How Recruits Influence Others

[bearcat jeff]

I read an article about Mike Gilchrist (2011 number 1 recruit) and why he chose UK. He said the biggest reason was because of Marquis Teague, who he is his best friend.

Since the signing the two of them have now gone to work to bring in more talent. They are actively recruiting Anthony Wroten to UK. In the article Wroten talks about what a big influence that is, quote "It's a big influence, one of the biggest influences."

There are two dynamics at work here. Many of these players play together or against one another on the road, and develop bonds and deep friendships. In the age of the computer and cell phone it is easy to stay in touch and further that bond. On the road, away from family, and with a mutual love for the game of basketball, it's easy to see how these young men would develop deep friendships.

The other part of the equation is that great players want to play with other great players. They want to win championships and play in the spotlight. Especially, when you are possible lottery picks like Gilchrist and Teague and are one and done. You want to maximize the year you spend playing college basketball.

Let's be honest. If John Calipari had gone 15-17 and missed post season play, Gilchrist and Teague would not be Wildcats. But they may still be playing together somewhere because of the friendship they've formed. If the Bearcats are to climb back to national prominence the first step is to make being a Bearcat appealing to players like Teague and Gilchrist. That means winning and playing for championships.

The Bearcats play in one of the premiere conferences in America. If they win, the spotlight will follow them. To do that Mick either needs to get top tier players to come to UC, or he has to bring a team together and get it to buy 100% into what he is trying to accomplish. He has to get the players to play for the name on front of their jersey. To this point in his Cincinnati tenure, he has not been able to do either.

Good players follow good players. There is a reason good programs remain good programs. Players see a coach that is able to take a sum of it's part and produce a champion. Once the winning happens consistently recruiting becomes easier because the program and players recruit for you. Cincinnati missed a golden opportunity to take a step in that direction last season. With the 2011 talent base as deep as it has been in years, the program, and Mick Cronin in particular, cannot afford to miss another this coming season.

 

[Red_N_Black_Attack]

Agreed, but isn't that what Mick is trying to do? Recruiting success breeds recruiting success. Winning brings in better talent. Mick will be judged on winning above other metrics in what could be the last two years of his tenure.

The recruits aren't quite in Clifton, so the question becomes, can Mick win with the talent he has in Clifton the next two years? I believe it is possible, but we shall see on the court.

 

[bearcat jeff]

I have no problem with Mick Cronin's work ethic. He has done many things well during his tenure as head coach. I support Coach Cronin and hope he can find some success on a higher level and remain coach at Cincinnati for a long time. That would be the best thing for this program long term.

Last season I felt the Bearcats had NCAA talent but underachieved. The team never fully came together and rarely played as a unit with understanding and fluidity. The effort was inconsistent and uninspired. If this program is going to regain some national prominence Mick Cronin has to bring this team together and raise it beyond mediocrity.

 

[swg]

Recruits play an important role. Our two commits thus far need to be working their friends. Actually, its fairly natural as once someone commits, obviously they want a solid class to come in with them to help win.