We had two verbals from recruits going into the Tourney, both have decommitted. Looking at some of the recruits we're currently courting, it stressed me out that we didn't have the spaces for them. I thought we had too many guards anyhow. In truth, part of me thought, or if I look into the deep recesses of my soul, hoped that Turtle might decommit. That being said, I am troubled that we did not affirm and retain those who committed to our program pre-national championship.
I think Ali's decommitment may have been more of a result of his success this summer, but Turtle's appears to be based more out of fear that he would not get playing time. First, I don't want someone in our program that doesn't believe that they'll earn the playing time eventually - that does not fit with the swagger that I want to see in our players (particularly a point guard). Second, we have a lot of offers that we've made to guys outside of the top 100 according to most recruiting sites - I trust staff more than the ranking "gurus" to pick the right players for our program. Third, I don't want one-and-done players - as a fan, I like watching our kids grow into men, which has resulted in more NCs for us than any other program in recent years.
Talent is not the cornerstone of championship teams, familiarity and cohesion born out of playing with a few other guys for multiple years and PGs who have been groomed within the program who know how to lead, have been our recipe for accomplishing what we all desire more than anything - National Championships.
I don't know that Turtle and Ali were the right fits. I don't know that we're better or worse off after losing them. I don't know whether it was staff that indicated that they weren't as excited about the commitments post NC as they were pre NC. I don't know whether Turtle wanted to stay home or was scared to compete for PT. Finally, I don't know how I feel about these decommitments - I'm conflicted and may require substantial therapy and/or a joint (I live in Colorado) to find resolution.
I do know this, however, I have never been more excited about a recruit before than Jalen Adams, I want to see at least two non-back court recruits signed, and in Ollie I trust.
Good night.