Nobody thought EP would be a lottery pick when signed. Marlin was impressed with his ability at such a young age. Coach Marlin used his contracts to position EP in important international competition.
Long was a good get, but he wanted to be near his family. UL was the logical place for him. He was a reluctant student, and Marlin and staff really worked hard to keep him qualified.
So Marlin got lucky by circumstances in both these guys. One by youth, and the other by geography. So what? Jesse Evans gets Michael Southal by a chance encounter in an airport.
They're in charge and get both blame and glory. Good for coach Marlin.