A story worth repeating

beast of the east

beast of the east

Active member
As bad as things seem, I thought of a story that Coach Carnesecca told on the occasion of his 90th birthday, at a celebratory dinner at Antun's in Queens Village.

The mood in the room at the state of affairs of men's basketball was somber. It was Steve Lavin's last season, and the team had gotten off to another miserable start.

When they rolled out a cake after dinner, Bill Schaeffer knew that Coach wasn't feeling well of late, and instead of calling him up to the front of the room, brought the microphone over to Carnesecca's table so Lou could offer a few words while seated.

Carnesecca would have none of that, and stood rather weakly, grasping the back of a chair rail for support. He started off slowly in a voice that seemed weaker from the years and infirmity. He cracked a few jokes, and soon took control of the room, where the laughter and smiles energized him.

He spoke about our great tradition at St. John's, and began by giving an oral history of Buck Freeman's teams, notably the Wonder Five. He said how excited he was a young assistant to finally meet those alumni. "I was expecting monsters! They were all about 5 foot 2." Brought the house down. He went on to speak of Lapchick's great teams, and then his own great teams, and scanning the room stopped at one person and barked loudly "And Gordie Thomas! If you hadn't missed that last shot, we'd have made another Final Four!" Again the house came down as Lou became Looie, and everyone in the room filled with pride that Looie is OUR treasure.

Then Lou went on to speak of the rough road we've had over recent years. He said "I know so many of us are disappointed and worried about the future of St. John's basketball. Let me tell you a story. Many years ago, one of our teams got off to a miserable start. Really horrible. We just couldn't get anything right, and the losses mounted. I started to worry. So did my staff. I got a call from Jack Kaiser, our athletic director. In a serious tone he told me that he wanted to meet with me and my entire staff. I was certain that this was it. We were getting fired. We all knew it and prepared for the worst."

They went into Kaiser's office, and were told to sit down. A firing squad at least let's you stand. Kaiser began to go over the rough start, and how the losses were mounting. Here it was - the preposition to the inevitable action.

Kaiser continued, "I want you guys to know something. This is a rough start, really bad. But I know one thing you don't right now. We are going to turn this thing around very soon, and you have my 100% support. I want you guys to stop worrying and go out and play ball. The wins will come."

Looie and his staff left relieved but unsure. Just as Jack said, the wins started to come, and started to mount. The team turned it around, and made the post season.

Carnesecca then brought it back to the present. "So I know you guys are worried. I know that you think we aren't going to turn it around. But as sure as Jack Kaiser knew that our team was going to turn it around, I'm sure that this team will as well. Because we are St. John's and St. John's wins."

Looie was right. Steve's team turned it around, and made the dance.

So last week I attended a small gathering where Coach Mullin, Greg St. Jean, Anton, and much of the athletic department was present. Bobby G. was there also, and spoke. Much like Looie a few years ago, and Kaiser a generation ago, both Dr. Gempsehaw and AD Goff expressed their 100% opinion that Chris and his staff will turn it around, and that good times are coming soon. Why? Because we are St. John's.
 
You're starting to go way over the top, and coming off quiet creepy with your blind blind blind optimism here. Things need to change. Maybe not a new HC, but these players need guys around them who can coach and make them better in game. It's a problem.
 
You're starting to go way over the top, and coming off quiet creepy with your blind blind blind optimism here. Things need to change. Maybe not a new HC, but these players need guys around them who can coach and make them better in game. It's a problem.
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Thanks for your input. I generally find it creepy when some guys litter their posts with graphic sexual references. But I guess to each his own in terms of what you view creepy. I wouldn't characterize positive and supportive that way though.
 
As long as we are able to keep all of our recruits and we have the six new players next year and possibly add another, I agree. I think things can get better very quickly. Hell, if we just had the three transfers who are on the bench this year (Assuming Diakite was healthy) we would probably be 16-7 right now.
 
As long as we are able to keep all of our recruits and we have the six new players next year and possibly add another, I agree. I think things can get better very quickly. Hell, if we just had the three transfers who are on the bench this year (Assuming Diakite was healthy) we would probably be 16-7 right now.
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This would be a completely different season with some in-game coaching. We cannot finish games. That's coaching. Not saying CM should go, saying he needs people around him who have coached at the college level.
 
