[Card10Fan]

Actually 2 more possible one ranked close to Wynn  Yes a bit of stretch

Landing Fope Ayo would lessen the disappointment of missing out on Wynn. If Ayo picks SC too, then gosh props to the Gamecocks for being better recruiters.

[Card10Fan]

Actually 2 more possible one ranked close to Wynn  Yes a bit of stretch

Landing Fope Ayo would lessen the disappointment of missing out on Wynn. If Ayo picks SC too, then gosh props to the Gamecocks for being better recruiters.

[TheFarm07]

Today Wynn committed to South Carolina

https://x.com/chrislapuma/status/1988022...08933?s=46

Big time bummer. I was very confident in our chances and I honestly think we were the frontrunner most of the way. SC made a late push... We've really struck out on this whole 2026 class of potential recruits. Not sure exactly why but very disappointing to not have had more success.

Agreed; that stinks. It puts even more pressure on landing big time recruits in the Class of '27 now, which makes this current season's success critically important to prove that the program hasn't taken a continual nosedive after Tara's retirement. The better we can do, both in the regular season and in the conference and NCAA tourneys in March, can prove that last year was an extremely rare blip.

[TheFarm07]

Today Wynn committed to South Carolina

https://x.com/chrislapuma/status/1988022...08933?s=46

Big time bummer. I was very confident in our chances and I honestly think we were the frontrunner most of the way. SC made a late push... We've really struck out on this whole 2026 class of potential recruits. Not sure exactly why but very disappointing to not have had more success.

Agreed; that stinks. It puts even more pressure on landing big time recruits in the Class of '27 now, which makes this current season's success critically important to prove that the program hasn't taken a continual nosedive after Tara's retirement. The better we can do, both in the regular season and in the conference and NCAA tourneys in March, can prove that last year was an extremely rare blip.

[Maple Leaf]

There maybe options via the transfer portal, recruiting has always been a year around activity even more so now.

[Maple Leaf]

There maybe options via the transfer portal, recruiting has always been a year around activity even more so now.

[PalmTree]

Actually 2 more possible one ranked close to Wynn  Yes a bit of stretch

Landing Fope Ayo would lessen the disappointment of missing out on Wynn. If Ayo picks SC too, then gosh props to the Gamecocks for being better recruiters.

Hope I’m wrong but I’ve got this sinking feeling about our chances with Ayo – she’s down to SoCar, Miami, Michigan and us.
 
SoCar has five seniors on the roster, three of whom are starters – 6’6 post Madina Okot and guards, Ta’Niya Lattson and Raven Johnson. Their other seniors are frontcourt players off the bench, 6’2 F Chloe Kitts and 6’4 Maryam Dauda.  Despite commitments from Wynn and 6’3 post, Kelci Andrews, I could easily see them trying to reel in Ayo as well - after all, they are <pause> SC! Ooops, wrong school......

Miami only loses two 2 grad transfers (and no seniors) after this year, both starters - 6'6" C Ra Shaya Kyle and 6'2" F Jess Peterson.  They only have one more post on the roster and haven’t signed anyone yet, having struck out with several high profile frontcourt players.   I’m guessing, like us, they’re getting antsy.

Michigan, just has Mitty SG Devin Cosgriff's commitment, no real posts on the roster and will lose at least 1, probably 2, 6'2 forwards after this season – that said, they’re not really a post-oriented team anyway.

If I was Emmanuel Clase or Luis Ortiz, my money'd be on the Gamecocks and Miami making hard runs to land her.

[PalmTree]

Actually 2 more possible one ranked close to Wynn  Yes a bit of stretch

Landing Fope Ayo would lessen the disappointment of missing out on Wynn. If Ayo picks SC too, then gosh props to the Gamecocks for being better recruiters.

Hope I’m wrong but I’ve got this sinking feeling about our chances with Ayo – she’s down to SoCar, Miami, Michigan and us.
 
SoCar has five seniors on the roster, three of whom are starters – 6’6 post Madina Okot and guards, Ta’Niya Lattson and Raven Johnson. Their other seniors are frontcourt players off the bench, 6’2 F Chloe Kitts and 6’4 Maryam Dauda.  Despite commitments from Wynn and 6’3 post, Kelci Andrews, I could easily see them trying to reel in Ayo as well - after all, they are <pause> SC! Ooops, wrong school......

