I read the article. It had some interesting points and it details what they learned from Year 1 in the Portal to Year 2.
- Pitino said they were totally unprepared for the Portal when he was hired and they learned that the majority of the Portal work is done in January (direct quote from Masiello). Between Yr 1 and 2 they hired a GM (Abdelmassih).
- By January you need to have a strong idea who is coming back, who is available to target and exactly what type of players or attributes you are looking for. Pitino gives his staff what to look for......Length, athleticism and motor were prioritized for this season.
- Pitino never negotiates money. He makes his basketball pitch to recruits but his GM is constantly talking to Agents and handlers all year round. He handles all negotiations with money. and the constant back and forth. His assistant coaches are the primary recruiters. Based on Rick's wants and attributes, they identify the players they like, communicate with them, plan the visits and execute the visits. But Abdelmassih is the guy who is the most persistent - constantly selling to the families and agents and closing on players.
- Said the Portal is about striking the balance between patience and waiting too long. And that's where it's important to have knowledge of the marketplace. They were patient and got Kadary and Smith fairly late in the process.
- Moneywise, it says they had $4 Million and like you said, no one made over $1 Million. Talks about Repole stepping up and meeting with their BOR and President Rev. Shanley. He gave more money because he felt invested in St.John's, etc.. It claims that St Johns NIL is #1 in the Big East and top 15 in the country.
