Adonis De La Rosa,

[monte]

http://nychoops.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1597788

He's not 7'. He's got maybe 5" on Aston and Haggerty. FWIW I didn't get the sense that Lavin and Co have much of a relationship with the folks over at CTK. And establishing that relationship falls solely on the shoulders of Lavin. Maybe that explains why we haven't had much luck(Mo notwithstanding) with NYC kids. I mean if that staff hasn't established a close tie with the best program in the city, then they're likely not going to have much success recruiting here. We should be all over Alkins.

There have been rumblings from CTK coaches that Lavin and staff have never been to CTK. Kind of find that hard to believe regardless of how lazy they are. There are quotes and video interviews from De La Rosa about how much he likes the staff. Prior to the season it was as if we led for him. Not sure why there is disconnect with CTK unless staff is going thru the players directly or guardians as opposed to the school?

More or less heard same thing about staff yesterday. Not good whether perceived or reality. Gotta make our presence felt. Sounds like Jarvis all over again with regard to not establishing relationships locally. Not to beat a dead horse, but that's one of the benefits of having an NY guy here....he understands who the key players(not talking about the kids) are and how to deal with them. Lavin, for as much of a salesman as he is, may just be a little to slick/hollywood for his own good.

 

[Andrew]

http://nychoops.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1597788

He's not 7'. He's got maybe 5" on Aston and Haggerty. FWIW I didn't get the sense that Lavin and Co have much of a relationship with the folks over at CTK. And establishing that relationship falls solely on the shoulders of Lavin. Maybe that explains why we haven't had much luck(Mo notwithstanding) with NYC kids. I mean if that staff hasn't established a close tie with the best program in the city, then they're likely not going to have much success recruiting here. We should be all over Alkins.

There have been rumblings from CTK coaches that Lavin and staff have never been to CTK. Kind of find that hard to believe regardless of how lazy they are. There are quotes and video interviews from De La Rosa about how much he likes the staff. Prior to the season it was as if we led for him. Not sure why there is disconnect with CTK unless staff is going thru the players directly or guardians as opposed to the school?

More or less heard same thing about staff yesterday. Not good whether perceived or reality. Gotta make our presence felt. Sounds like Jarvis all over again with regard to not establishing relationships locally. Not to beat a dead horse, but that's one of the benefits of having an NY guy here....he understands who the key players(not talking about the kids) are and how to deal with them. Lavin, for as much of a salesman as he is, may just be a little to slick/hollywood for his own good.

At the Nova game, I heard two people talking about the St. John's roster and how there are not any New York players. They mentioned that St. John's used to always have some New York players and that was what made them tough. I am not even sure what team these people were rooting for. Even Nova has Pinkston. I know recruiting has become national and Lavin has grabbed players from across the country(world) but I would like to see more NY kids.

 

[beast of the east]

http://nychoops.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1597788

He's not 7'. He's got maybe 5" on Aston and Haggerty. FWIW I didn't get the sense that Lavin and Co have much of a relationship with the folks over at CTK. And establishing that relationship falls solely on the shoulders of Lavin. Maybe that explains why we haven't had much luck(Mo notwithstanding) with NYC kids. I mean if that staff hasn't established a close tie with the best program in the city, then they're likely not going to have much success recruiting here. We should be all over Alkins.

There have been rumblings from CTK coaches that Lavin and staff have never been to CTK. Kind of find that hard to believe regardless of how lazy they are. There are quotes and video interviews from De La Rosa about how much he likes the staff. Prior to the season it was as if we led for him. Not sure why there is disconnect with CTK unless staff is going thru the players directly or guardians as opposed to the school?

More or less heard same thing about staff yesterday. Not good whether perceived or reality. Gotta make our presence felt. Sounds like Jarvis all over again with regard to not establishing relationships locally. Not to beat a dead horse, but that's one of the benefits of having an NY guy here....he understands who the key players(not talking about the kids) are and how to deal with them. Lavin, for as much of a salesman as he is, may just be a little to slick/hollywood for his own good.

