Women's Hoops Recruiting Class of 2026+ - Printable Version
+- The CardBoard (https://thecardboard.org/board)
+-- Forum: C-House! (https://thecardboard.org/board/forum-4.html)
+--- Forum: The CardBoard (https://thecardboard.org/board/forum-5.html)
+--- Thread: Women's Hoops Recruiting Class of 2026+ (/thread-25276.html)
+- The CardBoard (https://thecardboard.org/board)
+-- Forum: C-House! (https://thecardboard.org/board/forum-4.html)
+--- Forum: The CardBoard (https://thecardboard.org/board/forum-5.html)
+--- Thread: Women's Hoops Recruiting Class of 2026+ (/thread-25276.html)
RE: Class of 2026+ - triangle2 - 11-12-2025
(11-10-2025, 05:03 PM)BobK Wrote: Actually 2 more possible one ranked close to Wynn Yes a bit of stretch
Bob, I saw that Stanford announced the Jordyn Wheeler signing today on social media. Do you know if this means they're not anticipating signing anyone else for '26? Ayo and Ngenda - are those the two you're thinking?
RE: Class of 2026+ - BobK - 11-12-2025
Yes those two and as of an hour ago they have not committed anywhere
RE: Class of 2026+ - BostonCard - 11-12-2025
(11-12-2025, 01:40 AM)Jskass Wrote: hoping also that new grad policy helps here or there. Sounded like in addition to other positives of USC for Kiki for example, she cited being able to focus on basketball rather than academics IIRC.
Yeah, I mean who would want academics to interfere with basketball at *a University*. If you want to focus on basketball, that’s fine, go pro. The whole point of collegiate sports is that you are there to play basketball AND learn.
BC
RE: Class of 2026+ - MV72018 - 11-12-2025
(11-12-2025, 04:42 PM)BostonCard Wrote:(11-12-2025, 01:40 AM)Jskass Wrote: hoping also that new grad policy helps here or there. Sounded like in addition to other positives of USC for Kiki for example, she cited being able to focus on basketball rather than academics IIRC.
Yeah, I mean who would want academics to interfere with basketball at *a University*. If you want to focus on basketball, that’s fine, go pro. The whole point of collegiate sports is that you are there to play basketball AND learn.
BC
I agree with and strongly support BC's point of view 100%.
RE: Class of 2026+ - PalmTree - 11-12-2025
(11-12-2025, 05:17 PM)MV72018 Wrote:(11-12-2025, 04:42 PM)BostonCard Wrote:(11-12-2025, 01:40 AM)Jskass Wrote: hoping also that new grad policy helps here or there. Sounded like in addition to other positives of USC for Kiki for example, she cited being able to focus on basketball rather than academics IIRC.
Yeah, I mean who would want academics to interfere with basketball at *a University*. If you want to focus on basketball, that’s fine, go pro. The whole point of collegiate sports is that you are there to play basketball AND learn.
BC
I agree with and strongly support BC's point of view 100%.
I agree and will offer Kiki Iriafen as an great example. She earned her BS in product design and engineering in 3 years. She then went on to complete a one year master's program in entrepreneurship and innovation from the Marshall School of Business while at USC.
I also agree the new policy needs good "guardrails" in place to maintain academic standards and integrity, including e.g. ensuring priority for class enrollment is given to matriculated, degree-seeking students as Goose mentioned above. Like the advent of the NIL and transfer process, the new policy will be unchartered territory for Stanford and it'll be interesting to see how it's actually developed and implemented. Also, I get the feeling we'll be having more similar conversations in the future if the university continues to explore options for expanding access to its academic resources, which Levin has mentioned as a goal at least several times.
RE: Class of 2026+ - 2006alum - 11-12-2025
(11-12-2025, 03:48 PM)triangle2 Wrote:(11-10-2025, 05:03 PM)BobK Wrote: Actually 2 more possible one ranked close to Wynn Yes a bit of stretch
Bob, I saw that Stanford announced the Jordyn Wheeler signing today on social media. Do you know if this means they're not anticipating signing anyone else for '26? Ayo and Ngenda - are those the two you're thinking?
Well, I guess we can wait to see how the rest of the (limited remaining) recruiting cycle unfolds, but this has to be one of our most feeble recruiting classes ever. Our worst class in paper was led by No 39 Marta Sniezek and it also had Alanna Smith who wasn't ranked by the US services as an Aussie but who was by all accounts a top recruit.