Louie always a class act. Last night at the Xavier he took time to take several pictures with members of the Knights of Columbus State Deputy and members of his staff. Coach watched the game with members of his own K of C council. Too bad the outcome of the game didn't cooperate.
 
Chris 7 , I would hope you and the other dissenters on here would drop the bone on CM’s Coaching and continuing to add your belief that he needs remedial work on X’s and O’s. He and MR are HOF players and around the game , probably 40-45Years . They have been exposed to a plethora of Coaching legends . A few , for your info are : Bobby Knight , Mike K, Chuck Dailey , Don Nelson, Lou C, Mike Montgomery , Larry Bird , etc. And, both he and his Staff have now Coached for 3 years in the BE. And , stop with the crap about leaning on the Scorer’s table . Who cares ? Does it mean anything ? Any body remember Lavin looking hopeless on the sidelines with his Arms Folded ? Nah, I didn’t think so . And , how long was he out of Coaching between UCLA and us ? Probably 5 Years or so at ESPN , which isn’t Coaching . How come nobody ranted about how much rust he might have had . He had plenty ! Yes , Mullin and our Program fell off the cliff in December when Lovett and his advisors told him to shut it down . That is the single most significant reason for our calamity ! Period , the end ! Yes , the Roster was razor thin but, any team that would lose a Lovett would be hard pressed to replace his points , etc . As has been seen, no one currently on our Team could step in and replace those numbers . Some thought Simon could but, that has proven wrong . Clark ? Owens ? Ahmed ? Nope .. Many younger posters here and some older ones , seem to forget the principle that Talent wins games ! Sure, a Coach has to fit the pieces together and Mullin can take heat for not getting a big , Probably European player , like Kanter, who is 6’10 and can Play the inside post . Owens is not that player . We also lost a lot of bench strength with Mussini leaving . The kind of player who could hit his free throws , make a clutch 3 and was a smart playmaker . The bottom line is that all our BE opponents have a stronger team 1-8 than we do ! And ,even our Stsrters have shown some critical weaknesses in their games that plague us , down the Stretch . Like last night against Xavier .. In summary , we are still a couple of Players light from being able to be in the top 5 of the BE . Remember too, it’s always the Billy and Joe’s that mean more than the x ‘s and 0’s .
 
Let me just address the sitting on the table stuff. I'm not going to say who was first, but I did complain about it a lot, but for a very specific reason.

Mullin had a habit of parking himself there for 5 minutes or more at the end of blowouts where he didn't communicate a single thing to his players. Here's the thing that bothered me:

A reporter once asked a coach why he called a timeout with a couple of minutes left in a game that was a blowout win, as if he was strategizing to increase the blowout or embarrass his opponent. His answer made a ton of sense to me. He said that in games like those, where you go to the end of your bench, those kids deserve to be coached the same way rotation players do, so he coached the entire 40 minutes of every game regardless of the score.

When Mullin did it, I didn't care how he looked sitting on the table, I cared that he wasn't coaching his kids. I think it's fair to say he coaches the entire 40 minutes so an occasional rest on the scorers table is his prerogative - after all since his days as a player he always believed this was his gym, and likely logged more hours practicing on his own here than anyone in school history.
 
Yes, Beast I can agree that him sitting on the Scorer’s table has rubbed some fans as wrong . While your theory about it denying his Starters or Subs valuable Coaching instruction , is for me, a stretch ... Different Coaches have different styles at different points in the game . There are , more than a few Coaches , that choose to rip their errant players a new one , after a particular mistake . I thought Mullin showed remarkable restraint after Yakwe fouled G town player at the 3, Pt Line and blew that game . Many times , there are no teaching or Coaching moments available and it’s best to say nothing . What do you say to Simon after missing 2 free throws with the game on the line ? Or, Ahmed making only 1 of 2 to still keep us down 1 . These are situations that you need your players to step up . It’s not Coaching . Mullin and Richmond drained those free throws for much of their careers and please don’t bring up the miss against Temple again. Simon and Ahmed didn’t make theirs . Game over .
 
This team has a low basketball IQ period. You want to blame that on the coaches, well you can but the players have a part in that also.
 
I really do believe an experienced coach will make a YUGE difference with our roster next year. Not to mention, any staff, after a few years, can get a lift from a different perspective.

I will be looking for a new assistant coach to join us this off-season. If Mullin decides against a change on the bench, then a poor 2018-19 season would cause me to pull my support. For now.....I am all in with Mullin and Matt.
 
