How does a player choose?

[Cliffhanger82]

Curious as to what you think is the deciding factor a player picks where to play

 

[MdWIldcat55]

Here are the first, second and third most important factors, in order...

 

[Anon1776024529]

I picked coach. I think every player is different but I have a hard time believing we got outbid on 30 high school kids. It’s not location or school history. Does it help, sure. But calipari was getting players to conference USA Memphis. If location mattered, Hawaii would be a top team every year. Other players in the roster would be my 2nd choice. Competitors want to win. But pope is our biggest problem

 

[jedwar]

I think it would go like this as far as most important factors. But I think the money and the coach are both huge factors. If the coach is not connecting with the player, they will take less money.

Money
Coach
Other players
location
school history

 

[GreenCheckRex0807]

Not this simple, but I do think in most cases, money offered is the most heavily weighted factor

But then there’s the example of highly ranked/recruited high school player A being offered 750k from Arkansas/Cal and that same player being offered 1M at Kentucky.

Yes, money may be the most heavily weighted factor imo, but when multiple other factors combined are bigger than money, that’s where we are losing.

Yea, we may be winning the money race, but we are losing the next 3 to 4 important factors in most of these transfers/recruits eyes.

The money will always have us in the conversation, but doesn’t guarantee success.

 

[jedwar]

Not this simple, but I do think in most cases, money offered is the most heavily weighted factor

But then there’s the example of highly ranked/recruited high school player A being offered 750k from Arkansas/Cal and that same player being offered 1M at Kentucky.

Yes, money may be the most heavily weighted factor imo, but when multiple other factors combined are bigger than money, that’s where we are losing.

Yea, we may be winning the money race, but we are losing the next 3 to 4 important factors in most of these transfers/recruits eyes.

The money will always have us in the conversation, but doesn’t guarantee success.

Well said.

 

[MegaBlue05]

Money and coach are probably the most important. School reputation/history is a dead, distant last.

 

[anon1777473514]

Every single player is different. Pitches are different, preferences are different, personalities are different.

 

[MidseasonTweak]

Money offered, and if both schools have the same offer, the coach breaks the tie, which is why we must overpay.

 

[BlueVelvetFog]

I figure if you're good enough, they'll find you.

 

[Coach Ken Reeves]

The money is the only factor, unless the money between one or more schools are basically the same. Then coaches come into play.

 

[BlueVelvetFog]

Out of curiosity I looked up D2 players that went to the NBA. Somewhat rare but it happens:

https://campus.mst.edu/athleticsarchives/hoops/d2basketball/nba.pdf

 

[BlueManchu]

Tradition. The Fiddlin Five of 1958 still resonates with these kids today.

 

[Bleedin Blue in Ohio]

1. $$$
2. Does this move help or hurt NBA potential.
3. Does team have a chance at Final 4/Natty
4. Do they like Coach and trust him to meet 2 and 3.

 

[Blu-ish]

Tradition. The Fiddlin Five of 1958 still resonates with these kids today.

Yes, but I think it has a completely different meaning in this era.

 

[BBNinSCar]

You’re just kidding yourself if you think there is any reason other than money. Puff Daddy said it best.

 

[UKCowboys]

You’re just kidding yourself if you think there is any reason other than money. Puff Daddy said it best.

Trent Noah echoed it

 

[Lameguy]

1. Money
2. Playing time
3. Money
4. Style of play
5. Money

 

[Anon1751335390]

1. Money

2. Tiebreakers if financial opportunity is the same:

Family
Relationship to coach
Relationship to place

 

[gtown965]

 

[BellyBall]

1) Money
2) Can they get me to the NBA
3) Fit/ relationship with the coach.
4) Nothing else matters

 

[BMR1987]

Good coach, playing time, and money are the main factors. Teams that can offer all 3 each portal cycle will be the ones that win big in this era. IMO, the coach will be the ultimate deciding factor more often than not.

Location and wanting to play with great players/win a championship are less important factors but will still play a role in some decisions. A "name brand" matters even less than that, only a select few will agree to a limited role just to say they got to play at a Kentucky.

 

[ChicagoCat90]

Money first. Then a coach that won't screw up their chances of making more money in the future.

 

[GACatsFan7]

I think money is the primary factor that draws players to certain schools. They learn which programs are interested and willing to pay the highest price, then the coach is the one who seals the deal when the money offered is close to equal.