Lets take an objective look:
2016 - Takes over the worst P5 program in the country without question.
Late in the process pieces together a class in a scramble of Eugene, Issa, Sa, and Bullock. Given the circumstances, not bad. We can argue that point but still not really a class to fairly judge.
2017- First year of truly "his" players but think about where he is starting. No facility yet, dumpster fire program, etc etc.
Lands Geo, Myles, Duke, Souf, Nathan.
At this point, Duke is a big time 4 star with major offer list. We all know the story with Geo and Myles. Souf is a late addition because of lack of guards. A miss no doubt that is corrected the next year. But very solid first true class.
2018- I'd say first year to truly judge what he is capable of on the trail. Settled in. Has the time to recruit these kids earlier in their process which is a huge deal in building relationships. Even if you don't agree with that, objectively a very strong class.
Two 4 stars in Mathis and Harper. Big time offer lists for Caleb and Carter.
2019 - Lands 4-star in state kid who averaged a triple double with great offer list but more importantly Jersey ties and reputation. Lands Yeboah to fill the EO void which so far has been a solid contributor and efficient player.
4-star Mulcahy & grad transfer Yeboah with other good programs interested. Leaves spots open for 2020.
2020 - Reiber, Palmquist, Mag.
First of all, I would argue it still isn't over because if he lands Cliff the board changes its tune dramatically. On the flip side, I would admit this class seems underwhelming from a rankings/offers perspective. Without a doubt. But I do think Pike and staff has proven with the players prior (Harper, Geo, Caleb, Myles) that they can successfully identify talent. The same way we've seen high profile recruits stink, I don't judge a player until I see them for 5-10 games in person.
Along the way there have been some swing and misses - Alvarado, Massoud, McClung, Hawkins and I'm sure a few more i'm missing.
My opinion: Putting into context where we were as a program, if you're arguing that the talent level hasn't dramatically increased in Pike's tenure I am not sure what to tell you. We'll just have to agree to disagree. Perspective matters.I have been a season ticket holder with my family all of my life. I can vividly remember NOT SO LONG AGO getting run out of our own building at home against St. Peters in front of 2k fans at best.The average night you could yell to talk to someone on the other side of the gym if you wanted to.
On the flip side of this, there is no doubt the talent level HAS to continue to improve in order to compete in this league. Pikiell, nor any coach, doesn't get a pass just because of how bad the past decade has been. In the meantime, my advice would to be support the kids and program and try (no matter how effing hard it is, and I KNOW how hard it is) to look at the glass half full and not just resort to bashing / questioning everything after every loss. It is a process and I feel the trend is in the right direction. Subjectively of course!
2016 - Takes over the worst P5 program in the country without question.
Late in the process pieces together a class in a scramble of Eugene, Issa, Sa, and Bullock. Given the circumstances, not bad. We can argue that point but still not really a class to fairly judge.
2017- First year of truly "his" players but think about where he is starting. No facility yet, dumpster fire program, etc etc.
Lands Geo, Myles, Duke, Souf, Nathan.
At this point, Duke is a big time 4 star with major offer list. We all know the story with Geo and Myles. Souf is a late addition because of lack of guards. A miss no doubt that is corrected the next year. But very solid first true class.
2018- I'd say first year to truly judge what he is capable of on the trail. Settled in. Has the time to recruit these kids earlier in their process which is a huge deal in building relationships. Even if you don't agree with that, objectively a very strong class.
Two 4 stars in Mathis and Harper. Big time offer lists for Caleb and Carter.
2019 - Lands 4-star in state kid who averaged a triple double with great offer list but more importantly Jersey ties and reputation. Lands Yeboah to fill the EO void which so far has been a solid contributor and efficient player.
4-star Mulcahy & grad transfer Yeboah with other good programs interested. Leaves spots open for 2020.
2020 - Reiber, Palmquist, Mag.
First of all, I would argue it still isn't over because if he lands Cliff the board changes its tune dramatically. On the flip side, I would admit this class seems underwhelming from a rankings/offers perspective. Without a doubt. But I do think Pike and staff has proven with the players prior (Harper, Geo, Caleb, Myles) that they can successfully identify talent. The same way we've seen high profile recruits stink, I don't judge a player until I see them for 5-10 games in person.
Along the way there have been some swing and misses - Alvarado, Massoud, McClung, Hawkins and I'm sure a few more i'm missing.
My opinion: Putting into context where we were as a program, if you're arguing that the talent level hasn't dramatically increased in Pike's tenure I am not sure what to tell you. We'll just have to agree to disagree. Perspective matters.I have been a season ticket holder with my family all of my life. I can vividly remember NOT SO LONG AGO getting run out of our own building at home against St. Peters in front of 2k fans at best.The average night you could yell to talk to someone on the other side of the gym if you wanted to.
On the flip side of this, there is no doubt the talent level HAS to continue to improve in order to compete in this league. Pikiell, nor any coach, doesn't get a pass just because of how bad the past decade has been. In the meantime, my advice would to be support the kids and program and try (no matter how effing hard it is, and I KNOW how hard it is) to look at the glass half full and not just resort to bashing / questioning everything after every loss. It is a process and I feel the trend is in the right direction. Subjectively of course!
