Pre-season all conference

[TheGreatDivider101]

USC’s Watkins Named Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year

ROSEMONT, Ill. – USC senior guard JuJu Watkins was named the 2026-27 Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year, as chosen by the league’s 18 head coaches and a select media panel, the conference announced Thursday.

bigten.org

Ava and Chit-Chat will be representing Iowa at the Big Ten media day next week.
Sorry for posting a non-Caitlin thread.

 

[Kceasthawk@77]

The Bigten has released their preseason all conference players.

USC’s Watkins Named Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year

ROSEMONT, Ill. – USC senior guard JuJu Watkins was named the 2026-27 Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year, as chosen by the league’s 18 head coaches and a select media panel, the conference announced Thursday.

www.bigten.org

Ava and Chit-Chat will be representing Iowa at the Big Ten media day next week.
Sorry for posting a non-Caitlin thread.

Couldn't open the link. I know Juju is all that but a little disrespectful to name her pre season player of the year when she hasn't stepped on the floor for a year and a half and she'll be returning to a team that's has lots of new top ranked players that have never played with her. Its hard to believe that she'll be able to be as ball dominant as she was the first two seasons.

 

[AFM22]

The Bigten has released their preseason all conference players.

USC’s Watkins Named Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year

ROSEMONT, Ill. – USC senior guard JuJu Watkins was named the 2026-27 Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year, as chosen by the league’s 18 head coaches and a select media panel, the conference announced Thursday.

www.bigten.org

Ava and Chit-Chat will be representing Iowa at the Big Ten media day next week.
Sorry for posting a non-Caitlin thread.

You are forgiven.... this time.

 

[AFM22]

Couldn't open the link. I know Juju is all that but a little disrespectful to name her pre season player of the year when she hasn't stepped on the floor for a year and a half and she'll be returning to a team that's has lots of new top ranked players that have never played with her. Its hard to believe that she'll be able to be as ball dominant as she was the first two seasons.

Pre-season awards mean nothing, but she's a 41%/25.5ppg shooter before injury. That's pretty damn good.

The PPG leader last year was Mikayla Blakes and her career is 25.2.

 

[BroncHawk]

Couldn't open the link. I know Juju is all that but a little disrespectful to name her pre season player of the year when she hasn't stepped on the floor for a year and a half and she'll be returning to a team that's has lots of new top ranked players that have never played with her. Its hard to believe that she'll be able to be as ball dominant as she was the first two seasons.

Well it’s a meaningless preseason award, so I doubt anyone else really finds it disrespectful.

 

[TheGreatDivider101]

USC’s Watkins Named Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year

ROSEMONT, Ill. – USC senior guard JuJu Watkins was named the 2026-27 Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year, as chosen by the league’s 18 head coaches and a select media panel, the conference announced Thursday.

bigten.org

Ava and Chit-Chat will be representing Iowa at the Big Ten media day next week.
Sorry for posting a non-Caitlin thread.

Couldn't open the link. I know Juju is all that but a little disrespectful to name her pre season player of the year when she hasn't stepped on the floor for a year and a half and she'll be returning to a team that's has lots of new top ranked players that have never played with her. Its hard to believe that she'll be able to be as ball dominant as she was the first two seasons.

Fixed.

 

[Kceasthawk@77]

Pre-season awards mean nothing, but she's a 41%/25.5ppg shooter before injury. That's pretty damn good.

The PPG leader last year was Mikayla Blakes and her career is 25.2.

Yes exactly. 25pt/GM when she was ball dominate on a team that looked for her whenever they needed a basket. In her freshman season she scored 51pts in a game where her team scored 67 against Stanford. The rest of the team scored 16 points, while they all stood around and watched Juju take over the whole offense. That's not happening anymore. They've had two Top 5 classes, #1 I think since then with lots of 5 star players. She's not coming back to the same team she left. That's all I'm saying.

 

[Kceasthawk@77]

Pre-season awards mean nothing, but she's a 41%/25.5ppg shooter before injury. That's pretty damn good.