Miami only loses two 2 grad transfers (and no seniors) after this year, both starters - 6'6" C Ra Shaya Kyle and 6'2" F Jess Peterson.  They only have one more post on the roster and haven’t signed anyone yet, having struck out with several high profile frontcourt players.   I’m guessing, like us, they’re getting antsy.

Michigan, just has Mitty SG Devin Cosgriff's commitment, no real posts on the roster and will lose at least 1, probably 2, 6'2 forwards after this season – that said, they’re not really a post-oriented team anyway.

If I was Emmanuel Clase or Luis Ortiz, my money'd be on the Gamecocks and Miami making hard runs to land her.

[stopandpop]

Today Wynn committed to South Carolina

https://x.com/chrislapuma/status/1988022...08933?s=46

Big time bummer. I was very confident in our chances and I honestly think we were the frontrunner most of the way. SC made a late push... We've really struck out on this whole 2026 class of potential recruits. Not sure exactly why but very disappointing to not have had more success.

Agreed; that stinks. It puts even more pressure on landing big time recruits in the Class of '27 now, which makes this current season's success critically important to prove that the program hasn't taken a continual nosedive after Tara's retirement. The better we can do, both in the regular season and in the conference and NCAA tourneys in March, can prove that last year was an extremely rare blip.

Agree as well, however, the continued use of the 'easy to defend' offense must be re-tooled to better take advantage of the new talent, or else you will likely see a repeat of last season.

[stopandpop]

Today Wynn committed to South Carolina

https://x.com/chrislapuma/status/1988022...08933?s=46

Big time bummer. I was very confident in our chances and I honestly think we were the frontrunner most of the way. SC made a late push... We've really struck out on this whole 2026 class of potential recruits. Not sure exactly why but very disappointing to not have had more success.

Agreed; that stinks. It puts even more pressure on landing big time recruits in the Class of '27 now, which makes this current season's success critically important to prove that the program hasn't taken a continual nosedive after Tara's retirement. The better we can do, both in the regular season and in the conference and NCAA tourneys in March, can prove that last year was an extremely rare blip.

Agree as well, however, the continued use of the 'easy to defend' offense must be re-tooled to better take advantage of the new talent, or else you will likely see a repeat of last season.

[spike5882]

Actually 2 more possible one ranked close to Wynn  Yes a bit of stretch

Landing Fope Ayo would lessen the disappointment of missing out on Wynn. If Ayo picks SC too, then gosh props to the Gamecocks for being better recruiters.

Hope I’m wrong but I’ve got this sinking feeling about our chances with Ayo – she’s down to SoCar, Miami, Michigan and us.
 
SoCar has five seniors on the roster, three of whom are starters – 6’6 post Madina Okot and guards, Ta’Niya Lattson and Raven Johnson. Their other seniors are frontcourt players off the bench, 6’2 F Chloe Kitts and 6’4 Maryam Dauda.  Despite commitments from Wynn and 6’3 post, Kelci Andrews, I could easily see them trying to reel in Ayo as well - after all, they are <pause> SC! Ooops, wrong school......

Miami only loses two 2 grad transfers (and no seniors) after this year, both starters - 6'6" C Ra Shaya Kyle and 6'2" F Jess Peterson.  They only have one more post on the roster and haven’t signed anyone yet, having struck out with several high profile frontcourt players.   I’m guessing, like us, they’re getting antsy.

Michigan, just has Mitty SG Devin Cosgriff's commitment, no real posts on the roster and will lose at least 1, probably 2, 6'2 forwards after this season – that said, they’re not really a post-oriented team anyway.

If I was Emmanuel Clase or Luis Ortiz, my money'd be on the Gamecocks and Miami making hard runs to land her.

Not sure it will have any impact on Ayo’s decision, but Chloe Kitts will likely be back next year.  She is arguably South Carolina’s best player (MVP of SEC tourney last year) alongside Joyce Edward’s, but she tore her ACL last month and is out this year.  Also, Ashlyn Watkins is a super solid forward and is also sitting out this season for personal reasons and has said she plans to be back next year.  So, their frontcourt will actually be very solid next year.

[spike5882]

Actually 2 more possible one ranked close to Wynn  Yes a bit of stretch

Landing Fope Ayo would lessen the disappointment of missing out on Wynn. If Ayo picks SC too, then gosh props to the Gamecocks for being better recruiters.

Hope I’m wrong but I’ve got this sinking feeling about our chances with Ayo – she’s down to SoCar, Miami, Michigan and us.
 
