class...but first dibs at the F slot are held for Cooper or Webb...possibly even Williams at F depending on who else signs.

Trimaine McCullough: 5'9 PG from Orlando, Florida (HG UR, BS UR, NL 58, WB 15). Very solid prospect but I think first dibs in the class will be for either Motley or Moncrief.

Lastly, another name to watch that is not Class of 2013 is Lauren Engeln, a 5'11 G from Laguna Hills, California. She is transferring from UCONN with 2 years of eligibility left. The ESPN article on her transfer mentions Boston College, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Oregon, and USC as possible destinations. She was rated 95 nationally by HG in her class...as well as 39 on BS and 14 on All Star Girl's Report.

So the questions begs, which of the Gals will be Gators in your humble opinion?

[EastTNG8TR]

First....ESPN HG just updated their rankings and it makes the list even better as they expanded from 60 to 100. One name on the list that I forgot in my list is Sydnei McCaskill, a 5'6 PG from Orlando ranked 86. Moncrief made a huge jump to 5 stars at number 18....the others on HG are Williams 13, Small 19, Webb 21, James 22, Motley 27, Cooper 35, Armbrister 61, Slaughter 79, Woodard 89, and McCullough 98.

My prediction on the class....a lot of guessing reading tea leaves online.... is that Ronni Williams and one of Faith Woodard or Ivey Slaughter will be in the class. The other slots are for James and Moncrief imo if they want in....I believe Moncrief and James will go to the same school and it will be UF or Miami so I will give an optimistic prediction of James, Moncrief, Williams, and Woodard.....if we don't get James and Moncrief switch in Motley and One of Young/Armbrister.....either one would be the best class UF has ever signed.

[MJGator8104]

^^^^^ Here's hoping it happens and soon! Again, thanks EastTN.

[EastTNG8TR]

Lauren Engeln is officially off the board. She is transferring to Boston College. So Engeln and McCullough can be taken off the list...but there might be one to add. Nina Davis, a 6'1 wing/forward rated 52 on ESPN, is a name to at least keep an eye on, even though Espn doesn't show UF on her list. Also, Faith Woodard has not eliminated UF but they are not in her top 3 right now....I am wondering if UF maybe is holding out an offer to see what others may do. I am on my phone now, but will try to keep the list updated when I get a chance.

[don23lucia]

Thanks for the update I will be checking out since she is in my backyard
Adrienne Motley: 5'9 PG from Newport News, Virginia

[G2MGA]

Marques Webb was on campus for her official visit over the weekend. I saw on Twitter that she has already visited Vandy and will be going to Miami next weekend. That may be her final 3? Hope she enjoyed herself here - she could definitely step right into the PF spot that will open up with George graduating after this season.

An interesting factoid - Webb now attends Hoover High, the HS football powerhouse outside of Birmingham, where Janna Magette was a high school star.

[EastTNG8TR]

Great to hear that Webb made an official. I have not been able to find much on her. I know Motley has officially visited VaTech and Marshall with Miami, UF, and Fsu upcoming. Williams has visited Baylor, Georgia, and FSU with I believe UT and UF upcoming. The only official I know for Kai James was FSU and she will visit UF...I am assuming Butler will have several of these girls here for the LSU football game weekend. I am a little less optimistic based on internet chatter about Ronni Williams and Kai James but more optimistic on Adrienne Motley and now Webb knowing she took an official. One way or another the dominos should start falling fairly soon.

[stingbb]

The dominoes need to start falling Butler's way. Her ability to recruit the top in-state talent has not been good and if she wants to get the program to the next level, Butler will have to start recruiting better in Florida.

[EastTNG8TR]

Recruiting has been her forte so far. The talent level in this class is unreal though so a great opportunity to take it to the next level. Next year we will have elite recruits at PG, SG, and SF with Peoples, Cooper, and Moss. An elite level PF should be the biggest priority this year. Would love to see a Center too since McIntyre will only be here 2 years.

[bossman]

Some other updates:
Raigyne Moncrief official list is: UM, South Carolina, Duke, LSU, and Oklahoma
Kai James: FSU, UF, Clemson, Oklahoma, and UGA
Ronni Williams: Not 100% guranteed to happen but its believed that her and Mccaskill would like to play together in college, Only schools that made both of their list were UGA and FSU, who are recruiting them as a package deal.
Shanae Armbrister: decommited from FSU and supposedly verballed to UGA awhile ago just never reported.
Faith Woodard: down to USF and Georgetown
Shayla Cooper: Has visited TAMU, Miami, and South Car. (so far)
Ivey Slaughter: recently visited FSU with Kai James.

[EastTNG8TR]

I have seen the same on Williams which is what makes me less optimistic about her. I had also seen some mention of James and Moncrief going to the same schoo
L but a lot is just internet chatter. Pieces should start falling in place within the next few weeks though. At this point (if the Williams/Mcaskill package deal is true) hope our efforts are on Motley, Small, and Webb....along with James who is hard to find much info on where she might be leaning. A '14 player that I am hoping will be an early commitment to UF is Alexa Middleton, guard and a top 25 national player out of Mt Juliet, TN...where Butler is from and a friend and former teammate of Chandler Cooper.

[bossman]

UF also made the final five of #16 Rebekah Dahlman from minnesota (along with Iowa St, Vandy, Minnesota, and Tennesee).

[stingbb]

Recruiting has not been Butler's forte, especially within the state of Florida. Yes, she has some decent prospects coming in this year but she needs to recruit better in this state to succeed.

There are only three girls on the roster from Florida, and the one they brought in this year wasn't ranked among the top instate recruits. It seems like each year there are more top prospects coming out of Florida and for some reason, they aren't coming to UF.

When you can't get the top girls from your state and have to go into other areas like TN ad GA and sign players the Vols and Bulldogs don't want, it is hard to take the next step.

