How recruiting should be done

The vast majority of college coaches are looking to stockpile the most elite talent they can, any way they can — just add bodies to the pile and then figure out how they fit together. As the saying goes, “It’s not the Xs and Os, it’s the Jimmys and Joes,” which is just another way to say that even a bad coach can look good with enough talent ... and vice versa. (from an article by Jeff Nusser)

I think this guy nailed it, and pretty well summed up one of the main things that is wrong with college basketball. Some coaches, the good ones, recruit with a rifle, not a shotgun; and they bring in their type players who can play their type game. These may not be the most talented players, but they are good firs for their system.

The quote above was about the effort of Kyle Smith to build the program at Washington State - one of the most difficult campuses in the country to recruit to. Here is hoping he gets it done; and with his approach, he might stand a chance. He is looking for multiple-tool players, who sometimes tend to be under-recruited by more successful programs.

One other factor: Smith wants players where his scholarship offer is the one the player really desires; he wants to be the school of choice rather than the fall back. Those kinds of players are hungry to prove they belong.