CBS Sports has been doing a series of articles called “Critical Coaches” where around 100 college coaches were asked different questions about their craft and peers.
The newest edition is [URL=”http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/blog/eye-on-college-basketball/19761238/critical-coaches-how-much-of-a-factor-is-world-wide-wes-in-recruiting”]”How much of a factor is World Wide Wes in recruiting?”[/URL]
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Here are what some of the coaches questioned said:
[COLOR=#333333][FONT=arial]“He’s an agent who cheats. He’s a bag man.”[/FONT][/COLOR]
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“I think he’s a factor. He has unlimited access to kids and coaches — and clearly makes it no secret of his allegiance to John Calipari.”[/FONT][/COLOR]
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“We have all become so sensitive to just him. There are more just like him, he just gets all of the attention.”[/FONT][/COLOR]
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“Wes’ presence is drastically overblown. His power is only perceived at best, and only because naïve/desperate coaches empower him. If he had any power, he would certainly be using it to the benefit of John Calipari and Kenny Payne, who he has known for 25 years. The fact that coaches are hiring him as an agent is laughable, and the fact that the NCAA does not treat him as an agent due to his close affiliation with Leon Rose is an absolute injustice!”[/FONT][/COLOR]
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“Some people think he helps Cal with every kid, but I don’t think that’s true. He’s involved. He has influence. He uses it. So he’s a factor. But he’s probably not a big factor with every kid … at least I don’t think he is.”[/FONT][/COLOR]
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“He’s factor. I mean, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, man. That’s a big fish. Even if he’s the only one in a particular year.”[/FONT][/COLOR]
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Jeff Goodman also elaborated in the story about his perception of WWW’s influence on the college game and I do agree with one thing.
William Wesley isn’t the most powerful man in sports, but he does still have some influence.