The PPG leader last year was Mikayla Blakes and her career is 25.2.

Blake's is really good. She's the one right now who has some chance at making a run at Clarks scoring record.

 

[AFM22]

Yes exactly. 25pt/GM when she was ball dominate on a team that looked for her whenever they needed a basket. In her freshman season she scored 51pts in a game where her team scored 67 against Stanford. The rest of the team scored 16 points, while they all stood around and watched Juju take over the whole offense. That's not happening anymore. They've had two Top 5 classes, #1 I think since then with lots of 5 star players. She's not coming back to the same team she left. That's all I'm saying.

I get it. My point is that before she was injured she was a really good player. She's projected as the #1 overall draft pick right now. Are there any other players in the league that should unseat her?

 

[AFM22]

Blake's is really good. She's the one right now who has some chance at making a run at Clarks scoring record.

Audi has 1 more year

 

[Kceasthawk@77]

I get it. My point is that before she was injured she was a really good player. She's projected as the #1 overall draft pick right now. Are there any other players in the league that should unseat her?

I get your point as well. I guess "disrespectful" was over the top. Maybe presumptuous would be more accurate. Maybe she comes back and puts up those kind of numbers, but I'll believe it when I see it. The team she's coming back to is loaded with talent, and they aren't going to be as one player ball dominant as they were two years ago.

 

[AFM22]

I get your point as well. I guess "disrespectful" was over the top. Maybe presumptuous would be more accurate. Maybe she comes back and puts up those kind of numbers, but I'll believe it when I see it. The team she's coming back to is loaded with talent, and they aren't going to be as one player ball dominant as they were two years ago.

Right, it is presumptuous, but all pre-season awards are.

 

[Kceasthawk@77]

Audi has 1 more year

That will be really interesting to see what the coach at Okie State does with his offense. Does he allow Crooks to just stand in the paint and try to run their whole offense off her. Allow her to take herself in and out of games for rest, or have her defensive liabilities affect their team defense. I'm going to bet against her scoring 1700 points this year or about 46pts per game IF the other OSU makes the final four. I'm sure you'll have fun with it again this year though

 

[o_AMAYS]

Usually the preseason all conference teams and the coaches and media predictions for the top 5 BIG teams (in order) are released on the same day. Wonder if they scrapped the preseason top 5 predictions.

 

[TheGreatDivider101]

Indiana seems to be killing it on the recruiting trail as they just landed #20 Azariah Jackson from the state of Washington after earlier landing Brookeslee Colvin from Idaho. Thats a big jump in their normal footprint.

 

[HawksGoneWild1]

Indiana seems to be killing it on the recruiting trail as they just landed #20 Azariah Jackson from the state of Washington after earlier landing Brookeslee Colvin from Idaho. Thats a big jump in their normal footprint.

Believe you're correct on that and their rankings.

Also saw that Skim posted a gif for Indiana. Noticed it was a player I never heard of before. Just did a quick search to see how far down the food chain she was. Surprised it was #20 ranked. That got me to thinking Moren has pulled in some nicely rated players lately., iirc

Sure enough she has. I was hoping Indiana was going to fold even further. However, it seems her recruiting has picked up over the last 2 years. Over the last 5 years, she has gradually inched up into some pretty good territory.

Pretty sure IN has some room for these higher rated players to get PT where it's not so easy to find it on IA. Again, was hoping Moren would fade away into the sunset but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Now Jackson and Colvin are higher rated than her prior class of 2 highest rated players she has ever had at Indiana.

Indiana lands F Azy Jackson, No. 20 in Class of 2027 - ESPN
"Indiana now has three recruits in the 2027 class, with Jackson joining point guard Brookeslee Colvin (SC Next 100 No. 24) and wing Finley Parker (SC Next 100 No. 66)."

