I am sorry to see Tilmon go. Filled a big position of need. However, I don't think he would have been a "program changer." I doubt he would have been as impactful as Diamond Stone or Swannigan were as freshmen, and both of them got around 10 and 6. Hurts, but not crushing.
And for that matter, I am about done with the bulk of these 5* McDAA types. Too much drama. If we can turn into a Wisconsin type program where we are a consistent winner with 3-4* kinds, sprinkled with the occasional "low drama" high 4*/low 5* (they do exist. Think JCL for us. Decker and Berggren (sp?) for Wisconsin), I am fine with that. And I think Underwood is more than capable of doing that.
The one n done model is proving to be not as effective as every one thinks. The last 2 NCs have been laden with upper classmen. 'Nova didn't have 1 sure fire NBA player on their roster last year, and no one who looks to have all star potential. And for all of Coach Cal's pomp and circumstance, he has won, what, 1 NC in 7 years or so? Would CA really been a "program-changer" in his 1 year here? Do we really think he wouldn't have still had the eligibility issues with the "loan" from an agent had he come here? Or that Carlton Bragg would have somehow stayed out of trouble (we have had our share of off-court issues too)? Bragg wasn't impactful at KU, so if he comes here all of a sudden he transforms into First team all BIG?
I am beginning to think these 5*s that we are all pining for are more trouble than they are worth, and are certainly no guarantee of success. Find us an athletic, rebounding big to go with Pickett, Frazier and Williams and lets go win some games!