Chris 7 , I would hope you and the other dissenters on here would drop the bone on CM’s Coaching and continuing to add your belief that he needs remedial work on X’s and O’s. He and MR are HOF players and around the game , probably 40-45Years . They have been exposed to a plethora of Coaching legends . A few , for your info are : Bobby Knight , Mike K, Chuck Dailey , Don Nelson, Lou C, Mike Montgomery , Larry Bird , etc. And, both he and his Staff have now Coached for 3 years in the BE. And , stop with the crap about leaning on the Scorer’s table . Who cares ? Does it mean anything ? Any body remember Lavin looking hopeless on the sidelines with his Arms Folded ? Nah, I didn’t think so . And , how long was he out of Coaching between UCLA and us ? Probably 5 Years or so at ESPN , which isn’t Coaching . How come nobody ranted about how much rust he might have had . He had plenty ! Yes , Mullin and our Program fell off the cliff in December when Lovett and his advisors told him to shut it down . That is the single most significant reason for our calamity ! Period , the end ! Yes , the Roster was razor thin but, any team that would lose a Lovett would be hard pressed to replace his points , etc . As has been seen, no one currently on our Team could step in and replace those numbers . Some thought Simon could but, that has proven wrong . Clark ? Owens ? Ahmed ? Nope .. Many younger posters here and some older ones , seem to forget the principle that Talent wins games ! Sure, a Coach has to fit the pieces together and Mullin can take heat for not getting a big , Probably European player , like Kanter, who is 6’10 and can Play the inside post . Owens is not that player . We also lost a lot of bench strength with Mussini leaving . The kind of player who could hit his free throws , make a clutch 3 and was a smart playmaker . The bottom line is that all our BE opponents have a stronger team 1-8 than we do ! And ,even our Stsrters have shown some critical weaknesses in their games that plague us , down the Stretch . Like last night against Xavier .. In summary , we are still a couple of Players light from being able to be in the top 5 of the BE . Remember too, it’s always the Billy and Joe’s that mean more than the x ‘s and 0’s .
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Wow, someone took great offense to what I said. Take a deep breathe. I never called for CM to go, nor do I want him to.

1. I've never, NEVER once had any issue with where CM chooses to sit or stand on the sideline that is absolutely laughable. People who complain about something like that are lost. I could careless.

2.That's great they are HOF players, but what has MR done to make this team better from a coach's perspective? With all due respect, he seems to just be along for the ride sitting on the bench during games. He's rarely, very very rarely, if ever, involved or active in any timeout huddles.

3. CM is also silent during time out huddles, and clearly defers to GSJ. It's not working. The tandem of GSJ and MR hasn't worked in three years, it's very very clear.

A change in staff is necessary. It's very very clear to me that CM connects with the kids, the kids like him, and potential players want to play for his program. That is huge. It's also clear that the in game coaching stinks. That needs to change in year 4, or it will just be more of the same. Owens doesnt score a basket all game, or something like that, and GSJ draws up a play for him? Not acceptable.
 
Hopefully all the recruits currently committed to the program play next season and turn out to have big east caliber talent and all the players with eligibity return. Mullin brings in an experienced X's and O's ass't. and we spend next season debating the reason for biggest year to year improvement in league history.
 
I am assuming that the hiring of Slice blew up the assistant coaching budget to the point where the only option for an x and o guy was to going to be relatively low paid and, by necessity, inexperienced. Hence St Jean.

Are we still paying Slice? I seem to recall he got a sweet deal.
 
