If you can’t recruit you better be a hell of a X’s and O’s guy. You can find up and coming talent, you just have to go digging deep for it. You may have to search the mid major level or deeper, but they are out there. I’m sure Wake thought Danny Manning would be able to recruit on his name alone, doesn’t appear to be the case.
I’m not suggesting it’s easy or obvious, if so everyone would find the right coach. But there’s plenty of talent at all levels, you just need to be able to spot it. Start playing better and the program becomes more attractive.