Recruiting Outlook: ACC
With just two of the top 25 prospects in the 2013 class off the board, the upcoming recruiting season is sure to be action-packed. We start our conference previews with the ACC.2013 Recruiting Outlook: ACC
In the first piece of a series previewing the 2013 recruiting class, we look at the Atlantic Coast Conference and what each team needs to get done during this important spring and summer season.
Boston College
2012 Grads: 1
Marissa Mello (5-3 Point Guard)
2012 SIGNEES: 2
Alexa Coulombe (6-0 Wing), Nicole Boudreau (5-10 Guard)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 2
NEEDS:
Boston College is the only program in the ACC with a new head coach and, as with any coaching change, a different style and approach to recruiting is to be expected. There is a lot of youth on the roster, which ultimately limits the amount of overall flexibility new head coach Erik Johnson will have in his first recruiting class.
Boston College added a good amount of post depth in the 2011 class with four players 6-foot or taller, and then with their 2012 class, the Eagles were able to add more perimeter scoring depth with the additions of Alexa Coulombe and Nicole Boudreau.
Before the coaching change, two EPSN HoopGurlz Super 60 prospects -- Lindsay Allen and Sydney Umeri --were considering Boston College. Only time will tell if the two prospects continue to consider the school in high regard with the new staff in place. With their remaining scholarships for the class of 2013, look for Boston College to focus on adding one or two athletes on the perimeter who can help the Eagles adjust to the fast pace of play throughout the conference.
ESPN HOOPGURLZ PROJECTED TOP 3 TARGETS
Sydney Umeri, 6-1 F, ranked 19th, four-star rating
Lindsay Allen, 5-8 PG, ranked 23rd, four-star rating
Teanna Muldrow, 6-2 F, ranked 33rd, four-star rating
A few other names: Erin Waskowiak, Emilee Daley, Saniya Chong, Chatori Major
Clemson
2012 Grads: 2 Lindsey Mason (6-4 Center), Shaniqua Pauldo (6-3 Center) Proj. 2013 Grads: 0 2012 SIGNEES: 5 Danaejah Grant (5-9 Guard), Nyilah Jamison-Myers (6-3 Center), Jonquel Jones (6-2 Forward), Kayla Montgomery (6-3 Center), Aisha Turner (5-7 Point Guard) 2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 3
NEEDS:
One of the key areas of concern this season was roster depth. The rebuilding process is well under way, and a key moving forward is acquiring quality talent top to bottom. As the new staff continues to build a blueprint for the future, it was clear that in 2012 one of the key concerns was landing quality prospects at a number of positions.
With its 2012 class, Clemson was able to land a number of talented prospects that should make an impact early in their careers. While the strength of the class is their WBCA All American Jonquel Jones, the best feature of the class is balance. By adding quality post depth in Kayla Montgomery and Nyilah Jamison-Myers, two wing scorers in Jonquel Jones and Danaejah Grant and a true point guard of the future in Aisha Turner, Clemson has the flexibility in the future to go after impact prospects.
In the 2013 class look for Clemson to focus its efforts on continuing to add quality depth. The Tigers now have the flexibility to focus in on one or two highly regarded talents to help make an immediate impact and to continue the success they had with their 2012 recruiting class.
ESPN HOOPGURLZ PROJECTED TOP 3 TARGETS
Kristina Nelson, 6-3 C, ranked 30th, four-star rating
Marques Webb, 6-1 F, ranked 37th, five-star rating
Kai James, 6-4 C, ranked 40th, four-star rating
A few other names: Alaina Coates, Destini Cooper
Duke
2012 Grads: 2
Kathleen Scheer (6-2 Forward), Shay Shelby (5-9 Guard)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 1
Allison Vernerey (6-5 Center)
2012 SIGNEES: 3
Katie Heckman (6-4 Power Forward), Alexis Jones (5-8 Guard), Sierra Moore (5-9 Guard)
2013 Commitments: Kianna Holland (5-9 Guard)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 4
NEEDS:
In recent years, Duke has experienced a good amount of recruiting success, pulling in top-10 classes in each of the last three seasons. Their 2012 group is comprised of three players, one post and two guards, who offer them a great deal of balance throughout the roster.
