Just comparing the '07 class to the '08 class is telling. Look at how many more pre and immediate post-mission contributors we had in the '08 class vs the '07 class.

While the jury is still out on the '09-'12 classes, you have to like the trend at least as far as early contribution is concerned. We have to hope that early contribution is a good indicator of an increase in talent-level and thus success going forward.


PS- Yes, I did note the early pre and post-mission contribution of the '06 class, which with the luxury of hindsight, has to be declared an underwhelming class as far as talent goes. I think the early contribution of that class spoke more to the cupboard being somewhat bare than it did any great talent in that class. The passage of time and the playing results of the members of that class bear out that hypothesis IMO.