Totally disagree. I don't even consider 2013 a key recruiting year. 2014 yes, but you generally don't bring in superstars the year afer a 6-man class. Our 2012 class has two legitimate frosh starters in Thomas and Codi. Plus three solid rotation guys with one likely project (washington). We'll only lose one guy off next year's team (CJ). Just don't see how 2013 is critical. We'll be very good if we pick up nobody in 2013.
Thomas is going to be a monster
Our most recent 5- and 6-man classes have been in 1997 (ROK and co.), 1998 (Songaila), 2002 (Eric, Justin, etc.), 2006 (Ish, LD, etc.), and 2010 (McKie, et al.)
In the classes immediately following those groups, we came up with Songaila, Josh Howard, CP3, James Johnson, and Jeff Teague. For the record, that's four first-round draft picks.
The 1997 group was not followed by a star, and their peak was the Butler game or the NIT title, as you prefer.
The 1998 group was followed by a star, and were a popped-out shoulder away from the Sweet 16, or better. They still managed to win our first tourney game since Duncan.
The 2002 group was followed by a star, and they put together a fantastic three-year stretch, led by Howard and Paul. However, when CP left and they no longer had star support, they finished last in the conference.
The 2006 group was followed by two stars, and tied a school record for wins behind their leadership, IIRC. When those stars left, they snuck in the tournament despite further star support from AFA. If he hadn't been there, they certainly wouldn't have made the tournament.
The 2010 class was not followed by a star and looks to be wasting their first two seasons in mediocrity.
So what's the lesson here? When a big, foundational class like our 2012 group has star support, they can do great things. When they don't, they typically stink up the joint, or maybe ascend to mediocrity. 2012 is absolutely a key recruiting year.