This is a case study showing how much recruiting actually means for a basketball player’s career, and how accurate/inaccurate the recruitment and draft process can be.

Chris Paul — 6’1” 165 lbs, West Forsyth (NC) Class of 2003, #3 PG, #14 overall, Wake Forest, Drafted 2005 round 1 pick 4
Luol Deng — 6’8” 217 lbs, Blair Academy (NJ) Class of 2003, #1 SF, #2 overall, Duke, Drafted 2004 round 1 pick 7 
Kris Humphries — 6’8” 226 lbs, Hopkins (MN) Class of 2003, #2 PF, #15 overall, Minnesota, Drafted 2004 round 1 pick 14
Rajon Rondo — 6’1” 155 lbs, Oak Hill Academy (VA) Class of 2004, #5 PG, #25 overall, Kentucky, Drafted 2006 round 1 pick 21
Josh Smith — 6’8” 200 lbs, Oak Hill Aademy (VA) Class of 2004, #1 SF, #3 overall, Indiana (did not attend), Drafted 2004 round 1 pick 17
Rodney Stuckey — 6’4” 185 lbs, Kentwood (WA) Class of 2004, #27 SG, #131 overall, Eastern Washington, Drafted 2007 round 1 pick 15
Blake Griffin — 6’9” 230 lbs, Oklahoma Christian (OK) Class of 2007, #6 PF, #23 overall, Oklahoma, Drafted 2009 round 1 pick 1
James Harden — 6’5” 200 lbs, Artesia (CA) Class of 2007, #2 SG, #11 overall, Arizona State, Drafted 2009 round 1 pick 3
Bill Walker — 6’6” 220 lbs, North College Hill (OH) Class of 2007, #2 SF, #7 overall, Kansas State, Drafted 2008 round 2 pick 47