Chris 7 , I would hope you and the other dissenters on here would drop the bone on CM’s Coaching and continuing to add your belief that he needs remedial work on X’s and O’s. He and MR are HOF players and around the game , probably 40-45Years . They have been exposed to a plethora of Coaching legends . A few , for your info are : Bobby Knight , Mike K, Chuck Dailey , Don Nelson, Lou C, Mike Montgomery , Larry Bird , etc. And, both he and his Staff have now Coached for 3 years in the BE. And , stop with the crap about leaning on the Scorer’s table . Who cares ? Does it mean anything ? Any body remember Lavin looking hopeless on the sidelines with his Arms Folded ? Nah, I didn’t think so . And , how long was he out of Coaching between UCLA and us ? Probably 5 Years or so at ESPN , which isn’t Coaching . How come nobody ranted about how much rust he might have had . He had plenty ! Yes , Mullin and our Program fell off the cliff in December when Lovett and his advisors told him to shut it down . That is the single most significant reason for our calamity ! Period , the end ! Yes , the Roster was razor thin but, any team that would lose a Lovett would be hard pressed to replace his points , etc . As has been seen, no one currently on our Team could step in and replace those numbers . Some thought Simon could but, that has proven wrong . Clark ? Owens ? Ahmed ? Nope .. Many younger posters here and some older ones , seem to forget the principle that Talent wins games ! Sure, a Coach has to fit the pieces together and Mullin can take heat for not getting a big , Probably European player , like Kanter, who is 6’10 and can Play the inside post . Owens is not that player . We also lost a lot of bench strength with Mussini leaving . The kind of player who could hit his free throws , make a clutch 3 and was a smart playmaker . The bottom line is that all our BE opponents have a stronger team 1-8 than we do ! And ,even our Stsrters have shown some critical weaknesses in their games that plague us , down the Stretch . Like last night against Xavier .. In summary , we are still a couple of Players light from being able to be in the top 5 of the BE . Remember too, it’s always the Billy and Joe’s that mean more than the x ‘s and 0’s .
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Wow, someone took great offense to what I said. Take a deep breathe. I never called for CM to go, nor do I want him to.

1. I've never, NEVER once had any issue with where CM chooses to sit or stand on the sideline that is absolutely laughable. People who complain about something like that are lost. I could careless.

2.That's great they are HOF players, but what has MR done to make this team better from a coach's perspective? With all due respect, he seems to just be along for the ride sitting on the bench during games. He's rarely, very very rarely, if ever, involved or active in any timeout huddles.

3. CM is also silent during time out huddles, and clearly defers to GSJ. It's not working. The tandem of GSJ and MR hasn't worked in three years, it's very very clear.

A change in staff is necessary. It's very very clear to me that CM connects with the kids, the kids like him, and potential players want to play for his program. That is huge. It's also clear that the in game coaching stinks. That needs to change in year 4, or it will just be more of the same. Owens doesnt score a basket all game, or something like that, and GSJ draws up a play for him? Not acceptable.
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1. That wasn't directed at you, so relax.

2. You nor I have no idea what MR does in practice, in meetings with staff, or working individually with players. I wasn't in favor of the MR hire because an experienced guy seemed to make more sense. Tell me though when you've ever seen 3 assistants and a HC all talking in a huddle. I sit right across from the bench, and do notice him conferring with Mullin during the game.

3. Not true this year. GSJ does not control all of the timeouts, and while GSJ is always in his ear, do you know that Chris is always "deferring" to GSJ, or just listening. I dunno, maybe you are a player on the bench and know better than me. IT's clear to you it isn't working. In a period of months, GSJ has gone from very important person that we will probably lose at some point to a know nothing incompetent assistant. The truth as far as I can see is that the former is likely much closer to the truth than the latter. GSJ has NBA roots and may depart at some point for a return to an NBA role. In my opinion, that would be a loss. If this program straightens out once we have the depth and talent that pushes the needle to W's and he sticks around, IMO he has the presence and stature to be a HC, and that is definitely in his future if he wants - so why not here.

What you say is clear is clear to YOU, but not clear to most people here. Most people agree that the problem since Lovett got injured is not coaching, it's depth and talent. For all you and I know, with a different, experienced coach, we could have gotten blown out of all the games that on paper it appeared we should have lost. Based on our performance in the BE this year, I can honestly say that the only games we SHOULD HAVE won were the 2 Georgetown games. Based on the quality of teams we should have beaten DePaul and Providence, but those 2 rocked us so you can't blame coaching on that. Every single other game should have been losses, and instead we played most of them down to the wire (except Butler).

Last point - How do you know that the play that OWens travelled on was drawn for him specifically? And just wondering, if it was drawn for him: With the ball rotating from the strong side wing to the point, and Owens cutting across the lane from the left baseline, did it not create a one on one isolation with a 6'10 forward catchin the ball on the left blocks in the paint dribbling with his strong hand and primed for a short one hander, a layup, or a dunk? Just wondering, because I don't know if it was something Simon (or Ponds) saw and passed him the ball, or if it was a specific play for him.