In the 2013 class, the Blue Devils already have a commitment from combo guard Kianna Holland. The overall roster balance gives Duke the opportunity to be flexible moving forward. Look for Duke to focus on adding talent with the rest of its scholarships in the 2013 class. Duke has the ability to focus on adding an impact player at almost any position to continue building on its recruiting success.
ESPN HOOPGURLZ PROJECTED TOP 3 TARGETS
Diamond DeShields, 6-2 W, ranked 3rd, five-star rating
Taya Reimer, 6-2 F, ranked 4th, five-star rating
Rebecca Greenwell, 6-1 G, ranked 5th, five-star rating
A few other names: Kaela Davis, Jannah Tucker, Jessica Washington, Sydney Umeri, Kristina Nelson
Florida State
2012 Grads: 1
Cierra Bravard (6-4 Center)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 5
Chelsea Davis (6-2, Center), Alexa Deluzio (5-11 Guard), Chasity Clayton (6-0 Forward), Leonor Rodriguez (5-11 Guard), Morgan Toles (5-9 Guard)
2012 SIGNEES: 1
Jakelle Gilchrist (5-9 Guard)
2013 Commitments: Shanae Armbrister (6-0 wing) Gabrielle Bevillard (6-2 Forward)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 7
NEEDS:
After eight consecutive seasons of making the NCAA tournament, the Seminoles' streak was snapped this year. One of the key reasons was the graduation of point guard Courtney Ward, one of the program's all-time best players. Finding a replacement proved to be too tall of a task.
Moving forward, the Seminoles will look to Auburn transfer Morgan Toles and their lone 2012 commitment, Jakelle Gilchrist, to bolster their backcourt depth.
Currently the class of 2013 looks very promising for Florida State. The Seminoles have secured verbal commitments from Shanae Armbrister and Gabrielle Beviallard, two versatile prospects who will bring both skill and size. As they attempt to add to their 2013 crop, expect Florida State to focus on adding another quality point guard and possibly one or two more impact players. Typically coach Sue Semrau doesn't like to carry a full 15-player roster, so don't expect them to max out and use seven scholarships in this class.
ESPN HOOPGURLZ PROJECTED TOP 3 TARGETS
Ronni Williams, 6-0 W, ranked 12th, four-star rating
Kai James, 6-4 C, ranked 40th, four-star rating
Tiffany Suarez, 5-9 G, ranked 56th, four-star rating
A few other names: Sydnei McCaskill, Allisha Gray, Marques Webb, Kendall Waters, Ieshia Small
Georgia Tech
2012 Grads: 5
LaQuananisha Adams (6-4 Center), Mo Bennett (5-10 Guard), Sasha Goodlett (6-5 Center), Chelsea Regins (6-2 Forward), Metra Walthour (5-6 Point Guard)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 2
Danielle Hamilton-Carter (6-4 Forward), Sharena Taylor (5-9 Guard)
2012 SIGNEES: 4
Kymberly Ellison (5-7 Point Guard), Brittany Jackson (5-10 Guard) Breanna McDonald (6-0 Guard), Aaliyah Whiteside (5-11 Wing)
2013 Commitments: Gabrielle Holston (5-10 Forward)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 4
NEEDS:
The Yellow Jackets have the No. 11-ranked recruiting class in the HoopGurlz class rankings for 2012. They were able to address their needs on the perimeter and at the point with the additions of wings Brittany Jackson, Breanna McDonald and Aaliyah Whiteside and Kymberly Ellison at the point. So far in the class of 2013, Georgia Tech has a commitment from forward Gabrielle Holston and will continue to try to address its needs in post, especially after the departures of Sasha Goodlet in 2012 and Danielle Hamilton-Carter in 2013.
