This isn't aimed at you just something I see a lot of people saying. I don't think this could be further from the truth - having an ace recruiter might be more important than ever.
Having kids that will come for a 'discount' because of relationships so that you can utilize resources across many players is very important. Getting kids to come when the money is similar because of the relationships is very important. Having a recruiter that understands the dynamic of not just hoops, but being a brand and what the schools brand and NIL has in store to raise the players brand is very important. Some kids will be for the highest bidder, sure - but I can assure you a lot of kids and families will appreciate and respect relationships driven coaches that aren't treating them as a financial number to live up to.
A few points I would like to make in addition:
1. A recruit (and their family and agent) is making just as much a business one, as a basketball one now. They're evaluating deal structures, NIL collectives, market value, and earning potential alongside all the hoops stuff. A great recruiter NOW - has to do everything they used to do and be a fluent in business and helping them make that business decision.
2. Families are often coming in with advisors, handlers, and agents, a lot more hands in the cookie jar than there even used to be (and hands out). An ace recruiter being able to navigate that is HUGE. Earning power here, and beyond and not just development is an important piece of the puzzle.
3. In the pre-NIL era, a solid recruiter at a well-branded school could ride the logo pretty far (Still exists of course) but NIL leveled parts of the playing field. So in my opinion, the relationships of recruiting matters more, not less. The program's brand is still important, but the recruiter's ability to close in a noisy, money-driven market is now an enormous differentiator.
We have maybe THE Mid-Major transfer coming here as a shoe-in telling you exactly this. He's not up for grabs to the highest bidder (of course some kids that will still be the case), but he's playing for his guy. Just get him close and fair money wise (I'd presume) but he's rocking with Gerry.