I like Butler and think she is a good coach. But recruiting will have to improve, especially in the state of Florida, if UF is to be a top-25 program. There seems to be an issue between UF and the Florida HS coaches that Butler will have to work out.

[EastTNG8TR]

I think people have unrealistic expectations when it comes to women's recruiting. It is not like football or even men's basketball. UF is not an established player on the national stage. Imo you get the best talent you can get regardless of what state they come from. You have to recruit nationally just like UT, UConn, Baylor, etc. Sydney Moss was heavily recruited by teams like LSU and Louisville. Chandler Cooper chose UF over Duke and Baylor. Cassie Peoples was a McDonald's All-American, and January Miller(the Floria girl) was a top 40 national recruit on BlueStar. Butler also signed Deaundra Young a few years back but she had medical issues and ended up transferring. Has she missed on some elite recruits in state....yes but so has every coach in the country outside of the big name schools. Henson went to Duke, Alexis Prince and Nia Jonson went to Baylor (the defending champions), LSU and UNC recruit Florida well and there is also FSU and Miami in state to contend with. Unlike football, UF doesn't have the tradition and allure to just automatically pull in the elite level in state talent and Carolyn Peck nearly destroyed the program. The recruiting payoff is apparent when you compare the talent level when Butler got here to this years team.

[swampgas44]

I think people have unrealistic expectations when it comes to women's recruiting. It is not like football or even men's basketball. UF is not an established player on the national stage. Imo you get the best talent you can get regardless of what state they come from. You have to recruit nationally just like UT, UConn, Baylor, etc. Sydney Moss was heavily recruited by teams like LSU and Louisville. Chandler Cooper chose UF over Duke and Baylor. Cassie Peoples was a McDonald's All-American, and January Miller(the Floria girl) was a top 40 national recruit on BlueStar. Butler also signed Deaundra Young a few years back but she had medical issues and ended up transferring. Has she missed on some elite recruits in state....yes but so has every coach in the country outside of the big name schools. Henson went to Duke, Alexis Prince and Nia Jonson went to Baylor (the defending champions), LSU and UNC recruit Florida well and there is also FSU and Miami in state to contend with. Unlike football, UF doesn't have the tradition and allure to just automatically pull in the elite level in state talent and Carolyn Peck nearly destroyed the program. The recruiting payoff is apparent when you compare the talent level when Butler got here to this years team.

+1

[stingbb]

It is not unrealistic expectations to say UF should recruit the state of Florida much better than it has in recent years. In the last two seasons, the state has had a bunch of highly rated prospects and Butler was not able to sign any. Miller was not ranked among the top-5 players in Florida last year and neither was the girl UF signed the year before from The Rock in Gainesville.

Apparently, the 2013 class is absolutely loaded in Florida. ESPN lists four girls from the state in their top-25, and 10 over-all in their top-100. Several have committed (none to UF) and we will see in November if Butler will be able to take advantage of all the talent available in Florida.

[tampajack1]

Who do you play for if your choice is to play for the Gators in front of around 500 people, or play for Tennessee in front of 20,000 people? IMO, fan support is a huge factor in recruiting.

[EastTNG8TR]

Dahlman has dropped Tennessee and Minnesota so it is down to three...Iowa State, Vanderbilt, and UF.

[url]http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_21682982/gophers-womens-basketball-braham-star-rebekah-dahlman-says[/ur

From what I gathered on other boards UF has her for an OV this weekend.

[bossman]

K. James has changed her top 5, dropping UGA and adding GT(UF, FSU, Clemson,and OU)
Syd Mccaskill committed to UGA (Many are expecting Ronni W to follow but she wont make a decision till next month)

Is motley coming for an OV this weekend?, she was at miami last weekend and only has UF and FSU left to visit

[EastTNG8TR]

I am assuming several will be at UF. Motley, Williams, and James along with Dahlman I would guess. Though the South Carolina game weekend may have a few. I saw where Mccaskill went with UGA...so I do think that puts them in the lead with Williams but she didn't follow suit yet and UF still has an OV so we will see. It's not over. There are still a number of great possibilities. I tend to think our best case is a class of Motley, Dahlman, Williams, and James though my guess is James will end up at Miami with Moncrief at this point but who knows. Motley, Dahlman, and Webb is a class I could see unfolding realistically and that would be excellent...maybe try to pick up one more big like Ivey Slaughter but we could always just hold that spot for next year.

[bossman]

James isnt considering miami

[EastTNG8TR]

That is great...didn't know she dropped them and she supposedly wants to play close to home so UF is now the closest.

[MJGator8104]

Thanks for the updates, EastTN.

[bossman]

#21 Marqu'es Webb will announce her decision tomorrow between UF, Miami, and Vandy.

[EastTNG8TR]

Really crossing my fingers for Webb. She can play the 4 or even the 5, so James wouldn't be such a big need. Plus having one big name on board could generate momentum for the weekend.

[gatorbogey]

really good thread, chockfull of info
thanks

[EastTNG8TR]

I don't want to get excited bc it could just be a timing thing but of her last 10 people she is following on twitter....the names Sydney Moss, Vicky McIntyre, Chandler Cooper, Jaterra Bonds, and Jana Magette ..... good omen I am hoping.

[bossman]

She picked Vandy.

[EastTNG8TR]

Just saw...really wanted her too. Ronni Williams is our other chance at an elite forward. Not sure if I like our chances with her though. Also been trying to see if we are still in it for Ivey Slaughter.

[bossman]

Ivey Slaughter has narrowed her choices down to FSU, UGA, and South Carolina.

[EastTNG8TR]

Williams is our best chance at an elite forward then. This weekend Adrienne Motley and Rebekah Dahlman will be on officials to UF. Kai James and Ronni Williams are still suppose to visit at some point... I am assuming for the South Carolina weekend. Motley and Dahlman would shore up the guard slots.at UF for a few years with Cassie Peoples eligible next year as well. An elite forward could be the last missing piece so I am hoping we can pull Williams somehow or that we have someone else on the radar I am not aware of. An elite center like James would be great but at least we have McIntyre for 2 years backed by Dimaite.