It's this over analysis that drives me crazy. Guys on here, including you, write as if you actually know what coaches are teaching, what is said in huddles, and what the game plan is. I know enough to say I don't know, and I'm pretty sure most of us don't know either.
 
Chris 7 , I would hope you and the other dissenters on here would drop the bone on CM’s Coaching and continuing to add your belief that he needs remedial work on X’s and O’s. He and MR are HOF players and around the game , probably 40-45Years . They have been exposed to a plethora of Coaching legends . A few , for your info are : Bobby Knight , Mike K, Chuck Dailey , Don Nelson, Lou C, Mike Montgomery , Larry Bird , etc. And, both he and his Staff have now Coached for 3 years in the BE. And , stop with the crap about leaning on the Scorer’s table . Who cares ? Does it mean anything ? Any body remember Lavin looking hopeless on the sidelines with his Arms Folded ? Nah, I didn’t think so . And , how long was he out of Coaching between UCLA and us ? Probably 5 Years or so at ESPN , which isn’t Coaching . How come nobody ranted about how much rust he might have had . He had plenty ! Yes , Mullin and our Program fell off the cliff in December when Lovett and his advisors told him to shut it down . That is the single most significant reason for our calamity ! Period , the end ! Yes , the Roster was razor thin but, any team that would lose a Lovett would be hard pressed to replace his points , etc . As has been seen, no one currently on our Team could step in and replace those numbers . Some thought Simon could but, that has proven wrong . Clark ? Owens ? Ahmed ? Nope .. Many younger posters here and some older ones , seem to forget the principle that Talent wins games ! Sure, a Coach has to fit the pieces together and Mullin can take heat for not getting a big , Probably European player , like Kanter, who is 6’10 and can Play the inside post . Owens is not that player . We also lost a lot of bench strength with Mussini leaving . The kind of player who could hit his free throws , make a clutch 3 and was a smart playmaker . The bottom line is that all our BE opponents have a stronger team 1-8 than we do ! And ,even our Stsrters have shown some critical weaknesses in their games that plague us , down the Stretch . Like last night against Xavier .. In summary , we are still a couple of Players light from being able to be in the top 5 of the BE . Remember too, it’s always the Billy and Joe’s that mean more than the x ‘s and 0’s .
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Wow, someone took great offense to what I said. Take a deep breathe. I never called for CM to go, nor do I want him to.

1. I've never, NEVER once had any issue with where CM chooses to sit or stand on the sideline that is absolutely laughable. People who complain about something like that are lost. I could careless.

2.That's great they are HOF players, but what has MR done to make this team better from a coach's perspective? With all due respect, he seems to just be along for the ride sitting on the bench during games. He's rarely, very very rarely, if ever, involved or active in any timeout huddles.

3. CM is also silent during time out huddles, and clearly defers to GSJ. It's not working. The tandem of GSJ and MR hasn't worked in three years, it's very very clear.

A change in staff is necessary. It's very very clear to me that CM connects with the kids, the kids like him, and potential players want to play for his program. That is huge. It's also clear that the in game coaching stinks. That needs to change in year 4, or it will just be more of the same. Owens doesnt score a basket all game, or something like that, and GSJ draws up a play for him? Not acceptable.
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1. That wasn't directed at you, so relax.

2. You nor I have no idea what MR does in practice, in meetings with staff, or working individually with players. I wasn't in favor of the MR hire because an experienced guy seemed to make more sense. Tell me though when you've ever seen 3 assistants and a HC all talking in a huddle. I sit right across from the bench, and do notice him conferring with Mullin during the game.

3. Not true this year. GSJ does not control all of the timeouts, and while GSJ is always in his ear, do you know that Chris is always "deferring" to GSJ, or just listening. I dunno, maybe you are a player on the bench and know better than me. IT's clear to you it isn't working. In a period of months, GSJ has gone from very important person that we will probably lose at some point to a know nothing incompetent assistant. The truth as far as I can see is that the former is likely much closer to the truth than the latter. GSJ has NBA roots and may depart at some point for a return to an NBA role. In my opinion, that would be a loss. If this program straightens out once we have the depth and talent that pushes the needle to W's and he sticks around, IMO he has the presence and stature to be a HC, and that is definitely in his future if he wants - so why not here.