SoCar has five seniors on the roster, three of whom are starters – 6’6 post Madina Okot and guards, Ta’Niya Lattson and Raven Johnson. Their other seniors are frontcourt players off the bench, 6’2 F Chloe Kitts and 6’4 Maryam Dauda.  Despite commitments from Wynn and 6’3 post, Kelci Andrews, I could easily see them trying to reel in Ayo as well - after all, they are <pause> SC! Ooops, wrong school......

Miami only loses two 2 grad transfers (and no seniors) after this year, both starters - 6'6" C Ra Shaya Kyle and 6'2" F Jess Peterson.  They only have one more post on the roster and haven’t signed anyone yet, having struck out with several high profile frontcourt players.   I’m guessing, like us, they’re getting antsy.

Michigan, just has Mitty SG Devin Cosgriff's commitment, no real posts on the roster and will lose at least 1, probably 2, 6'2 forwards after this season – that said, they’re not really a post-oriented team anyway.

If I was Emmanuel Clase or Luis Ortiz, my money'd be on the Gamecocks and Miami making hard runs to land her.

Not sure it will have any impact on Ayo’s decision, but Chloe Kitts will likely be back next year.  She is arguably South Carolina’s best player (MVP of SEC tourney last year) alongside Joyce Edward’s, but she tore her ACL last month and is out this year.  Also, Ashlyn Watkins is a super solid forward and is also sitting out this season for personal reasons and has said she plans to be back next year.  So, their frontcourt will actually be very solid next year.

[Jskass]

success this year will make a big difference going forward. I suspect that while we were fortunate that our 2025 commits stuck with their word, it was easy for 2026 recruits to be swayed by the doubts resulting from our challenges last year. Plus we never really know who will be in the transfer portal at the end of this year or next.

[Jskass]

success this year will make a big difference going forward. I suspect that while we were fortunate that our 2025 commits stuck with their word, it was easy for 2026 recruits to be swayed by the doubts resulting from our challenges last year. Plus we never really know who will be in the transfer portal at the end of this year or next.

[BostonCard]

Agree as well, however, the continued use of the 'easy to defend' offense must be re-tooled to better take advantage of the new talent, or else you will likely see a repeat of last season.

Stanford scored 72.7 ppg last year, which was better than NCAA bound Duke and North Carolina, and was 61st out of 362 D1 teams, which is in the top quartile, and above average for our conference.  Could we have scored more?  Sure.  But offense was decidedly not the problem last year.  Considering the turnover from the year before, our “easy to defend” offense was pretty good and really only lost about 4 ppg from our 2024 offense, and was within 1 ppg scoring of our 2022 Final Four team.  

The problem was that we gave up nearly 70 ppg to our opponents, which ranked 294th out of 362 D1 teams, which is in the bottom quartile. Yet nobody here harps about our defense.

To win basketball games, you have to score more points than your opponents, and defense is equally important to offense.  Our easy to defend offense generated enough points to win most games; it was the fact that we couldn’t stop the other team from scoring more points than we did that led us to our worst season in ages.

Fortunately the coaches don’t read message boards (I don’t think), and I am confident that this year, they are focused on improving the things that will make the greatest difference on whether we win or lose.  The lowest hanging fruit is not making or offense slightly harder to defend, much as we would all like that, but in effectively defending our opponents, especially those that have hard to defend offenses.

BC

[BostonCard]

Agree as well, however, the continued use of the 'easy to defend' offense must be re-tooled to better take advantage of the new talent, or else you will likely see a repeat of last season.

Stanford scored 72.7 ppg last year, which was better than NCAA bound Duke and North Carolina, and was 61st out of 362 D1 teams, which is in the top quartile, and above average for our conference.  Could we have scored more?  Sure.  But offense was decidedly not the problem last year.  Considering the turnover from the year before, our “easy to defend” offense was pretty good and really only lost about 4 ppg from our 2024 offense, and was within 1 ppg scoring of our 2022 Final Four team.  

The problem was that we gave up nearly 70 ppg to our opponents, which ranked 294th out of 362 D1 teams, which is in the bottom quartile. Yet nobody here harps about our defense.

To win basketball games, you have to score more points than your opponents, and defense is equally important to offense.  Our easy to defend offense generated enough points to win most games; it was the fact that we couldn’t stop the other team from scoring more points than we did that led us to our worst season in ages.

