Recruiting Outlook: Pac-12
Jordan Reynolds, the No. 45 prospect in 2013 from Portland, Ore., would be an outstanding catch for just about every team in the Pac-12 Conference.Our second installment previewing the 2013 recruiting class focuses on the Pac-12 Conference. Here's a team-by-team look at what's going on out West.
ARIZONA WILDCATS
2012 Grads: 2Shanita Arnold (5-5 Guard), Reiko Thomas (5-8 Guard)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 4
Lindsey Fearing (5-8 Guard), Kama Griffitts (6-0 Wing), Cheylene Harper (6-2 Forward), Davellyn Whyte (5-11 Guard)
2012 SIGNEES: 4
Nyre Harris (5-8 Guard), Simone Westbrook (5-8 Guard), Keyahndra Cannon (5-9 Guard), Shereen Sutherland (6-1 Forward)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 6
2013 VERBAL COMMITS: 1
Ashley Merrill (6-1 Guard)
NEEDS:
The biggest difference between the 2010-11 Wildcats who went 10-8 in conference play and tied with USC for fourth place, and the 2011-12 team that went 3-15 and finished last in the new Pac-12 was an inside presence. It is hard to complain about the production of Davellyn White in the backcourt, but the young frontcourt was not ready to replace Ify Ibekwe, who averaged 16.1 points and 9.8 rebounds per game as a senior.
The Arizona 2012 signing class bolstered the backcourt for the post-White era, so for the Wildcats to move back into the upper-middle of the Pac, getting frontcourt depth behind Aley Rohde and Erica Barnes is paramount. The 2013 class offers a lot of top-shelf interior players, but the key for the Wildcats, with their wealth of scholarships, will be to get on the board with players who can help while staying in the hunt for the bigger-name players. Landing a player such as Breanna Brown can take the pressure off while swinging for the fences with players such as Kendall Cooper or Erica McCall. The Cats need size, plain and simple, and the verbal of Ashley Merrill is a good start.
ESPN HOOPGURLZ PROJECTED TOP 3 TARGETS
Breanna Brown, 6-3 F/C, unranked, three-star rating
LaBrittney Jones, 6-0 F, unranked, three-star rating
Mercedes Jefflo, 5-10 W, unranked, three-star rating
A few other names: Courtney Jaco, Keyla Morgan
ARIZONA STATE SUN DEVILS
2012 Grads: 4Kali Bennett (6-5 Post), Kimberly Brandon (6-2 Forward), Alex Earl (5-10 Guard), Olivia Major (5-7 Guard)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 4
Joy Burke (6-5 Post), Janae Fulcher (6-3 Forward), Deja Mann (5-7 Guard), Micaela Pickens (5-8 Guard)
2012 SIGNEES: 3
Arnecia Hawkins (5-10 Wing), Elisha Davis (5-6 Point Guard), Isidora Purkovic (5-11 Guard)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 7
NEEDS:
The 2013 recruiting class will be as big for ASU as any program in the conference, and that's not just because of the projected number of scholarships. The Sun Devils are graduating key pieces to the team that won 20 games under interim coach Joseph Anders in 2011-12. With Charli Turner Thorne returning from her one-year sabbatical, the second-longest tenured coach in the conference has a chance to define the program's place for the next few years in the rising senior class.
The graduation of Kimberly Brandon, the team's leading scorer and rebounder this season, leaves a void that the program once had filled with 2011 recruit Karina Alofaituli, who transferred to USC after signing. Look for ASU to target the long perimeter players who have excelled in the desert over the years. It is unlikely the Devils will use all seven scholarships, but expect a big class.
ESPN HOOPGURLZ PROJECTED TOP 3 TARGETS
Kendall Cooper, 6-3 P, ranked 7th, five-star rating
Erica McCall, 6-3 F, ranked 16th, four-star rating
Kailee Johnson, 6-3 F, ranked 14th, four-star rating
A few other names: Dakota Gonzalez, Dylan Gonzalez, Courtney Range, Kelsey Plum, Karlie Samuelson, Sydney Wiese
CAL GOLDEN BEARS
2012 Grads: 0None
Proj. 2013 Grads: 4
Talia Caldwell (6-3 Post), Layshia Clarendon (5-9 Guard), Eliza Pierre (5-7 Guard), Tierra Rogers (5-11 Guard)
2012 SIGNEES: 0
None
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 7
NEEDS:
The Golden Bears were understandably quiet in the 2012 class, with no seniors on their roster this season. With no pressure to sign players to fill holes in the roster this past 12 months, first-year head coach Lindsay Gottlieb and her staff instead worked ahead. Cal landed a verbal pledge from Mikayla Cowling of Benicia, Calif., a 2014 four-star wing prospect.
As for 2013, the Bears need to find the perimeter scoring they will lose when Layshia Clarendon is gone. The team saw the emergence of freshman point guard Brittany Boyd this season, and pairing her with a skilled perimeter scorer seemed to really work. The team will still have Afure Jemerigbe and Lindsay Sherbert on the wings should the successor to Clarendon not make herself available in 2013.
