KSR's Guide to College Basketball Recruiting Styles

Cal and crew with Julius Randle

After getting an insider’s look at the recruitment of Julius Randle from USA Today’s Jason Jordan, I decided to compare and contrast the recruiting styles of the top coaches in the game today. I broke each coach’s recruiting style down by “Swag level,” notable quotes, and trademark moves.

JOHN CALIPARI
Swag level: 10/10
Quotes on Cal: “Cal is just, well, Cal. He’s just got swag. I mean he had a driver.”
“Coach Cal carries himself like what he’s done sells itself.”
“Cal >>>>>>”
Trademark moves:
– Lots of hand movements to show off new championship ring
– Shows pictures of himself and UK celebrity fans (Drake, Jay-Z, LeBron, etc.) to family on iPad
– Has a driver (with a hat)
– Laid-back vibe, lets success speak for itself
– Pays attention to details (e.g., having red velvet cake, Julius Randle’s mother’s favorite, at a dinner during his visit)

ROY WILLIAMS
Swag level: 5/10
Quotes on Roy: “Coach Williams is this laid-back guy who’s like your dad and you just feel so comfortable talking to him”
Trademark moves:
– Notorious “one upper” who piggy backs off what other coaches have done (see “Box of 30 rings”)
– Brings his own Coca Cola
– Likes to talk about fishing and old time rock and roll
– Said academics wouldn’t be an issue
– Mentions the “J word” (Jordan, UNC’s most famous alum) often
– Penchant for argyle (again, like your dad)

BILL SELF
Swag level: 6/10
Quotes on Bill: “He was just really direct. I respected that.”
Trademark moves:
– Honest and upfront “straight talker”
– Makes it clear he won’t be your friend–he’ll be your coach
– Touches his hair a lot
– Offers to take people for a ride on his Harley
– Seems to have a “wild side”

TOM CREAN
Swag level: 3/10
Quotes on Crean: “He calls me a lot. A whole lot.”
Trademark moves:
– Famous for his frequent and typo-laden texts
– Very excitable (keep fragile objects out of reach)
– Willing to promise you a scholarship even if he doesn’t have one
– Honestly, kind of creepy
– Really likes peach cobbler

MIKE KRZYZEWSKI
Swag level: 8/10
Quotes on Coach K: “Coach K is just awesome. You can’t help but to buy in to everything he’s telling you.”
Trademark moves:
– Mentions his experience as the head coach of the Olympic team often
– Doesn’t mind if you can’t spell his name
– References relationships with LeBron and Kobe
– Lets you touch his gold medal
– Arrives in a white stretch limo (how retro!)

RICK PITINO
Swag level: 6/10
Quotes on Rick: “Coach Pitino was very smooth, talked about building Louisville into a Final Four program. He focused on how this was the year UofL would finally beat UK.”
“Coach P is cool, said I should be prepared for a lot of hard work. He also said something to my mother about double checking our insurance policy. I didn’t really get that.”
Trademark moves:
– In and out in 15 seconds