What you say is clear is clear to YOU, but not clear to most people here. Most people agree that the problem since Lovett got injured is not coaching, it's depth and talent. For all you and I know, with a different, experienced coach, we could have gotten blown out of all the games that on paper it appeared we should have lost. Based on our performance in the BE this year, I can honestly say that the only games we SHOULD HAVE won were the 2 Georgetown games. Based on the quality of teams we should have beaten DePaul and Providence, but those 2 rocked us so you can't blame coaching on that. Every single other game should have been losses, and instead we played most of them down to the wire (except Butler).

Last point - How do you know that the play that OWens travelled on was drawn for him specifically? And just wondering, if it was drawn for him: With the ball rotating from the strong side wing to the point, and Owens cutting across the lane from the left baseline, did it not create a one on one isolation with a 6'10 forward catchin the ball on the left blocks in the paint dribbling with his strong hand and primed for a short one hander, a layup, or a dunk? Just wondering, because I don't know if it was something Simon (or Ponds) saw and passed him the ball, or if it was a specific play for him.

It's this over analysis that drives me crazy. Guys on here, including you, write as if you actually know what coaches are teaching, what is said in huddles, and what the game plan is. I know enough to say I don't know, and I'm pretty sure most of us don't know either.
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Irony of your closing sentences lambasting others like that, after you just spoke about how you see MR conferring with CM during games. Guess you know something we don't.

They can coach all they want in practice! Where's that translate into what matters....games! I have no idea what is being taught, but I can tell you from observations, it doesn't seem like much. What's said in huddles? Hope it isn't much, because we do not have success directly after timeouts. And I certainly do not know what the game plan is, because we play play ground basketball. We have no game plan, because we have no true X's and O's guy.

Not sure how anyone with an objective viewpoint, putting their unfettered love for our most prized basketball alum, I love him too, can with a straight face and say that MR and GSJ are making this team better during the game. They are not. Something's got to give.
 
Chris 7 , I would hope you and the other dissenters on here would drop the bone on CM’s Coaching and continuing to add your belief that he needs remedial work on X’s and O’s. He and MR are HOF players and around the game , probably 40-45Years . They have been exposed to a plethora of Coaching legends . A few , for your info are : Bobby Knight , Mike K, Chuck Dailey , Don Nelson, Lou C, Mike Montgomery , Larry Bird , etc. And, both he and his Staff have now Coached for 3 years in the BE. And , stop with the crap about leaning on the Scorer’s table . Who cares ? Does it mean anything ? Any body remember Lavin looking hopeless on the sidelines with his Arms Folded ? Nah, I didn’t think so . And , how long was he out of Coaching between UCLA and us ? Probably 5 Years or so at ESPN , which isn’t Coaching . How come nobody ranted about how much rust he might have had . He had plenty ! Yes , Mullin and our Program fell off the cliff in December when Lovett and his advisors told him to shut it down . That is the single most significant reason for our calamity ! Period , the end ! Yes , the Roster was razor thin but, any team that would lose a Lovett would be hard pressed to replace his points , etc . As has been seen, no one currently on our Team could step in and replace those numbers . Some thought Simon could but, that has proven wrong . Clark ? Owens ? Ahmed ? Nope .. Many younger posters here and some older ones , seem to forget the principle that Talent wins games ! Sure, a Coach has to fit the pieces together and Mullin can take heat for not getting a big , Probably European player , like Kanter, who is 6’10 and can Play the inside post . Owens is not that player . We also lost a lot of bench strength with Mussini leaving . The kind of player who could hit his free throws , make a clutch 3 and was a smart playmaker . The bottom line is that all our BE opponents have a stronger team 1-8 than we do ! And ,even our Stsrters have shown some critical weaknesses in their games that plague us , down the Stretch . Like last night against Xavier .. In summary , we are still a couple of Players light from being able to be in the top 5 of the BE . Remember too, it’s always the Billy and Joe’s that mean more than the x ‘s and 0’s .
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Wow, someone took great offense to what I said. Take a deep breathe. I never called for CM to go, nor do I want him to.

1. I've never, NEVER once had any issue with where CM chooses to sit or stand on the sideline that is absolutely laughable. People who complain about something like that are lost. I could careless.

2.That's great they are HOF players, but what has MR done to make this team better from a coach's perspective? With all due respect, he seems to just be along for the ride sitting on the bench during games. He's rarely, very very rarely, if ever, involved or active in any timeout huddles.

