For those that believe that for a team to be successful in the NCAA it must have a roster filled with MickyD AA's and 5***** players should take a glance at the Oklahoma Final Four team which has no MacD AAs nor 5 stars that start and in fact 6 of its first 7 players were 3* out of high school
Is MacDonald's similar to McDowell's?
Nevertheless, you do make good points, but that isn't typically the norm when one is vying for titles. If one wants to consistently be in place to play for titles, then it's also not the usual route. I agree with JSJ's assessment, as well. But there is a point that you've forgotten (actually, two points, IMO). One point is Oklahoma's vital players are experienced. Hield, Cousins, and Spangler are seniors. Woodard is a junior, while Lattin is a sophomore. The last point will be Hield is, in many ways, carrying the team. If a team has a sound cast, and that one transcendent player, then getting to the Promised Land can be made a bit easier.
Remember, only two teams has won a national title without a McDonald's AA on their roster (the first game was played in 1978).... 2002 Maryland Terrapins and 2014 UConn Huskies (DeAndre Daniels was a 5-star recruit, who didn't get an invitation due to some eligibility rule, if I'm not mistaken).
Both teams were experienced, and had guards who could make plays. Not to mention, Maryland and UConn had good talent. Maryland had a plethora of 4 star kids, and not only their guards, but their bigs were more than solid, as well. UConn was mainly carried by Napier, Boatright, and Daniels. But they also Niels Giffey coming up big for 'em during their run. Lots of experience and solid guard play can take you a long way. Frankly, I'd take my chances on loading up on a bunch of talent ala your typical blue blood (and, a few others a tier below) and go from there. If they happen to stay in school (similarly, to this current UNC team or any, other Roy Williams' UNC team that has advanced to the Final Four and beyond), then that'll suffice, too.