At the Nova game, I heard two people talking about the St. John's roster and how there are not any New York players. They mentioned that St. John's used to always have some New York players and that was what made them tough. I am not even sure what team these people were rooting for. Even Nova has Pinkston. I know recruiting has become national and Lavin has grabbed players from across the country(world) but I would like to see more NY kids.

Do you really think New York kids are tougher than Chicago, Philly, Compton kids, or Patterson, or Camden for that matter ? The way Brooklyn is going, in 10 years a NYC kid is going to be a scruffy hipster. We are long past the days where all the great talent is coming out of NYC. In sheer population density alone a lot of kids will continue to come out of NYC, but great players are everywhere now and you can't tell me that D'Angelo Harrison would be any tougher if he came from the Bronx than Missouri City, Texas.

 

[Andrew]

http://nychoops.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1597788

He's not 7'. He's got maybe 5" on Aston and Haggerty. FWIW I didn't get the sense that Lavin and Co have much of a relationship with the folks over at CTK. And establishing that relationship falls solely on the shoulders of Lavin. Maybe that explains why we haven't had much luck(Mo notwithstanding) with NYC kids. I mean if that staff hasn't established a close tie with the best program in the city, then they're likely not going to have much success recruiting here. We should be all over Alkins.

There have been rumblings from CTK coaches that Lavin and staff have never been to CTK. Kind of find that hard to believe regardless of how lazy they are. There are quotes and video interviews from De La Rosa about how much he likes the staff. Prior to the season it was as if we led for him. Not sure why there is disconnect with CTK unless staff is going thru the players directly or guardians as opposed to the school?

More or less heard same thing about staff yesterday. Not good whether perceived or reality. Gotta make our presence felt. Sounds like Jarvis all over again with regard to not establishing relationships locally. Not to beat a dead horse, but that's one of the benefits of having an NY guy here....he understands who the key players(not talking about the kids) are and how to deal with them. Lavin, for as much of a salesman as he is, may just be a little to slick/hollywood for his own good.

At the Nova game, I heard two people talking about the St. John's roster and how there are not any New York players. They mentioned that St. John's used to always have some New York players and that was what made them tough. I am not even sure what team these people were rooting for. Even Nova has Pinkston. I know recruiting has become national and Lavin has grabbed players from across the country(world) but I would like to see more NY kids.

Do you really think New York kids are tougher than Chicago, Philly, Compton kids, or Patterson, or Camden for that matter ? The way Brooklyn is going, in 10 years a NYC kid is going to be a scruffy hipster. We are long past the days where all the great talent is coming out of NYC. In sheer population density alone a lot of kids will continue to come out of NYC, but great players are everywhere now and you can't tell me that D'Angelo Harrison would be any tougher if he came from the Bronx than Missouri City, Texas.

Nobody is tougher than someone that makes it out of Camden.

 

[firestorm]

How many trips to Vegas to offer Zimmerman, the longest shot in Lav's recruiting foibles?

Come on, '72. No question that Lavin has earned the heat he's taking for the performance of the team, but "recruiting foibles"? He has't landed every target but over the last few years we've attracted better talent than we've seen since Fran's days.

Plenty to rip the coach for right now. This one feels like a bit of stretch.

 

[Amaseinyourface]

http://nychoops.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1597788

He's not 7'. He's got maybe 5" on Aston and Haggerty. FWIW I didn't get the sense that Lavin and Co have much of a relationship with the folks over at CTK. And establishing that relationship falls solely on the shoulders of Lavin. Maybe that explains why we haven't had much luck(Mo notwithstanding) with NYC kids. I mean if that staff hasn't established a close tie with the best program in the city, then they're likely not going to have much success recruiting here. We should be all over Alkins.

So he is taller than 7'?

 

[Moose]

http://nychoops.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1597788

He's not 7'. He's got maybe 5" on Aston and Haggerty. FWIW I didn't get the sense that Lavin and Co have much of a relationship with the folks over at CTK. And establishing that relationship falls solely on the shoulders of Lavin. Maybe that explains why we haven't had much luck(Mo notwithstanding) with NYC kids. I mean if that staff hasn't established a close tie with the best program in the city, then they're likely not going to have much success recruiting here. We should be all over Alkins.

