Hi. If we land a player just because we offer the most money, that's probably a player we don't want. They probably wouldn't care about their teammates, and they'd probably leave if they got a better offer. Based on Whitt's presentation last fall, we're at least competitive in the ACC of the schools that publish numbers. I'm not saying money doesn't matter, I just think it's a piece of the puzzle. In my opinion, other factors would include the following: - Long term relationship with the player. At Marquette, Duffy couldn't recruit ACC level talent. I doubt she wasted time trying to build relationships with players like that. The two players she brought with her are very well schooled with a good basketball IQ, but probably won't ever be on the all ACC team. They were really good finds for Marquette, and complimentary pieces for a climbing ACC team. When Duffy got here, she was starting from scratch in terms of building relationships. It takes time, and it isn't easy. - Name reputation of the coach. Duffy is really showing out as a coach, but Aurema, Staley, Mulkey, etc. are far more established. If they walk in to a High School or AAU gym, they don't need to introduce themselves, everyone in the building knows who they are, and likely who they are there to see. If Tech keeps climbing, and I think they will, more and more people will recognize our coach. Right now she has to introduce herself, and sell herself and her program. She's starting behind in a difficult race. - Team Reputation - Tech was building a reputation. The rug got pulled out from under us. The key players and coaches were gone, leaving unknowns all around. It would be a huge risk for an incoming player to buy in to our program. I think our coaches and players punched above their weight the last two seasons, and I think the program is rebounding. But we still need to get lucky with a couple of players playing better than their ranking, and we'll be moving toward the top of the ACC. Liz, Kayla, and Georgia all played above their ranking, and that got the program going. It can happen again. - League reputation - I think the ACC is an asset to our recruiting. The SEC has a far better track record, but the ACC might well be second. So I don't think we have to convince players that they'll be on TV, playing against tough competition. I think the SEC has a leg up in drawing top level talent, but I think the ACC does well. The current players themselves - I think we shine here. I would think if you came to visit Tech, you'd really like the players that you would meet. You'd be impressed with what they said about themselves, their coaches, their teammates, and Hokie Nation. In her interview with Liz, when asked about choosing to stay, Carleigh said something like "I knew what I had here, and who wouldn't want to play here". I think if we can get players to visit, we'd win our fair share just because of the environment Carleigh described. I hope my long winded post isn't too much, I just think many people are paying undue attention to money and height. I trust our staff to find players that fit the system, and will help the team improve. And we made the NCAA tournament! Go team! ** Edited by CarolinaHokieFan at 3/15/2026, 5:25:17 PM ** Edited by CarolinaHokieFan at 3/17/2026, 7:16:17 AM