Editor's note: Every week in "Starting 5," we'll roll out five stories, themes and nuggets from the basketball recruiting world to set the table with the stories that need to be told and give you a leg up on the watercooler conversations around the office.
This week we look at why conference affiliation no longer matters to elite recruits, preview the USA Basketball U16 tryouts, take a deeper look at why Myles Turner is ascending to top-10 status in the 2014 class, update the top players by position in the 2014 class and take one last look at how UNC was able to land ESPN 60 small forward Theo Pinson.
1. Conferences no longer matter to recruits
Thanks to conference realignment, there's been historic change in college basketball. So much change, in fact, that even the most knowledgeable fans need assistance. With new leagues, new league names and teams shifting leagues every year, you're in the minority if you've got it all figured out.
If you are confused, don't worry. You're not alone. America's best basketball recruits are in the dark as well.