With the exception of Jhaliana Guy - who won't matriculate until our current frosh our seniors - we haven't gotten a single notable commitment since Tara retired. I'm withholding judgment about whether this is just an unfortunate blip, but this feels like an ignominious sign about the future direction of our program.
RE: Class of 2026+ - BostonCard - 11-13-2025
(11-12-2025, 08:25 PM)PalmTree Wrote:(11-12-2025, 05:17 PM)MV72018 Wrote:(11-12-2025, 04:42 PM)BostonCard Wrote:(11-12-2025, 01:40 AM)Jskass Wrote: hoping also that new grad policy helps here or there. Sounded like in addition to other positives of USC for Kiki for example, she cited being able to focus on basketball rather than academics IIRC.
Yeah, I mean who would want academics to interfere with basketball at *a University*. If you want to focus on basketball, that’s fine, go pro. The whole point of collegiate sports is that you are there to play basketball AND learn.
BC
I agree with and strongly support BC's point of view 100%.
I agree and will offer Kiki Iriafen as a great example. She earned her BS in product design and engineering in 3 years. She then went on to complete a one year master's program in entrepreneurship and innovation from the Marshall School of Business while at USC.
You realize that the quote I was reacting to was about Kiki Iriafen. Hoping the OP did not recall correctly.
BC
RE: Class of 2026+ - AndyCardinal03 - 11-13-2025
Quote: With the exception of Jhaliana Guy - who won't matriculate until our current frosh our seniors - we haven't gotten a single notable commitment since Tara retired. I'm withholding judgment about whether this is just an unfortunate blip, but this feels like an ignominious sign about the future direction of our program.
This is not correct. Somfai committed one year ago today to join the rest of this year's frosh class. Her commitment was a big relief to many on this Board at the time (https://stanforddaily.com/2024/11/13/womens-basketball-lands-lara-somfai/). And I would say it's going well so far!
RE: Class of 2026+ - PalmTree - 11-13-2025
(11-13-2025, 01:05 AM)BostonCard Wrote:(11-12-2025, 08:25 PM)PalmTree Wrote:(11-12-2025, 05:17 PM)MV72018 Wrote:(11-12-2025, 04:42 PM)BostonCard Wrote:(11-12-2025, 01:40 AM)Jskass Wrote: hoping also that new grad policy helps here or there. Sounded like in addition to other positives of USC for Kiki for example, she cited being able to focus on basketball rather than academics IIRC.
Yeah, I mean who would want academics to interfere with basketball at *a University*. If you want to focus on basketball, that’s fine, go pro. The whole point of collegiate sports is that you are there to play basketball AND learn.
BC
I agree with and strongly support BC's point of view 100%.
I agree and will offer Kiki Iriafen as a great example. She earned her BS in product design and engineering in 3 years. She then went on to complete a one year master's program in entrepreneurship and innovation from the Marshall School of Business while at USC.
You realize that the quote I was reacting to was about Kiki Iriafen. Hoping the OP did not recall correctly.
BC
Duly noted - thanks for pointing that out, BC
RE: Class of 2026+ - samiam - 11-13-2025
(11-12-2025, 11:53 PM)2006alum Wrote:(11-12-2025, 03:48 PM)triangle2 Wrote:(11-10-2025, 05:03 PM)BobK Wrote: Actually 2 more possible one ranked close to Wynn Yes a bit of stretch
Bob, I saw that Stanford announced the Jordyn Wheeler signing today on social media. Do you know if this means they're not anticipating signing anyone else for '26? Ayo and Ngenda - are those the two you're thinking?
Well, I guess we can wait to see how the rest of the (limited remaining) recruiting cycle unfolds, but this has to be one of our most feeble recruiting classes ever. Our worst class in paper was led by No 39 Marta Sniezek and it also had Alanna Smith who wasn't ranked by the US services as an Aussie but who was by all accounts a top recruit.
With the exception of Jhaliana Guy - who won't matriculate until our current frosh our seniors - we haven't gotten a single notable commitment since Tara retired. I'm withholding judgment about whether this is just an unfortunate blip, but this feels like an ignominious sign about the future direction of our program.
It's a brave new world out there in wbb these days. Just look at UConn. They just won the title last season, and are also having a hard time attracting top recruits.
