I think that this is basically it...ESPN touted this guy a lot before the season began, and I don't believe they want to let the dream die for fear of looking stupid. Perception becomes reality.
If you build it, they will come. The key to getting studs is to win with lesser talent. There are exceptions to this, but they normally happen with teams who are in areas with larger talent pools.
Being a stellar recruiter helps also. The Davis team you named was inherited by Mr. Davis...
I saw the highlights while watcing the Illinois-Texas game, and I will admit, he did look impressive, especially since he is a freshman. I had never seen him play before.