Fortunately the coaches don’t read message boards (I don’t think), and I am confident that this year, they are focused on improving the things that will make the greatest difference on whether we win or lose.  The lowest hanging fruit is not making or offense slightly harder to defend, much as we would all like that, but in effectively defending our opponents, especially those that have hard to defend offenses.

BC

[TheFarm07]

Agree as well, however, the continued use of the 'easy to defend' offense must be re-tooled to better take advantage of the new talent, or else you will likely see a repeat of last season.

Stanford scored 72.7 ppg last year, which was better than NCAA bound Duke and North Carolina, and was 61st out of 362 D1 teams, which is in the top quartile, and above average for our conference.  Could we have scored more?  Sure.  But offense was decidedly not the problem last year.  Considering the turnover from the year before, our “easy to defend” offense was pretty good and really only lost about 4 ppg from our 2024 offense, and was within 1 ppg scoring of our 2022 Final Four team.  

The problem was that we gave up nearly 70 ppg to our opponents, which ranked 294th out of 362 D1 teams, which is in the bottom quartile. Yet nobody here harps about our defense.

To win basketball games, you have to score more points than your opponents, and defense is equally important to offense.  Our easy to defend offense generated enough points to win most games; it was the fact that we couldn’t stop the other team from scoring more points than we did that led us to our worst season in ages.

Fortunately the coaches don’t read message boards (I don’t think), and I am confident that this year, they are focused on improving the things that will make the greatest difference on whether we win or lose.  The lowest hanging fruit is not making or offense slightly harder to defend, much as we would all like that, but in effectively defending our opponents, especially those that have hard to defend offenses.

BC

While I agree that our defense needs improvement, the 72.7 ppg average you cite includes blowout wins against overmatched opponents (Le Moyne, Morgan State, etc.). If you look at just our losses, we only scored 63.3 pts in those defeats and that is slightly skewed by the 88 points performance in the OT loss to LSU. That game, along with a loss to Cal in late January were the only two times we scored 70 or more points in a setback.

[TheFarm07]

Agree as well, however, the continued use of the 'easy to defend' offense must be re-tooled to better take advantage of the new talent, or else you will likely see a repeat of last season.

Stanford scored 72.7 ppg last year, which was better than NCAA bound Duke and North Carolina, and was 61st out of 362 D1 teams, which is in the top quartile, and above average for our conference.  Could we have scored more?  Sure.  But offense was decidedly not the problem last year.  Considering the turnover from the year before, our “easy to defend” offense was pretty good and really only lost about 4 ppg from our 2024 offense, and was within 1 ppg scoring of our 2022 Final Four team.  

The problem was that we gave up nearly 70 ppg to our opponents, which ranked 294th out of 362 D1 teams, which is in the bottom quartile. Yet nobody here harps about our defense.

To win basketball games, you have to score more points than your opponents, and defense is equally important to offense.  Our easy to defend offense generated enough points to win most games; it was the fact that we couldn’t stop the other team from scoring more points than we did that led us to our worst season in ages.

Fortunately the coaches don’t read message boards (I don’t think), and I am confident that this year, they are focused on improving the things that will make the greatest difference on whether we win or lose.  The lowest hanging fruit is not making or offense slightly harder to defend, much as we would all like that, but in effectively defending our opponents, especially those that have hard to defend offenses.

BC

While I agree that our defense needs improvement, the 72.7 ppg average you cite includes blowout wins against overmatched opponents (Le Moyne, Morgan State, etc.). If you look at just our losses, we only scored 63.3 pts in those defeats and that is slightly skewed by the 88 points performance in the OT loss to LSU. That game, along with a loss to Cal in late January were the only two times we scored 70 or more points in a setback.

[jonnyss]

if we whiff on top players, let's leave some roster spots open for transfers rather than fill slots with bench-warmers.

[jonnyss]

if we whiff on top players, let's leave some roster spots open for transfers rather than fill slots with bench-warmers.

[2006alum]

if we whiff on top players, let's leave some roster spots open for transfers rather than fill slots with bench-warmers.

I'll be interested to see how this cashes out. Tara was of a view that she would fill every scholarship every year to maximize opportunities for young women, but that was from a bygone era when NIL wasn't easily out stripping scholarship value. 

And leaving a spot open would also allow Lepolo to come back. Not sure that's in our long term best interest, but I agree that we probably could survive a season with 14 rather than 15 players.

[2006alum]

if we whiff on top players, let's leave some roster spots open for transfers rather than fill slots with bench-warmers.

