To everyone pressing the panic button, just remember back to last year at this time.
We had no one and everyone was panicking. Lavin ended up getting Jakarr and Obekpa to sign on the line. I'm not saying that guys like that are out there, but let's at least wait and see what happens through the spring signing period before calling recruiting efforts a failure.
Fans have short memories when it comes to positives, long memories when it comes to negatives.
It is a very fair point Boo. We're all prone to overreacting.
But at the same time, it's foolish not to acknowledge things that go poorly.
We started the year with a recruiting list that looked like this:
Jermaine Lawrence
Ishmail Wainwright
Jerrell Martin
Rhysheed Jordan
even the Jones kid from LA
and we were after both McCullough and Whitehead for '14
We struck out on all of them except Jordan, who we still don't know about. (assuming Whitehead is out of the picture too, and that looks to be true)
Time to panic ? No, we're better off than where we were 4 years ago.
But it's not exactly good news when you go 0-6 on your biggest priorities.
We only have 1 ship to give out next year. All we know is that it won't be Lawrence. Lavin also stated that if the right player isn't available he won't use it. He's willing to hold out for the following year, where from all accounts, there is a bunch of talent available.
I just don't get too worked up about recruiting for a few reasons: 1) I don't know the HS basketball circles, meaning i don't know who is really good or not. 2) recruiting is Lavin's strength, let him do is job. 3) Its only Feb 4th, lets see who is available ( transfer, JUCO)
Recruiting is an inexact science. A kid is going to go where he wants top go. You can do everything right and still fail. It's part of the game. Steve is one of the best. I trust him moving forward. Have there been missteps? Of course. But in 2 1/2 years we have built a pretty good, young foundation of kids. Now we need to plug as few holes. More importantly, top 20 kids are considering STJ again. A few years ago they would laugh if they got a call.
I think next years team, barring any defections from our two best players, has a chance to do some things. Kids improve don't forget. So lets not assume that if we bring the same group back, we get the same results. it doesn't work like that.
Sorry for the long rant. Just trying to stay positive. The negativity ( not you Desco) around here is bringing me down. I like this place because I love STJ hoops, but it has become painful to read everyday. I mean, how many Phil Greene dribbling jokes can one man endure...?
