C'mon, Bobcat Nation! Amazing there has been so little response to this so far...especially from the naysayers questioning the ability of this staff to get HS players. I think this verbal is a solid starting point for recruiting HS players.
This is a great get in my opinion. He brings a number of intangibles to the position that simply can't be taught (mobility, activity level, range, craftiness around the basket, etc). Campbell's legs are like tree trunks. Get this kid in a legit strength and conditioning program and he could blow up.
His game actually reminds me a bit of Antawn Jamison's with his range and his ability to hit an array of off balance / off rhythm shots. Really nice form from distance too. He doesn't have jaw dropping athleticism, but I saw flashes in that video. Again, that's something that a better strength and conditioning program can bring out. I wish Antonio could have played with DJ for a couple years as his ability to pull his man out to the 3-point line will open up the lane. Stevie Taylor will definitely benefit from Campbell's presence in a big way.
Looks like a solid get, but I don't think one player is enough to quell the naysaying yet. I want to see a full class of HS guys before I stop questioning his recruiting.
I think in this day of college athletics, especially at the mid-major level, it's entirely unrealistic to expect classes full of HS guys every single year. Look at Groce's teams. Without Bassett and Offutt, we don't beat Georgetown or make a run to the Sweet 16. Hell, we aren't in the tourney in 2010 without Bassett and likely not in the tourney in 2012 without Offutt.
Groce only had one year in which he didn't bring in a transfer, and that was in '09. In '08 he brought in Bassett. In '10 he brought in Smith and Offutt. In '11 he brought in Kadeem Green.
This year's recruiting is going to be a bit of an abnormality. The guys that Groce had committed to Ohio were never going to stay once he went to Illinois as they had bigger offers on the table. Normally, one of the biggest draws for a Mid-major program is that they can offer immediate playing time to players directly out of HS. Obviously with what Ohio had returning, there would be only a select few that would have the chance to play immediately. We needed to fill certain holes in the roster with players that were ready to play and contribute immediately.