[bossman]

Agree. I could be wrong but im pretty sure Williams is here this weekend. She tweeted she was on her way to her last official visit and i dont think she has visited UF yet. Thats a lot of talent on campus this weekend with 3 top 30 players.

[EastTNG8TR]

We have room for four, though I think we have a guard that will transfer out if we were to get Motley and Dahlman. Williams may be here too...I can only confirm the other two. I just hope the wanting to play with McCaskill is an internet theory.

[G2MGA]

6'5 Rhamat Alhassan (c/o 2014) from MD will be here this weekend as well on an unofficial visit. ESPN has her as the #5 post in that class.

[EastTNG8TR]

I saw a clip of Alhassan on youtube....very raw but HUGE upside. A long ways to go for the 14 class but she would be a great pick up. Dahlman has a Go Gators on her FB page, for what it is worth.

[Juggernautz]

Keep up the good work all!

[G2MGA]

The team tweeted some pics from the game with Ronni Williams.

Also here on an unofficial is Jonell Williams (unrelated), a 6'2 post from Palatka who is possibly the top in-state recruit in the c/o 2015. She is the daughter of former Gator RB John L. Williams. Who knows, but she might be a good candidate for an early commitment.

[bossman]

Adrienne Motley has committed to Miami.

[Tyree02]

Looks like you guys lead for her. She is actually from Florida l, but moved to Georgia and is attending Crisp County High School.

The Ronni situation is no Internet gossip. Her and Sydnei said that they wanted to play in college together. Did look like Ronni really enjoyed her visit to Florida a lot though, so at this point IDK. Many speculate (Brandon Clay, Keil Moore, etc.) that she is going to end up at Georgia with McCaskill (whom everyone including me, just knew that she was headed for FSU). The longer Ronni waits the better it is for other schools to make up ground and I think Florida is still in it..

[bossman]

I dont think neither verbally said they wanted to play together in college, I think the fact that they are really good friends and were being recruited as a package deal by two schools, many believed (including me) they would want to play together in college. If they were 100% sure they wanted to play together she probably would have committed when McCaskill committed and neither would have any purpose to visit any other schools besides the ones that were recruiting both. The fact that she is waiting a whole month to make a decision, shows that she likely isnt sure where she wants to play as of yet...With all that said, I still think she ends up at UGA. She tweeted positve things after the UGA, FSU, and UF visits and seemed to have a great time at all 3.

[EastTNG8TR]

I do find it odd that they wouldn't just commit together if they were going to the same place. She very well may end up at UGA, but UF actually makes more sense than either FSU or UGA if you look at the forwards on the rosters. I believe January Miller also played some AAU ball with Williams, but I could be wrong. Let's hope her dad has a little bit of input for UF. I have to believe she was always the top recruit in this class. She would be an instant starter replacing Jennifer George, who is the only senior this year. If we get no one else, I hope we can somehow pull her. Kai James is probably number 2 on the overall board, but it seems much harder to get a read on where she wants to go. Dahlman would be a great pickup too, but we are more settled at guard at the moment so she is just a wonderful bonus if we get her. She apparently is the all time leading scorer in Minnesota, btw, and on pace to elipse 5,000 career points. That seems crazy to me.

[G2MGA]

Erica Young committed to Kansas State.

[Tyree02]

Kai is headed to FSU and is supposedly announcing on Nov 1

[bossman]

http://amestrib.com/blog/quantum-sport/top-prospect-dahlman-nearing-decision.html

Looks like Rebekah is having a hard time deciding as she enjoyed all of visits. According to the article a decision should be made within the next week or so.

*Shayla Cooper and Faith Woodard (FL) both committed to Georgetown over the weekend btw.

[bossman]

Kai James is visiting UF this weekend. The only other schools she has visited are FSU and GTech according to her coach.

[EastTNG8TR]

Dahlman is tough to read. We probably need her less than a forward or center but anyone who can put up 5,000 points in high school has to be special. The big names we are down to are Williams, Dahlman, and James. Any two of those three would be superb. James would have some serious competition at Ga Tech. Nariah Taylor and*Je'zhe Newton were both highly rated centers that signed there last year. FSU definately could use her though. We have McIntyre and Dimaite but James would only play one year with McIntyre and I am actually hoping Dimaite ends up playing more forward here as a sort of female version of Patrick Murphy. Williams is probably the biggest need as a forward but may be the toughest to get. One way or another we should know a lot more in the next few weeks.

[swampgas44]

Dahlman is tough to read. We probably need her less than a forward or center but anyone who can put up 5,000 points in high school has to be special. The big names we are down to are Williams, Dahlman, and James. Any two of those three would be superb. James would have some serious competition at Ga Tech. Nariah Taylor and*Je'zhe Newton were both highly rated centers that signed there last year. FSU definately could use her though. We have McIntyre and Dimaite but James would only play one year with McIntyre and I am actually hoping Dimaite ends up playing more forward here as a sort of female version of Patrick Murphy. Williams is probably the biggest need as a forward but may be the toughest to get. One way or another we should know a lot more in the next few weeks.

Where to we stand right now with committed players for '13? Please give some info on each one. Thanks

[EastTNG8TR]

Swamp...we have no commitments at the moment. Butler went after several very high profile recruits this year so hopefully one or two end up at UF. The roster was built up nicely last year and 11 players from this years team will return next year with a good bulk of the team underclassmen and here for several years. Jennifer George is the lone senior this year. The foundation is already here. This year is more so trying to get one or two of the elite players that could put UF over the top IMO. We already have for NEXT year...(my guess at roster breakdown)

1. Carlie Needles, Cassie Peoples
2. Jaterra Bonds, Chandler Cooper
3. Kayla Lewis, Sydney Moss
4. Lily Svete, Christen Mercer
5. Vicky McIntyre, Viktorija Dimaite

Also have January Miller as well.... any of Dahlman, Williams, or James will just be icing on the cake and provide a little more depth as well. The women can use up to 15 scholarships.

