Now in her second year as the head coach at UCLA, Cori Close is quickly establishing herself as a top-flight recruiter. Close recently notched another huge commitment when Jordin Canada announced she would join the Bruins. Canada is a 5-7 guard from Los Angeles who is rated as the No. 9 recruit in the Class of 2014 by the All Star Girls Report.
Close had a breakthrough recruiting campaign in 2012 when the Bruins signed a trio of Top 100 perimeter players. After adding a quality post player and a point guard last year, Close hit another home run when Recee Caldwell committed to the Bruins early this winter, and now she has corralled Canada.
“They are getting top notch talent, and I think they are on the road to becoming a consistent Top 25 program,” said All Star Girls Report analyst Bret McCormick. “They have done a good job with recruiting, especially on the West Coast. Plus, Cori can really coach. She is great with the X’s and O’s, and she knows how to get the most out of her personnel.”
Close’s first recruiting class played an important role in the Bruins’ success this season. That class included 5-9 shooting guard Nirra Fields (rated No. 16 in the class by ASGR), 5-9 point guard Lauren Holiday (No. 67) and 5-10 shooting guard Kari Korver (No. 86).
Next year, UCLA will welcome 6-9 Savanna Trapp and 5-9 point guard Dominique Williams. In 2014, Caldwell will make her way to Los Angeles, in part because of the previous recruiting victories by the Bruins. A 5-7 guard from San Antonio, TX, Caldwell is listed as the nation’s No. 7 prospect for 2014.
“With Canada and Caldwell, UCLA will have a tremendous backcourt in a couple of years,” McCormick said. “That is two very talented players. I think Jordin will play the point because she handles the ball, attacks the basket, and knows how to run the show. Caldwell is another great ball handler, but she also has good shooting range so she could play the two spot.”