There have been rumblings from CTK coaches that Lavin and staff have never been to CTK. Kind of find that hard to believe regardless of how lazy they are. There are quotes and video interviews from De La Rosa about how much he likes the staff. Prior to the season it was as if we led for him. Not sure why there is disconnect with CTK unless staff is going thru the players directly or guardians as opposed to the school?

More or less heard same thing about staff yesterday. Not good whether perceived or reality. Gotta make our presence felt. Sounds like Jarvis all over again with regard to not establishing relationships locally. Not to beat a dead horse, but that's one of the benefits of having an NY guy here....he understands who the key players(not talking about the kids) are and how to deal with them. Lavin, for as much of a salesman as he is, may just be a little to slick/hollywood for his own good.

At the Nova game, I heard two people talking about the St. John's roster and how there are not any New York players. They mentioned that St. John's used to always have some New York players and that was what made them tough. I am not even sure what team these people were rooting for. Even Nova has Pinkston. I know recruiting has become national and Lavin has grabbed players from across the country(world) but I would like to see more NY kids.

When will NY'ers realize that these kids have a god given ability that can get them OUT of New York. When you consider where most of these kids grew up leaving New York is pretty damn enticing. Its such a flawed argument when people talk about it IMO>

 

[Class of 72]

How many trips to Vegas to offer Zimmerman, the longest shot in Lav's recruiting foibles?

Come on, '72. No question that Lavin has earned the heat he's taking for the performance of the team, but "recruiting foibles"? He has't landed every target but over the last few years we've attracted better talent than we've seen since Fran's days.

Plenty to rip the coach for right now. This one feels like a bit of stretch.

The talent we have (or lack,) speaks for itself. I do not place all the recruiting questions on Lavin. That is Chiles major role, ie, identify talent that fits but I am not sure if he can close like a Slice can. My comment was in reply to being absent at CTK games in that I am sure Lavin and Mary recruited together in Vegas but not so much in Middle Village. But Tony Chiles should be at every one of their games since there are two targets there. There are a couple of Bronx kids out there but that is not a fancy destination either. Lavin is here to close deals but Tony has to light the match. There is a disconnect somewhere.

 

[usguard]

How many trips to Vegas to offer Zimmerman, the longest shot in Lav's recruiting foibles?

Come on, '72. No question that Lavin has earned the heat he's taking for the performance of the team, but "recruiting foibles"? He has't landed every target but over the last few years we've attracted better talent than we've seen since Fran's days.

Plenty to rip the coach for right now. This one feels like a bit of stretch.

The talent we have (or lack,) speaks for itself. I do not place all the recruiting questions on Lavin. That is Chile's major role, ie, identify talent that fits but I am not sure if he can close like a Slice can. My comment was in reply to being absent at CTK games in that I am sure Lavin and Mary recruited together in Vegas but not so much in Middle Village. But Tony Chile's should be at every one of their games since there are two targets there. There are a couple of Bronx kids gout there but that is not a fancy destination either. Lavin is here to close deals but Tony has to light the match. There is a disconnect somewhere.

Interesting opinion

 

[1and1sju]

http://nychoops.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1597788

He's not 7'. He's got maybe 5" on Aston and Haggerty. FWIW I didn't get the sense that Lavin and Co have much of a relationship with the folks over at CTK. And establishing that relationship falls solely on the shoulders of Lavin. Maybe that explains why we haven't had much luck(Mo notwithstanding) with NYC kids. I mean if that staff hasn't established a close tie with the best program in the city, then they're likely not going to have much success recruiting here. We should be all over Alkins.

There have been rumblings from CTK coaches that Lavin and staff have never been to CTK. Kind of find that hard to believe regardless of how lazy they are. There are quotes and video interviews from De La Rosa about how much he likes the staff. Prior to the season it was as if we led for him. Not sure why there is disconnect with CTK unless staff is going thru the players directly or guardians as opposed to the school?

More or less heard same thing about staff yesterday. Not good whether perceived or reality. Gotta make our presence felt. Sounds like Jarvis all over again with regard to not establishing relationships locally. Not to beat a dead horse, but that's one of the benefits of having an NY guy here....he understands who the key players(not talking about the kids) are and how to deal with them. Lavin, for as much of a salesman as he is, may just be a little to slick/hollywood for his own good.