The Bears have also been a team with major depth on the inside, and while Reshanda Gray and Justine Hartman are still underclassmen, look for the Bears to go after the wealth of inside players in California in the 2013 class.
ESPN HOOPGURLZ PROJECTED TOP 3 TARGETS
Erica McCall, 6-3 F, ranked 16th, four-star rating
Kelsey Plum, 5-9 PG, ranked 31st, four-star rating
Kendall Waters, 6-1 F, ranked 34th, four-star rating
A few other names: Kendall Cooper, Oderah Chidom, Kailee Johnson, Jordan Reynolds
COLORADO BUFFALOES
2012 Grads: 1Julie Seabrook (6-3 Forward)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 2
Chucky Jeffery (5-10 Guard), Meagan Malcom-Peck (6-2 Wing)
2012 SIGNEES: 3
Jamee Swan (6-2 Forward), Lauren Huggins (6-1 Wing), Kyleesha Weston (5-7 Guard)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 3
NEEDS:
The 2013 recruiting class could be a quiet one for the Buffaloes because they signed a very good class in 2012 and have nine returning players for the next two years. The fun of developing the young players on the team seems to be the next step for second-year coach Linda Lappe.
Colorado does have the monumental task of replacing Chucky Jeffery after next season. If the Buffaloes can get a Courtney Range or a player of her caliber, they will likely jump. And with the success of twins Ashley and Brittany Wilson, perhaps another run with the Gonzalez twins, Dakota and Dylan, could be just as successful.
ESPN HOOPGURLZ PROJECTED TOP 3 TARGETS
Courtney Range, 6-1 W/F, ranked 25th, four-star rating
Dakota Gonzalez, 5-11 G, unranked, three-star rating
Dylan Gonzalez, 6-0 G, unranked, three-star rating
A few other names: Breanna Workman, Alex Lapeyrolerie, Kelsey Lang, Siera Thompson
OREGON DUCKS
2012 Grads: 3Amanda Johnson (6-2 Forward), Jasmin Holliday (6-0 Wing), Nia Jackson (5-7 Point Guard)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 1
Laura Stanulis (5-9 Guard)
2012 SIGNEES: 2
Jillian Alleyne (6-2 Forward), Devyn Galland (5-7 Point Guard)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 4
NEEDS:
This is an important recruiting year for the Ducks. There are big-time prospects in-state, and rule No. 1 of recruiting is you've got to keep the best players in your area home. Mercedes Russell already has axed the entire Western region, sans USC, but Kailee Johnson and Jordan Reynolds are two other elite prospects the Ducks need to reel in.
With Amanda Johnson and Nia Jackson graduating, the emphasis for the Ducks has to be on impact scorers, especially those who can play in head coach Paul Westhead's system. Replacing one of the most athletic guards in the conference and one of the best scorers will not be easy. But the good news is the Ducks found a long-range threat in 2012 by the name of Devyn Galland.
ESPN HOOPGURLZ PROJECTED TOP 3 TARGETS
Kailee Johnson, 6-3 F, ranked 14th, four-star rating
Jordan Reynolds, 5-11 G, ranked 45th, four-star rating
Alexis Montgomery, 5-9 G, unranked, three-star rating
A few other names: Siera Thompson, Dakota Gonzalez, Dylan Gonzalez, Taylor McGuire, Keyla Morgan
OREGON STATE BEAVERS
2012 Grads: 1Earlysia Marchbanks (5-11 Guard)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 6
Thais Pinto (6-7 Post), Quortni Fambro (5-8 Guard), Patricia Bright (6-4 Post), Sage Indendi (5-9 Guard), ShaKiana Edwards-Teasley (6-2 Forward)
2012 SIGNEES: 5
Jamie Weisner (5-9 Guard), Samantha Siegner (6-3 Wing), Khadidja Toure (5-8 Point Guard), Deven Hunter (6-2 Forward), Ruth Hamblin (6-6 Post)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 4
NEEDS:
The freshman class heading to Corvallis this fall is a huge step in the right direction for a Beavers program already exceeding anyone's expectations for rebuilding. The next challenge for Scott Rueck and his staff is to get in line with the rest of the conference in trying to sign some size in 2013.
The perimeter rotation is pretty well situated for Oregon State, but replacing Patricia Bright, Thais Pinto and ShaKiana Edwards-Teasley in the paint is a necessity. While the Beavers do a good job of rebounding from the perimeter positions, they stand to graduate more than 13 rebounds per game from the post positions along with 17 points per game. In-state there are some big names, including the No. 1 player in the class, Mercedes Russell, but look for the Beavers to add inside players from outside the super elite group while still recruiting those in-state stars.
