After arriving home from the Buffalo game, I had time to read the game program in detail. I noticed that Buffalo has a freshman from South Carolina [James Reese]. Ohio also has a freshman from South Carolina [Zach Butler]. Considering the heated controversy regarding Saul's ability to recruit, I thought it would be interesting to compare the standings of the two recruits prior to their collegiate careers. My findings are based upon internet searches and it is certainly not scientific. Here goes.

James Reese is a fine recruit. He averaged twenty points per game in high school and played for a state championship team. He was class 4A player of the year as the key player on his high school team.

Zach Butler is also a fine recruit. He was a class 5A state all star who averaged thirteen points per game. Zach's high school team won the state championship. His team had many quality players who saw considerable playing time. This may explain the differential in scoring average between James and Zach.

Both players were selected to represent South Carolina in the Carolinas All Star Basketball Classic. Only ten players were on the South Carolina team. A great honor!!

Big Shots [an unknown source to me] ranked Reese and Butler as the number four and ten recruits in South Carolina.

I feel this recruiting competition very close if not tied.

The quality [including Zach] of the other players [other than TK] in Saul's 2017-2018 recruiting class has yet to be determined. I will remind readers that Gareri was an Associated Press Division I Third Team all star. Not too shabby. Vander Plas was an unanimous Division III selection [and the only unanimous selection] to the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association all state team. Further, he was an Associated Press third team all state selection [I believe this award honored players from all divisions]. Excellent!! Let's give them a chance.

Regarding the 2018-2019 class, it is a few years too early to form a conclusion. Don't panic just yet.

The above comments ignore character, academics, basketball acumen, player outlook and the many other factors that contribute to player and team success.

Further, Carter, Laster [prior to injury this year, some folks on this thread predicted first or second team All Mac selection], Kirk, Gollon, Dartis and Taylor [his development has been held back due to an injury in high school] are excellent recruits. My only concern is the 'quality' of the number two recruit in each respective year.

Since I am the 'old guy' and my memory is not as sharp today as in past years, perhaps another Bobcat fan can revisit the Butler-Reese debate in three years.