As much as it does NOT get talked about and as much as some will say it doesn't happen, there are certain shady things that DO influence kids' choices.
I am not saying it happens all the time, but when schools have a history of affiliating themselves with unreputable AAU coaches, scheduling operations, and get caught sending money filled packages through the mail, then you KNOW this is the tip of the iceberg and even more of it goes on.
I suspect the bigger schools can get away with it way more than a mid-major, as we have all heard of the kid's family and high school coaches getting hired, and other perks being given.
In the end, any talented kid will get some "offers" if you know what I mean, and some of those offers are what keep the kids going to the bigger schools.