[stingbb]

EastTNG8TR,

Of the group you list above, only Bonds and McIntyre are the only proven D1 starters on the team, and Bonds has been highly inconsistent. Sure we have some transfers and decent FR (a recruiting class ranked around 20) group on campus, but a lot has to work out before the program takes the next jump.

This is one of the strongest classes to come out of Florida ever (6-8 girls ranked in the top 100 in the various rankings) and right now UF is sitting at no commitments a month before signing day. Earlier posts in this thread by you and others had comments like this could be UF's greatest class ever and now that a bunch of girls have committed elsewhere, we are now hoping to to sign one or two.

UF has average SEC talent on the roster now (and behind FSU and UM in the state) and until Butler, like I said earlier, can recruit Florida better, the program will remain average.

[bossman]

IMO, It would be great to keep top in-state talent in FL, but considering that none of the universities in florida are really considered power-houses or if a recruit didn't grow up a die hard fan of a particular Fl university it's very hard to sell them to a school that would be considered mediocre compared to a baylor or Duke etc. If you look at Florida State and Miami's success, very little of it has to do with being able to recruit instate. They struggle to recruit top florida players as well but make up for it by signing the top players from various states, who in some cases are possibly better than the in-state players.

[EastTNG8TR]

Dahlman is going to Vandy. They are putting together an awesome class.

[BigIgator25]

I wonder what it is about Butler that turns these girls off? Ultimately it is the head coach who gets the players to the school, something about her must not be up to par as other coaches, or am I reading too deeply into this?

[richardtangeman]

When she gets a top player, Coach Butler will show how good of a coach she has been and will be in the future.

[EastTNG8TR]

Butler isn't a turn off to the girls, I don't think.. It is hard to recruit against the more traditional powers in women's basketball, especially given the level.of.fan support. The talent is getting better. This year's team is a very nice upgrade, but it is very young. Really hoping we can pull at least a couple of recruits this year though. The options are dwindling, but I like having at least 13 players on roster. As of right now, the number for next year is at 11.

[G2MGA]

Williams will announce on November 9, per Daytona Times (http://daytonatimes.com/2012/10/18/volusia-county-high-school-football-review/).

There is also an interesting poll on http://www.ronniwilliams.com (link on bottom right). We are losing to FSU, but perhaps more interesting is that Tennessee and Baylor are not listed. Helps our chances a bit perhaps. Everyone go vote :)

Which school do you think Ronni will choose?

University of Florida 39.5%
Florida State University 48.1%
University of Georgia 12.3%

[G2MGA]

I wonder what it is about Butler that turns these girls off? Ultimately it is the head coach who gets the players to the school, something about her must not be up to par as other coaches, or am I reading too deeply into this?

I do think Butler's intense style winnows the pool a bit. She is clearly a phenomenal recruiter of PGs, but recruiting at other positions has been inconsistent, with post recruiting noticeably lagging.

That said, I'm not sure the HC is as large of a factor in women's basketball. A lot of the time it seems it's really the assistants who connect with the girls and local HS/club programs. That's why it comes as no surprise to me that after poaching FSU's long-time primary recruiter Angie Johnson in the offseason, Georgia suddenly has a top-notch recruiting class full of Florida kids (including Armbrister who decommitted from FSU to follow Johnson).

Butler's staff really lacks long-standing ties to the state of Florida. I do think they will overcome this in time, but unfortunately there aren't easy shortcuts. It's obviously way to early to her any grief over hiring Crosby this offseason as she may well be a dynamite recruiter, but it's hard not to wonder if there were other hires that could have paid more immediate dividends with this 2013 class.

[crapgame44]

I wonder what it is about Butler that turns these girls off? Ultimately it is the head coach who gets the players to the school, something about her must not be up to par as other coaches, or am I reading too deeply into this?

You have no idea what your talking about. Coach Butler is about as warm , friendly and welcoming as they come. Somebody I know had almost 10 offers and it was Coach Butlers personality and attitude that sealed the deal. I'll bet you have never even met her.

[BigIgator25]

It was a question crap game..did u not see the question marks? I talked to her in Charlotte many times when she coached here and thought she was very engaging as a person. But I have no clue how she is with the girls.

[crapgame44]

Yeah....but it looks like you assume there is something wrong with Butler. Try to be a little clearer next time when tossing out a remark that could be interpreted many ways. Especially when it falls in the personal category. And I have a clue how she is with the girls, trust me. Thats all.

[BigIgator25]

Like I said I talked to her many times in Charlotte when she worked at UNCC, I never heard a complaint about her. But at some point people starting assuming and questioning..sorry you didnt get my question the first time.

[stingbb]

The question was why is Butler struggling so much to recruit, especially in the state of Florida? It is a fact that recruiting has been average at best since she has been at UF, and it is a reasonable question to ask why.

[Tyree02]

Kenny Kallina is predicting Ronni Williams to Florida..

[EastTNG8TR]

Let's hope Kenny is right. I think she has always been the top target. He also picks Kai James to go to Oklahoma...I would have picked FSU as our toughest competition there because I have read several times she prefers to play closer to home. I want both but I really want Williams with George graduating this year.

[Tyree02]

Kenny said that Ronni wants to play close to home, but she had never visited Florida until her official visit.. That was quite puzzling to me. Brandon, Bluestar, and Mike Flynn all think Ronni goes to Georgia.. IDK... I definitely know Kai is going to Florida State. He also picks Mercedes Russell to go to Louisville.. He is pretty clueless on a lot of his predictions. Russell is headed to Tennessee

[bossman]

To be honest, His predictions are guesses just like most of us do, Last year he did the same thing with top recruits and got 3/10 right. He did state that he didnt have any inside knowledge and that they were just guesses and personal opinions just for fun.