I'll be interested to see how this cashes out. Tara was of a view that she would fill every scholarship every year to maximize opportunities for young women, but that was from a bygone era when NIL wasn't easily out stripping scholarship value. 

And leaving a spot open would also allow Lepolo to come back. Not sure that's in our long term best interest, but I agree that we probably could survive a season with 14 rather than 15 players.

[!ZAR!]

[ And leaving a spot open would also allow Lepolo to come back. Not sure that's in our long term best interest, but I agree that we probably could survive a season with 14 rather than 15 players.]

You never know who might leave in the Spring...  I think you take all you can.  Seems like Coach has been waiting on what Wynn did to put the full press on either Ngenda or Ayo depending on team need. Now she might push hard for both.  They seem to be close friends and both very academically oriented.  Ngenda's other visits were only to Ivies and Northwestern.

From a baskteball lens, both have a lot to offer.  Ayo is raw, but her size and athleticism are enticing. Also good that Dawn Staley wants Ayo, but SC also has 7 slots to fill. Ngenda looks pretty polished and shot 55% from 3 last year.  Seems underrated to me because she also seems to have good athleticism and be a strong floor leader... maybe punished for doing it against weaker competition? I'm for taking a PG/CG in every class.

I'd love to have Lepolo back - poised to make a strong run if all our top 7 return....

[!ZAR!]

[ And leaving a spot open would also allow Lepolo to come back. Not sure that's in our long term best interest, but I agree that we probably could survive a season with 14 rather than 15 players.]

You never know who might leave in the Spring...  I think you take all you can.  Seems like Coach has been waiting on what Wynn did to put the full press on either Ngenda or Ayo depending on team need. Now she might push hard for both.  They seem to be close friends and both very academically oriented.  Ngenda's other visits were only to Ivies and Northwestern.

From a baskteball lens, both have a lot to offer.  Ayo is raw, but her size and athleticism are enticing. Also good that Dawn Staley wants Ayo, but SC also has 7 slots to fill. Ngenda looks pretty polished and shot 55% from 3 last year.  Seems underrated to me because she also seems to have good athleticism and be a strong floor leader... maybe punished for doing it against weaker competition? I'm for taking a PG/CG in every class.

I'd love to have Lepolo back - poised to make a strong run if all our top 7 return....

[jonnyss]

[ And leaving a spot open would also allow Lepolo to come back. Not sure that's in our long term best interest, but I agree that we probably could survive a season with 14 rather than 15 players.]

You never know who might leave in the Spring...  I think you take all you can.  Seems like Coach has been waiting on what Wynn did to put the full press on either Ngenda or Ayo depending on team need. Now she might push hard for both.  They seem to be close friends and both very academically oriented.  Ngenda's other visits were only to Ivies and Northwestern.

From a baskteball lens, both have a lot to offer.  Ayo is raw, but her size and athleticism are enticing. Also good that Dawn Staley wants Ayo, but SC also has 7 slots to fill. Ngenda looks pretty polished and shot 55% from 3 last year.  Seems underrated to me because she also seems to have good athleticism and be a strong floor leader... maybe punished for doing it against weaker competition? I'm for taking a PG/CG in every class.

I'd love to have Lepolo back - poised to make a strong run if all our top 7 return....

elyse ngenda highlights

[jonnyss]

[ And leaving a spot open would also allow Lepolo to come back. Not sure that's in our long term best interest, but I agree that we probably could survive a season with 14 rather than 15 players.]

You never know who might leave in the Spring...  I think you take all you can.  Seems like Coach has been waiting on what Wynn did to put the full press on either Ngenda or Ayo depending on team need. Now she might push hard for both.  They seem to be close friends and both very academically oriented.  Ngenda's other visits were only to Ivies and Northwestern.

From a baskteball lens, both have a lot to offer.  Ayo is raw, but her size and athleticism are enticing. Also good that Dawn Staley wants Ayo, but SC also has 7 slots to fill. Ngenda looks pretty polished and shot 55% from 3 last year.  Seems underrated to me because she also seems to have good athleticism and be a strong floor leader... maybe punished for doing it against weaker competition? I'm for taking a PG/CG in every class.

I'd love to have Lepolo back - poised to make a strong run if all our top 7 return....

elyse ngenda highlights

[TheFarm07]

[ And leaving a spot open would also allow Lepolo to come back. Not sure that's in our long term best interest, but I agree that we probably could survive a season with 14 rather than 15 players.]

