07-29-2020, 09:13 PM
Per Swimswam, Regan Smith (their #1 recruit of all time, ahead of Ledecky) has decided to defer enrolling for one year to train for the olympics. Probably the right move for her, but this puts our NCAA winning streak in jeopardy (although it already is due to the likely cancellation of a number of sports seasons); especially since i don't think i've seen anything on the return of Taylor Ruck, who was the #2 recruit in 2018 and redshirted last season to train for the olympics.
I've been trying to keep track on where our championships might be next year if there are actually seasons. Women's cross country (NC State likely the top competitor) and Mens gymnastics should have good shots.
Without Smith or Ruck, we are probably still top 3-5 in women's swimming (including Smith, we had the #1 recruiting class for maybe the second or third time in the last four years) but can't see us ahead of Virginia. Women's tennis has to compete with North Carolina and UCLA.
Sports that rely more on interconnected parts, like women's basketball and men/women's soccer are harder to predict, although they have lots of talent and great coaches. Maybe mens/women's water polo? Mens tennis, swimming and golf had great recruiting years (each having the #1 or #2 recruit and the #1 or #2 recruiting class) but are likely too young/don't have enough depth. Women's volleyball has a lot of young talent (#1 class will be sophomores) but needs to replace too much. Any others?
Would love to see a deeper discussion by those more knowledgeable of what others think about our various teams' chances.
Thanks.
I've been trying to keep track on where our championships might be next year if there are actually seasons. Women's cross country (NC State likely the top competitor) and Mens gymnastics should have good shots.
Without Smith or Ruck, we are probably still top 3-5 in women's swimming (including Smith, we had the #1 recruiting class for maybe the second or third time in the last four years) but can't see us ahead of Virginia. Women's tennis has to compete with North Carolina and UCLA.
Sports that rely more on interconnected parts, like women's basketball and men/women's soccer are harder to predict, although they have lots of talent and great coaches. Maybe mens/women's water polo? Mens tennis, swimming and golf had great recruiting years (each having the #1 or #2 recruit and the #1 or #2 recruiting class) but are likely too young/don't have enough depth. Women's volleyball has a lot of young talent (#1 class will be sophomores) but needs to replace too much. Any others?
Would love to see a deeper discussion by those more knowledgeable of what others think about our various teams' chances.
Thanks.