I think people on both sides (blame Fred, blame Prohm) are over-reacting, or over-stating their cases a bit. In some instances, quite a bit.
I do believe Fred did a pretty poor job of recruiting (compared to his usual standards) the last couple of years he was here. But, there were some successes too (McKay for one). The transfer market had changed, partially due to Fred's success with it, and the number of high quality transfers were not as readily available for ISU. There were plenty of other teams willing to take on transfers who may not have been interested in previous years. Competition was tough. I also think Fred had just tired of the whole recruiting grind, especially the recruiting of high school players. Fred did leave the cupboard pretty full for 2015-2017 though.
Prohm came in knowing all of this. He tried to keep the momentum going, even keeping on Fred's lead recruiter in Otz. I don't care what they both say, or how nice of guys they both are, that had to be an awkward situation given that Otz was thought to be the leading candidate to replace Fred. Prohm tried, but seemed to have pretty bad luck with recruiting (Malou, Carter, Lard, McNeil, etc.) Yet he did manage to land some decent high school players in Lard, (eventually) Young, Wigginton and Lewis. All pretty highly rated, but then I think Carter was a top 100 too coming out of high school, but it didn't work out here. Has has one of the best rated classes in ISU history coming next year, so he needs time with that.
To say he must go based on 2 games into his third year is just idiotic, imho. Especially considering the decent success of the last 2 years. I look at the improvement that the loaded team from last year made from the beginning of last year to what they were doing in February and Marc to convince me that the man can coach. My god, that senior loaded team lost to Peter Jok by double digits in December, then won the Big 12 tourney for the 3rd time in 4 years at the end of the season. Of course, I'm sure most of you couch coaches knew that team would win in KC again clear back in December right?
In the last 2 seasons, this team has lost McKay, Niang , Nader, Morris, Mitrou-Long, Burton, Thomas & Stu. Most of those were 4 year players. Last season there were hiccups at the start of the season. With the biggest loses from last year to this year, we have to expect a major drop-off at the start of the year, especially when 2 of the frontcourt have not played a minute. I don't look for Lard and Brase to do much at first. Neither has played much in the last couple of years. This team has to find an identity, and adjust to each other's play. I think CSP will be using a lot of line-up combinations until he can find what works. Those are going to be the growing pains this year. It took time last year, until he finally decided to go with Young has a starter. If you did not see problems coming this year, then you were not paying attention and you need a new pair of not so cardinal and gold colored glasses.
Personally, I think Prohm will get it done here. This year will be tough. Next year will be better but still not record-setting. I look forward to seeing what kind of recruiting he gets for 2018-19. He should have 2-3 open scholarships for that season, depending on what Tyler Harris does this year. I think 2018-19 ISU will be back to what we have come to expect (we are spoiled).
Give Prohm a chance to get his players, and his program going. If he doesn't get it done over the next 2-3 years, then make the change. Give him a chance, and don't judge him until you can see what he can do with his recruits, his discipline, his coaching and his program.