RE: Class of 2026+ - TheFarm07 - 11-13-2025
(11-12-2025, 11:53 PM)2006alum Wrote:(11-12-2025, 03:48 PM)triangle2 Wrote:(11-10-2025, 05:03 PM)BobK Wrote: Actually 2 more possible one ranked close to Wynn Yes a bit of stretch
Bob, I saw that Stanford announced the Jordyn Wheeler signing today on social media. Do you know if this means they're not anticipating signing anyone else for '26? Ayo and Ngenda - are those the two you're thinking?
Well, I guess we can wait to see how the rest of the (limited remaining) recruiting cycle unfolds, but this has to be one of our most feeble recruiting classes ever. Our worst class in paper was led by No 39 Marta Sniezek and it also had Alanna Smith who wasn't ranked by the US services as an Aussie but who was by all accounts a top recruit.
With the exception of Jhaliana Guy - who won't matriculate until our current frosh our seniors - we haven't gotten a single notable commitment since Tara retired. I'm withholding judgment about whether this is just an unfortunate blip, but this feels like an ignominious sign about the future direction of our program.
It's even more troubling that the top recruits (as far as I know) haven't included us among their 10-20 "finalists" - usually we would be thrown in there, even if ultimately we are not a serious consideration.
I hope a resurgent season will help as I'm not sure if we've increased resources to NIL for the wbb program in the last couple years. It's terrible that's how collegiate sports is, particularly for the big ones (football, basketball) but it is what it is.
I'm not holding my breath that Kaleena Smith is even thinking about Stanford but I've heard that she's the next superstar guard coming up and that could define Paye's legacy if she is able to secure a recruit of that magnitude.
RE: Class of 2026+ - Card10Fan - 11-13-2025
Even if we land the last two offers for 2026, this is a disappointing class for how many other key targets passed us over.
No, Stanford is not in the mix for Kaleena Smith. She’s taking visits to UCLA and USC for certain and likely others to come.
California has had many top players in their respective classes the past couple years. We are not recruiting in state top talent well at all.
Grace Knox, Addie Deal, Kaeli Wynn, Jerzy Robinson, McKenna Woliczkzo - all top 10-20 players nationally from CA - none picked Stanford.
RE: Class of 2026+ - bl82 - 11-13-2025
Based on this interview, it sounded as if right up until the announcement, Dawn Staley thought Kaeli Wynn would commit to Stanford.
https://x.com/ChrisLaPuma/status/1989077927313727548?s=20
RE: Class of 2026+ - TheFarm07 - 11-14-2025
(11-13-2025, 09:22 PM)bl82 Wrote: Based on this interview, it sounded as if right up until the announcement, Dawn Staley thought Kaeli Wynn would commit to Stanford.
https://x.com/ChrisLaPuma/status/1989077927313727548?s=20
I don't take that as a moral victory that we were very close or that Staley was surprised about the decision. Ultimately Wynn decided to head to the other side of the country and as Card10Fan pointed out, she joins a growing list of California players Paye has failed to convince to stay in-state. In this instance, it represents an inability by the coaching staff to close the deal.
Yes, I know, every person has unique reasons and it might have been something ultimately outside our control, but when it keeps happening over and over again, then Paye must recognize that a pattern is forming or else Stanford will join the LA Tech and Old Dominion wbb programs as the historic wbb powerhouses whose best days are in the past.
RE: Class of 2026+ - BobK - 11-14-2025
It takes money these days to recruit. I’ll be forever grateful for those who contributed to the now Frosh class.
No I don’t like the new world but it’s here and not going away. It takes money
Maybe South Carolina out bid us no clue
Those p and moaning ask not what stanford WBB can do for you but what you can do for Stanford WBB.
RE: Class of 2026+ - bl82 - 11-14-2025
I hear you, especially re geography.
My unspoken point is that if Kate & Co. are essentially a coin flip with Stayley for elite talent, then we (and perhaps anyone else, including Geno) can’t really hope for anything better than that.
Our issue is typically the distribution of high academic elite recruits across positions and years. If we are a coin flip with Dawn, I think we can assemble the right pieces…and I hope like hell we are not fighting too much of an uphill battle with NIL here.
RE: Class of 2026+ - BillBradley - 11-14-2025
(11-14-2025, 08:09 AM)BobK Wrote: No I don’t like the new world but it’s here and not going away. It takes money100%. Each player is different. There are still some out there who factor in more than just NIL and basketball development into their decision. Academics and the value of the degree still matter. But there's hardly anyone who will completely disregard NIL. We can argue all we want about how it sucks, but we are finding out that 18 year olds aren't turning down hundreds of thousands of dollars per year to go to Stanford, especially when that money comes from USC, UCLA, or other good schools. We need to get into tiebreaker situations, where the academic experience can push us over the top for those players who value it. Then it becomes no different than it ever has been. Example: Would the Lopii have gone to Stanford if they had been offered $1M/year each to play at UCLA? Nope (not IMO). But if we match that offer, or even come close, they absolutely still come to Stanford.
