That Wisconsin recruiting window was the biggest lightning strike I’ve seen for a development focused program. Bo gets credit for identifying, developing, and coaching those guys to back to back final fours. But as someone who watched the badgers closely for 20 years up to that point, the timing of that roster assembly will never cease to amaze me. Four guys that turned into all-American talent who all stuck around for multiple years:
- Bo turns a 3-star Kaminksy into an all American by his junior year.
- An 5 star idealized system player at the wing arrives instate and commits early
- Koenig emerges in state as a 4 star point guard and was perhaps the most clutch player ever to play at UW. That kid had ice in his veins.
- Bo wins a commitment from a four star pf who turns into Marcus Landry production level but as the fourth offensive option.
Just the same, though, the Bo years were a torture chamber of tournament disappointment until this group came together. BJ has given me a lot of hope, but it still might take years with a couple of ups and downs to get to a point of sustained success. My motto isn’t “instate recruiting” like some of you, but if BJ is going at this like Bo did, it will help that we have the frequent 4 star talent growing up in the neighborhood. Still need to supplement with the right pieces elsewhere and at the right time though!
