Yes, Ware, Sword, and Thomas were all recruited by Stans. As I've pointed out before, it's pretty damn easy to get out of a LOI from D1 basketball. I remember Ware discussing going elsewhere. Ray reeled them in so in some form or fashion you have to give him credit.
I give him a pass on Borchert, Bloodman, Applewhite, Daniels, and Nyode (sp?). We literally just needed bodies. Bash Borchert but he's been one of our best defensive players, and kudos for going and getting a 2 year guy in Borchert and a 3 year guy in Bloodman instead of an equal talent 4/5 year player.
Here's why I'm optimistic. 1. A lot of great former players at Purdue still tweet at the man. He's had some kind of impact on them and that tells me he is able to connect with kids. 2. Ray's staff had ONE connection in recruiting and it was IJ and they got him. 1 for 1. A lot of people are quick to talk about how Stans was a great recruiter, but he had been here talking to players and gotten face time in high schools for years at the time when he was hired. Ray probably had only heard of MSU from the score alerts on ESPN before coming here. Give him time to plant his feet in the ground before you raise hell about the kind of players he brings in. Some of you act like Stansbury never brought in a Bloodman or Borchert. 3. He went to the #1 team in the country and offered a big man. Is he good? Meh. What does that tell you though? He's building relationships for the future. Hell, Stansbury offered Johnson to get an "in" with Sword. The Findley kid has a lot more up side than Johnson.
To sum that up, I don't think Borchert, Bloodman, Applewhite, or Daniels are the type of player you will see from Ray moving forward.