Don't be surprised if the Yellow Jackets make an effort to acquire an additional wing in this class. They're a team that likes to press and speed up the tempo of a game. An additional athlete on the wing will provide them with the depth to play the style that they thrive on.
ESPN HOOPGURLZ PROJECTED TOP 3 TARGETS
Allisha Gray, 5-11 G, ranked 8th, five-star rating
Kristina Nelson, 6-3 C, ranked 30th, four-star rating
Kai James, 6-4 C, ranked 40th, four-star rating
A few other names: Alaina Coates, Kaela Davis, Raiygne Moncrief, Halle Washington, Marques Webb, Peyton Whitted
Maryland
2012 Grads: 1
Anjale Barrett (5-10 Guard), Lynetta Kizer (6-4 Center), Kim Rodgers (5-9 Guard)
Proj. 2013 Grads:
Tianna Hawkins (6-3 Forward), Essence Townsend (6-7 Center), Katie Rutan (5-8 Guard)
2012 SIGNEES: 3
Malina Howard (6-3 Center), Chloe Pavlech (5-6 Point Guard), Tierney Pfirman (6-2 Forward)
2013 Commitments: Lexie Brown (5-9 Guard), A'lexus Harrison (6-0 forward)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 7
NEEDS:
The Terps have done a very good job of addressing needs throughout their roster and maintaining a good amount of balance in the various graduation years. Their class of 2012 is a perfect example as they were able to add a true back-to-the-basket post player in Malina Howard as well as a versatile forward in Tierney Pfirman and a combo guard in Chloe Pavlech. This will allow them to be flexible moving forward with the class of 2013.
While Maryland has a good amount of space scholarship-wise for the class of 2013, keep in mind that the Terps have historically not used all 15 scholarships at a given time. So with two 2013 commitments in hand, Lexie Brown and A'lexus Harrison, Maryland will be on the market for impact kids with their remaining space in the 2013 class.
Look for Maryland to work on landing an additional impact player in the class of 2013 such as Diamond DeShields, Jannah Tucker, or Ronni Williams. The Terps could also look to add another quality post player to enhance their depth.
ESPN HOOPGURLZ PROJECTED TOP 3 TARGETS
Diamond DeShields, 6-2 W, ranked 3rd, five-star rating
Jannah Tucker, 6-0 G, ranked 9th, five-star rating
Ronni Williams, 6-0 W, ranked 12th, four-star rating
A few other names: Alex Harris, Nigia Green, Andrijana Cvitkovic, Taya Reimer
Miami
2012 Grads: 3
Sylvia Bullock (6-2 Forward), Shenise Johnson (5-11 Guard), Riquna Williams (5-7 Guard)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 5
Jessica Capers (6-2 Forward), Morgan Stroman (6-1 Forward), Shanel Willaims (5-8 Guard), Shawnice Wilson (6-6 Center), Stefanie Yderstrom (5-8 Guard)
2012 SIGNEES: 3
Caprice Dennis (5-9 Point Guard), Keyona Hayes (6-1 Forward) Macy Keen (6-5 Center)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 6
NEEDS:
Miami loses two of the best seniors to ever play college basketball in Coral Gables as Shenise Johnson and Riquna Williams head to play professional basketball. With their departure, the focus for Miami will be replacing that dynamic duo and continuing the standard of success that they've been able to achieve.
This winter Miami did a phenomenal job working the best available prospects after the early signing period was over and managed to score two of the remaining five uncommitted top-100 prospects in the ESPN HoopGurlz top 100 (Caprice Dennis and Macy Keen). Their success in the 2012 class will allow them to focus on adding a key impact recruit in the 2013 class as they look to continue their momentum from a successful 2011-12 season and an equally successful 2012 recruiting class.