I read an article that Ronni's father stated that location would not be a factor cause they would travel wherever to watch her games. I doubt Kai leaves the state, she doesnt seem like the type of player to pick a school because of the large crowds. If you dont mind me asking, where did you here that about her and fsu?

[Tyree02]

It came straight from Kai.... She is going to announce her decision next week, on Thursday according to her..

[EastTNG8TR]

Tyree...curious....I don't doubt that you talked with her, but do you know her personally or did you talk to her randomly before she ever visited UF? I just find it odd that she wouldn't have committed or word leaked out if FSU was a done deal. I have always thought it would be a UM, FSU, UF battle for her and I have read that UM may be back in the picture. If Moncrief goes to UM I would think James would look harder at them. FSU does have a definate need for a center though and she would probably start on day 1. I can live without getting James, though I would love for UF to get her. Ronni is the one we need the most though. I thought Kenny's location reason was odd as well. Her dad played briefly at UF and her brother is a Gator fan so I am hoping that being a Florida fan runs in the family. UGA scares me with McCaskill there though.

[Tyree02]

I am good friends with one of the mom's that has a daughter that plays for Dwyer and she said that James is headed to FSU and was announcing on 1 Nov. This was a couple of weeks ago. I sort of got pissed, because I didn't think it was fair to the schools courting her. I think Kai wants to just do those visits just to keep her word to certain coaches and I understand that a little, but I told the mom that Kai is a teenager and it has to be difficult for her.. She has her heart sat on FSU, and said that is where she would go.
Now with Ronni... I found it odd that she lives 2 hours from Gainsville and she had never visited the school before until her official. When she gave her top 5, she stated that Georgia was the only school she had visited. Looks like red and black are indeed her favorite colors.. When the highs school coach gave the schools list her named off Georgia, Florida and Florida State in that exact order... Then he named Tennessee and Baylor last. I am just saying I have been following recruiting a while now and I am sure she will end up at Georgia or Florida, but I give the edge to Georgia at the moment just from what I have seen and what I have learned in the past from some of these kids. Sydnei McCaskills committ was huge for Georgia in helping them with Ronni. Angie Johnson is another reason why I think Ronni comes to UGA. She has done a great job recruiting for UGA! I am just speculating and I very well could be wrong on the whole Ronni ordeal. Ronni and her family are the only ones that know where she is going but I am just stating my opinion and what I see..

[EastTNG8TR]

UGA is who I think is the main competition as well, solely because of McCaskill. Just hoping Gator lineage wins out. I am not a huge fan of Landers though so I hope she doesn't go there. These next few years are going to be huge in the SEC. UT is in transition and A/M coming into the conference. I'd guess Landers won't coach a lot longer either. Really hoping to see a lot more parity emerge, particular at the top of the conference.

[bossman]

Moncrief has verballed to LSU.

[bossman]

Kai James chooses florida state.

[stingbb]

Again, it is absolutely amazing how Butler can't recruit the state of Florida. Like it was brought up earlier in this post, the state of Florida is absolutely loaded this year (8-10 girls ranked in various top-100 lists), and UF has not been able to secure one commitment with signing day next week.

There is no way Butler can get the program to the next level without being able to recruit this state.

[bossman]

#13 Ronni Williams decides tomorrow at 1:50 between UF and UGA...Will be interesting to see where she goes.

[EastTNG8TR]

Ronni is the big one. We need to pull her or somehow find another forward somewhere. She's a program changer.

[MJGator8104]

What are our actual chances?

[Tyree02]

I have no clue where Ronni is headed. If I had a guess I would go with Georgia. She stated in an article today that she was down to Florida and Georgia!!!

[EastTNG8TR]

She is is following several girls from Georgia on Twitter (January Miller is on there too at least) as well as both coaching staffs. In the article she says she wants to play in the SEC and academics are important. UF being in the AAU might help a little. She also says her decision will have nothing to do with basketball so hopefully that negates UGA having a pretty rich tradition. Her dad played at UF and her brother, based off twitter is a Gator fan. UF would also be closer for her family to see her play more often. Her main reasoning though is stated as chemistry with the girls on the team. McCaskill at UGA probably helps them a lot there, but hopefully she doesn't base her decision on that alone. No guarantee she stays there. My heart says UF but head says UGA...either way it is close. I have told people for a while now. Ronni would be the missing piece of the puzzle for Butler. We could potentially have 4 Top 50 recruits and 2 McDonald's All Americans in just the Sophomore and Freshmen classes. All of them play a different position, IMO, as well. UF has the clear lead for the best girls in state for 2015 and 2017 and both will be the caliber of Ronni. Plus the elite recruits want to play with other elite recruits, and UF is heavily involved with some elite girls in TN for next year. I would equate Ronni to being a female Mike Miller impact at UF. It is going to be close, but really cross your fingers for this one.

[BigIgator25]

We are striking out bigtime again, Ronni is doubtful to come to UF. If she does I will be very happy, but something just isnt right about this

[bossman]

She chooses florida!

[G2MGA]

Yesssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bossman]

http://www.ronniwilliams.com/#!Florida-Girl/zoom/mainPage/image22gs

[oragator1]

Congrats to Amanda, program continues to head in the right direction, and it isn't smoke and mirrors, it's the staff doing the hard work and running the program the right way.

[EastTNG8TR]

Yes!!! This is the big one.

[bossman]

http://peachstatebasketball.com/no-13-ronni-williams-ready-for-the-sec-nov-9-2012/

[G2MGA]

I believe Ronni will be (easily) the highest rated recruit this program has signed since Carol Ross was the head coach. Even if she winds up being a 1-person class, this is a huge step in the right direction.

Plus McDonalds AA Cassie Peoples and now Dimaite, who are both redshirting, will be effectively joining this class next season, so our class balance won't be that out of whack.