3. CM is also silent during time out huddles, and clearly defers to GSJ. It's not working. The tandem of GSJ and MR hasn't worked in three years, it's very very clear.

A change in staff is necessary. It's very very clear to me that CM connects with the kids, the kids like him, and potential players want to play for his program. That is huge. It's also clear that the in game coaching stinks. That needs to change in year 4, or it will just be more of the same. Owens doesnt score a basket all game, or something like that, and GSJ draws up a play for him? Not acceptable.
Click to expand...

1. That wasn't directed at you, so relax.

2. You nor I have no idea what MR does in practice, in meetings with staff, or working individually with players. I wasn't in favor of the MR hire because an experienced guy seemed to make more sense. Tell me though when you've ever seen 3 assistants and a HC all talking in a huddle. I sit right across from the bench, and do notice him conferring with Mullin during the game.

3. Not true this year. GSJ does not control all of the timeouts, and while GSJ is always in his ear, do you know that Chris is always "deferring" to GSJ, or just listening. I dunno, maybe you are a player on the bench and know better than me. IT's clear to you it isn't working. In a period of months, GSJ has gone from very important person that we will probably lose at some point to a know nothing incompetent assistant. The truth as far as I can see is that the former is likely much closer to the truth than the latter. GSJ has NBA roots and may depart at some point for a return to an NBA role. In my opinion, that would be a loss. If this program straightens out once we have the depth and talent that pushes the needle to W's and he sticks around, IMO he has the presence and stature to be a HC, and that is definitely in his future if he wants - so why not here.

What you say is clear is clear to YOU, but not clear to most people here. Most people agree that the problem since Lovett got injured is not coaching, it's depth and talent. For all you and I know, with a different, experienced coach, we could have gotten blown out of all the games that on paper it appeared we should have lost. Based on our performance in the BE this year, I can honestly say that the only games we SHOULD HAVE won were the 2 Georgetown games. Based on the quality of teams we should have beaten DePaul and Providence, but those 2 rocked us so you can't blame coaching on that. Every single other game should have been losses, and instead we played most of them down to the wire (except Butler).

Last point - How do you know that the play that OWens travelled on was drawn for him specifically? And just wondering, if it was drawn for him: With the ball rotating from the strong side wing to the point, and Owens cutting across the lane from the left baseline, did it not create a one on one isolation with a 6'10 forward catchin the ball on the left blocks in the paint dribbling with his strong hand and primed for a short one hander, a layup, or a dunk? Just wondering, because I don't know if it was something Simon (or Ponds) saw and passed him the ball, or if it was a specific play for him.

It's this over analysis that drives me crazy. Guys on here, including you, write as if you actually know what coaches are teaching, what is said in huddles, and what the game plan is. I know enough to say I don't know, and I'm pretty sure most of us don't know either.
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Irony of your closing sentences lambasting others like that, after you just spoke about how you see MR conferring with CM during games. Guess you know something we don't.

They can coach all they want in practice! Where's that translate into what matters....games! I have no idea what is being taught, but I can tell you from observations, it doesn't seem like much. What's said in huddles? Hope it isn't much, because we do not have success directly after timeouts. And I certainly do not know what the game plan is, because we play play ground basketball. We have no game plan, because we have no true X's and O's guy.

Not sure how anyone with an objective viewpoint, putting their unfettered love for our most prized basketball alum, I love him too, can with a straight face and say that MR and GSJ are making this team better during the game. They are not. Something's got to give.
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Re-read please. I said I have seen Mullin conferring with Richmond on the bench. I don't know if they were talking about the awesome snack deal at the CA refreshment stand - 2 sodas a pretzel and a popcorn for $14, or something Richmond had seen, pointed out, or suggested. You said he does nothing on the bench. I disagree.

Two years ago I was at the forefront of the opinion that Mullin appeared lost on the bench. Slice coached, GSJ coached, and Mullin was pretty quiet all game. I think that has changed radically. Whether its good enough we will see when there is a full roster. I hope it works out.

I don't necessarily agree with this logic, but John Wooden strongly maintained that timeouts are a sign of weakness, and while coaches make subs to create favorable matchups and give guys a breather, that all the real coaching takes place in the gym, the lab as Looie called it. I'd be interested to hear what Chris' philosophy on the matter. He clearly doesn't yank guys when they hoist ill advised shots, flip wild passes, or lose their man. Does that mean he cannot coach? I don't know.
 
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