Photo by Scout.com
Elena Delle Donne
One of the few prized women’s basketball prospects left on Tennessee’s recruiting list has chosen one of the Lady Vols’ most bitter rivals.
Elena Delle Donne, a 6-foot-5 guard from Ursuline Academy in Wilmington, Del., has committed to Connecticut. Delle Donne, a first-team Parade All-American last season, is considered the top prospect in the rich 2008 class.
In an e-mail, she said how she saw herself fitting in with Connecticut’s players and the proximity of games in the Big East were factors in her choice.
“This will allow my family, including Lizzie, to come to a lot of my away and even home games,’’ she said. “It has always been very important to me that my family and close fans would be able to follow me in college.”
Delle Donne’s sister, Elizabeth, has autism and cerebral palsy. She is blind and deaf and has had more than two dozen surgeries.
The timing of the decision was somewhat surprising. Delle Donne, who averaged 28 points and 11 rebounds per game last season, had taken a summer break from basketball, forgoing a chance to play for USA Basketball’s U-19 team. Media and Internet speculation last week had Villanova and Middle Tennessee State rising up her list. Elena’s brother, Gene, is a quarterback at MTSU.
“As recently as Saturday night, I didn’t know where she was going to school,’’ said Ernie Delle Donne, Elena’s father.
Delle Donne said the break helped her sort out her priorities but also conceded that the decision “haunted” her.
“The reason it was hard to make the decision is because I’m not too good at turning people down,’’ she said, “especially when they have been so nice to me and also have wonderful programs.”
The Lady Vols were hoping to get an official visit from Delle Donne this fall. She had been to campus on unofficial trips.
Ernie Delle Donne referred to Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt and UConn coach Geno Auriemma as “living legends” and said of his daughter’s school choices:
“It was like choosing between a banana split and a hot fudge sundae. Anyway you go you’ve made a great choice.”
Delle Donne’s commitment is a huge coup for Connecticut. The Huskies have 6-foot forward Maya Moore, last season’s high school player of the year, as an incoming freshman. Huskies sophomore center Tina Charles was the 2005 national player of the year.
Now they’ll add Delle Donne, who likely will be No. 1 this year.
Tennessee was in the hunt for Moore until she committed to the Huskies in 2006. Her recruitment was thought to be one of the reasons behind the Lady Vols’ decision to end their regular-season series with UConn.
Delle Donne was one of the main reasons Tennessee was open to signing as many as seven players this fall. The Lady Vols have five commitments for their signing class and have been recruiting Delle Donne and Webb School star Glory Johnson.
UT will concentrate on Johnson, who has the Lady Vols and North Carolina at the top of her list. Webb coach Shelley Sexton Collier said last week that Johnson was scheduled to visit UT the first weekend in October and UNC the following weekend.
Dan Fleser covers women’s basketball. He can be reached at 865 342 6288.
Tennessee 69, South Carolina 57 men's…
Tennessee 60, Connecticut 57 men's…
Tennessee 73, Georgia 62 men's…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 78
cdtnladyvols931#663910 writes:
Let her go to Uconn, she probably wanted to start playing right off, she didn't want to work or earn her playing time like she would had to do if she came to TN. She would have had to work at TN.
9fred9 writes:
How kind! You're LETTING her go? Please....
Yesterday it was Heather Buck, today Elena Delle Donne. Life is good here at UConn!!
GreerVol22 writes:
If you want to play for the best, then you made a big mistake. Have fun in Yankee land!
vol4jesus writes:
9fred9 why don't you keep your giddy post in ewe conn if that is where your affections are. Geno will love your adoration and homage I'm sure. Last time I looked the (HUMBLY I SAY) the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP banner for 2006 lady basketball went to ...THE TENNESSEE LADY VOLS!!!
andefromtn#212139 writes:
UConn and Tennessee are always going to be in the running for the best players. Please be good sports and display some sportmanship. One of the things I dislike about rabid fandom is the lack of it. You made not pull for UConn or even like Gino but show the kind of class that Pat Summitt has shown. She didn't air dirty laundry when she and Joan chose not to renew the series with UCOnn. She wished them well and moved on to other games. I love the Lady Vols but at times I don't our fans.
knoxtenor writes:
You can't blame Delle Donne. "Proximity to home" means she won't have to work too hard... won't have to work too hard, as cboots said, to ensure a starting spot; won't have to work too hard to play in the most competitive conference in the country; won't have to work too hard academically to satisfy her coach; won't have to work too hard at her coach's insistance to ensure that she's a winner in life as well as on the court; and won't have to work too hard playing the toughest schedule in the country.