ESPN HOOPGURLZ PROJECTED TOP 3 TARGETS
Jordan Reynolds, 5-11 G, ranked 45th, four-star rating
Breanna Brown, 6-3 F/C, unranked, three-star rating
Kailee Johnson, 6-3 F, ranked 14th, four-star rating
A few other names: Oderah Chidom, Kendall Waters, Dejza James, Kelsey Moos, Allie Green
STANFORD CARDINAL
2012 Grads: 3Grace Mashore (5-10 Guard), Lindy La Rocque (5-8 Guard), Nnemkadi Ogwumike (6-2 Forward)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 3
Mikaela Ruef (6-3 Wing), Sarah Booth (6-5 Post), Joslyn Tinkle (6-3 Forward)
2012 SIGNEES: 2
Alyson Beebe (6-3 Post), Tess Picknell (6-5 Post)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 4
NEEDS:
The problem with recruiting a big team is that you always have to replace height and length. So look for that to be a point of emphasis in the 2013 class, even with the incoming class consisting of two inside players. Whether it's accomplished with a pair of Ogwumikes or pairing Brooke Smith and Jayne Appel, the best Stanford teams in the last 10 years have dominated inside.
And don't be surprised if the Cardinal look for a long-range sharpshooter. Taylor Greenfield and Bonnie Samuelson, both freshmen, have been terrific this season, but the graduation of Lindy La Rocque, despite a less than stellar .256 shooting percentage from behind the arc, still leaves a void for a backcourt deep threat.
Kailee Johnson, 6-3 F, ranked 14th, four-star rating
Erica McCall, 6-3 F, ranked 16th, four-star rating
Jordan Reynolds, 5-11 G, ranked 45th, four-star rating
A few other names: Taya Reimer, Stephanie Mavunga, Sydney Umeri, Dakota Gonzalez, Dylan Gonzalez, Karlie Samuelson, Allie Green
UCLA Bruins
2012 Grads: 1Rebekah Gardner (6-1 Guard)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 6
Alyssia Brewer (6-3 Forward), Jasmine Dixon (6-0 Forward), Markel Walker (6-1 Wing), Atonye Nyingifa (5-11 Forward), Mariah Williams (5-4 Point Guard), Jackie Shepard (5-10 Guard)
2012 SIGNEES: 3
Nirra Fields (5-9 Guard), Lauren Holiday (5-8 Guard), Kari Korver (5-9 Guard)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 5
NEEDS:
Injuries decimated the Bruins this past season, and the lack of depth at guard that was exposed should be solved in part with the incoming freshman class. It should be no surprise that UCLA will look to build its frontcourt, but the team also needs a point guard in the class.
The Bruins can look in-state to find help in the paint, but replacing Markel Walker, Jasmine Dixon, Alyssia Brewer and Atonye Nyingifa will not be easy. Look for UCLA to be aggressive outside of California in finding a point guard in the class.
UCLA had 12 scholarship players this season, losing just one to graduation this summer, adding three recruits in 2012 and graduating as many as five scholarship players in 2013 means the Bruins have a lot of room in the class to be aggressive locally and nationally.
Kendall Cooper, 6-3 P, ranked 7th, five-star rating
Erica McCall, 6-3 F, ranked 16th, four-star rating
Kelsey Plum, 5-9 PG, ranked 31st, four-star rating
A few other names: Taya Reimer, Jordan Reynolds, Jessica Washington, Karlie Samuelson, Kendall Waters, Oderah Chidom
USC Trojans
2012 Grads: 3Briana Gilbreath (6-1 Guard), Jacki Gemelos (6-0 Guard), Ashley Corral (5-9 Point Guard)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 4
Christina Marinacci (6-1 Forward), Kate Oliver (6-4 Forward), Stefanie Gilbreath (6-1 Wing), Michelle Jenkins (6-3 Forward)
2012 SIGNEES: 3
Jordan Adams (6-1 Guard), Brianna Barrett (5-7 Point Guard), Danielle Peacon (6-3 Forward, JUCO transfer)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 3
NEEDS:
With the November signing of Jordan Adams, the No. 6 prospect in the 2012 class, the burden of replacing Jacki Gemelos and Ashley Corral in the backcourt is dampened, but after next season the task of replacing a lot of size in the frontcourt begins with Christina Marinaci, Kate Oliver, Stefanie Gilbreath and Michelle Jenkins all slated to graduate and Cassie Harberts the following year.
USC finds itself the sole West Coast program still in the hunt for the 2013 class' top-ranked player, Mercedes Russell, but with nine schools from Waco, Texas, and further East, the chances seem less than ideal. Much of the success the Trojans have in 2013 may be the result of a new-look coaching staff as head coach Michael Cooper is looking to fill all three positions on his staff this spring.
