Well, these schools do want to be successful athletically. The Purple faithful are walking around this week with huge smiles on their faces.
I always found the dance that went on to stay withing the recruiting rules quite creative. The school's don't get involved until "First contact" has been made with the schools by the parents.
But prior to this the agents of the school (alums, parents of kids that are going to or that plan to go to the school, youth coaches with connections to the school, etc.) are on the constant look out for talent and attempt to steer you to it.
It starts with subtle sideline conversations. (What high schools is little Kevin looking at attending" and advances to, "Well, Coach X at private school "Y" is aware of Kevin and told me that he thought he would be an excellent player at their school".