Thanks for noting that -- I've updated the original post.
I'm currently on vacation for a few weeks, so I greatly appreciate any recruiting updates other people see.
***WBB: 2026 Recruiting Thread***
- Thread starter mred
- Start date
I'm currently on vacation for a few weeks, so I greatly appreciate any recruiting updates other people see.
Would like to check the Iowa board but with on3 gobbling up Rivals they made it all "premium" and subscription even to read fan forums. They also nixed the standalone WBB forum (seems they merged it with the MBB one but you can't read anything anymore. Would like to have been able to read their takes as rivals to my Cyclones and Gophers. Some good WBB posters there once you learn to ignore the two or three that HATE ISU and only post trash.
Sort of helps explain how a 20-year college kid gets her own sports beat on on3 and sideline reporter gigs for basketball games.
ISU wasn’t going to be a legit option for her given the situation with Bill. 2026-28 recruiting is going to be a challenge.
TOE WBB fans are the ones that should be really pissed.
Bills age impacts it some but it shouldn't be the biggest reason, especially with the transfer portal.
Everyone knows Geno, Mulkey, Vic, and I'm sure others I can't think of are also going to retire soon. Yes, they are bigger brands, same concept though, yet they can still land top 100 players no problem.
Bill needs to land some impact pieces or this is gonna be a bare cupboard in a few years.
Agreed. Two more years with a fully loaded class. Next year needs to have 1-2 top notch recruits ala Brown types.
The bigger brands associated with the names you mention make a huge difference when compared to the situation with ISU and Bill. Bill may be able to tap the portal next spring for what will likely be his last season in 2026-27 but I will be mildly surprised if he gets a commitment from a Top 100 type HS recruit from the 2026 and 2027 classes unless the prospect grew up an ISU fan. And given the top 8 players on the roster are all JRs or SRs, there will likely be a bare cupboard for the presumed new HC in Spring 2027 and the portal at that time will need to be relied upon by the replacement.
Well, we do have one Top 100 as Macy Comito is an ESPN #87. Whether she stays in the Top 100 or we get another is an open question. I can't see making much of a splash for 2026 or 2027 given the current situation of a coach that might retire and a league that is somewhat diminished as far as strength and popularity.
Bludar likely did Iowa a favor with her surprise retirement. She left Jensen with a good class or two of incoming HS players and Jensen managed to not have a lot of portal defections so she did not have an empty cupboard. They have not landed the big local/regional targets but not sure that Bludar would have either. The landscape for recruiting/competing is seemingly changing quarterly.
Macy C grew up an ISU fan from what I read in the DSM Register so she would be an exception as referenced in my prior post.
Agree on the Bluder transition, she geared it for Jensen so that Jennie B would not be legitimately considered and to reduce players portaling out.
Many are not going to like this idea, but Iowa State womens basketball would be well served to announce Billy as interim head coach (along side Bill where he would demonstrate his in game coaching abilities) as Addy and Audi head into their senior years and then let him assume the head coaching position the following year (with Bill retiring and court being named after him).
This would allow for recruiting continuity (which Billy already plays a lead role) and a smooth transition similar to Iowa.
UPDATED:
People take for granted that Iowa State has been a consistent tournament team but Pollard probably does not.
Since women’s basketball loses money, it is unlikely that Iowa State would be willing to pay a top 15 coach to come here.
Hiring a mid-major coach has significant risk of players transferring, and many sub .500 years.
And finally, I think people are underestimating Billy’s in game coaching ability (which should be shown as interim coach) and not acknowledging his excelling with recruiting.
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Feel feee to move this post to a better thread that I may not be aware of (or a new thread)
This would allow for recruiting continuity (which Billy already plays a lead role) and a smooth transition similar to Iowa.
UPDATED:
People take for granted that Iowa State has been a consistent tournament team but Pollard probably does not.
Since women’s basketball loses money, it is unlikely that Iowa State would be willing to pay a top 15 coach to come here.
Hiring a mid-major coach has significant risk of players transferring, and many sub .500 years.
And finally, I think people are underestimating Billy’s in game coaching ability (which should be shown as interim coach) and not acknowledging his excelling with recruiting.
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Feel feee to move this post to a better thread that I may not be aware of (or a new thread)
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Bill could have helped Billy’s chances of getting the job had he delegated some of the in game coaching like TJ does with his staff. Billy’s recruiting has been solid, but too many believe his lack of head coaching experience is a real concern. A bigger role on game day may have reduced those concerns.
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Yeah to hell with naming the Court after Bill, Johnny or TJ would be my vote on that deal and it is still too soon to declare TJ.
This is why I think the Athletics Department needs to announce that he's either staying or going and when.
And I think Iowa pooped itself with that hiring and killed all its positive momentum. Should have been Jenny B all along.
