Kenny Payne is one of the best recruiters in the country. Getting him aboard really didn't have anything to do with Jones except for the timing of it. Many sources had Jones coming to UK prior to the crazy announcement. Jones buckled under pressure and then called Cal to tell him he made a mistake.
Cal AT UK doesn't need Kenny Payne to do well. Payne and Jones have a relationship so again, it didn't hurt. But I think Jones to UK happens regardless of Payne. You're right though, it happens all the time. But you don't hire an assistant, one that would be your top recruiter that will get paid a ton of money, for one kid that will probably only play for one year. Cal had the second straight year of #1 class before Jones commitment, he is obviously very good at it.