Mercedes Russell, 6-5 P, ranked 1st, five-star rating
Kendall Cooper, 6-3 P, ranked 7th, five-star rating
Erica McCall, 6-3 F, ranked 16th, four-star rating
A few other names: Kailee Johnson, Courtney Range, Oderah Chidom, Kendall Waters, Jordan Reynolds, Karlie Samuelson
Utah Utes
2012 Grads: 1Janita Badon (5-7 Guard)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 5
Chelsea Bridgewater (6-0 Forward), Rachel Messer (5-9 Guard), Iwalani Rodrigues (5-9 Guard), Diana Rolniak (6-4 Forward), Rita Sitivi (5-9 Guard)
2012 SIGNEES: 4
Danielle Rodriguez (5-10 Point Guard), Nakia Arquette (6-1 Forward), Paige Crozon (6-1 Forward), Ariel Reynolds (6-1 Forward, JUCO)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 4
NEEDS:
The Utes are one of the few programs in the conference not desperate for size in the 2013 class with Michelle Plouffe, Taryn Wicijowski and Rachel Morris returning, plus the 2012 signing class addition of Nakia Arquette, a 6-1 forward from Spokane, Wash. Utah just needs depth across the board after an injury-plagued season, and can stand to do so at all five positions.
One priority of note is finding a shooter in the 2013 class such as Karlie Samuelson of Huntington Beach, Calif. Utes coach Anthony Levrets will graduate sharpshooter Rachel Messer after next season, and nothing creates space for inside players like a lethal 3-point threat. The Utes signed junior-college transfer Ariel Reynolds, the sister of Jordan Reynolds, one of the top combo guards in the 2013 class. Utah may also look at some foreign players, both late in the 2012 class as well as in 2013.
Kailee Johnson, 6-3 F, ranked 14th, four-star rating
Jordan Reynolds, 5-11 G, ranked 45th, four-star rating
Kelsey Moos, 6-0 W/F, unranked, three-star rating
A few other names: Oderah Chidom, Kaylee Best, Karlie Samuelson, Kendall Waters
Washington Huskies
2012 Grads: 4Mackenzie Argens (6-3 Post), Charmaine Barlow (5-10 Forward), Regina Rogers (6-3 Post), Mollie Williams (6-2 Forward)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 2
Kristi Kingma (5-10, Wing), Jeneva Anderson (6-0 Forward)
2012 SIGNEES: 3
Katie Collier (6-3 Forward-Post), Airashay Rogers (5-7 Point Guard), Heather Corral (6-1 Point Guard)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 4
NEEDS:
The trouble with projecting Washington's needs for 2013 is that the Huskies are one of the more active teams working the spring season for the 2012 class. Assuming the program picks up at least one additional frontcourt player to join incoming freshman and McDonald's All American Katie Collier and red shirt freshman Talia Walton, the frontcourt won't be in too bad of shape. Expect Washington to try to add players at the four and five positions regardless of what happens this spring.
The team could look to add another point guard or combo guard in 2013. The Huskies will be looking to solidify a new core of talent with so many players graduating this season, so this recruiting class should be revealing in just how long the rebuilding process will take under the new staff after a 20-win season kicked off the turnaround.
ESPN HOOPGURLZ PROJECTED TOP 3 TARGETS
Kailee Johnson, 6-3 F, ranked 14th, four-star rating
Kelsey Plum, 5-9 PG, ranked 31st, four-star rating
Jordan Reynolds, 5-11 G, ranked 45th, four-star rating
A few other names: Oderah Chidom, Dylan Gonzalez, Kendall Cooper, Courtney Range, Kendall Waters, Dejza James
Washington State Cougars
2012 Grads: 4Rosetta Adzasu (5-5 Point Guard), April Cook (5-8 Guard), Jazmine Perkins (5-10 Wing), Rosie Tarnowski (6-1 Forward)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 2
Katie Grad (5-8 Guard), Carly Noyes (6-5 Post)
2012 SIGNEES: 6
Emalia Galdeira (5-7 Guard), Alexas Williamson (5-9 Guard), Whitney Tinjum (6-1 Forward), Mariah Cooks (6-0 Forward), Dawnyelle Awa (5-7 Guard), Taylor Edmondson (5-11 Guard)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 2
NEEDS:
The Cougars loaded up in 2012, signing a mega class of six players, and in doing so added depth across the board. This leaves the 2013 class to limited numbers, but expect June Daugherty and her staff to go after a lot of good players. They could use a frontcourt player, or even two, as the graduation of Carly Noyes after next season leaves the Cougs with just one true post player, current freshman Shalie Dheensaw. WSU will have to look out of state because the Evergreen State is not very deep with size in this class.
As for recruiting in the backcourt, look for the Cougars to be picky and extend only a few offers to guard prospects. They have depth in place, so don't be surprised if they carry a scholarship over to 2014 if they don't land the frontcourt players they really want.
ESPN HOOPGURLZ PROJECTED TOP 3 TARGETS
Breanna Brown, 6-3 F/C, unranked, three-star rating
Mercedes Jefflo, 5-10 W, unranked, three-star rating
Kelsey Moos, 6-0 W/F, unranked, three-star rating
A few other names: Keyla Morgan, Chrishae Rowe, Raven Benton, Alycia Sims, Sydney Wiese, Hannah Mattson, Megan McIntyre, Alexis Montgomery, Briana Ruiz
Our second installment previewing the 2013 recruiting class focuses on the Pac-12 Conference. Here's a team-by-team look at what's going on out West.
