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[QUOTE="SUFan44, post: 4227516, member: 39"]
I don't think anyone is hoping to get a HS AA. But I think having someone who has played more than a few minutes at the D1 level and had at least a modicum of success isn't too much to ask.

Here is an example for you.

St. Bonaventure had the reigning A-10 Defensive Player of the Year at center. A guy who Syracuse recruited - Osun Osunniyi. He averaged 34.3 minutes per game in 2020-21.

Instead of settling for someone who was the equivalent of Ballard, with a team ready to win now (Top 25 preseason by many and ranked in Top 25 through November), they went out, did their due diligence, and received a commitment from a transfer from Pitt - Abdoul Karim Coulibaly.

Coulibaly averaged 5.2 points and 3.9 rebounds in 20 starts as a sophomore. Granted - he played on a below average ACC team. However, he showed he could be decently productive against high level competition.

This year, Coulibaly averaged 9.5 minutes per game - at a lower-level school - as opposed to 22.5 the year before at Pitt. I am certain he will start next season if Osunniyi does not return next year. But Osunniyi could come back. That is a possibility. So there was no guarantee.

But those are the types of additions that are acceptable to a program wanting to win. Wanting to do the things necessary to compete at the highest levels. Creating the best possible roster to win.

Quincy Ballard represents an easy choice. Dare I say, a lazy choice. Represents someone who has very little by way of experience and someone who is more likely to miss than hit.
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