Indiana lands F Azy Jackson, No. 20 in Class of 2027

Indiana has landed 6-foot-4 forward Azaraiah "Azy" Jackson, the No. 20 prospect in the 2027 SC Next 100.

www.espn.com

Indiana women’s basketball adds sixth-ranked class of 2026, per ESPN – The Daily Hoosier
Addy Nyemchek #28
GiGi Battle #32
Ashlinn James #64
Zoe Jackson (Australia)
"Nyemchek and Battle are the two highest-ranked recruits Teri Moren has signed in her 12 seasons at the helm of IU women’s basketball."

Indiana women’s basketball adds sixth-ranked class of 2026, per ESPN

Indiana women’s basketball is bringing in a strong class of freshmen next year. The Hoosiers officially signed four players for the class of 2026 on Wednesday: guards Ashlinn James and GiGi B…

www.thedailyhoosier.com

I removed a couple of players because they transferred from the 2023-25 classes (both were over #50). They had 2 players signed in each of these years with #36 the highest.

2025:
Maya Makalusky #36

2024:
Faith Wiseman #55
Sydney Fenn - N/A

2023:
Lenée Beaumont #82

 

[o_AMAYS]

Believe you're correct on that and their rankings.

Also saw that Skim posted a gif for Indiana. Noticed it was a player I never heard of before. Just did a quick search to see how far down the food chain she was. Surprised it was #20 ranked. That got me to thinking Moren has pulled in some nicely rated players lately., iirc

Sure enough she has. I was hoping Indiana was going to fold even further. However, it seems her recruiting has picked up over the last 2 years. Over the last 5 years, she has gradually inched up into some pretty good territory.

Pretty sure IN has some room for these higher rated players to get PT where it's not so easy to find it on IA. Again, was hoping Moren would fade away into the sunset but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Now Jackson and Colvin are higher rated than her prior class of 2 highest rated players she has ever had at Indiana.

Indiana lands F Azy Jackson, No. 20 in Class of 2027 - ESPN
"Indiana now has three recruits in the 2027 class, with Jackson joining point guard Brookeslee Colvin (SC Next 100 No. 24) and wing Finley Parker (SC Next 100 No. 66)."

Indiana lands F Azy Jackson, No. 20 in Class of 2027

Indiana has landed 6-foot-4 forward Azaraiah "Azy" Jackson, the No. 20 prospect in the 2027 SC Next 100.

www.espn.com

Indiana women’s basketball adds sixth-ranked class of 2026, per ESPN – The Daily Hoosier
Addy Nyemchek #28
GiGi Battle #32
Ashlinn James #64
Zoe Jackson (Australia)
"Nyemchek and Battle are the two highest-ranked recruits Teri Moren has signed in her 12 seasons at the helm of IU women’s basketball."

Indiana women’s basketball adds sixth-ranked class of 2026, per ESPN

Indiana women’s basketball is bringing in a strong class of freshmen next year. The Hoosiers officially signed four players for the class of 2026 on Wednesday: guards Ashlinn James and GiGi B…

www.thedailyhoosier.com

I removed a couple of players because they transferred from the 2023-25 classes (both were over #50). They had 2 players signed in each of these years with #36 the highest.

2025:
Maya Makalusky #36

2024:
Faith Wiseman #55
Sydney Fenn - N/A

2023:
Lenée Beaumont #82

In the spring of 2025, Moren fired her recruiting coordinator, complaining publicly that Indiana wasn’t getting the players they should. IU then hired Colten Thompson from Alabama as recruiting coordinator in April 2025. He has been a recruiting home run. Two of IU’s ‘27 commitments are McDonald’s AA level or perhaps just below. IU’s 2026 commitments included 1 McDonald’s AA and 1 just below McDonalds AA level.

LaSondra Barrett has been a home run for Iowa as far as the portal is concerned (Chit Chat, Carnegie and Faison), and she is also responsible for Stromdahl from Sweden. But Barrett’s high school recruiting has yet to come anywhere near the level of her portal impact. It’s still early, but I’m hoping that Barrett can help attract some elite level high school recruits.

