How much of an impact does a game or fan atmosphere on visit day have on recruits' decisions?
From the free rivals article on Quinton Washington:
" . . . Michigan's win over Wisconsin and the Michigan Stadium atmosphere also played a role in swaying him"
(Chris Balas, 2/3/09, http://michigan.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=908121). (I cited it so to avoid any ire due to some sort of infraction)
It would be interesting to see how many visitors from that weekend, or other more frenzied and inspiring weekends (e.g., bb win over Duke), later commit. I was at the wisconsin game, which has stuck with me as one of the best games I have been to. I know I was inspired - they could have recruited me to clean the port-a-potties after that.
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:35 PM ^
I'm sure its a major consideration. The Otter rushed the bball court when we beat Duke. You can't possibly call that a negative.
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:39 PM ^
Just speculating, but I image the weather on the day of the visit plays a role. Sitting through a game at 40 degrees with a driving rain would keep some recruits away regardless of outcome IMO.
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:41 PM ^
Though none of us really know because we aren't recruits and the VAST majority of us don't know any recruits, I would say it has some weight but not as much as how the kid gets along with the coaches and the players and how he likes the over all atmosphere. I would also think the "academic" help a player receives is also very important.
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:52 PM ^
QW said that the atmosphere at the wisco game influenced him. that's the loudest/craziest/most exciting game i've been to since i came to UM in 06
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:55 PM ^
he wasn't there for any other game after that! Would have been a different story today..
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:58 PM ^
that at the game people were chanting QW's name and "wear the blue" or something like that. That has to feel pretty cool for a HS kid.
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:05 PM ^
Ricardo Miller said that UofM knew who he was and that made him feel important, like the fanbase cared. Also, Walter Smith told me that the over lying effect of Bo made him commit to Michigan. He said that up until that point he was going to play for Tenesse but Bo told him at a basketball game that he was a Michigan man and he said and I quote, "If Bo tell you that you a Michigan man then it got to be true. I mean, how you gone argue with Bo?" I don't think people apreciate just how much of an impact that man had on this program even after his days of walking the sidelines. He was a rockstar to alot of kids. Especially those that grew up in Michigan.