andefromtn#212139 writes:
Actually the 2006 National Championship banner hangs at the University of Maryland. Tennessee won the 2007 championship.
andefromtn#212139 writes:
She has a handicapped sibling, give this kid a break. She chose to close to home, guess what it is her decision. I have never read that playing for Gino is exactly easy and he like Pat has graduated 100% of his players so I do think she'll have to work both on and off the court.
vol4jesus writes:
2006-07 season..picky. I don't fault her for being close to home with her special needs sister. Family is usually tighter when in these situations. Wish her well except when playing us in a regional or better. We are the 2007 Champions. I defer to andefromtn for the appropriate correction.
lnbadger320 writes:
9fred9, i guess life is good for you, maybe you can make it to the final four next year. will you be watching us when hoist another championship banner in knoxville?
RockyTop1 writes:
We only WANT those who WANT to play at Tennessee. How many "All-American" / "All-World" players have we had transfer when they realized the "work" involved in becoming a champion at Tennessee. Let them go and we will be fine without them. I wish Delle well except against us!! I would love our girls to rip off about three straight to put some distance between Geno and Pat! GO Lady Vols!!
acforonda writes:
Why is Pat Summitt given a free pass by the media when she canceled the "hottest game" in college basketball. Taurisi and Byrd answered the accusations of recruitment violations.....yet the media lets her slide. Also, the last time I checked Uconn has dominated the series. CHeck the facts..........Hey Rocky Top....before you put distance between Uconn and Tennessee you have to catch up.
fortandrews writes:
OK - Let's move on. If 'they" don't to be a champon, there are a lot more who WANT to play for a winner. Pat is still #1.
Volchaz writes:
We've already recruited 5. Only 5 can be on the floor at a time anyways, We are STACKED with All-Americans. Let the girl be close to her sister, totally cool w/me. Geno can go fly a kite though, with his negative recruiting.
goladyvols07#222306 writes:
Hey acforonda, if you are going to say ignorant phooey, then just stay off our message board. What Rocky Top was referring to was the distance in total national championships. We are winning in that category 7-5. Not wins and losses. It has been a rivalry of streaks. Just get it right. If you don't understand conversation, just don't speak. As far as Delle Donne is concerned, I hate it that she isn't going to be playing for the Lady Vols, but I know she made the right decision for herself. Family is the most important thing. I wish her well but....Never to beat us.
DroopyDrawers writes:
I agree with fortandrews---Let's move on.
I have one comment. I don't appreciate watching Gino (reading his lips on TV) using vulgar words when the camera is on him. My Grandson likes basketball and watches UConn when ever he can. UConn is a class school with the exception of Gino's mouth. Gino tolerated Taurasi's foul mouth also.
Pat is still a class act.
AllVol writes:
She looks like a Husky (yes, that was word play). But seriously, as Tennessee Volunteers and Southerners, we understand home and family. Let's wish her well. Unti she beats us on the floor, she hasn't done a damned thing. GO LADY VOLS 2007 National Champions
acforonda writes:
Hey, go lady vols.........I apologize for misunderstanding what she meant.......BUT ANSWER MY OTHER QUESTION......WHY DOES THE MEDIA AND OBVIOUSLY YOU GIVE HER A PASS ON DESTROYING THE BEST COLLEGE WOMENS GAME OF THE YEAR.....It is the equivalent to the North Carolina-Duke rivalry in mens basketball. She should put her dislike of him aside.....the fan is getting ripped off....by the way, Geno is a jerk, but don't take that game away from me the fan.
PS. I am sorry you had to be so violent and call me ignorant.....look in the mirror jerk.
tnmantravel#531151 writes:
simply put, Tennessee and UConn, will play at the final four, then and only then will "things" be settled. (and then for only one season!)
pendav#661488 writes:
His name is spelled GENO and not Gino.
betz writes:
I can understand why she would want to stay in the NE, and UConn does seem to attract a certain "type" of player like Lobo, Byrd, Tarasi, Strother. But one issue that I think was incorrectly stated is that UConn graduates 100% of players. The last I heard Tarasi has not graduated, correct me if I am wrong. Pat does require the players to work within a system. Sometimes that sacrifices individual stats, take Lori Moore in the WNBA for example who has been scoring more, and look at what a great job Spencer is doing.
