Is rain forecast on some recruiting parades?

This post is actually not about the two young men featured in it -- it's focus is the element of recruiting we as fans conveniently like to ignore. That being, recruits are simply possibilities -- the possibilities of future payoffs. Nothing more, nothing less.

Academic issues, behavioral problems, adjusting to college itself, accepting not being the featured player, playing time concerns are among the hurdles to jump or sometimes climb over. Some kids make it, some don't.

Does anyone remember David Burgess? He was Rivals' 14th-ranked prep center in the nation in 2004 as prep in southern California and signed a letter-of-intent with BYU. Ankle injuries limited his court time and he transferred to Gonzaga after one semester in Provo. He also played but a short time in Spokane and left there.

Burgess' next destination was Azuza Pacific (near Los Angeles). He has been moderately successful at that level, playing against the likes of Warner Pacific, Westmont, San Diego Christian and California Baptist.

Hopefully, he's is happy and satisfied at his present address and station in life.

How about Brayden Bell? A heralded Utah high schooler, he signed with Ohio State but played little in his freshman season. He departed from Columbus and decided upon Utah State as his best option. After sitting out the requisite season per NCAA transfer rules, he played 44 minutes in seven games before deciding to also leave USU. Azuza Pacific was also his next stop.

He appears to have found his niche. Here's an article about a recent Azuza Pacific game where Bell led his team in scoring. AP is currently 2-2 on the season.

Again, this post is not meant to throw anyone under the proverbial bus, least of all the young men featured here.

It is meant to offer some caution about the recently compiled recruiting classes, regardless of awards and rankings of the players. You see, nobody really knows how any recruit is going to turn out. We are all speculating, which is fun to do but the basis for such is about as solid as a termite-ridden foundation. Many a great recruiting class has resulted in the eventual firing of the college basketball coach garnering the signatures.