Based on original expectations, now that everything is all said and done, what would you grade the recruitment of the Tiger Ten? (And yes, we know they got replacements from Out of State. They weren't just going to eat those scholarships.)
For some perspective, I went back and listened to the Podcast that Gabe discussed projections for the Tiger Ten. He said that we were not going to get all 10, but the expected goal should probably be 5 for an decent class. I think the Staff got some decent role players from out of State, but the Blue Chips that should be anchoring this class were all in State.
It is interesting, because back in February I could not see any way that this Staff could get over 3. I take no real pleasure in being right about that, but it is interesting to always look back and see all of the turns a year can take. But I also fear that if they could not get it done this year, then when will they ever be able to? They were successful with 1 out of 10 of the prospects, which is very hard to dice as a success. I was a bit critical of Pinkel's recruiting, but even I could not see him scoring a 10% on this test. Even more concerning, two years into Odom's program, I am not really sure what he has to sell that would distinguish him from others. He has no noteworthy wins (but several noteworthy losses), deep recruiting connections or name recognition that carries weight. This could end up being a glimpse into future recruiting results for us.
With more of a serious recruiting effort, and a few Ace Recruiters on the staff, all of this could actually turn as Coach suggests. In an individual case, it is not hard to see why a kid would prefer a Blue Blood school, but when we are judging missing 9 kids out of 10, there are other dynamics at work. If Kentucky can recruit (and they have had success in the past few years to go along with the rankings) the past few seasons and have success, then there is no real reason that we can not do the same. In the Big XII North, you could get away with subpar recruiting, but not in our current home. The staff should not expect that a kid will come to their program without earning their signature, just because he was born in the State or some odd expectation of loyalty.
It may be time to finally look in the mirror, and get serious about recruiting to Missouri. Expecting 3 and only getting 1, or only getting 1 out of a possible 10, either way ends as a Failure.
For some perspective, I went back and listened to the Podcast that Gabe discussed projections for the Tiger Ten. He said that we were not going to get all 10, but the expected goal should probably be 5 for an decent class. I think the Staff got some decent role players from out of State, but the Blue Chips that should be anchoring this class were all in State.
It is interesting, because back in February I could not see any way that this Staff could get over 3. I take no real pleasure in being right about that, but it is interesting to always look back and see all of the turns a year can take. But I also fear that if they could not get it done this year, then when will they ever be able to? They were successful with 1 out of 10 of the prospects, which is very hard to dice as a success. I was a bit critical of Pinkel's recruiting, but even I could not see him scoring a 10% on this test. Even more concerning, two years into Odom's program, I am not really sure what he has to sell that would distinguish him from others. He has no noteworthy wins (but several noteworthy losses), deep recruiting connections or name recognition that carries weight. This could end up being a glimpse into future recruiting results for us.
With more of a serious recruiting effort, and a few Ace Recruiters on the staff, all of this could actually turn as Coach suggests. In an individual case, it is not hard to see why a kid would prefer a Blue Blood school, but when we are judging missing 9 kids out of 10, there are other dynamics at work. If Kentucky can recruit (and they have had success in the past few years to go along with the rankings) the past few seasons and have success, then there is no real reason that we can not do the same. In the Big XII North, you could get away with subpar recruiting, but not in our current home. The staff should not expect that a kid will come to their program without earning their signature, just because he was born in the State or some odd expectation of loyalty.
It may be time to finally look in the mirror, and get serious about recruiting to Missouri. Expecting 3 and only getting 1, or only getting 1 out of a possible 10, either way ends as a Failure.
