ESPNW No. 3 Ayanna Patterson announced her commitment to Coach Geno Auriemma and UConn on Saturday, March 20th.
In her junior season at Homestead High School (IN), she averaged 21.8 points, 11 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game.
She held a small gathering at McMillen Park at 530pm and live streamed her announcement to those who could not be in attendance.
Brendan Bowen | IG: bbowen03 Ayanna shared why she chose UConn: “The coaching staff is genuine and academic wise it’s a great school and they have my major interests which are graphic design and business. The basketball speaks for itself with the championships and the tradition. With the teammates that will be there, I feel really comfortable - Azzi [Fudd], Paige [Bueckers], and Amari [DeBerry]. In looking past college, and with all of the WNBA success their players have had, that’s where dreams come true.”
Brendan Bowen | IG: bbowen03
Patterson chose UConn over Indiana, Louisville, Notre Dame, and UCLA.
The 6’3 forward, who plays for Ohio United of the adidas 3SSB Circuit, is a dynamic athlete with all the tools and skills a player could want. Athletically, it is hard to find a comparison in the country. Video has circulated of Patterson dunking the basketball off the dribble with two hands and off of two feet – a major rarity in the girls’ game.
Brendan Bowen | IG: bbowen03
She is one of those forwards who is comfortable away from the paint and has the ability to put the ball on the deck and push the ball in transition, but still punish opponents on post ups and on the offensive glass. As her three-point shot continues to become more consistent and she polishes her left hand, look for her to challenge for the top spot in the class.
With Patterson’s commitment to UConn, that leaves just current No. 2 Janiah Barker (FL) as the only player in the ESPNW Top 5 not committed. Lauren Betts (Stanford), Timea Gardiner (Oregon State), and Isuneh Brady (UConn) have already made their future destinations known.