Incorrect.
In 1992, he had a 30 win team that lost to UK in a game to go to the E8 using 5 players you've never heard of, 1 of whom had a high major offer.
Prior to that season, UMass had been to the tournament one time ever - in 1962. Not even Dr. J averaging 28 and 20 in the late 60s was enough to get them back in.
Cal used Marcus Camby and four other guys you've never heard of (again, one with a high-major offer) to win 35 games, go to the final four, and split the series with the '96 cats, including a double digit win.
Good thing he was able to out-talent the '96 cats coached by Rick Pitino, right?
In 2006 and 2007, he took 5 guys that no UK fan wanted out of high school, maybe 3 of whom you've heard because they became stars in college, won 33 games per season and went to the Elite 8 each time.
Starting in 2008, yes, he was recruiting talent on par with the blue bloods.