You never know who might leave in the Spring...  I think you take all you can.  Seems like Coach has been waiting on what Wynn did to put the full press on either Ngenda or Ayo depending on team need. Now she might push hard for both.  They seem to be close friends and both very academically oriented.  Ngenda's other visits were only to Ivies and Northwestern.

From a baskteball lens, both have a lot to offer.  Ayo is raw, but her size and athleticism are enticing. Also good that Dawn Staley wants Ayo, but SC also has 7 slots to fill. Ngenda looks pretty polished and shot 55% from 3 last year.  Seems underrated to me because she also seems to have good athleticism and be a strong floor leader... maybe punished for doing it against weaker competition? I'm for taking a PG/CG in every class.

I'd love to have Lepolo back - poised to make a strong run if all our top 7 return....

I would be fine if we have an eye on potentially top recruits in the Class of '27 and feel like that could be another big haul for us and saving some spots there, but who knows after striking out this year on basically all the elites who were considering us.

---

if we whiff on top players, let's leave some roster spots open for transfers rather than fill slots with bench-warmers.

While Stevenson and Heal transferred in, I don't think we were in line for any of the top transfers this past offseason (Miles, Latson, Fulwiley, among others). Given our academic standards, unless a transfer had us in their final 2 or 3 coming out of HS, I highly doubt we can get anyone headline-grabbing.

[TheFarm07]

[ And leaving a spot open would also allow Lepolo to come back. Not sure that's in our long term best interest, but I agree that we probably could survive a season with 14 rather than 15 players.]

You never know who might leave in the Spring...  I think you take all you can.  Seems like Coach has been waiting on what Wynn did to put the full press on either Ngenda or Ayo depending on team need. Now she might push hard for both.  They seem to be close friends and both very academically oriented.  Ngenda's other visits were only to Ivies and Northwestern.

From a baskteball lens, both have a lot to offer.  Ayo is raw, but her size and athleticism are enticing. Also good that Dawn Staley wants Ayo, but SC also has 7 slots to fill. Ngenda looks pretty polished and shot 55% from 3 last year.  Seems underrated to me because she also seems to have good athleticism and be a strong floor leader... maybe punished for doing it against weaker competition? I'm for taking a PG/CG in every class.

I'd love to have Lepolo back - poised to make a strong run if all our top 7 return....

I would be fine if we have an eye on potentially top recruits in the Class of '27 and feel like that could be another big haul for us and saving some spots there, but who knows after striking out this year on basically all the elites who were considering us.

---

if we whiff on top players, let's leave some roster spots open for transfers rather than fill slots with bench-warmers.

While Stevenson and Heal transferred in, I don't think we were in line for any of the top transfers this past offseason (Miles, Latson, Fulwiley, among others). Given our academic standards, unless a transfer had us in their final 2 or 3 coming out of HS, I highly doubt we can get anyone headline-grabbing.

[BobK]

As another coach said recently to our group. If a potential transfer had the skills and academics she would already be here. Not 100% of course but close

[BobK]

As another coach said recently to our group. If a potential transfer had the skills and academics she would already be here. Not 100% of course but close

[Jskass]

hoping also that new grad policy helps here or there. Sounded like in addition to other positives of USC for Kiki for example, she cited being able to focus on basketball rather than academics IIRC.

[Jskass]

hoping also that new grad policy helps here or there. Sounded like in addition to other positives of USC for Kiki for example, she cited being able to focus on basketball rather than academics IIRC.

[PalmTree]

hoping also that new grad policy helps here or there. Sounded like in addition to other positives of USC for Kiki for example, she cited being able to focus on basketball rather than academics IIRC.

Kiki was the first person I thought of when I read about the new policy.  Examples of other recent graduating seniors the new policy (+ larger NIL $ pools) <might've> helped us retain include Oscar da Silva, Levani Damuni and David Bailey (though Bailey invoked the NCAA's fired-coaches exemption to transfer to TTech) - I'm pretty sure at least da Silva was interested in grad studies here.

[PalmTree]

hoping also that new grad policy helps here or there. Sounded like in addition to other positives of USC for Kiki for example, she cited being able to focus on basketball rather than academics IIRC.

Kiki was the first person I thought of when I read about the new policy.  Examples of other recent graduating seniors the new policy (+ larger NIL $ pools) <might've> helped us retain include Oscar da Silva, Levani Damuni and David Bailey (though Bailey invoked the NCAA's fired-coaches exemption to transfer to TTech) - I'm pretty sure at least da Silva was interested in grad studies here.

