That is a depressing opinion for me to accept, however.

In my opinion, we got Monty both b/c he was known (for recruiting) and b/c he was a good x and o coach. If what you are suggesting is true – that in reality he lost his name among up and coming recruits by being in the NBA and in TV for 4 years – then I throw my hands up in the air in disgust.

I’m holding out hope until all the 2010 recruits are in – but am nervous until then. If he fields a poor 2010 class, then it’s a huge letdown for me, and I think a problem for the program going forward.

We’re getting real thin on the front line, which is odd for a Montgomery team. It’s like he’s going to be forced to go Nellie small ball, which should be fine this next season with 3 senior guards. But after the big 3 plus Boykins are gone, big trouble lurks ahead if Monty can’t land anyone of size.

My calculations show we have 2 scholarships available for 2011 players.

I’m a broken record, aren’t I?

Meanwhile, Arizona still has the rep and Miller is a very good coach too.

1) How the hell does Miller start getting so many recruits so quickly? I thought Monty was supposed to be the big brand name and so how come we seem to be having trouble landing recruits (where are the BIGS?)? Is Miller paying them or something?

2) When did Emanuel Richardson become an Assistant at Arizona? What’s his career resume and work history? Has he been in basketball for much time? Was this a package deal? Hire the godfather at a nice salary level and you get the player – a la Daniel Hackett. This is a legal way to pay off recruits – find someone in the family you can funnel the money thru legally.

Whatever the case, the NCAA rules on “benefits” (cash or otherwise) for individuals who bring the Universities millions is so screwed up. They should figure out a way to just pay the kids. That might actually keep some of them in school.