Wow. That's what you took from my post? I'm not even sure how to respond.
All I was saying, is you (and most Tennessee fans) see Tennessee and Coach Martin through the rose-colored glasses of a fan. You, either consciously or otherwise, choose to highlight his good points and minimize the bad. A recruit with no obvious ties to the University of Tennessee isn't going to operate in that manner. He will take a much less emotional approach at judging the tangible things for himself. Things like location, success, experience, ability to get drafted, exposure, etc. Those are all things that Pitino, like it or not, dwarfs Martin in when it comes to resumés. He may be sleazy and unethical, but his good outweighs his bad (which in Pitino's case is mostly isolated to his own character damage, and not the school's).
So, did Martin waste the last four years? No. He likely built good relationships and inroads in southern Indiana. He likely learned some lessons along the way that he takes to the next kid's living room. He likely learned that it pays to have options (Mitchell and Richmond). He likely learned that just because you think you think you present the best opportunity for the kid, it doesn't mean you'll get him. Most importantly, hopefully he learned he better start showing he can get it done when it matters.