[EastTNG8TR]

I am interested to see if this will be a one person class or not. Completely happy with just Ronni, but would like one more just for numbers in case of transfer/injury.

[MJGator8104]

Very, very happy for our team. Coach Amanda's hard work is going to pay off very soon. Maybe this will help slow down the complaints that we can't seem to get any of the best players from the state of Florida.

[Singaporegator]

This is very sweet! Welcome to the Gator Nation Ronnie! And congratulations to Amanda and her staff. We played well today without our biggest star. the Gators are going to be a force to contend with in Women's basketball!

[Tasselhoff]

Where is BigIgator now that this news has broke?

This is great. Amanda has done a very good job. Recruiting in the SEC for Women's basketball is NOT easy. UK, UT, Vandy, even LSU and now A&M have all had very good women's teams that we compete against for top talent.

[Tyree02]

Congrats to you guys on landing a great player..

[EastTNG8TR]

There is a very good chance in four years the all time leading scorer at UF in both men and women's hoops both would be Ronni(e) Williams.

[BigIgator25]

I am here Tasselhoff, and I am very happy we get Williams..glad I have to eat crow on that one..Tonight I was at my sons playoff game here in Charlotte...yes we are in the 2nd round of playoffs..he plays at the storied Independence program here. So again..hopefully this is the start of something big. I am glad I was sooo wrong on this

[swampgas44]

We are striking out bigtime again, Ronni is doubtful to come to UF. If she does I will be very happy, but something just isnt right about this

:director: :taz:

[G2MGA]

Ronni officially signed today!

We still could pick up someone else late, but ASGR rates our current 1-person recruiting class #19 nationally: http://www.asgrevents.com/tar-heels-top-2012-recruiting-classes/

It's not getting any easier in the SEC though - others of note:

2 – TENNESSEE: # 1, 6’5, Mercedes Russell; # 11, 6’0, Jannah Tucker; # 22, 6’0, Jordan Reynolds.

5 – KENTUCKY: # 6, 5’8, Linnae Harper; # 15, 5’11, Makayla Epps; # 67, 6’0, Kyvin Goodin – Rogers.

7 – FLORIDA STATE: # 12, 6’5, Kai James; # 16, 6’3, Morgan Jones (Transfer from Northwestern); # 64, 5’8, Brittany Brown; # 69, 6’1, Ivey Slaughter; # 116, 6’3, Gabby Bevillard.

11 – MIAMI FL: # 25, 5’10, Nigia Green; # 28, 5’9, Adrienne Motley; # 145, 5’6, Jessica Thomas.

12 – VANDERBILT: # 33, 5’10, Rebecca Dahlman; # 37, 6’2, Marqu’es Webb; # 100, 5’11, Kylee Smith.

15 – LSU: # 14, 5’9, Raqyne Moncrief; # 128, 5’9, Jasmine Rhodes.

16 – CONNECTICUT: # 20, 5’9, Saniya Chong.

18 – SOUTH CAROLINA: # 23, 6’5, Alaina Coates.

21 – BAYLOR: # 52, 6’0, Imani Wright; # 66, 5’10, Nina Davis; # 68, 5’11, Breanna Hayden.

28 – GEORGIA: # 31, 6’2, Halle Washington; # 121, 5’7, Sydnei McCaskill; # 134, 6’3, Samantha Glodis.

Honorable Mention: Texas A & M, Arkansas, South Florida

[EastTNG8TR]

Interesting news....Rhamat Alhassan, according to her twitter committed to Florida to play volleyball....I am assuming she will play both sports if she wants but not sure how that works. Volleyball overlaps some with basketball....she is the number 24 player in the country (2014) according to FullCourt...6'4 center.

[oragator1]

Interesting news....Rhamat Alhassan, according to her twitter committed to Florida to play volleyball....I am assuming she will play both sports if she wants but not sure how that works. Volleyball overlaps some with basketball....she is the number 24 player in the country (2014) according to FullCourt...6'4 center.

To play both sports wouldn't she have to be on basketball scholly? That's how it works on the men's side anyway.

[EastTNG8TR]

No idea how it works....I am just hoping she plays both sports. She would be a huge addition to the basketball team if she does both. Scholarship wise I think you are right unless you can take one for volleyball and walkon status for basketball??? I just know it'd be a shame to have an elite center at UF and not have her on the team.

[oragator1]

No idea how it works....I am just hoping she plays both sports. She would be a huge addition to the basketball team if she does both. Scholarship wise I think you are right unless you can take one for volleyball and walkon status for basketball??? I just know it'd be a shame to have an elite center at UF and not have her on the team.

On the men's side there is a hierarchy, to keep the revenue sports from stockpiling talent in the non-revenue ones, like having a football player on a track scholly is verboten, that person wouldn't be allowed to play football. Since basketball is higher on the ladder than volleyball that's where the scholly would seemingly have to go.
As far as I know it's the same with the women but maybe someone else knows more. Whatever the case, it's clear she is going to do some great stuff in the O'Dome!

[gatorbogey]

gator volleyball probably is a higher revenue sport right now than gator women hoops.

[G2MGA]

To play both sports wouldn't she have to be on basketball scholly? That's how it works on the men's side anyway.

This is true, but women have 15 bball scholarships, so it's somewhat less of an issue.

Given the fall/winter overlap, it is very hard, though not impossible to play both volleyball/basketball in the same season. In fact, there is a good example right now: Jennifer Hamson from BYU who has played both sports the past 3 seasons and may be the best player on both teams. Here is a youtube about her (starts around 2:00): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8x82LB_N0TY&feature=youtu.be&hd=1

A more likely scenario though would be a career like Maria Taylor (frequent wbb and wvb tv broadcaster) had at UGA, where she played volleyball only, but after finishing her senior season, joined the basketball team in the spring semester and played an additional 1 & 1/2 seasons in that sports.

Either way, glad to see us a snag a good one.

