First, I think this era is different with the portal in meaningful, substantial ways for success. Calipari showed in a different era that star freshman could get it done.
But now, when teams can be constructed based on skill and team needs...and not have to hope the recruits develop, it's not the same paradigm. It's either way harder or not possible. And of course this is the era when we get 2 5 star recruits. These facst should put this season in a little more perspective.
There was one school that with Ace and Dylan it was final 4 time. Another that the tournament was a given. A smaller crowd thought it would be risky relying on freshman to lead as those teams take time to develop and many times not one year only. With freshamn teams you fear back door cuts, lost D assignments, streaky execution etc. And what have we seen, just that.
Does it totally excuse Pike? No, but it certainly creates some perspective. Should he have gotten a rim protector at all costs--in retrospect yes. But is the up and down play to be expected starting 4 freshamn-absolutely. Can you imagine if we were in another era and the freshman were all coming back? With some D understanding and physically increased strength. In true RU fashion, while it's never bad to get 5 satr players, we got them at the leaset effective time. If the last few games are harbingers of the next, then perhaps things are starting to mold into a little form. Dont forget EO went out too when he was starting to look like a player. If he could bang and give 3-4 fouls a night things may get interesting.
Thus, when one sees Pitino's comments that you can't win big with freshman, it should open some eyes. He said as much after the pre season game. And by all accounts, he is not wrong. If this season could stretch out alittle more, perhaps we can hope he can be less right.