ARIZONA WILDCATS
2012 Grads: 2Shanita Arnold (5-5 Guard), Reiko Thomas (5-8 Guard)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 4
Lindsey Fearing (5-8 Guard), Kama Griffitts (6-0 Wing), Cheylene Harper (6-2 Forward), Davellyn Whyte (5-11 Guard)
2012 SIGNEES: 4
Nyre Harris (5-8 Guard), Simone Westbrook (5-8 Guard), Keyahndra Cannon (5-9 Guard), Shereen Sutherland (6-1 Forward)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 6
2013 VERBAL COMMITS: 1
Ashley Merrill (6-1 Guard)
NEEDS:
The biggest difference between the 2010-11 Wildcats who went 10-8 in conference play and tied with USC for fourth place, and the 2011-12 team that went 3-15 and finished last in the new Pac-12 was an inside presence. It is hard to complain about the production of Davellyn White in the backcourt, but the young frontcourt was not ready to replace Ify Ibekwe, who averaged 16.1 points and 9.8 rebounds per game as a senior.
The Arizona 2012 signing class bolstered the backcourt for the post-White era, so for the Wildcats to move back into the upper-middle of the Pac, getting frontcourt depth behind Aley Rohde and Erica Barnes is paramount. The 2013 class offers a lot of top-shelf interior players, but the key for the Wildcats, with their wealth of scholarships, will be to get on the board with players who can help while staying in the hunt for the bigger-name players. Landing a player such as Breanna Brown can take the pressure off while swinging for the fences with players such as Kendall Cooper or Erica McCall. The Cats need size, plain and simple, and the verbal of Ashley Merrill is a good start.
ESPN HOOPGURLZ PROJECTED TOP 3 TARGETS
Breanna Brown, 6-3 F/C, unranked, three-star rating
LaBrittney Jones, 6-0 F, unranked, three-star rating
Mercedes Jefflo, 5-10 W, unranked, three-star rating
A few other names: Courtney Jaco, Keyla Morgan
ARIZONA STATE SUN DEVILS
2012 Grads: 4Kali Bennett (6-5 Post), Kimberly Brandon (6-2 Forward), Alex Earl (5-10 Guard), Olivia Major (5-7 Guard)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 4
Joy Burke (6-5 Post), Janae Fulcher (6-3 Forward), Deja Mann (5-7 Guard), Micaela Pickens (5-8 Guard)
2012 SIGNEES: 3
Arnecia Hawkins (5-10 Wing), Elisha Davis (5-6 Point Guard), Isidora Purkovic (5-11 Guard)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 7
NEEDS:
The 2013 recruiting class will be as big for ASU as any program in the conference, and that's not just because of the projected number of scholarships. The Sun Devils are graduating key pieces to the team that won 20 games under interim coach Joseph Anders in 2011-12. With Charli Turner Thorne returning from her one-year sabbatical, the second-longest tenured coach in the conference has a chance to define the program's place for the next few years in the rising senior class.
The graduation of Kimberly Brandon, the team's leading scorer and rebounder this season, leaves a void that the program once had filled with 2011 recruit Karina Alofaituli, who transferred to USC after signing. Look for ASU to target the long perimeter players who have excelled in the desert over the years. It is unlikely the Devils will use all seven scholarships, but expect a big class.
ESPN HOOPGURLZ PROJECTED TOP 3 TARGETS
Kendall Cooper, 6-3 P, ranked 7th, five-star rating
Erica McCall, 6-3 F, ranked 16th, four-star rating
Kailee Johnson, 6-3 F, ranked 14th, four-star rating
A few other names: Dakota Gonzalez, Dylan Gonzalez, Courtney Range, Kelsey Plum, Karlie Samuelson, Sydney Wiese
CAL GOLDEN BEARS
2012 Grads: 0None
Proj. 2013 Grads: 4
Talia Caldwell (6-3 Post), Layshia Clarendon (5-9 Guard), Eliza Pierre (5-7 Guard), Tierra Rogers (5-11 Guard)
2012 SIGNEES: 0
None
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 7
NEEDS:
The Golden Bears were understandably quiet in the 2012 class, with no seniors on their roster this season. With no pressure to sign players to fill holes in the roster this past 12 months, first-year head coach Lindsay Gottlieb and her staff instead worked ahead. Cal landed a verbal pledge from Mikayla Cowling of Benicia, Calif., a 2014 four-star wing prospect.
As for 2013, the Bears need to find the perimeter scoring they will lose when Layshia Clarendon is gone. The team saw the emergence of freshman point guard Brittany Boyd this season, and pairing her with a skilled perimeter scorer seemed to really work. The team will still have Afure Jemerigbe and Lindsay Sherbert on the wings should the successor to Clarendon not make herself available in 2013.