At the Nova game, I heard two people talking about the St. John's roster and how there are not any New York players. They mentioned that St. John's used to always have some New York players and that was what made them tough. I am not even sure what team these people were rooting for. Even Nova has Pinkston. I know recruiting has become national and Lavin has grabbed players from across the country(world) but I would like to see more NY kids.

When will NY'ers realize that these kids have a god given ability that can get them OUT of New York. When you consider where most of these kids grew up leaving New York is pretty damn enticing. Its such a flawed argument when people talk about it IMO>

I agree with you almost completely on this issue. NY kids more often than not want to leave, and you don't need to recruit heavy in NYC to be successful at St Johns. Take the talent where you can find it. Lavin has shown how to do that.

But what I think isn't mentioned enough is the effect it has on the program and attendance. Which we always bitch about, and for good reason.
It's not always possible to get the local studs obviously, but when you do it builds interest and a sense of community. You can't tell me there wouldn't be more fannies in the seats at MSG if Kemba, Lance, or KA stayed home.
We bitch and moan about the lack of support and interest, and that's a big way to address it.
That doesn't mean you don't recruit Harrison in TX, of course you do. But I think if Lavin needs to put in the time with the local coaches and throw them a bone once in awhile, so that when a special player does come along we're in good position... then he should be doing it.

You don't need NYC kids to win at st johns, but I think when you do have the local star - it builds the fan base. Our "glory days" all contain local kids that got the attention of casual nyc basketball fans... from Mullin to our era with Jayson, Malik, Felipe, Ron etc.
So, fwiw, I wouldn't say it's priority #1, but I do think the next coach should pay attention to it.

 

[Moose]

How many trips to Vegas to offer Zimmerman, the longest shot in Lav's recruiting foibles?

Come on, '72. No question that Lavin has earned the heat he's taking for the performance of the team, but "recruiting foibles"? He has't landed every target but over the last few years we've attracted better talent than we've seen since Fran's days.

Plenty to rip the coach for right now. This one feels like a bit of stretch.

The talent we have (or lack,) speaks for itself. I do not place all the recruiting questions on Lavin. That is Chile's major role, ie, identify talent that fits but I am not sure if he can close like a Slice can. My comment was in reply to being absent at CTK games in that I am sure Lavin and Mary recruited together in Vegas but not so much in Middle Village. But Tony Chile's should be at every one of their games since there are two targets there. There are a couple of Bronx kids out there but that is not a fancy destination either. Lavin is here to close deals but Tony has to light the match. There is a disconnect somewhere.

His name is Tony Chiles.

 

[Moose]

http://nychoops.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1597788

He's not 7'. He's got maybe 5" on Aston and Haggerty. FWIW I didn't get the sense that Lavin and Co have much of a relationship with the folks over at CTK. And establishing that relationship falls solely on the shoulders of Lavin. Maybe that explains why we haven't had much luck(Mo notwithstanding) with NYC kids. I mean if that staff hasn't established a close tie with the best program in the city, then they're likely not going to have much success recruiting here. We should be all over Alkins.

There have been rumblings from CTK coaches that Lavin and staff have never been to CTK. Kind of find that hard to believe regardless of how lazy they are. There are quotes and video interviews from De La Rosa about how much he likes the staff. Prior to the season it was as if we led for him. Not sure why there is disconnect with CTK unless staff is going thru the players directly or guardians as opposed to the school?

More or less heard same thing about staff yesterday. Not good whether perceived or reality. Gotta make our presence felt. Sounds like Jarvis all over again with regard to not establishing relationships locally. Not to beat a dead horse, but that's one of the benefits of having an NY guy here....he understands who the key players(not talking about the kids) are and how to deal with them. Lavin, for as much of a salesman as he is, may just be a little to slick/hollywood for his own good.

At the Nova game, I heard two people talking about the St. John's roster and how there are not any New York players. They mentioned that St. John's used to always have some New York players and that was what made them tough. I am not even sure what team these people were rooting for. Even Nova has Pinkston. I know recruiting has become national and Lavin has grabbed players from across the country(world) but I would like to see more NY kids.

