If Herron changed his mind two months ago, was able to decommit from Auburn, and wanted to go to St. John's because of Slice, you don't think one of those "slots" would have magically opened? A staff has to make calculated risks. If the majority, particularly the head coach, believes that a Thon Maker is a lock to go pro (or not be eligible), or a Ferguson is essentially a lock to not be eligible, or are long shots to attend SJU in the first place, would you rather fill the ship with one of the best JUCO's in the country or a top Euro? I don't think it is even a question.
I'm more concerned about the loss long term with Slice than the short term. I have no issue with taking the kids we have coming in over missing out on them for an Alkins, Maker or Ferguson (the latter two who won't even see college, and the former who was a really tough get with eligibility issues to begin with).
Is Matt A not supposed to land good recruits, because he is saving a slot for Slice to try and bring in an Alkins, Maker or Ferguson?
Yes you save a ship or two for the players Slice is after. That's what you brought him in for and I would think he's earned that right. Some of the players that Matt has brought in are nice pieces but you can find replacements for those players if landing a big fish doesn't pan out. Slice is not competing for top 150 talent, he's trying to land program changers, that takes time and many don't commit until the last minute. How does it look if your Slice and your putting in work on a top 25-50 player only to have your ship given to a top 150-200 player? I don't think that makes sense and is insulting. Don't see how anyone can think this is good for the program.