The Bears have also been a team with major depth on the inside, and while Reshanda Gray and Justine Hartman are still underclassmen, look for the Bears to go after the wealth of inside players in California in the 2013 class.
ESPN HOOPGURLZ PROJECTED TOP 3 TARGETS
Erica McCall, 6-3 F, ranked 16th, four-star rating
Kelsey Plum, 5-9 PG, ranked 31st, four-star rating
Kendall Waters, 6-1 F, ranked 34th, four-star rating
A few other names: Kendall Cooper, Oderah Chidom, Kailee Johnson, Jordan Reynolds
COLORADO BUFFALOES
2012 Grads: 1Julie Seabrook (6-3 Forward)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 2
Chucky Jeffery (5-10 Guard), Meagan Malcom-Peck (6-2 Wing)
2012 SIGNEES: 3
Jamee Swan (6-2 Forward), Lauren Huggins (6-1 Wing), Kyleesha Weston (5-7 Guard)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 3
NEEDS:
The 2013 recruiting class could be a quiet one for the Buffaloes because they signed a very good class in 2012 and have nine returning players for the next two years. The fun of developing the young players on the team seems to be the next step for second-year coach Linda Lappe.
Colorado does have the monumental task of replacing Chucky Jeffery after next season. If the Buffaloes can get a Courtney Range or a player of her caliber, they will likely jump. And with the success of twins Ashley and Brittany Wilson, perhaps another run with the Gonzalez twins, Dakota and Dylan, could be just as successful.
ESPN HOOPGURLZ PROJECTED TOP 3 TARGETS
Courtney Range, 6-1 W/F, ranked 25th, four-star rating
Dakota Gonzalez, 5-11 G, unranked, three-star rating
Dylan Gonzalez, 6-0 G, unranked, three-star rating
A few other names: Breanna Workman, Alex Lapeyrolerie, Kelsey Lang, Siera Thompson
OREGON DUCKS
2012 Grads: 3Amanda Johnson (6-2 Forward), Jasmin Holliday (6-0 Wing), Nia Jackson (5-7 Point Guard)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 1
Laura Stanulis (5-9 Guard)
2012 SIGNEES: 2
Jillian Alleyne (6-2 Forward), Devyn Galland (5-7 Point Guard)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 4
NEEDS:
This is an important recruiting year for the Ducks. There are big-time prospects in-state, and rule No. 1 of recruiting is you've got to keep the best players in your area home. Mercedes Russell already has axed the entire Western region, sans USC, but Kailee Johnson and Jordan Reynolds are two other elite prospects the Ducks need to reel in.
With Amanda Johnson and Nia Jackson graduating, the emphasis for the Ducks has to be on impact scorers, especially those who can play in head coach Paul Westhead's system. Replacing one of the most athletic guards in the conference and one of the best scorers will not be easy. But the good news is the Ducks found a long-range threat in 2012 by the name of Devyn Galland.
ESPN HOOPGURLZ PROJECTED TOP 3 TARGETS
Kailee Johnson, 6-3 F, ranked 14th, four-star rating
Jordan Reynolds, 5-11 G, ranked 45th, four-star rating
Alexis Montgomery, 5-9 G, unranked, three-star rating
A few other names: Siera Thompson, Dakota Gonzalez, Dylan Gonzalez, Taylor McGuire, Keyla Morgan
OREGON STATE BEAVERS
2012 Grads: 1Earlysia Marchbanks (5-11 Guard)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 6
Thais Pinto (6-7 Post), Quortni Fambro (5-8 Guard), Patricia Bright (6-4 Post), Sage Indendi (5-9 Guard), ShaKiana Edwards-Teasley (6-2 Forward)
2012 SIGNEES: 5
Jamie Weisner (5-9 Guard), Samantha Siegner (6-3 Wing), Khadidja Toure (5-8 Point Guard), Deven Hunter (6-2 Forward), Ruth Hamblin (6-6 Post)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 4
NEEDS:
The freshman class heading to Corvallis this fall is a huge step in the right direction for a Beavers program already exceeding anyone's expectations for rebuilding. The next challenge for Scott Rueck and his staff is to get in line with the rest of the conference in trying to sign some size in 2013.
The perimeter rotation is pretty well situated for Oregon State, but replacing Patricia Bright, Thais Pinto and ShaKiana Edwards-Teasley in the paint is a necessity. While the Beavers do a good job of rebounding from the perimeter positions, they stand to graduate more than 13 rebounds per game from the post positions along with 17 points per game. In-state there are some big names, including the No. 1 player in the class, Mercedes Russell, but look for the Beavers to add inside players from outside the super elite group while still recruiting those in-state stars.