When will NY'ers realize that these kids have a god given ability that can get them OUT of New York. When you consider where most of these kids grew up leaving New York is pretty damn enticing. Its such a flawed argument when people talk about it IMO>

I agree with you almost completely on this issue. NY kids more often than not want to leave, and you don't need to recruit heavy in NYC to be successful at St Johns. Take the talent where you can find it. Lavin has shown how to do that.

But what I think isn't mentioned enough is the effect it has on the program and attendance. Which we always bitch about, and for good reason.
It's not always possible to get the local studs obviously, but when you do it builds interest and a sense of community. You can't tell me there wouldn't be more fannies in the seats at MSG if Kemba, Lance, or KA stayed home.
We bitch and moan about the lack of support and interest, and that's a big way to address it.
That doesn't mean you don't recruit Harrison in TX, of course you do. But I think if Lavin needs to put in the time with the local coaches and throw them a bone once in awhile, so that when a special player does come along we're in good position... then he should be doing it.

You don't need NYC kids to win at st johns, but I think when you do have the local star - it builds the fan base. Our "glory days" all contain local kids that got the attention of casual nyc basketball fans... from Mullin to our era with Jayson, Malik, Felipe, Ron etc.
So, fwiw, I wouldn't say it's priority #1, but I do think the next coach should pay attention to it.

I don't see how much of a impact it would have on attendance. Especially with our ticket prices

 

[SJU1512]

http://nychoops.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1597788

He's not 7'. He's got maybe 5" on Aston and Haggerty. FWIW I didn't get the sense that Lavin and Co have much of a relationship with the folks over at CTK. And establishing that relationship falls solely on the shoulders of Lavin. Maybe that explains why we haven't had much luck(Mo notwithstanding) with NYC kids. I mean if that staff hasn't established a close tie with the best program in the city, then they're likely not going to have much success recruiting here. We should be all over Alkins.

There have been rumblings from CTK coaches that Lavin and staff have never been to CTK. Kind of find that hard to believe regardless of how lazy they are. There are quotes and video interviews from De La Rosa about how much he likes the staff. Prior to the season it was as if we led for him. Not sure why there is disconnect with CTK unless staff is going thru the players directly or guardians as opposed to the school?

More or less heard same thing about staff yesterday. Not good whether perceived or reality. Gotta make our presence felt. Sounds like Jarvis all over again with regard to not establishing relationships locally. Not to beat a dead horse, but that's one of the benefits of having an NY guy here....he understands who the key players(not talking about the kids) are and how to deal with them. Lavin, for as much of a salesman as he is, may just be a little to slick/hollywood for his own good.

At the Nova game, I heard two people talking about the St. John's roster and how there are not any New York players. They mentioned that St. John's used to always have some New York players and that was what made them tough. I am not even sure what team these people were rooting for. Even Nova has Pinkston. I know recruiting has become national and Lavin has grabbed players from across the country(world) but I would like to see more NY kids.

When will NY'ers realize that these kids have a god given ability that can get them OUT of New York. When you consider where most of these kids grew up leaving New York is pretty damn enticing. Its such a flawed argument when people talk about it IMO>

I think this is one of those buzz topics that, no matter how relevant or irrelevant in actuality, is always going to come up within the fan base. Like Notre Dame joining a conference, Fordham building a new gym, etc. When there are problems in particular things seem to revert back to that buzz topic.

But I agree with you Moose, it's a thing of the past. Of course we should always try to get the top talent in our backyard, but it's a different landscape from almost every angle than it was 20 years ago and before. The kids have more resources to look at colleges elsewhere, and we have more resources to look at prospects from elsewhere.

I get it from an idealistic standpoint, putting together a big winner here that stars a city kid. I also get that there might be more media buzz around that if it happened. But if a kid can play and we can get him, I don't see how it matters where he's from. And if we win, I don't see how it matters what the cities listed on the roster are. I doubt we recruit NY with more or less attention than we do any other area, and I'm not convinced paying more attention to NY would mean getting more kids from NY, or that getting more kids from NY would mean more wins. If there is one area where the staff knows what it's doing, it's on the recruiting front, whether it's in NY or anywhere else.