There is a good amount of local talent in the Miami area for the class of 2013, and you can certainly expect Miami to try to focus on keeping some of the best kids in the area home. Ieshia Small, Kai James, Raiygne Moncrief, Tiffany Suarez, and Brittany Brown are all highly regarded prospects in immediate proximity to the school. With a nice crop of local talent in addition to a national profile that will allow them to recruit out of region and land elite prospects, look for Miami to work the 2013 class hard.
ESPN HOOPGURLZ PROJECTED TOP 3 TARGETS
Tyler Scaife, 5-8 G, ranked 10th, five-star rating
Ieshia Small, 6-0 W, ranked 11th, four-star rating
Kai James, 6-4 C, ranked 40th, four-star rating
A few other names: Shayla Cooper, Raiygne Moncrief, Brittany Brown, Nigia Green, Peyton Whitted, Sydnei McCaskill
North Carolina
2012 Grads: 3
Laura Broomfield (6-1 Forward), Chay Shegog (6-3 Center), She'la White (5-5 Guard)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 3
Krista Gross (6-0 Forward), Waltiea Rolle (6-6 Center), Tierra Ruffin-Pratt (5-10 Guard) Candace Wood (5-11 Guard)
2012 SIGNEES: 5
Antoinette Bannister (5-10 Guard), Adut Bulgak (6-3 Center), N'Dea Bryant (6-0 Guard), Hillary Fuller (6-1 Forward), Xylina McDaniel (6-2 Forward)
2013 Commitments: Briana Day (6-4 Forward), Tanisha Brown (5-11 Guard), Bria Day (6-4 Center)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 1
NEEDS:
The recruiting outlook for North Carolina looks pretty complete. In recent years the Tar Heels have been very active recruiting underclassmen and already have more verbal commitments from the class of 2013 then anyone else in the conference. Their 2012 class also is loaded as they managed to pull in a top-10 recruiting class centered on McDonald's All-American Xylina McDaniel of Blythewood, S.C.
With so much of its 2013 class in hand, look for North Carolina to focus its last remaining scholarship for that class on an impact player such as Mercedes Russell, Diamond DeShields or Ronni Williams. Five top-10 prospects -- Russell, DeShields, Rebecca Greenwell, Allisha Gray and Tyler Scaife -- have already made or planned visits to the ACC school.
Mercedes Russell, 6-5 F, ranked 1st, five-star rating
Diamond DeShields, 6-2 W, ranked 3rd, five-star rating
Allisha Gray, 5-11 G, ranked 8th, five-star rating
A few other names: Rebecca Greenwell, Tyler Scaife, Jessica Jackson
North Carolina State
2012 Grads: 5
Tia Bell (6-3 Forward), Kim Durham (5-5 Guard), Bonae Holston (5-11 Guard), Emili Tasler (5-8 Guard), Paige Woodard (5-2 Guard)
Proj. 2013 Grads:
Marissa Kastanek (5-9 Guard)
2012 SIGNEES: 2
Ashley Eli (6-1 Forward), Markeisha Gatling (Juco) (6-5 Center)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 4
NEEDS:
In her years in Raleigh, coach Kellie Harper has done a very good job adding talent to the Wolfpack roster. The class of 2012 is no different as they have managed to reach into Texas for a quality four-star prospect in Ashley Eli in addition to adding one of the top junior college post players in the country in 6-5 Markeisha Gatling.
With nine freshmen or sophomores on the current roster and four scholarships in hand for the class of 2013, N.C. State has the ability to be selective with its recruiting for the 2013 class. They have a depth of young talent all over the roster, which eliminates any chance of them having to use a scholarship on a particular position out of need. As a result, Harper and her staff can focus on adding impact freshmen in the 2013 class.
North Carolina State may focus its 2013 efforts on an impact scorer or an additional post player.