ESPN HOOPGURLZ PROJECTED TOP 3 TARGETS
Jordan Reynolds, 5-11 G, ranked 45th, four-star rating
Breanna Brown, 6-3 F/C, unranked, three-star rating
Kailee Johnson, 6-3 F, ranked 14th, four-star rating
A few other names: Oderah Chidom, Kendall Waters, Dejza James, Kelsey Moos, Allie Green
STANFORD CARDINAL
2012 Grads: 3Grace Mashore (5-10 Guard), Lindy La Rocque (5-8 Guard), Nnemkadi Ogwumike (6-2 Forward)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 3
Mikaela Ruef (6-3 Wing), Sarah Booth (6-5 Post), Joslyn Tinkle (6-3 Forward)
2012 SIGNEES: 2
Alyson Beebe (6-3 Post), Tess Picknell (6-5 Post)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 4
NEEDS:
The problem with recruiting a big team is that you always have to replace height and length. So look for that to be a point of emphasis in the 2013 class, even with the incoming class consisting of two inside players. Whether it's accomplished with a pair of Ogwumikes or pairing Brooke Smith and Jayne Appel, the best Stanford teams in the last 10 years have dominated inside.
And don't be surprised if the Cardinal look for a long-range sharpshooter. Taylor Greenfield and Bonnie Samuelson, both freshmen, have been terrific this season, but the graduation of Lindy La Rocque, despite a less than stellar .256 shooting percentage from behind the arc, still leaves a void for a backcourt deep threat.
Kailee Johnson, 6-3 F, ranked 14th, four-star rating
Erica McCall, 6-3 F, ranked 16th, four-star rating
Jordan Reynolds, 5-11 G, ranked 45th, four-star rating
A few other names: Taya Reimer, Stephanie Mavunga, Sydney Umeri, Dakota Gonzalez, Dylan Gonzalez, Karlie Samuelson, Allie Green
UCLA Bruins
2012 Grads: 1Rebekah Gardner (6-1 Guard)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 6
Alyssia Brewer (6-3 Forward), Jasmine Dixon (6-0 Forward), Markel Walker (6-1 Wing), Atonye Nyingifa (5-11 Forward), Mariah Williams (5-4 Point Guard), Jackie Shepard (5-10 Guard)
2012 SIGNEES: 3
Nirra Fields (5-9 Guard), Lauren Holiday (5-8 Guard), Kari Korver (5-9 Guard)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 5
NEEDS:
Injuries decimated the Bruins this past season, and the lack of depth at guard that was exposed should be solved in part with the incoming freshman class. It should be no surprise that UCLA will look to build its frontcourt, but the team also needs a point guard in the class.
The Bruins can look in-state to find help in the paint, but replacing Markel Walker, Jasmine Dixon, Alyssia Brewer and Atonye Nyingifa will not be easy. Look for UCLA to be aggressive outside of California in finding a point guard in the class.
UCLA had 12 scholarship players this season, losing just one to graduation this summer, adding three recruits in 2012 and graduating as many as five scholarship players in 2013 means the Bruins have a lot of room in the class to be aggressive locally and nationally.
Kendall Cooper, 6-3 P, ranked 7th, five-star rating
Erica McCall, 6-3 F, ranked 16th, four-star rating
Kelsey Plum, 5-9 PG, ranked 31st, four-star rating
A few other names: Taya Reimer, Jordan Reynolds, Jessica Washington, Karlie Samuelson, Kendall Waters, Oderah Chidom
USC Trojans
2012 Grads: 3Briana Gilbreath (6-1 Guard), Jacki Gemelos (6-0 Guard), Ashley Corral (5-9 Point Guard)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 4
Christina Marinacci (6-1 Forward), Kate Oliver (6-4 Forward), Stefanie Gilbreath (6-1 Wing), Michelle Jenkins (6-3 Forward)
2012 SIGNEES: 3
Jordan Adams (6-1 Guard), Brianna Barrett (5-7 Point Guard), Danielle Peacon (6-3 Forward, JUCO transfer)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 3
NEEDS:
With the November signing of Jordan Adams, the No. 6 prospect in the 2012 class, the burden of replacing Jacki Gemelos and Ashley Corral in the backcourt is dampened, but after next season the task of replacing a lot of size in the frontcourt begins with Christina Marinaci, Kate Oliver, Stefanie Gilbreath and Michelle Jenkins all slated to graduate and Cassie Harberts the following year.
USC finds itself the sole West Coast program still in the hunt for the 2013 class' top-ranked player, Mercedes Russell, but with nine schools from Waco, Texas, and further East, the chances seem less than ideal. Much of the success the Trojans have in 2013 may be the result of a new-look coaching staff as head coach Michael Cooper is looking to fill all three positions on his staff this spring.