[bossman]

FR Antoinette Bannister is transferring from North Carolina and is considering UF, UCF, and USF. Due to her mothers being sick, she wants to be closer to home.

[EastTNG8TR]

Wow...Bannister would be a great pickup and family illness could get her a waiver.

[swampgas44]

FR Antoinette Bannister is transferring from North Carolina and is considering UF, UCF, and USF. Due to her mothers being sick, she wants to be closer to home.

UF much closer to Jacksonville than UCF or USF. :yes:

[EastTNG8TR]

For those that don't know.... this girl shot around 66% from 3 her junior year and was ranked 15 in the country before a controversial drop in the rankings that her and a teammate took because of a team altercation. If we pull her in she can play in January of next year.

[EastTNG8TR]

According to Bannister's twitter, she is announcing her new school today. She is attending the LSU game in Gainesville as well.....gotta think good news is coming.

[gatorbogey]

hope there's a good energetic crowd for the LSU game

[EastTNG8TR]

Bannister delayed her announcement til tomorrow. She was in Gainesville but so was UCFs coach.

[EastTNG8TR]

Looks like there is a new Gator....Haley Lorenzen 6'3 F/C out of Iowa....class of 2014.

[swampgas44]

Bannister delayed her announcement til tomorrow. She was in Gainesville but so was UCFs coach.

East Tenn,
In your opinion do you think we have lost her to UCF?

[EastTNG8TR]

Honestly impossible to say, but it is curious she delayed the announcement. She could be the star at UCF but UF is a much larger stage. We would take her in a heart beat but there are a LOT of guards on the team already and I have noticed Ieshia Small has been tuning into our games and tweeting Bonds a lot lately. Numbers will get interesting. UF just got Lorenzen for 2014 and they want the Goudrea twins at IMG Academy and they are in it for Alexa Middleton as well. There is Alhassan too who we don't know if she is playing basketball or just volleyball.

[IowaGator]

Looks like there is a new Gator....Haley Lorenzen 6'3 F/C out of Iowa....class of 2014.

Her dad was an Iowa Mr Basketball and played for Iowa as a pretty decent role player.


An article about her:

http://www.press-citizen.com/article/20130106/SPORTS010201/301060011/Lorenzen-going-Florida

Haley Lorenzen is heading south after high school. The City High girls basketball standout picked Florida over Christmas break.

“It is somewhere I can be my own independent person,” Lorenzen said. “It’s so different. And I like the coaches and the people down there.”

She joins the 2014 class for coach Amanda Butler and the Gators, who are 11-4 this season.

Lorenzen said she was in Gainesville, Fla., to watch them beat Holy Cross 81-50 on Dec. 28 and told the coaches after the shootaround.

Lorenzen was spending part of Christmas break with family in Florida.

“It would’ve been hard with no family down there,” Lorenzen aid. “I’m a family-oriented person and need to have family somewhere nearby.”

Lorenzen, who also took unofficial visits to Iowa, Iowa State, Nebraska and Northwestern, said she was very impressed by Florida’s interior design school, ranked No. 3 in the country.

“Some of the other schools had that option but were not rated that high,” Lorenzen said.

Lorenzen is averaging 17.6 points and 10.1 rebounds per game this season for the Little Hawks. She also has 22 blocks, 33 assists and 11 steals in 12 games.

City coach Bill McTaggart is happy his junior has squared away her college choice.

“It’s kind of a relief off her shoulders,” McTaggart said. “She doesn’t have to be worrying about what she’s going to be doing next year.”

McTaggart has seen the stress of a college choice in the past with former Little Hawks Kelly Krei and Virginia Johnson.

“I’ve always noticed they play better once they make up their mind,” McTaggart said.

“It is a big relief,” Lorenzen said. “You can focus in on what they want you to get better on, focus in on school, and also getting better for preparing for state, hopefully.”

The 6-foot-3 junior said she would probably play power forward for the Gators. “But they want to work with me on doing more ball handling, get in that small forward spot,” she said.

The daughter of a former Iowa basketball and a former Hawkeye field hockey player, Lorenzen said her parents didn’t push her.

“They were really open,” Lorenzen said. “They wanted me to be happy, to go where I could improve myself.

[swampgas44]

Bannister delayed her announcement til tomorrow. She was in Gainesville but so was UCFs coach.

East Tenn,
Any word on Bannister's announcement? Thanks

[EastTNG8TR]

Nothing at all on her Twitter so far today....keeping an eye on it though.

[bossman]

Looks like Bannister to UF!

If she can work on getting in better shape while shes sitting out, she will be very solid addition.

[Singaporegator]

Great news. We are pretty good this year and will be better next year. Keep building Amanda!

[Juggernautz]

Amanda doing one heckuva job...

[oragator1]

ESPN had Bannister as number 59 in her class.
Amanda is definitely getting the job done on the trail. Next year it should start translating in a real way on the court, not that this season is a loss but we are young.

[EastTNG8TR]

Bannister was top 20 on HG til they dropped her teammates and her for an incident in a game....FullCourt had her 24...675 threes and like 4700 points in high school...huge pickup. I see it being discussed on UNCs board but nothing on her twitter of FB.

[G2MGA]

Huge add to shore up our backcourt for years to come. As EastTN mentioned, Bannister was a consensus top 30 recruit prior to the drama. She seems to have struggled with injuries and game conditioning at UNC, so you have to figure a year sitting out could be beneficial in her situation.

Will she have Freshman or Sophomore eligibility starting next spring? I forgot how it works for these mid-year basketball transfers. I'm thinking she's played too many games at UNC to qualify for a redshirt?

[EastTNG8TR]

I would imagine Sophomore...what is really odd is she could apply for a waiver since her mom is ill...not sure but could she be eligible immediately then?

[bossman]

She would be a sophomore...Would that make 8 sophomores on the roster next year?

