I saw us go and get Diante flenorl and Sanjay Adell, who were top 150 players. I saw us get Gary Trent. We need to recruit better, period. I hope the new guys are good.
Times are at least a little different than 1996 or 1997 when those guys were recruited though. For starters, there are more schools at the D1 level than 20 years ago - how many more, I couldn't find in a quick search. Secondly, things change. That was the time frame when the MAC was probably at its basketball peak, getting a couple at-large bids around that time.
You’re both right in a way.
The MAC was at its apex in that time. As an undergrad, I watched not only Gary Trent, but Bonzi Wells, Earl Boykins, Antonio Daniels and others at the Convo. From 1995-1999, 10 guys from the MAC went on to play in the NBA. Since then, nine former MAC players have made the NBA. It’s not a perfect barometer, but it’s telling.
That said, we’ve had a lot of players come in during the last few years who are not ready to play MAC basketball. We’re getting passed by other MAC schools in terms of talent and until that changes, the malaise period for this program will continue.