Next Newcomer: Emilija Dakic 5’10 PG -Like Sarah Deng, Emilija “Mills” Dakic is from Australia. Australia traditionally has one of the best wbb Olympic programs (besides us of course lol!) -Dakic has been a part of the Gems (junior national) for many years -in Feb she was extended a training camp invite for the U19 World Cup team. -only 24 invites total making her a top 25 U19 player in AUS on a list with several good players -Plenty of footage of Emilija, if you want to check her out. Better than me rambling about her! Haha -posted clips below but it is always better to watch uncut game footage (there is plenty!)
This is the one newcomer that I think is going to have an immediate impact. Love what I've seen from her.
Personally I think it is an underappreciated class, mainly because they are all international players. But her and the young lady from Canada(mind is blank) are very good and will both contribute Deng will also, but more on defense and handling, she is very quick..shot is decent. Young lady from Italy is going to have to contribute unless we get a few more bigs since no Kitts nor Alexis now
Last Newcomer: Nyadieng “Nidi” Yiech 6’1 W/F -One of the best players in Canada -6’5 wingspan, 8’1 standing reach -Nidi is a dynamic player who will likely get a bunch of run for us right out of the gate. -tons of footage of Nidi playing in tournaments with Team Canada -just moved today by ESPN to 59 from her original rank of 77 (93 overall, 4 Star) still underrated to me since she held her own with the best in the 2025 class in the game the other night -strong, good finisher From the other night: Here’s a full game vs team USA last June https://www.youtube.com/live/OeTaEmfiDd0?si=010oFJhlsShTyb12
Anyone hearing anything on possible committs? Portal closes the 22nd and so far mostly crickets. We need more players.
I heard there should be kids on campus this weekend but I will post if I hear anything concrete. Portal closing soon so we will see a few commitments here soon likely! Also congrats to alexia gassett! She is expecting with her husband. I really appreciate the leadership and commitment she gave us and looking at others that had similar situations it’s possible she could come back for us later in either a coaching or playing role if she so felt inclined. I would welcome it!
Jade just made it official on her instagram. Huge pick up!! Filling a huge need since Gassett isn’t playing this season. Had teams like USC trying to snag her as well. Will make a more “official” post with some player info here in a bit!
We could use that many, but we seem to rarely ever use all of our ships and most big targets are off the board. I'd imagine we take at least 1 more though to fill the roster at least and carry the rest over hoping for a monster class next year.
Our next new addition Jade Weathersby 6’2 F Jade is technically a true forward at this point, but she is really fast and long which is exactly what we need. She plays hard on both sides of the ball and is honestly hard to stop if she wants to get a basket. In a recent interview she referred to herself as 6’3 so maybe she has also grown a little since she arrived at UAB. it seems that she is producing in-game regardless of if she plays 5 minutes or 40, she performs well whether she comes off the bench or starts. seems like a pretty smart kid and really motivated to get better. Seems like her skills should compliment livs passing game well