[2006alum]

[ And leaving a spot open would also allow Lepolo to come back. Not sure that's in our long term best interest, but I agree that we probably could survive a season with 14 rather than 15 players.]

You never know who might leave in the Spring...  I think you take all you can.  Seems like Coach has been waiting on what Wynn did to put the full press on either Ngenda or Ayo depending on team need. Now she might push hard for both.  They seem to be close friends and both very academically oriented.  Ngenda's other visits were only to Ivies and Northwestern.

From a baskteball lens, both have a lot to offer.  Ayo is raw, but her size and athleticism are enticing. Also good that Dawn Staley wants Ayo, but SC also has 7 slots to fill. Ngenda looks pretty polished and shot 55% from 3 last year.  Seems underrated to me because she also seems to have good athleticism and be a strong floor leader... maybe punished for doing it against weaker competition? I'm for taking a PG/CG in every class.

I'd love to have Lepolo back - poised to make a strong run if all our top 7 return....

elyse ngenda highlights

Re Lepolo, I agree she is an asset to our team, but I'm just not sure if it makes sense for a 5Y senior to be taking minutes from players like Swain and Shay, who would have a lot more basketball to give us than Lepolo does.

Re Ngenda, I am always skeptical of highlight reels because it's not hard to put together a few great clips over a number of games. But that said, I do like how versatile she is as well as her ability make ISO plays in and around the mid-range. That is a look we don't see much from our team but one we could use more of as we hopefully move away from the old Princeton "pass around the perimeter for 20 seconds and hope" offense of the past few seasons. 

As another coach said recently to our group.  If a potential transfer had the skills and academics she would already be here.  Not 100% of course but close

But see Olivia Miles, whom we offered out of HS. Maybe her ND GPA wasn't high enough, but she was definitely in the camp who had "skills and academics."

hoping also that new grad policy helps here or there. Sounded like in addition to other positives of USC for Kiki for example, she cited being able to focus on basketball rather than academics IIRC.

....Is that something we want? Transfers who get to avoid those "pesky academics" so they can focus on basketball? I guess if that's the game we need to play to win, I'm probably OK losing...

[2006alum]

[ And leaving a spot open would also allow Lepolo to come back. Not sure that's in our long term best interest, but I agree that we probably could survive a season with 14 rather than 15 players.]

You never know who might leave in the Spring...  I think you take all you can.  Seems like Coach has been waiting on what Wynn did to put the full press on either Ngenda or Ayo depending on team need. Now she might push hard for both.  They seem to be close friends and both very academically oriented.  Ngenda's other visits were only to Ivies and Northwestern.

From a baskteball lens, both have a lot to offer.  Ayo is raw, but her size and athleticism are enticing. Also good that Dawn Staley wants Ayo, but SC also has 7 slots to fill. Ngenda looks pretty polished and shot 55% from 3 last year.  Seems underrated to me because she also seems to have good athleticism and be a strong floor leader... maybe punished for doing it against weaker competition? I'm for taking a PG/CG in every class.

I'd love to have Lepolo back - poised to make a strong run if all our top 7 return....

elyse ngenda highlights

Re Lepolo, I agree she is an asset to our team, but I'm just not sure if it makes sense for a 5Y senior to be taking minutes from players like Swain and Shay, who would have a lot more basketball to give us than Lepolo does.

Re Ngenda, I am always skeptical of highlight reels because it's not hard to put together a few great clips over a number of games. But that said, I do like how versatile she is as well as her ability make ISO plays in and around the mid-range. That is a look we don't see much from our team but one we could use more of as we hopefully move away from the old Princeton "pass around the perimeter for 20 seconds and hope" offense of the past few seasons. 

As another coach said recently to our group.  If a potential transfer had the skills and academics she would already be here.  Not 100% of course but close

But see Olivia Miles, whom we offered out of HS. Maybe her ND GPA wasn't high enough, but she was definitely in the camp who had "skills and academics."

hoping also that new grad policy helps here or there. Sounded like in addition to other positives of USC for Kiki for example, she cited being able to focus on basketball rather than academics IIRC.

....Is that something we want? Transfers who get to avoid those "pesky academics" so they can focus on basketball? I guess if that's the game we need to play to win, I'm probably OK losing...

