Recruiting Analyst TJ Walker, formerly of Rivals, Joins KSR

[George]

Smart move. Nice addition to the site.

[Joneslab]

Good pick-up by KSR.

We went through a few years there where it was really not that useful to follow recruiting to the point where you were willing to pay for information. The players Cal was after were so high up in the stratosphere that no "normal" person--not even those on the recruiting beat for a living--really had much good information. You pretty much had to go to the national guys like Eric Bossi, and even then it was hit and miss. Those types of players play it extremely close to the vest.

But now that we've moved back into going after players who are obviously very good but not Anthony Davis/John Wall types, I think the rumors and scuttlebutt and so on will be much more common. Those kinds of players and their people do talk, and having a guy like Walker around giving free information will be really nice.

[George]

Good pick-up by KSR.

We went through a few years there where it was really not that useful to follow recruiting to the point where you were willing to pay for information. The players Cal was after were so high up in the stratosphere that no "normal" person--not even those on the recruiting beat for a living--really had much good information. You pretty much had to go to the national guys like Eric Bossi, and even then it was hit and miss. Those types of players play it extremely close to the vest.

But now that we've moved back into going after players who are obviously very good but not Anthony Davis/John Wall types, I think the rumors and scuttlebutt and so on will be much more common. Those kinds of players and their people do talk, and having a guy like Walker around giving free information will be really nice.

So are we conceding the top five guys to K and others now? Forgive me if I'm misinterpreting, but do you think Cal's just not going to go after the number one players?

[KCKUKFan]

So are we conceding the top five guys to K and others now? Forgive me if I'm misinterpreting, but do you think Cal's just not going to go after the number one players?

Well, the fact that we're apparently in the lead for James Wiseman and Ashton Hagans proves that we're still going after top five kids.

[George]

Well, the fact that we're apparently in the lead for James Wiseman and Ashton Hagans proves that we're still going after top five kids.

I know. I just wasn't sure if Will was referring to those 10-20 ranked guys exclusively, or them in addition to the top fives.

[George]

Well, the fact that we're apparently in the lead for James Wiseman and Ashton Hagans proves that we're still going after top five kids.

And to be fair, Cal needs to close on one of those guys pretty soon*. We've recruited top players but lost them as of late. It's one thing to be involved; it's another to seal the deal.

*I think we'll get Hagans, but I'm not sure he fits into the conversation. He's #1 at his position (which is awesome) but not in the top five overall. Closing on Wiseman would be huge.

[Joneslab]

I don't think he's given up on those types of players, but I definitely think the methodology has changed a little.

Partly because it's harder to get those players now that one-and-dones are accepted everywhere, but also because Cal may not have the manic energy at this point in his career that you need to grab those players in bulk.

If he can get them then obviously he'll take them; just not sure his MO is the same as it's been. A lot of things have changed in nine years.

[KCKUKFan]

I don't think he's given up on those types of players, but I definitely think the methodology has changed a little.

Partly because it's harder to get those players now that one-and-dones are accepted everywhere, but also because Cal may not have the manic energy at this point in his career that you need to grab those players in bulk.

If he can get them then obviously he'll take them; just not sure his MO is the same as it's been. A lot of things have changed in nine years.

Interestingly, they were discussing this on KSR.

Jones says that he knows for a fact that Cal was LIVID when Zion picked Duke, and a fire was lit on that evening. Apparently, he's going to be much more hands-on in this recruiting period, and doing many of the visits himself.

I think we might see a return of that "manic energy," at least for awhile.

[Dwight Schrute]

Cal made some pretty pointed and subtle jabs at Duke after the Zion picked. Hopefully he gets his mojo back.

[George]

Walker is already paying off for KSR. Go read his post on Montgomery.

[BobS]

The guys Rivals got to replace him are 10 times better, imo.