Halle Washington, 6-2 F, ranked 21st, four-star rating
Rebekah Dahlman, 5-9 G, ranked 24th, four-star rating
Gisele Bailey, 6-4 C, unranked, three-star rating
A few other names: Ataijah Taylor, Camille Calhoun, Amanda Fioravanti, Maya Singleton
Pittsburgh
2012 Grads: 0
Proj. 2013 Grads: 0
2012 SIGNEES: 2
Marvadene Anderson (6-11 Center), Krista Pettepier (6-2 Forward)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 1
NEEDS:
Pittsburgh brings a young and athletic roster to the ACC in 2012. The 2011 Pittsburgh roster was comprised of six freshmen and six sophomores. With another year under their belts and the addition of two three-star recruits in Marvadene Anderson and Krista Pettepier, Pittsburgh will have depth throughout the roster.
With so much of its roster returning for the 2012-2013 season, it would not be a surprise to see Pittsburgh focus its efforts on the 2014 class, where it will have to replace six graduating seniors. If they do look to the 2013 class for an addition, look for it to be an athletic wing or an additional point guard because the 2012 class was centered on acquiring depth for interior positions.
Teanna Muldrow, 6-2 F, ranked 33rd, four-star rating
Ailyah Cooley, 6-0 W, ranked 49th, four-star rating
Erin Waskowiak, 5-10 W, unranked, three-star rating
A few other names: Sahara Lopez, Aaliyah Lewis, Saniya Chong, Chatori Major
Syracuse
2012 Grads: 2
Iasia Hemingway (5-11 Forward), Troya Berry (6-2 Forward)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 6
Kayla Alexander (6-4 Center), Tyler Ash (6-2 Guard), Elashier Hall (5-11 Guard) Karen van den Nieuwendijk (6-4 Forward), Carmen Tyson-Thomas (5-9 Guard), Shanee Williams (5-7 Guard)
2012 SIGNEES: 5
Brianna Butler (5-11 Guard), Cornelia Fondren (5-9 Guard), Taylor Ford (6-1 Wing), Pachiyaanna Roberts (6-1 Forward), Brittney Sykes (5-9 Guard)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 5
NEEDS:
As Syracuse prepares to make the jump from the Big East to the ACC, it is adding a collection of talent that adds up to its highest-ranked recruiting class in school history. The 2012 class headed to Syracuse is rated as the sixth best class in the country. With its collection of talent, Syracuse will be poised to make a run in the new-look ACC.
With six players scheduled to graduate in 2013, Syracuse will have the ability to haul in a big class numbers-wise in 2013 and use its new conference affiliation to help recruit outside the Northeast.
Jannah Tucker, 6-0 G, ranked 9th, five-star rating
Lindsay Allen, 5-8 PG, ranked 23rd, four-star rating
Atania Hayes, 6-1 W, ranked 29th, four-star rating
A few other names: Adrienne Motley, Sadie Edwards, Aliyah Cooley, Lubirdia Gordon
Virginia
2012 Grads: 2
Ariana Moorer (5-7 Guard), Chelsea Shine (6-2 Forward)
Proj. 2013 Grads: 3
Simone Egwu (6-3 Forward), Lexie Gerson (5-11 Guard), Telia McCall (6-1 Forward), China Crosby (5-6 Guard)
2012 SIGNEES: 3
Faith Randolph (5-10 Guard), Raeshaun Gaffney (5-8 Guard), Jaryn Garner (5-7 Point Guard)
2013 Commitments: 1
Breyana Mason (5-8 Guard)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 6
NEEDS:
This spring will mark a full calendar year since Virginia head coach Joanne Boyle made the move from California to Charlottesville.With a full year of recruiting under her belt, the 2013 class will be a point of emphasis as the staff begins to retool its roster and address key needs.
With the class of 2012, Virginia did an excellent job of adding talent on the perimeter with the additions of Faith Randolph, Raeshaun Gaffney and Jaryn Garner, a trio of guards who all have the ability to play multiple perimeter positions.
The class of 2013 will be about adding depth at the interior positions in addition to picking up one or two more dynamic scorers if possible. With the presence of Breyana Mason in its 2013 class, Virginia already has added an additional perimeter scoring threat. As a result the Cavaliers may focus on adding bigger wings and post players with the remainder of their scholarships.
