Fans who love college basketball — really, really love it — enjoy watching players and teams develop over time.
The instant gratification crowd obsesses about recruiting. Frontrunners cheered when powerful forward Carte’Are Gordon landed at St. Louis University, dynamic guard Ayo Dosunmu chose Illinois and center Jeremiah Tilmon jilted the Illini in favor of Missouri.
Recruiting extends to the transfers market, too, with coaches attracting quick fixes. Former Missouri and Drexel guard Tramaine Isabell filled a need at SLU, JUCO guard Andres Feliz bolstered Illinois and former Illini guard Mark Smith brought Missouri desperately needed scoring.
But the real fun is watching individuals and groups progress on the fly.