 

[Andrew]

http://nychoops.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1597788

He's not 7'. He's got maybe 5" on Aston and Haggerty. FWIW I didn't get the sense that Lavin and Co have much of a relationship with the folks over at CTK. And establishing that relationship falls solely on the shoulders of Lavin. Maybe that explains why we haven't had much luck(Mo notwithstanding) with NYC kids. I mean if that staff hasn't established a close tie with the best program in the city, then they're likely not going to have much success recruiting here. We should be all over Alkins.

There have been rumblings from CTK coaches that Lavin and staff have never been to CTK. Kind of find that hard to believe regardless of how lazy they are. There are quotes and video interviews from De La Rosa about how much he likes the staff. Prior to the season it was as if we led for him. Not sure why there is disconnect with CTK unless staff is going thru the players directly or guardians as opposed to the school?

More or less heard same thing about staff yesterday. Not good whether perceived or reality. Gotta make our presence felt. Sounds like Jarvis all over again with regard to not establishing relationships locally. Not to beat a dead horse, but that's one of the benefits of having an NY guy here....he understands who the key players(not talking about the kids) are and how to deal with them. Lavin, for as much of a salesman as he is, may just be a little to slick/hollywood for his own good.

At the Nova game, I heard two people talking about the St. John's roster and how there are not any New York players. They mentioned that St. John's used to always have some New York players and that was what made them tough. I am not even sure what team these people were rooting for. Even Nova has Pinkston. I know recruiting has become national and Lavin has grabbed players from across the country(world) but I would like to see more NY kids.

When will NY'ers realize that these kids have a god given ability that can get them OUT of New York. When you consider where most of these kids grew up leaving New York is pretty damn enticing. Its such a flawed argument when people talk about it IMO>

That's why Seton Hall is lining them up to play in South Orange...... I think the St John's campus is in a much nicer area.

 

[Class of 72]

How many trips to Vegas to offer Zimmerman, the longest shot in Lav's recruiting foibles?

Come on, '72. No question that Lavin has earned the heat he's taking for the performance of the team, but "recruiting foibles"? He has't landed every target but over the last few years we've attracted better talent than we've seen since Fran's days.

Plenty to rip the coach for right now. This one feels like a bit of stretch.

The talent we have (or lack,) speaks for itself. I do not place all the recruiting questions on Lavin. That is Chile's major role, ie, identify talent that fits but I am not sure if he can close like a Slice can. My comment was in reply to being absent at CTK games in that I am sure Lavin and Mary recruited together in Vegas but not so much in Middle Village. But Tony Chile's should be at every one of their games since there are two targets there. There are a couple of Bronx kids out there but that is not a fancy destination either. Lavin is here to close deals but Tony has to light the match. There is a disconnect somewhere.

His name is Tony Chiles.

LOL! I know. Intuitive software.

 

[monte]

I could care less where the staff recruits and where the kids come from, but I assure you that not maintaining good relationships with the top programs in NYC is not smart business. Eventually it will come back to bit you on the backside. Besides you want to displace Cuse as NY's team, it probably couldn't hurt to have a few NY kids on the team.

 

[monte]

http://nychoops.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1597788

He's not 7'. He's got maybe 5" on Aston and Haggerty. FWIW I didn't get the sense that Lavin and Co have much of a relationship with the folks over at CTK. And establishing that relationship falls solely on the shoulders of Lavin. Maybe that explains why we haven't had much luck(Mo notwithstanding) with NYC kids. I mean if that staff hasn't established a close tie with the best program in the city, then they're likely not going to have much success recruiting here. We should be all over Alkins.

So he is taller than 7'?

Looked about 6' 10" to me

 

[firestorm]

How many trips to Vegas to offer Zimmerman, the longest shot in Lav's recruiting foibles?

Come on, '72. No question that Lavin has earned the heat he's taking for the performance of the team, but "recruiting foibles"? He has't landed every target but over the last few years we've attracted better talent than we've seen since Fran's days.