I am not arguing with Pat's success - I am just saying that some players prefer to play programs that just allow them to do their thing..
inquiry writes:
Maybe we should schedule Conn now in basketball? (or did we stop that?)
acforonda writes:
Yep, its all about Pat, forget about all the money we sink as fans into the system
goladyvols07#222306 writes:
acforonda, first of all I didn't say that YOU were ignorant, just thought that your comments were. Go back and read it. Go ahead, I will wait..........
And Pat isn't the one that distroyed this. Just wait and the truth will come out. Then you and others will eat crow. Until then, stop judging. As far as me looking in the mirror, it's all good. I have nothing to apologise for and have no regrets. If you can't handle critisism, I suggest that you visit UCONN's website. If I went there and ran my mouth, I would expect to catch it from their fans. Also, I am not a jerk. Just an educated woman with great taste in teams. That is why I support the University of Tennessee!
acforonda writes:
semantics.....If I make an ignorant comment I must be ignorant....
As far as waiting for the truth to come out....lets hear the truth....THe Byrd, Taurisi accusation proved false....Lets hear the truth...I have to admit, their must be something because St. Pat would of never taken this game from us. Again, let me make it clear, Geno is a jerk....but I still want to watch that game.
PureOrange writes:
Delle may turn out to be an outstanding player, but in the report from ESPN, I saw something which would bother me very much if she had chosen to become a Lady Vol. She referred (more than once) to the fact that she chose UCONN because the other players there would compliment HER more than the players at UT would. Those self-absorbed players do not usually get very far with Pat Summitt. I want players who strive to make their teammates better, not the other way around.
We have some really good players coming in to go with the great ones we already have. I will be glad to go to battle with the ones we have against the ones ANYONE else has.
Go Lady Vols!
goladyvols07#222306 writes:
I have always heard that admitting it is the first step. Good for you.
Just be patient though. There is more to it than that. (Sue and Diana) It will come out. Just not at liberty to say what I know for a fact.
Pat IS a saint. There you go again...admitting something else. 2 for 2!!
I saved last years game on my dvr. Simehow knew that this was going to happen. Sometimes when I'm feeling a little low, I watch Parker dunking on Geno's girls. It makes me smile and I confess that it even puts chill bumps on my body.
goladyvols07#222306 writes:
Oh, that last comment was for acforonda.
goladyvols07#222306 writes:
Thanks marc_ash. Great comments from you.
misterorange writes:
UCONN fans are as bad as Kentucky's. You excell at one sport and Tennessee has a better men and women's basketball program this year as they did a year ago. I can't think of any other sports team at UCONN that is in the same league as Tennessee. Not football, baseball, basketball, track, swimming, golf, soccer, volleyball. I guess this year you can hang your hat on the field hockey squad.
RockyTop1 writes:
Ignorance is simply a lack of knowledge which can be overcome through education! I am ignorant of brain surgery so, I am not the one you need if that's the issue! However, with the proper education I could get there if needed or desired.
Let's just be civil understanding that we PARK on a DRIVEway and DRIVE on the PARKway and simply support our Lady Vols!!
RockyTop1 writes:
GO LadyVols!!
fortandrews writes:
Wait!!!! csmelton you really hurt a great group that did a supper job for U.T. HOW ABOUT THE SOFTBALL TEAM,
acforonda writes:
csmelton: you have so much anger.....did that make you feel better....My dad is stronger than yours....hahahahah HEY, I AM HEAR TO FIND OUT WHY ST. PAT IS GIVEN A PASS AND WON'T GIVE US THE REASON WHY SHE ENDED THE PREMIERE MATCHUP OF OVER A DECADE. Go Lady Vols seems to have inside info. I suggest she leave her cubicle in the athletic office and give us some facts. Question for you....Since we were talking hoops....What University has more players TOTAL in the NBA and the WBA?
That would be the Basketball Capital of the World.......Storrs COnnecticut.
Thank you for your time.....you are too easy.
acforonda writes:
WNBA would fix the typo
Einstein writes:
The 2008 championship is also comint to Tennessee and 2009 if Candice stays abroaf. Her boyfriend is in the NBA so money is no object. I hope Candice trys to tie Chaminque with 3 titles
acforonda writes:
Sorry Einsteeeeeeeen. The game is decided on the floor. I am sure their were plenty of times when we both thought our teams would go all the way and they did not.
Summit writes:
Let's try to show a little class. Both teams should be fantastic in the future. It makes for great Women's Basketball. I only wish they were still on each other's schedule and that the rivalry could be a friendly one. Go Huskies!!!
9fred9 writes:
marc_ash wrote: "I'm sure Mr. Pizza roll had something to do with ending the rivalry."
