As far as recruiting and talent development goes, I think Cal fell victim to complacency; he has a little Tubby circa early 2000's in him -- sign em up and I'll make it work!. He is fantastic at coaching players up, and when you're getting top guys, the results are incredible. But when you're doing that outside of top five guys, you have to have an eye for talent/fit. Coach O is that eye when you're not getting surefire stars. Hope like hell we get him back on staff.
Can't see putting Strickland anywhere around this program. I had no idea what kinda baggage he came with until I listened to the "Crime in Sports" podcast that laid it all out. Always wondered why Irving didn't join his godfather, but it makes sense now, knowing what I know.
Cal made legit powerhouses out of UMass and Memphis; easy to forget that after the last 4-5 years, but I think (hope) this past season woke him up. The moves so far seem to indicate as much.