Allisha Gray, 5-11 G, ranked 8th, five-star rating
Sydney Umeri, 6-1 F, ranked 19th, four-star rating
Lindsay Allen, 5-8 PG, ranked 23rd, four-star rating
A few other names: Peyton Whitted, Tiffany Suarez, Adrienne Motley, Amanda Fioravanti, Diamond Lockhart
Virginia Tech
2012 Grads: 0
Proj. 2013 Grads: 4
Alyssa Fenyn (6-0 Guard), Rachel Nichols (5-10 Guard), Kerry Sarver (5-5 Guard), Aerial Wilson (5-8 Guard)
2012 SIGNEES: 3
Alexis Lloyd (5-8 Guard), Lauren Evans (6-1 Guard), Alexandria Kiss-Rusk (6-3 Forward)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 5
NEEDS: Dennis Wolff landed the head coaching position just days before the Final Four last season, and as a result the staff was forced to play catch-up in preparations for the April evaluation period. This year Wolff and his staff have managed to bring stability to Blacksburg and will look to the class of 2013 as an opportunity to take another step forward in the rebuilding process.
In the 2012 class, Virginia Tech managed to add a talented guard in Alexis Lloyd as well as a potential defensive stopper in Lauren Evans. Their third 2012 signee, Alexandria Kiss-Rusk, will add post depth to their roster.
One of the things the class of 2012 is missing is a true point guard, so that will surely be a focus for Tech in the 2013 class, but overall the balance of the 2012 class allows Virginia Tech to focus on recruiting the best available players in the class of 2013. Local product Adrienne Motley would be a great fit for the ACC program as she is an athletic point guard with good size and the ability to potentially come in and play immediately. Another player Virginia Tech has shown interest in is forward Peyton Whitted.
Allisha Gray, 5-11 G, ranked 8th, five-star rating
Peyton Whitted, 6-2 W, ranked 60th, four-star rating
Amanda Fioravanti, 6-2 C, unranked, four-star rating
A few other names: Lindsay Spann, Shanice Johnson, Adrienne Motley, Maya Singleton
Wake Forest
2012 Grads: 3
Camille Collier (5-7 Guard), Secily Ray (6-0 Forward), Brooke Thomas (5-4 Guard)
Proj. 2013 Grads:
Lakevia Boykin (5-9 Guard), Sandra Garcia (6-3 Center), Patrice Johnson (5-10 Guard), Mykala Walker (6-0 Forward), Asia Williams (5-11 Guard)
2012 SIGNEES: 3
Kelila Atkinson (5-10 Wing), Candace Ball (6-2 Forward), Celina Rodrigo (5-8 Point Guard), Christelle Shembo (6-0 Forward), 2013 Commitments: Tyshell King (5-11 Guard)
2013 PROJECTED SCHOLARSHIPS: 5
NEEDS:
Wake Forest has solid balance throughout its roster both position-wise and class-wise. With depth in the post as well as on the perimeter for the next couple years, the Demon Deacons have the ability to focus on recruiting key targets for the class of 2013 and beyond.
With its 2012 class, Wake Forest has four commitments, which continues to bring balance. The addition of two forwards, a point guard, and a wing affords coach Mike Petersen a good amount of flexibility. In addition to the 2012 signees, Wake Forest has a commitment from the No. 39 ranked player in the class of 2013, Tyshell King. King provides Wake with a solid start to its 2013 recruiting. Currently Wake Forest is on the list of three members of the ESPN HoopGurlz Super 60, Lindsay Allen, Sydney Umeri and Peyton Whitted.
Sydney Umeri, 6-1 F, ranked 19th, four-star rating
Lindsay Allen, 5-8 PG, ranked 23rd, four-star rating
Peyton Whitted, 6-2 F, ranked 60th, four-star rating
A few other names: Adrienne Motley, Amanda Fioravanti, Lindsay Spann.
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