I wouldn't be shocked if the videos you are requesting - or something similar - exist. Current players were not watching when Tasha, CW or Nikki McCray for that matter were playing.
That is the point of the videos....to introduce them to the young recruits of today who likely don't know who our coaches really are in the basketball world. If all they see/know is the recent coaching results of the last few years, I'm concerned it won't garner much interest. Yes, I'm sure there is footage out there but it would need to be adapted into a promotional video for our current program.
However, current recruits were very, very young when Rutgers was in the FF. It was a while ago. And it is difficult to paint Rutgers as elite, we never really made that status (we were very, very good for a while but elite teams do not make only 2 Final Fours in 7 (or, ultimately, 40) years) and I'm pretty sure our AIAW Natty has no relevance to the players.
I wouldn't get caught up in the "elite" team debate when painting the vision of what RUWBB has been. Whether you say yes or no to that doesn't change the fact that the team was no stranger to the Top 20 rankings. That, in my opinion validates presenting the program as one with a proud history and tradition. Two Hall of Fame coaches.
Granted that alone won't impress youngsters, but we can't forget that we have current high-profile representatives that, although they are CVS kids, still continue to put the RU name out there to youngsters. At that point, it's up to the current staff to present a clear vision of how they plan to build on the prior foundation so we will be seen as a viable option for recruits.
Even more than just looking to use program history, you have location in your favor with nice facilities. Kids today, and always actually, have had a thing about regional pride. "Representing" home well. It is what Schiano tried to do to build the first go round and is trying to repeat. Keeping Jersey home. Expand that message to include the tristate area that includes NJ, NY, and PA(Del. too). Also, over the last couple of years, there is this current trend of kids transferring back close to home .
Again....I refer to Deion Sanders. If that's his vision and what he wants to happen, you are going to hear him tell you loud and direct. He will speak his vision directly to the recruits (collectively) at any opportunity, postgame interview, team promotional media, social media, etc. He is inviting the best to come and he may not get everyone but he made them at least ponder his vision.
You never know who will buy in if the vision isn't put out there for them to ponder it. They may laugh at it , dismiss it, or whatever.........OR........they may just relate to it.
scarletknights.com
