I feel pretty good about where we are with recruiting. It was tough going with Pelle, Sampson, and Garrett not qualifying, but seeing Garrett crawl through glass to get onboard was epic. And our staff learned a lesson about checking academics while on the recruiting trail right out of the gate. Dwayne Polle moving on was probably best for the long term development of the team. Dwight Meikle was never a good fit. Jevon Thomas would have been nice but he just didn't have the gumption to fit in with this bunch. Momo Jones might have helped in an immediate sense, but again not for the long term development of our group. Same with Lindsey, not good for the long term development. God's Gift was a great late signing for us, as we'd be in trouble without him, even though he frustrates a bit. So where does that leave us? Still in the mix for Gathers and maybe Sampson. Branch, a true PG, possibly on the horizon. Other true PGs, like Sina, very interested -- these two and others are higher rated that Wood who isn't even a great fit.
I don't think having faith in Lavin's recruiting is "drinking the cool aid". Thus far he has exceeded all expectations. There was a time not so long ago when we were praying to land a diamond in the rough and see a player develop before I eyes. But with Lavin we are seeing many of the top recruits think about SJU.