Actually St. Pat is simply too busy, spending lots of time in the woods chopping down trees with that hatchet face of hers.
http://www.topix.net/forum/source/har...
bpvol#216873 writes:
Pat is a class act and always represents UT with dignity. For whatever reason the rivalry was ended, it was a good one and I suspect when she retires or is not in an official UT capacity, maybe we will find out.
However, for now, the question of who is the best will have to be decided in the tourney. If both teams are good enough they will meet and you will get your answer.
Lastly, the difference in our Coach and other coaches is you will never here a UT follower ever refer to Pat as a "jerk", as evidently other folks posting to this website refer to their coach.....mainly because she is not and treats fans, players, media with class.
That may explain why the media has given her a "Pass" as has been termed previously.
goladyvols07#222306 writes:
acforonda, for your info, I work for myself and nobody else. My business is located 3 hours away from Knoxville but I do have season tickets. I don't have a cubicle but I do have friends in high places. And, I am very loyal to those friends so mum is the word. Drop it. Time will tell!!!!
misterorange writes:
fortandrews, I think you misinterpreted what I said. I was actually praising sports such as softball, and was comparing all our sports to UCONN's. Acrofonda proved my point by continuing to blab about UCONN's beloved basketball programs which is the only sport they have that can consistently compete against the big boys and girls in.
acforonda writes:
and your point is csmelton...(I proved that you are not so bright.) You can have all your sports. THE TOPIC IS WHY DID SHE CANCEL THE GAME AND WHY DOES SHE GET A FREE PASS.....OOPPS I forgot that well connected "Go Lady Vols" person promised that the truth will come out. You should get off the board.....your embarrassing your team
Go Lady Vols.....You drop it. As a big contributor to the program and having friends in high places I cannot compete.....You are so connected.
AllVol writes:
Hey, Mr. Dude,
Why does she have to give an explanation at all? What's the free pass for? You act like somebody stood you up for the prom. Why does she have to play you? Early in the season it means absolutely nothing anyway. The game brought national exposure that neither team needs. What's the big deal? She didn't "shoot your dog". Get over it. Your coach is an a--h-le, and ours is one of the most respected coaches in all of college sports, and the winningest basketball coach in history.
Hunter writes:
There's a WNBA?
AllVol writes:
You've got a point there, rock. I just hate to see simple logic take such a beating. Do you think any of us would actually waste time posting to their site? I sure hope not. Boy, doesn't everybody want to be a Vol . . . .
AllVol writes:
You'll notice he/she didn't respond. I can still see the orange and white confetti showering down on our glorious National Champion Lady Vols.
acforonda writes:
I don't have it in front of me, but some of those titles came when their were only 5 or 6 top flight teams. It is much more impressive winning one now (like last year) with the competition being what it is.
In Modern Womens College Basketball Uconn has dominated the head to head series.....No wonder St. Pat cancelled. Good Night UT.
ctkanes writes:
I must say, no matter which side one falls on, this dialogue has been pretty humorous. I know I may not be welcome as a UConn fan, but last I checked, it is a free country, and you are all welcome to post on Connecticut sites anytime you want. I'd just like to make a few points relevant to former posts:
1. Volsrock54, if you want us to think you have so much class, why are you calling UConn a bunch of horse faced goons and their fans moronic asses? That doesn't indicate class at all.
2. Husky fans are not asses or obnoxious. Yankee fans are! :o)
3. Csmelton, we actually do have several good sports teams, contrary to what you'd like to think. Both men's and women's soccer are perennial Top 5 in addition to our field hockey team, and several others, including men's and women's ice hockey, are growing nationally every year. While our football team has nowhere near the tradition or winning percentage as yours does, both our basketball teams have national championships in recent years, something your men's team cannot claim.
4. I do not know Geno personally, but he is certainly arrogant and obnoxious. In his defense, he WAS raised in Philly, so it's not entirely his fault.
No matter what happens recruiting wise in the future, I wish you all enjoyable seasons in the future, so long as you don't beat us head-to-head. Good luck Vols!
DroopyDrawers writes:
Geno or Gino! What does it matter?
I have watched UConn games and UConn is a class act except for Geno's and Taurisi's vulgar language.
Outside of those two, I have great admiration for the Huskies. UConn fans, is it true that the Men's team coach will not give Geno the time of day?
Geno played golf in Knoxville last year on a visit with a friend of his and accepted a Vol Pin. Although, he made sure it said Vols, not Lady Vols. That particular day, he was extremely cordial but I still have trouble with his foul mouth on TV. I can read lips.
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.