**Class of 2027 Five-Star Center Eve Long to Visit Notre Dame Between Stops at Tennessee and Kansas**
The recruitment of elite high school basketball players is always a whirlwind of campus visits, meetings with coaches, and tough decisions. For Eve Long, a five-star center in the Class of 2027, the process is heating up as she prepares for a pivotal stretch of official visits. Among the stops on her itinerary is a trip to Notre Dame, sandwiched between visits to two other basketball powerhouses—Tennessee and Kansas. This scheduling decision underscores the fierce competition among top programs to land one of the most promising young talents in the country.
### **The Rise of Eve Long**
Eve Long has been on the radar of college scouts since her early high school days, thanks to her rare combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ. Standing at 6’5” with a versatile offensive game, she dominates the paint with her post moves, rebounds at an elite level, and has shown the ability to stretch the floor with a developing jump shot. Defensively, her length and timing make her a formidable shot-blocker, altering opponents’ game plans whenever she’s on the floor.
Her performances in AAU circuits and high school tournaments have solidified her status as a must-have recruit. Coaches from across the nation have been vying for her attention, and her upcoming visits to Tennessee, Notre Dame, and Kansas will play a crucial role in shaping her final decision.
### **The Tennessee Stop: A Tradition of Excellence**
Long’s first official visit will be to the University of Tennessee, a program with a storied history under legendary coach Pat Summitt and now led by Kellie Harper. The Lady Vols remain a perennial contender in the SEC, known for their tough, physical style of play and passionate fanbase.
For Long, Tennessee offers a chance to follow in the footsteps of some of the game’s greatest post players. The program’s emphasis on defense and rebounding aligns well with her strengths, and the opportunity to play in one of the nation’s most competitive conferences would provide a platform for immediate impact. Additionally, the Vols’ strong alumni network and resources for player development could be major selling points.
### **Notre Dame: A Blend of Academics and Basketball Prestige**
Following her trip to Knoxville, Long will head to South Bend to visit Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish, under head coach Niele Ivey, have re-established themselves as a national powerhouse, blending high-level basketball with elite academics. For a player like Long, who values both athletic and academic success, Notre Dame presents a compelling case.
Ivey, a former Notre Dame standout and WNBA veteran, has reinvigorated the program with her player-friendly approach and emphasis on guard-play versatility. However, adding a dominant center like Long could transform the Irish into a title contender. Notre Dame’s history of developing post players—such as Ruth Riley, Natalie Achonwa, and Jessica Shepard—shows a proven track record of success for bigs in their system.
Beyond basketball, Notre Dame’s academic reputation is a major draw. The university’s strong graduation rates and alumni network provide long-term benefits that extend beyond a player’s college career. For Long and her family, this balance between athletics and education could be a deciding factor.
### **Kansas: A Program on the Rise**
After her Notre Dame visit, Long will travel to Lawrence to check out Kansas. Under coach Brandon Schneider, the Jayhawks have been building momentum, making deep runs in the NCAA tournament and establishing themselves as a rising force in the Big 12.
Kansas may not have the same historical pedigree as Tennessee or Notre Dame, but the program’s recent success and player development could appeal to Long. The Jayhawks have excelled in developing versatile forwards and centers, and their up-tempo style could allow Long to showcase her full skill set. Additionally, the chance to be the centerpiece of a program on the rise—with the potential to leave a lasting legacy—might be enticing.
### **What Will Influence Long’s Decision?**
As with any top recruit, multiple factors will shape Eve Long’s final choice:
1. **Playing Time & Role** – Long will want assurances that she can contribute early and grow into a featured role. Coaches will likely emphasize how she fits into their system and the opportunities she’ll have to develop.
2. **Coaching Stability & Development** – The relationship with the head coach and staff will be crucial. Programs with a history of developing WNBA-level post players will have an edge.
3. **Academic Fit** – For Long and her family, the balance between athletics and education will matter. Notre Dame’s academic prestige could be a major factor.
4. **NIL Opportunities** – In today’s landscape, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals play a role. Larger programs with strong fanbases (like Tennessee and Kansas) may offer more lucrative opportunities.
5. **Team Culture** – Long will likely gauge the locker room dynamics and whether she meshes with future teammates.
### **The Impact of Her Decision**
Wherever Eve Long commits, her arrival will be a program-changing event. A player of her caliber can shift the balance of power in a conference, and coaches are well aware of that. Tennessee would gain a dominant post presence to anchor their defense, Notre Dame could pair her with their talented guards for a championship push, and Kansas would secure a franchise player to elevate their status further.
### **Conclusion**
As Eve Long embarks on these pivotal visits, the basketball world will be watching closely. Each program—Tennessee, Notre Dame, and Kansas—offers unique advantages, and her decision will come down to which aligns best with her goals on and off the court. For now, all three schools remain in contention, and the battle for her commitment is far from over.
One thing is certain: wherever she lands, Eve Long is poised to make an immediate and lasting impact in women’s college basketball.
