Pac-12 Programs Look Ahead

The 2013-14 season is in full swing, but its easy to start thinking about next year following the early signing period. The  All Star Girls Report recently released its national Top 150 for the Class of 2014, and we are taking that opportunity to look down the road and profile a number of programs. In this edition, we look at Pac-12 rivals UCLA and USC.

UCLA came out of the early signing period with the No. 2 ranked recruiting class in the country according to ASGR. The unit included five Top 50 signees — Recee’ Caldwell (No. 7), Jordin Canada (No. 9), LaJahna Drummer (No. 10), Monique Billings (No. 17) and Kelli Hayes (No. 43). USC had the No. 21 ranked class. The new Trojans will be Virginia Tech transfer Alexis Lloyd, plus prep recruits McKenzie Calvert (No. 37), Kristen Simon (No. 53), Chyanne Butler (No. 94) and Amy Okonkow (No. 103).

“UCLA is going to be turning the page next year, but I don’t think they will skip a beat in terms of success,” said ASGR analyst Bret McCormick. “They have had to deal with some painful injuries this year, and they are going to lose 65 points worth of production to graduation at the end of the year, but they have a great group of recruits coming next year. Rising junior guard Nirra Fields will be back to provide leadership, and I think all five of the recruits will play a major role for UCLA next year.

“USC is also going to lose some pop to graduation, including Cassie Harberts, but they will have three senior leaders on their roster next year with Ariya Crook, Alexyz Vaioletama and Kiki Alofaituli. When you add in the incoming recruits, I think USC will take a step forward next year. McKenzie Calvert should help at the point, and both Kristen Simon and Amy Okonkow should help on the baseline.”

Now in its 18th year, the All Star Girls Report is the leader in women’s basketball scouting. ASGR’s rankings are compiled by veteran analyst McCormick, who rated over 1,800 athletes in the class. ASGR members can log in and view the complete updated rankings at www.ASGR.info.

Here is a quick look at the ASGR Super Six for 2014 along with a quick comment from McCormick:

1- A’ja Wilson (Uncommitted): “She is a long, athletic lefty who could play all five positions. She has those types of skills. A’ja is just special. They have some top schools, but they are going to keep looking and talking to schools. ”

2- Gabby Williams (UConn): “Gabby is another very versatile player. She has tremendous athletic ability, and she can do it all on the court. It only takes you a couple of minutes to recognize Gabby’s talent level. She is recovering from an ACL injury so she didn’t play over the summer, but hopefully she will be back at full speed.”

3- Kelsey Mitchell (Ohio State): “Kelsey is a quick, strong, left-handed guard. She is a great passer, but it is her scoring that makes her special. She can hit the long three or the pull-up jumper, and she can attack the rim. She also loves to have the ball at the end of a tight game.”

4- Brianna Turner (Notre Dame): “She is athletic and long, and she could probably play the three, four or five. She can compete in the paint, she can hit the three, and she can take the ball coast-to-coast. She will make an immediate impact in South Bend.”

5- Gabby Green (California): “Gabby is another great athlete with a long, strong body. She has a great basketball IQ, and she can act like a point forward. She is also a great defender. She just has an all-around game.”

6- Sadie Edwards (UConn): “Sadie is an athletic combo guard who is just great off the bounce. She can handle the ball and attack the rim, or she can use her pull-up jumper. She has worked hard to refine her skills, and she has become a complete player.”