 

[Kceasthawk@77]

In the spring of 2025, Moren fired her recruiting coordinator, complaining publicly that Indiana wasn’t getting the players they should. IU then hired Colten Thompson from Alabama as recruiting coordinator in April 2025. He has been a recruiting home run. Two of IU’s ‘27 commitments are McDonald’s AA level or perhaps just below. IU’s 2026 commitments included 1 McDonald’s AA and 1 just below McDonalds AA level.

LaSondra Barrett has been a home run for Iowa as far as the portal is concerned (Chit Chat, Carnegie and Faison), and she is also responsible for Stromdahl from Sweden. But Barrett’s high school recruiting has yet to come anywhere near the level of her portal impact. It’s still early, but I’m hoping that Barrett can help attract some elite level high school recruits.

Not to bad for 2027 class with Suebert and Hartwell. Certainly Indiana could offer more PT right away, and we still have to see how the 5 for 5 plays out. Players like Ava and Dani could still be here for awhile should they choose.

 

[91hawki]

Believe you're correct on that and their rankings.

Also saw that Skim posted a gif for Indiana. Noticed it was a player I never heard of before. Just did a quick search to see how far down the food chain she was. Surprised it was #20 ranked. That got me to thinking Moren has pulled in some nicely rated players lately., iirc

Sure enough she has. I was hoping Indiana was going to fold even further. However, it seems her recruiting has picked up over the last 2 years. Over the last 5 years, she has gradually inched up into some pretty good territory.

Pretty sure IN has some room for these higher rated players to get PT where it's not so easy to find it on IA. Again, was hoping Moren would fade away into the sunset but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Now Jackson and Colvin are higher rated than her prior class of 2 highest rated players she has ever had at Indiana.

Indiana lands F Azy Jackson, No. 20 in Class of 2027 - ESPN
"Indiana now has three recruits in the 2027 class, with Jackson joining point guard Brookeslee Colvin (SC Next 100 No. 24) and wing Finley Parker (SC Next 100 No. 66)."

Indiana lands F Azy Jackson, No. 20 in Class of 2027

Indiana has landed 6-foot-4 forward Azaraiah "Azy" Jackson, the No. 20 prospect in the 2027 SC Next 100.

www.espn.com

Indiana women’s basketball adds sixth-ranked class of 2026, per ESPN – The Daily Hoosier
Addy Nyemchek #28
GiGi Battle #32
Ashlinn James #64
Zoe Jackson (Australia)
"Nyemchek and Battle are the two highest-ranked recruits Teri Moren has signed in her 12 seasons at the helm of IU women’s basketball."

Indiana women’s basketball adds sixth-ranked class of 2026, per ESPN

Indiana women’s basketball is bringing in a strong class of freshmen next year. The Hoosiers officially signed four players for the class of 2026 on Wednesday: guards Ashlinn James and GiGi B…

www.thedailyhoosier.com

I removed a couple of players because they transferred from the 2023-25 classes (both were over #50). They had 2 players signed in each of these years with #36 the highest.

2025:
Maya Makalusky #36

2024:
Faith Wiseman #55
Sydney Fenn - N/A

2023:
Lenée Beaumont #82

There is also this certain alumni called Mark Cuban that I believe is helping in their efforts

 

[HawksGoneWild1]

In the spring of 2025, Moren fired her recruiting coordinator, complaining publicly that Indiana wasn’t getting the players they should. IU then hired Colten Thompson from Alabama as recruiting coordinator in April 2025. He has been a recruiting home run. Two of IU’s ‘27 commitments are McDonald’s AA level or perhaps just below. IU’s 2026 commitments included 1 McDonald’s AA and 1 just below McDonalds AA level.

LaSondra Barrett has been a home run for Iowa as far as the portal is concerned (Chit Chat, Carnegie and Faison), and she is also responsible for Stromdahl from Sweden. But Barrett’s high school recruiting has yet to come anywhere near the level of her portal impact. It’s still early, but I’m hoping that Barrett can help attract some elite level high school recruits.

Colten Thompson goes down swinging!

https://btownbanners.com/uploads/monthly_2025_04/image.png.06a7baa405d9f10643918968f6c3e24c.png

He must of wanted her because he also offered her at Alabama before moving to IN.