redmannorth: my interpretation would be that we have an important recruit's verbal. as pmg said, the staff thought they'd get one of their targets (prime or not, to me, isn't an important distinction, a recruiter can't have their eggs in one basket unless they are from a school that players don't turn down) last year. Without at least a verbal, it's hard to say that one of the NYC players the school is looking at will definitely be suiting up in 09-10.
I'd hold the 'ship, anyway, for the chance at one of those players. My comment, without a question mark, is a rhetorical question. Not asking you to define what good shape is or anything. Hopefully the staff will lock down another player or two before the season, and this argument will dissipate.