Plenty to rip the coach for right now. This one feels like a bit of stretch.

The talent we have (or lack,) speaks for itself. I do not place all the recruiting questions on Lavin. That is Chiles major role, ie, identify talent that fits but I am not sure if he can close like a Slice can. My comment was in reply to being absent at CTK games in that I am sure Lavin and Mary recruited together in Vegas but not so much in Middle Village. But Tony Chiles should be at every one of their games since there are two targets there. There are a couple of Bronx kids out there but that is not a fancy destination either. Lavin is here to close deals but Tony has to light the match. There is a disconnect somewhere.

Fair enough. I trust your local knowledge on that one. No question I miss the NY swagger that used to be so evident on our teams.

 

[Moose]

How many trips to Vegas to offer Zimmerman, the longest shot in Lav's recruiting foibles?

Come on, '72. No question that Lavin has earned the heat he's taking for the performance of the team, but "recruiting foibles"? He has't landed every target but over the last few years we've attracted better talent than we've seen since Fran's days.

Plenty to rip the coach for right now. This one feels like a bit of stretch.

The talent we have (or lack,) speaks for itself. I do not place all the recruiting questions on Lavin. That is Chile's major role, ie, identify talent that fits but I am not sure if he can close like a Slice can. My comment was in reply to being absent at CTK games in that I am sure Lavin and Mary recruited together in Vegas but not so much in Middle Village. But Tony Chile's should be at every one of their games since there are two targets there. There are a couple of Bronx kids out there but that is not a fancy destination either. Lavin is here to close deals but Tony has to light the match. There is a disconnect somewhere.

His name is Tony Chiles.

LOL! I know. Intuitive software.

I think its more along the lines of you trying to be funny

 

[Moose]

http://nychoops.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1597788

He's not 7'. He's got maybe 5" on Aston and Haggerty. FWIW I didn't get the sense that Lavin and Co have much of a relationship with the folks over at CTK. And establishing that relationship falls solely on the shoulders of Lavin. Maybe that explains why we haven't had much luck(Mo notwithstanding) with NYC kids. I mean if that staff hasn't established a close tie with the best program in the city, then they're likely not going to have much success recruiting here. We should be all over Alkins.

There have been rumblings from CTK coaches that Lavin and staff have never been to CTK. Kind of find that hard to believe regardless of how lazy they are. There are quotes and video interviews from De La Rosa about how much he likes the staff. Prior to the season it was as if we led for him. Not sure why there is disconnect with CTK unless staff is going thru the players directly or guardians as opposed to the school?

More or less heard same thing about staff yesterday. Not good whether perceived or reality. Gotta make our presence felt. Sounds like Jarvis all over again with regard to not establishing relationships locally. Not to beat a dead horse, but that's one of the benefits of having an NY guy here....he understands who the key players(not talking about the kids) are and how to deal with them. Lavin, for as much of a salesman as he is, may just be a little to slick/hollywood for his own good.

At the Nova game, I heard two people talking about the St. John's roster and how there are not any New York players. They mentioned that St. John's used to always have some New York players and that was what made them tough. I am not even sure what team these people were rooting for. Even Nova has Pinkston. I know recruiting has become national and Lavin has grabbed players from across the country(world) but I would like to see more NY kids.

When will NY'ers realize that these kids have a god given ability that can get them OUT of New York. When you consider where most of these kids grew up leaving New York is pretty damn enticing. Its such a flawed argument when people talk about it IMO>

That's why Seton Hall is lining them up to play in South Orange...... I think the St John's campus is in a much nicer area.

Can we stop bringing up Seton Hall when the only reason they have Whitehead is because of a slimy coach? As for the other players Carrington is nothing to cry about losing and I still bet Delgado never makes it to campus. They also have something we don't have to offer and that's a boatload of PT and a chance to play immediately.

We should target the best player in NYC area every year no doubt. But a lot of these kids are leaving the city anyway and heading to prep schools and such. If we have a hole to fill sure look into a scrappy NYC pg or something as a backup. I want winners. I want kids from winning programs that know when to fall in line. Where in college they aren't gonna get the chance to dominate and score 30 ppg like they might in HS.