Doggydaddy's Den: DoggyDaddy's Dailies 12/12/14

A Daily look at scores from yesterday, a list of top performers in those games and of course a little opinion.

As the out of conference games wind down, the debate over how the AAC will impact UConn's future starts to heat up again. And no, it's not the end of the world for UConn women's basketball.

There is no doubt that UConn should blow through the conference schedule. South Florida has given UConn the occasional good game and both Tulsa and East Carolina are playing well this year. However, I just don't believe there will be a competitive game closer than 15-20 points. And some games will be just downright ugly.

Because of that, some folks believe that recruits will turn down UConn eventually and even more so when Geno is done.

I just don't see how that happens while Geno is still there. Once he leaves? Well, he has another 4 years after this on his contract. And I'm guessing he might even sign another extension.

So, how has the weak AAC conference impact UConn right now?

Let's start with what the top recruits look at when selecting a school that I believe are more important to them than what conference the school is affiliated with.

Coach - This has to be number one. They need to have a relationship with the coach and the coaching staff. The parents have to like the coach as well. We all remember Brittany Hunter's step-father and his impact on her choosing Duke over UConn.
Teammates - With AAU ball and for the elite, USA ball, the top players know each other very well. They also get a chance to bond on recruiting visits with players on the current roster. No doubt there has to be a good feeling or there is no way the recruit will attend that school.
Academics - For some this is extremely important and might move to the top of the list for some prospects.
Location - For some, this is really important, for others not so much. There is nothing that a school can do if a player want's to be close to home. A'ja Wilson is a great example of staying close to home.
Ability of coach and staff to prepare for the WNBA - For the very elite, this can be important. But most great players will get to the pros, no matter where they attend. But for the marginal pro player, going to a school that has a reputation for turning out pros, this might be a big reason to attend a particular institution.
Playing against the best - Some schools have a great OOC schedule and have a weaker conference schedule and some schools have a weak OOC schedule and a stronger conference schedule. But for the very good teams, the SOS can show the overall picture.

I'm sure there are other reasons, like weather, a legacy situation and others. But when I look at the top six reasons I don't see how the AAC situation comes into play at all.

Can anyone honestly say that what conference UConn is in would be more important than the top reasons I listed?

I guess the proof in the pudding is in now many recruits that have committed to UConn since the organization of the new conference in late 2012. Some will say that the impact of the new conference won't be felt until the recruits see how bad it is. But that makes no sense to me. As time goes on the conference will only get more stable and some of the teams, just like in the Big East, will improve as time goes on.

So what has happened with recruits since UConn has moved to the horrible AAC? Using the ASGR rankings.

2014

#14 Kia Nurse - Canadian recruit extraordinaire. If they new how good she was she would have been in the top 3.

#8 Courtney Ekmark - A home schooled talent. Maybe the top shooter in her class.

#2 Gabby Williams - The best athlete in the class.

#6 Sadie Edwards - Terrific combo guard since announced her transfer.

2015

#1 Katie Lou Samuelson - Great shooter from the forward position. Maybe the best in her class.

#3 Napheesa Collier - Just a great all around players. Constant motor.

#6 Dejanae Boykin - Great fundamentals. Strong on the boards.

2016

#3 Crystal Dangerfield - Jefferson +.

NR Kyla Irwin - Not ranked yet but expect top 25. Strong 6'2 post with outside game. Great passing skills.

So.....anyone see any decline? Doesn't look that way to me. Seven top ten recruits in 3 years. Nobody does it better.

I think we can put away the notion that recruiting is being impacted by the weak conference. Anyone still on that bandwagon is just reaching for something negative about UConn.

So, how bad is the conference? I'm not one that thinks its so bad that any recruit would use that as a reason.

For sure, the ACC is a step above with the SEC right behind them. But the most talked about destination for UConn if they leave the AAC is the Big Ten, better known as the B1G.

Tomorrow I'll take a close look at this year's results and how the AAC compares with the other conferences.

So, without further ado!!!

Ladies and Gents, DD looks at the news........

UConn products showcased on WNBA air waves Jim Fuller

WNBA, ESPN Announce 2015 Schedule John Altavilla

UConn Women Insider: Tamika Williams Overcomes Divorce, Dad's Death Hartford Courant

Upsets in Red

No. 12 Nebraska women hold off Creighton 60-57

No. 22 Mississippi State escapes Louisiana Tech 81-77 USA Today

No. 24 Iowa beats Iowa State 76-67 AP

St. John's 62 Central Florida 48

My Granddaughters love Disney

Thanks to my friend JohnnyC who sends me these numbers when he can.

Chelsea Gardner Kansas 18 points 11 rebounds
Alexa Hart Ohio State 20 points 12 rebounds 7 blocks, 4 steals
Kelia Shelton Louisiana Tech 31 points
Chinwe Okorie Mississippi State 11 points, 14 rebounds
Victoria Vivians Mississippi State 20 points
Dominique Edwards Lamar 18 points 10 rebounds
Jadda Buckley Iowa State 25 points