I thought the preview, one written for a national audience that collectively knows little or nothing about NU BB, was spot on. It gave the intended audience a sense for what's happening now in the context of a very unique history. No ... it was not at all conventional as previews go. But there is nothing conventional about NU BB. That CC is bringing NU hoops into the norm was the whole point of the article, and I believe that was an appropriate point to make. It was also appropriate to focus on recruiting ... where the horses you get make or break the program. The preview the author gave us was to say NU is starting to get some real horses for the first time in people's memory. The necessary first recruiting steps have occurred to bring NU into the wide band of the norm in college basketball. All of those initial recruits, BTW, are program upgraders, not game changing difference makers.
There is still a long way to go for CC.His initial recruits as a whole are on par with the best A-10 programs and a few Big East schools like Xavier. But his next 5 recruits in the 2016-17 classes will be critical to achieving his goals. No solid Big level center in the 2016 class, and the task of getting to the dance will be made nearly impossible after 2015. No Big level help that can seriously push/pass B-Mac, Lindsey and Law at their positions, and the program will still be razor thin in the stable. Focus on the next 5 recruits over the next two years, especially the 2016 class. Collectively, they will be a great predictor about the future of the program. They will be the last recruits to sign within the window of opportunity CC has as a new coach. Think back to Barnett's early years. Well known as an energetic, charismatic and imaginative recruiter, many people forget that his efforts to recruit his 3rd class (1995 class), on the heels of two dismal seasons with no quality wins, resulted in his laying the egg of all eggs. That class would have ranked last in the Ivy league. It was that bad. Why? Because Barnett's window had closed quickly. CC's will close soon as well.
Here's hoping Olah improves a bunch, B-Mac stays healthy, JVZ's contributions add a few wins and the rest of the gang keeps getting stronger and more confident. The best thing that could happen for CC's critical 2016-17 recruiting is for him to win 20+ THIS YEAR.
GOUNUII