I agree that there are also questions about the basketball development piece now that Tara has gone. Our current freshman class is so key. In the next few years, they need to put us back on the juggernaut map. In order to do that, we need to keep them. Hopefully along the way, our NIL war chest catches up enough that we can then land more top recruits. Otherwise, we will just continue to be mediocre.
RE: Class of 2026+ - bl82 - 11-14-2025
All it takes is adding one key piece to the puzzle. Someone like Kneepkens would have been a great addition to this team, I think.
RE: Class of 2026+ - stopandpop - 11-15-2025
(11-14-2025, 12:08 PM)BillBradley Wrote:(11-14-2025, 08:09 AM)BobK Wrote: No I don’t like the new world but it’s here and not going away. It takes money100%. Each player is different. There are still some out there who factor in more than just NIL and basketball development into their decision. Academics and the value of the degree still matter. But there's hardly anyone who will completely disregard NIL. We can argue all we want about how it sucks, but we are finding out that 18 year olds aren't turning down hundreds of thousands of dollars per year to go to Stanford, especially when that money comes from USC, UCLA, or other good schools. We need to get into tiebreaker situations, where the academic experience can push us over the top for those players who value it. Then it becomes no different than it ever has been. Example: Would the Lopii have gone to Stanford if they had been offered $1M/year each to play at UCLA? Nope (not IMO). But if we match that offer, or even come close, they absolutely still come to Stanford.
I agree that there are also questions about the basketball development piece now that Tara has gone. Our current freshman class is so key. In the next few years, they need to put us back on the juggernaut map. In order to do that, we need to keep them. Hopefully along the way, our NIL war chest catches up enough that we can then land more top recruits. Otherwise, we will just continue to be mediocre.
There could be another issue at hand regarding recruiting challenges. It's quite possible that top recruits watch Stanford's methodical, restrictive perimeter-oriented offense and realize their talents would be wasted or limited, coming here.
RE: Class of 2026+ - TheFarm07 - 11-15-2025
(11-15-2025, 03:03 PM)stopandpop Wrote:(11-14-2025, 12:08 PM)BillBradley Wrote:(11-14-2025, 08:09 AM)BobK Wrote: No I don’t like the new world but it’s here and not going away. It takes money100%. Each player is different. There are still some out there who factor in more than just NIL and basketball development into their decision. Academics and the value of the degree still matter. But there's hardly anyone who will completely disregard NIL. We can argue all we want about how it sucks, but we are finding out that 18 year olds aren't turning down hundreds of thousands of dollars per year to go to Stanford, especially when that money comes from USC, UCLA, or other good schools. We need to get into tiebreaker situations, where the academic experience can push us over the top for those players who value it. Then it becomes no different than it ever has been. Example: Would the Lopii have gone to Stanford if they had been offered $1M/year each to play at UCLA? Nope (not IMO). But if we match that offer, or even come close, they absolutely still come to Stanford.
I agree that there are also questions about the basketball development piece now that Tara has gone. Our current freshman class is so key. In the next few years, they need to put us back on the juggernaut map. In order to do that, we need to keep them. Hopefully along the way, our NIL war chest catches up enough that we can then land more top recruits. Otherwise, we will just continue to be mediocre.
There could be another issue at hand regarding recruiting challenges. It's quite possible that top recruits watch Stanford's methodical, restrictive perimeter-oriented offense and realize their talents would be wasted or limited, coming here.
Exactly, that's my biggest fear. Unless Paye decides to loosens up her offensive philosophy, that probably is too high of a hurdle to climb even if we throw NIL money at the recruits or make a Final Four run. Elite, uber-talented recruits want to showcase their talents (for sponsorships and the WNBA) and a system where their ceilings are capped and their talents minimized is not exactly enticing for them.
That's why I was hoping for a change of pace (figuratively and literally) with Tara's successor. The current on-court offense, especially with the talented freshmen class we now have, is very concerning.
Maybe we'll open it up some more against tougher foes coming up, but we'll be an easy out when we face off against Tennessee or the ACC conference slate if we stick to our current offensive gameplan