[G2MGA]

Good question! It would probably take months to run it through the NCAA process though. I remember last season Morgan Toles enrolled at FSU in Jan, but only became eligible for like the last 4 games of the season or something.

But if it's permissible, seems like it would make sense to try if her eligibility clock is running anyhow. It sure would be nice to have her available at the start of next season as opposed to having to try to work her in right at the start of SEC play.

[EastTNG8TR]

No....Peoples from what I understand was granted a medical hardship and has 4 years eligibility....Dimaite could possibly get one....and Cooper could still RS if she doesn't come back.

[G2MGA]

No....Peoples from what I understand was granted a medical hardship and has 4 years eligibility....Dimaite could possibly get one....and Cooper could still RS if she doesn't come back.

Checking out Peoples' twitter, it sounds like the NCAA actually denied her petition for a 6th year. So unless she can appeal successfully, she too would be a sophomore next season.

[EastTNG8TR]

I saw that...... can't imagine why she did not get it. I will be surprised if she doesn't win the appeal.

[UTGator]

I saw that...... can't imagine why she did not get it. I will be surprised if she doesn't win the appeal.

EastTN. Who do you think will be the starting five next year? Also, who will back them up?

[EastTNG8TR]

Who I would start and who I think will start are probably different.... my guess at who will start and first off the bench to back them up though...

1. Jaterra Bonds, Cassie Peoples
2. Carlie Needles, Chandler Cooper
3. Kayla Lewis, Antoinette Bannister
4. Ronni Williams, Sydney Moss
5. Vicky McIntyre, Viktorija Dimaite

The lineup is very versatile though next year..... several players can play in different spots and there is an odd scenario that newer and younger players may be more than the veteran returning starters.

[oragator1]

By the way, for those that don't know Vicky's story and why I was happy for her tonight, here is a gatorzone article on it.

http://www.gatorzone.com/story.php?id=23924

[tommyuf21]

I was cheering from my living room after every block and rebound she got tonight.

[EastTNG8TR]

A little bit of news of interest....per her Twitter, Ieshia Small is headed to Gainesville tonight for a ballgame (packing too so assuming she is staying all night). Jaterra Bonds is headed to watch her play, and I bet Butler will as well. I know she has a lot of interaction with Bonds on Twitter. I am guessing there is a good chance she will be at the game tomorrow. UF wasn't one of the schools listed often with her, but with her waiting til Spring, UF's recent big time Floridian additions (Williams and Bannister), and Rutgers not looking good this year.....a big W with a good crowd could get UF a closer look from her....Top 20 player for 2013.

[gatorbogey]

top 20? that's impressive! exciting!

who have been the top recruits that have come to UF in the past? who was the highest ranked player?

[EastTNG8TR]

Hard to say....womens recruiting going back wasn't followed like mens. I would guess Milton-Jones, Paige, and Hayden are among the top of the list though.

[G2MGA]

Here is the list of top 60 players we've signed out of high school per BlueStar which has been around since the early '90s (obviously some of the other services had some of these players higher or lower, but this gives a rough idea):

#11 Tonya Washington ('96)
#17 Murriel Page ('94)
#21 Brandi McCain ('98) - IIRC top 5 nationally before tearing her ACL in HS
#26 Ronni Williams ('13)
#27 Tamara Stocks ('97)
#29 Vanessa Hayden ('00)
#30 Marshae Dotson ('05)
#35 Kayla Lewis ('10)
#36 Tishona Gregory ('01)
#38 Jessica Jackson ('05) - transferred to Memphis after 2 years with Bullard
#39 Sarah Lowe ('02)
#42 Chandler Cooper ('12)
#46 Bernice Mosby ('02) - transferred to Baylor after 3 years
#48 Latoya Bullard ('05) - transferred to Memphis after 2 years with Jackson
#50 Dalila Eshe ('02)
#52 Sydney Moss ('12)
#52 Briana Phillips ('03)
#53 Antoinette Howard ('07) - de-commited when Peck was fired
#58 January Miller ('12)
#60 Brittany Davis ('02) - current UF WBB radio analyst

Interestingly, they did not rank Milton. Maybe she was under the radar in South GA?

Bolded are players who will be on next year's roster. Also worth noting that our transfers who will be eligible next year, Peoples and Bannister, were rated 47 and 39 respectively by this service. So we'll have at least 7 top 60 players on the roster (6 of them underclassmen) - we should indeed be pretty good!

[tommyuf21]

Here is the list of top 60 players we've signed out of high school per BlueStar which has been around since the early '90s (obviously some of the other services had some of these players higher or lower, but this gives a rough idea):

#11 Tonya Washington ('96)
#17 Murriel Page ('94)
#21 Brandi McCain ('98) - IIRC top 5 nationally before tearing her ACL in HS
#26 Ronni Williams ('13)
#27 Tamara Stocks ('97)
#29 Vanessa Hayden ('00)
#30 Marshae Dotson ('05)
#35 Kayla Lewis ('10)
#36 Tishona Gregory ('01)
#38 Jessica Jackson ('05) - transferred to Memphis after 2 years with Bullard
#39 Sarah Lowe ('02)
#42 Chandler Cooper ('12)
#46 Bernice Mosby ('02) - transferred to Baylor after 3 years
#48 Latoya Bullard ('05) - transferred to Memphis after 2 years with Jackson
#50 Dalila Eshe ('02)
#52 Sydney Moss ('12)
#52 Briana Phillips ('03)
#53 Antoinette Howard ('07) - de-commited when Peck was fired
#58 January Miller ('12)
#60 Brittany Davis ('02) - current UF WBB radio analyst

Interestingly, they did not rank Milton. Maybe she was under the radar in South GA?

Bolded are players who will be on next year's roster. Also worth noting that our transfers who will be eligible next year, Peoples and Bannister, were rated 47 and 39 respectively by this service. So we'll have at least 7 top 60 players on the roster (6 of them underclassmen) - we should indeed be pretty good!

Future sure is bright, thanks for the list.