Mercedes Russell, 6-5 P, ranked 1st, five-star rating
Kendall Cooper, 6-3 P, ranked 7th, five-star rating
Erica McCall, 6-3 F, ranked 16th, four-star rating
A few other names: Kailee Johnson, Courtney Range, Oderah Chidom, Kendall Waters, Jordan Reynolds, Karlie Samuelson
Utah Utes
2012 Grads: 1Janita Badon (5-7 Guard)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 5
Chelsea Bridgewater (6-0 Forward), Rachel Messer (5-9 Guard), Iwalani Rodrigues (5-9 Guard), Diana Rolniak (6-4 Forward), Rita Sitivi (5-9 Guard)
2012 SIGNEES: 4
Danielle Rodriguez (5-10 Point Guard), Nakia Arquette (6-1 Forward), Paige Crozon (6-1 Forward), Ariel Reynolds (6-1 Forward, JUCO)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 4
NEEDS:
The Utes are one of the few programs in the conference not desperate for size in the 2013 class with Michelle Plouffe, Taryn Wicijowski and Rachel Morris returning, plus the 2012 signing class addition of Nakia Arquette, a 6-1 forward from Spokane, Wash. Utah just needs depth across the board after an injury-plagued season, and can stand to do so at all five positions.
One priority of note is finding a shooter in the 2013 class such as Karlie Samuelson of Huntington Beach, Calif. Utes coach Anthony Levrets will graduate sharpshooter Rachel Messer after next season, and nothing creates space for inside players like a lethal 3-point threat. The Utes signed junior-college transfer Ariel Reynolds, the sister of Jordan Reynolds, one of the top combo guards in the 2013 class. Utah may also look at some foreign players, both late in the 2012 class as well as in 2013.
Kailee Johnson, 6-3 F, ranked 14th, four-star rating
Jordan Reynolds, 5-11 G, ranked 45th, four-star rating
Kelsey Moos, 6-0 W/F, unranked, three-star rating
A few other names: Oderah Chidom, Kaylee Best, Karlie Samuelson, Kendall Waters
Washington Huskies
2012 Grads: 4Mackenzie Argens (6-3 Post), Charmaine Barlow (5-10 Forward), Regina Rogers (6-3 Post), Mollie Williams (6-2 Forward)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 2
Kristi Kingma (5-10, Wing), Jeneva Anderson (6-0 Forward)
2012 SIGNEES: 3
Katie Collier (6-3 Forward-Post), Airashay Rogers (5-7 Point Guard), Heather Corral (6-1 Point Guard)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 4
NEEDS:
The trouble with projecting Washington's needs for 2013 is that the Huskies are one of the more active teams working the spring season for the 2012 class. Assuming the program picks up at least one additional frontcourt player to join incoming freshman and McDonald's All American Katie Collier and red shirt freshman Talia Walton, the frontcourt won't be in too bad of shape. Expect Washington to try to add players at the four and five positions regardless of what happens this spring.
The team could look to add another point guard or combo guard in 2013. The Huskies will be looking to solidify a new core of talent with so many players graduating this season, so this recruiting class should be revealing in just how long the rebuilding process will take under the new staff after a 20-win season kicked off the turnaround.
ESPN HOOPGURLZ PROJECTED TOP 3 TARGETS
Kailee Johnson, 6-3 F, ranked 14th, four-star rating
Kelsey Plum, 5-9 PG, ranked 31st, four-star rating
Jordan Reynolds, 5-11 G, ranked 45th, four-star rating
A few other names: Oderah Chidom, Dylan Gonzalez, Kendall Cooper, Courtney Range, Kendall Waters, Dejza James
Washington State Cougars
2012 Grads: 4Rosetta Adzasu (5-5 Point Guard), April Cook (5-8 Guard), Jazmine Perkins (5-10 Wing), Rosie Tarnowski (6-1 Forward)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 2
Katie Grad (5-8 Guard), Carly Noyes (6-5 Post)
2012 SIGNEES: 6
Emalia Galdeira (5-7 Guard), Alexas Williamson (5-9 Guard), Whitney Tinjum (6-1 Forward), Mariah Cooks (6-0 Forward), Dawnyelle Awa (5-7 Guard), Taylor Edmondson (5-11 Guard)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 2
NEEDS:
The Cougars loaded up in 2012, signing a mega class of six players, and in doing so added depth across the board. This leaves the 2013 class to limited numbers, but expect June Daugherty and her staff to go after a lot of good players. They could use a frontcourt player, or even two, as the graduation of Carly Noyes after next season leaves the Cougs with just one true post player, current freshman Shalie Dheensaw. WSU will have to look out of state because the Evergreen State is not very deep with size in this class.
As for recruiting in the backcourt, look for the Cougars to be picky and extend only a few offers to guard prospects. They have depth in place, so don't be surprised if they carry a scholarship over to 2014 if they don't land the frontcourt players they really want.
ESPN HOOPGURLZ PROJECTED TOP 3 TARGETS
Breanna Brown, 6-3 F/C, unranked, three-star rating
Mercedes Jefflo, 5-10 W, unranked, three-star rating
Kelsey Moos, 6-0 W/F, unranked, three-star rating
A few other names: Keyla Morgan, Chrishae Rowe, Raven Benton, Alycia Sims, Sydney Wiese, Hannah Mattson, Megan McIntyre, Alexis Montgomery, Briana Ruiz
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