UConn gets second top-5 recruit in 2022 class in Ayanna Patterson

Ayanna Patterson, ESPNW’s No. 3-ranked prospect in the 2022 class, announced her commitment to coach Geno Auriemma and UConn on Saturday.

Patterson, who livestreamed her announcement at McMillen Park on Instagram, chose UConn over Indiana, Louisville, Notre Dame and UCLA.

A 6-foot-3 junior, she averaged 21.8 points, 11 rebounds and 2.3 blocks this past season at Homestead High School (Indiana).

“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,” Patterson said. “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.”

Patterson joins Isuneh Brady, the fifth-ranked prospect in the Class of 2022, as current juniors who committed to UConn.

Patterson, who plays for Ohio United of the adidas 3SSB Circuit, is a dynamic forward who is comfortable away from the paint and can punish opponents on post-ups and on the offensive glass. She also is developing a more consistent 3-point shot and could move up the espnW player rankings.

Patterson’s commitment leaves just one top-five prospect in next year’s class, No. 2 Janiah Barker, uncommitted. No. 1 Lauren Betts (Stanford), No. 4 Timea Gardiner (Oregon State) and Brady are the other top-five prospects.