At the beginning of this last season everything was Kentucky. Media had us as one of the greatest assembled teams ever. Throughout the year there was Kentucky number one and constant media attention, praise, articles, hype, etc. In fact, we landed several recruits early I believe because Kentucky was the number one place it seemed to be. However, that all ended with our loss to Wisconsin and then Duke winning it all.
I don't think it is coincidence that these end of the season recruits are not coming here like before. The magic was ended with our loss. Suddenly, coach K. and Duke returned to be the prominent recognized program where K now adopted the one and done recruiting and beat Cal at his own game. We kept hearing that Diallo was tied to Slice yet he ended up at Kansas. Kansas always seems to get some of these top recruits and have had consistency with their coaching staff. Ingram went to Duke and they had multiple visits with him and why wouldn't he go there? Again, I am saying some of our luster and magic was lost because of all this reporting how we had the greatest team ever yet didn't win it all.
Two other factors I think hurt. Losing Antigua and now Slice I believe also hurt our recruiting. A lot of recruiting is about relationships and these were the guys who had the primary responsibility for that role. Yes, Cal comes and meets you, but the building is those other guys. That's why we had the early success.
I see a lot of rationalizations going on about our team next year compared to others. We will have a good team, but I don't see us competing for a National Championship at this point. There may still be some transfers or other surprises out there. But, if we have a good season, I think we will be fine with future recruiting. I would like Cal to bring in a name that is recognized by the young high school players as well.
Bottom-line? I think our loss combined with all the year long hype hurt us way more than many realize.
I don't think it is coincidence that these end of the season recruits are not coming here like before. The magic was ended with our loss. Suddenly, coach K. and Duke returned to be the prominent recognized program where K now adopted the one and done recruiting and beat Cal at his own game. We kept hearing that Diallo was tied to Slice yet he ended up at Kansas. Kansas always seems to get some of these top recruits and have had consistency with their coaching staff. Ingram went to Duke and they had multiple visits with him and why wouldn't he go there? Again, I am saying some of our luster and magic was lost because of all this reporting how we had the greatest team ever yet didn't win it all.
Two other factors I think hurt. Losing Antigua and now Slice I believe also hurt our recruiting. A lot of recruiting is about relationships and these were the guys who had the primary responsibility for that role. Yes, Cal comes and meets you, but the building is those other guys. That's why we had the early success.
I see a lot of rationalizations going on about our team next year compared to others. We will have a good team, but I don't see us competing for a National Championship at this point. There may still be some transfers or other surprises out there. But, if we have a good season, I think we will be fine with future recruiting. I would like Cal to bring in a name that is recognized by the young high school players as well.
Bottom-line? I think our loss combined with all the year long hype hurt us way more than many realize.