The system gets it right the vast majority of the time

Yes, as much as we like player X or player Yy and envision him playing collegiately at the D1 level, "the system" gets it right the vast majority of time. The appropriate level of prospect classification by college coaches with scholarships to offer--which ultimately is all that counts at that moment--is so much more often right than fans, AAU coaches and definitely parents.

Where the college coaches err is in not truly getting to know what sort of fire exists, if any, within a budding player. Or how a talent will react to a challenge or criticism. Recruiting desperation sometimes comes into play and, indeed, a big 'reach' happens. But we digress.

It's true that 6-foot-3 players who suddenly sprout into 6-foot-8 territory and become desired talents do occur but this is not typical.

It's also true that Davion (Hayward High) Berrys exist but very infrequently. The 6-foot-4 Berry played two seasons at Cal State Monterey Bay before transferring and enjoying two tremendously successful years--Big Sky Newcomer of the Year and then Big Sky Player of the Year--at Weber State.

Also, someone playing community college ball may be a late bloomer physically and adds the prerequisite strength/size during a one or two-year JC stay. The broadening and/or honing of a skills set is usually an accompanying factor as well.

What also sometimes keep someone out of D1 is simply the role he sees himself playing alongside his expectation of playing time. There are a number of DII 'stars' who could play at the D1 level but not as a go-to-guy being on the court for 25+ minutes a night.

So it usually takes a positive change physically, academically or with a skills set to garner attention that was absent earlier. That isn't an error on the part of coaches but rather a different prospect presenting.

Yes, mistakes can be made but the cries that so-and-so should be getting D1 attention/offers is far, far more often due to myopia and homerism.