Was just getting ready to make this same point. I think with Hart and ABIII there were short term considerations such as preexisting relationships that had already been forged (like Crowe) and there are longer term considerations that they are exceptional recruiters.
I’d also say that (maybe by circumstance) there is a bigger picture developing on Pope’s overall strategy.
Recruit talented in-state kids who have a higher probability of staying 2+ years and have the intrinsic understanding of what it means to wear the jersey.
Fill in high level 5 stars but in smaller doses than we’ve seen over the last 15 years.
Find the “in-between” 4 stars who could blow up or could provide a few years continuity. Fill gaps year to year in the portal.
Maybe it’s an obvious point, but it’s interesting to me to see it play out.
We are also getting a visit soon from a 2026 kid rated in the top 10 on some services, I believe he is a four star overall but rising Miikka Muurinen, a 6-10 PF.