That lingo was always just Cal’s marketing bunk anyways.
Those wealthy men Cal’s claims credit for still would’ve become wealthy regardless of what college coach they chose. In reality, they were the ones making Cal crazy rich, not the other way around.
The top tier players for sure bit I don't think that applies to all players.
Wall, Cousins, Bledsoe, Knight, Davis, MKG, Noel, KAT, Fox, Monk, Maxey.
Everyone else, who knows?
Booker is a star now but if he went elsewhere would he have jumped to the league after one year? Would he have been the star he is today if he didn't play at UK?
Ulis had a short time in the league but would he have made the NBA if he went elsewhere? Would he have been a poty candidate?
SGA wasn't expected to be a OAD player and now he's a future star. I don't think this happens if he didn't attend UK.
WCS played football...had to throw that in there. Would he have made thr league if it weren't for being at UK?
Harrelson wasn't making the league without Cal.
Orton likely wouldn't have been a 1st round pick if he played elsewhere.
Miller likely doesn't play in the league.
There are many more examples of kids going pro early or in general that likely wouldn't have happened if they played elsewhere
Players better off elsewhere?
Skal might be one of the few players who would've been better off playing somewhere else.
Kyle W. & Juzang also come to mind.
Harrison twins possibly but they're a toss up.