I definitely agree that we need a talent pipeline asap. As for coaching, NMSU game painfully offers more teaching opportunities...like other recent games. Like others tonight, I love the fight of current team and watching the potential.I do not know about that statement. If we wait until we start winning consistently to get the talent, we may never consistently win to begin with. First, if you can win consistently without the talent, then you have practically proven you can do without the talent, which I do not think is possible. Second, if you wait until you consistently win, it means you might as well give up on talent like EJ Liddell, Okoro, etc. because we will definitely not prove that this year. Good recruiters always get better talent than they deserve, and similar to getting Ayo, we have to get additional talent in the frontcourt soon. Very soon, otherwise the consistent winning may never come.
Also, in the 80s, much of what got the ball rolling was recruiting. It was the recruiting of Tony Yates that led to Illinois starting to consistently win (and recruit even more with Jimmy Collins). Tony Yates was known as an ace recruiter, actually his reputation and performance as a recruiter not only helped Illinois to start winning but actually landed him the Cincinnati head coaching job in 1983.
I also believe we have talent now to be successful, but they need further maturing, discipline...and we do have holes and the recruits you mentioned can help fill those longer term. I'd put LB, KN and our backcourt against anyone when they are focused and playing to their potential. Ultimately, I think our coaching, player maturity and development will determine our fate in the next couple of years rather than recruiting.
all that said, I am patient. We can compete. Snagging those recruits you mentioned will build towards the future, but I think we can get to the tournament with current roster next year...after they mature with the new system and coach.