[PalmTree]

hoping also that new grad policy helps here or there. Sounded like in addition to other positives of USC for Kiki for example, she cited being able to focus on basketball rather than academics IIRC.

....Is that something we want? Transfers who get to avoid those "pesky academics" so they can focus on basketball? I guess if that's the game we need to play to win, I'm probably OK losing...

I don't get the feeling the policy will result in compromising academic admissions standards - there's a faculty oversight committee that'll develop/review the standards and the application process will be centralized to help ensure uniformity in admissions - both should help prevent abuses.

[PalmTree]

hoping also that new grad policy helps here or there. Sounded like in addition to other positives of USC for Kiki for example, she cited being able to focus on basketball rather than academics IIRC.

....Is that something we want? Transfers who get to avoid those "pesky academics" so they can focus on basketball? I guess if that's the game we need to play to win, I'm probably OK losing...

I don't get the feeling the policy will result in compromising academic admissions standards - there's a faculty oversight committee that'll develop/review the standards and the application process will be centralized to help ensure uniformity in admissions - both should help prevent abuses.

[Goose]

I don't get the feeling the policy will result in compromising academic admissions standards - there's a faculty oversight committee that'll develop/review the standards and the application process will be centralized to help ensure uniformity in admissions - both should help prevent abuses.

IMO the Science, Technology, and Society major belies the idea that "faculty oversight" will generally present "abuses". These "self designed" majors can be rigorous and "substantive". They can also be almost meaningless. Experience has IMO clearly demonstrated that the faculty involved has little to no interest in "policing" these degrees. They are there to teach/do research. They aren't there to tell somebody their desired course of study doesn't measure up to what Stanford expects, because Stanford has made clear those expectations are very flexible. IMO this is arguably abuse, but Stanford doesn't think so. Casper did, but he was "outvoted".
 
Of course the definition of "abuse" is often in the eye of the beholder. There is no reason that the possession of an undergraduate degree  should end the learning process. There are plenty of good reasons to continue taking courses at Stanford that may or may not involve a degree. As an example one may have developed an interest in e.g art history and may want to learn more about it. They may have no desire to make a living in that field. In the distant past Universities were about knowledge, not credentials. It is instructive to look at https://online.stanford.edu/graduate-edu...rtificates. There are certificate programs and you can also just take classes that give you nothing but entries on your transcript. Of course, each unit will cost you over $1500. There isn't really a "program" requirement.
 
The stated intent is that the individuals involved in these classes attend on an "as available" basis. Students that are enrolled in a degree granting program therefore effectively receive priority. If the postbac program preserved this preference, I see no possible way that it could be considered "abuse". It is putting the "excess capacity" of the University to good use. If OTOH it can/does displace grad students admitted to pursue a degree, IMO that is certainly abuse.

[Goose]

I don't get the feeling the policy will result in compromising academic admissions standards - there's a faculty oversight committee that'll develop/review the standards and the application process will be centralized to help ensure uniformity in admissions - both should help prevent abuses.

IMO the Science, Technology, and Society major belies the idea that "faculty oversight" will generally present "abuses". These "self designed" majors can be rigorous and "substantive". They can also be almost meaningless. Experience has IMO clearly demonstrated that the faculty involved has little to no interest in "policing" these degrees. They are there to teach/do research. They aren't there to tell somebody their desired course of study doesn't measure up to what Stanford expects, because Stanford has made clear those expectations are very flexible. IMO this is arguably abuse, but Stanford doesn't think so. Casper did, but he was "outvoted".
 
Of course the definition of "abuse" is often in the eye of the beholder. There is no reason that the possession of an undergraduate degree  should end the learning process. There are plenty of good reasons to continue taking courses at Stanford that may or may not involve a degree. As an example one may have developed an interest in e.g art history and may want to learn more about it. They may have no desire to make a living in that field. In the distant past Universities were about knowledge, not credentials. It is instructive to look at https://online.stanford.edu/graduate-edu...rtificates. There are certificate programs and you can also just take classes that give you nothing but entries on your transcript. Of course, each unit will cost you over $1500. There isn't really a "program" requirement.
 
The stated intent is that the individuals involved in these classes attend on an "as available" basis. Students that are enrolled in a degree granting program therefore effectively receive priority. If the postbac program preserved this preference, I see no possible way that it could be considered "abuse". It is putting the "excess capacity" of the University to good use. If OTOH it can/does displace grad students admitted to pursue a degree, IMO that is certainly abuse.