Amar Has Returned

[logen]

Granted I haven't paid attention too much lately but did we hire Dick Harter or Rick Carslisle on the bench ?

Hey MJ,

Rather than merely repeating your observations regarding where Mullin may sit, how he dresses, and who speaks during timeouts, please provide some substantive comment regarding how your observations hurt the performance of last years team. Thanks.

There is nothing substantive in all the staff criticism other than an "expansion" team roster thrown together at the very last moment with no off-season practice didn't play cohesively, especially on the defensive end. Never mind the lack of on the ball quickness, lack of interior bulk and strength, and that these players had never played together one minute previously; obviously 90% of the board could have coached rings around this amateur staff. I mean, how could Mullin not have conjured up memories of Auerbach and Wooden with the talent he had to work with and the time he had to work with them? Not to mention that Rohressen should have recruited a Kentucky like roster already, the man is just stealing money!! Disgraceful,,,
At the risk of just being arrogant, again, REALLY?? This staff doesn't even get a YEAR to prove themselves, ONE off-season to upgrade the roster, work with a the players and mold a team?? For all the HOF arm chair coaches out there look up how long it took K and Jay Wright, two pretty good coaches, to turn around programs in infinetly better shape when they took over than SJU was. Not to mention that, oh, maybe Mullin, for all his BB credentials, realistically, has a learning curve to get comfortable doing something he has NEVER done before. I have NO IDEA if this staff will be successful but I do know the turning over of the talent on the roster is almost unprecedented at this level and that is where it all starts. And I am sure as hell willing to give Chris Mullin the same amount of time I gave Norm Roberts and Steve Lavin to see if he and co. can turn this around before I start criticizing.

See some folks are giving them time to prove they might be as good as they expected, the same group who thinks that the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience was a good idea.

Others are giving the staff time to prove they're not as bad as should be expected given the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience which seemed like a not so good idea.

I agree that they deserve more time, whichever side of the fence your're sitting on but it doesn't mean they should be free from any constructive criticism.

Different strokes for different folks.

I see nothing constructive about the criticism; people reading body language and analyzing still pictures taken out of context and where someone sits or what he wears? A brand new coach with NO experience having the intelligence to allow someone with more experience than him coach at times? Criticizing end of game plays that aren't executed because of lack of experience, practice time and talent? Looking at our roster and complaining that we didn't "improve", a roster completely devoid of legitimate ready to play D1 talent? EVERY one of our freshman would have been realistic candidates to red shirt in another situation. I wonder how many of these "constructive" criticizers would have had the seeds to attempt what Mullin did KNOWING the year last year was going to happen? The team by and large played hard and competed against teams with significantly better talent, in most cases against teams I'm which we didn't put a player on the court that would get a sniff of playing time for the opponent. How do I judge the coaching; by the late season games where we had big deficits but came back to make them competitive against far superior teams. No quit, no lay down. That showed me Mullin and staff had picked the right kids and had gotten through to them. The criticism "constructive"? Hardly. Unfair and ridiculously premature, yes, but constructive or legitimate at this point in time, no.

 

[logen]

Granted I haven't paid attention too much lately but did we hire Dick Harter or Rick Carslisle on the bench ?

Hey MJ,

Rather than merely repeating your observations regarding where Mullin may sit, how he dresses, and who speaks during timeouts, please provide some substantive comment regarding how your observations hurt the performance of last years team. Thanks.

There is nothing substantive in all the staff criticism other than an "expansion" team roster thrown together at the very last moment with no off-season practice didn't play cohesively, especially on the defensive end. Never mind the lack of on the ball quickness, lack of interior bulk and strength, and that these players had never played together one minute previously; obviously 90% of the board could have coached rings around this amateur staff. I mean, how could Mullin not have conjured up memories of Auerbach and Wooden with the talent he had to work with and the time he had to work with them? Not to mention that Rohressen should have recruited a Kentucky like roster already, the man is just stealing money!! Disgraceful,,,
At the risk of just being arrogant, again, REALLY?? This staff doesn't even get a YEAR to prove themselves, ONE off-season to upgrade the roster, work with a the players and mold a team?? For all the HOF arm chair coaches out there look up how long it took K and Jay Wright, two pretty good coaches, to turn around programs in infinetly better shape when they took over than SJU was. Not to mention that, oh, maybe Mullin, for all his BB credentials, realistically, has a learning curve to get comfortable doing something he has NEVER done before. I have NO IDEA if this staff will be successful but I do know the turning over of the talent on the roster is almost unprecedented at this level and that is where it all starts. And I am sure as hell willing to give Chris Mullin the same amount of time I gave Norm Roberts and Steve Lavin to see if he and co. can turn this around before I start criticizing.

See some folks are giving them time to prove they might be as good as they expected, the same group who thinks that the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience was a good idea.

Others are giving the staff time to prove they're not as bad as should be expected given the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience which seemed like a not so good idea.

I agree that they deserve more time, whichever side of the fence your're sitting on but it doesn't mean they should be free from any constructive criticism.

Different strokes for different folks.

Way to early to pass judgment, never to early to critique....even Chris Mullin. It comes with the territory.

Funny, because I think the negativity is because it is Chris Mullin. Everyone preached patience, very few practiced it. Beating a dead horse, critique what, clothes and seats and not being able to make chicken primevera out of chicken s..t?

 

[bamafan]

Granted I haven't paid attention too much lately but did we hire Dick Harter or Rick Carslisle on the bench ?

Hey MJ,

Rather than merely repeating your observations regarding where Mullin may sit, how he dresses, and who speaks during timeouts, please provide some substantive comment regarding how your observations hurt the performance of last years team. Thanks.

There is nothing substantive in all the staff criticism other than an "expansion" team roster thrown together at the very last moment with no off-season practice didn't play cohesively, especially on the defensive end. Never mind the lack of on the ball quickness, lack of interior bulk and strength, and that these players had never played together one minute previously; obviously 90% of the board could have coached rings around this amateur staff. I mean, how could Mullin not have conjured up memories of Auerbach and Wooden with the talent he had to work with and the time he had to work with them? Not to mention that Rohressen should have recruited a Kentucky like roster already, the man is just stealing money!! Disgraceful,,,
At the risk of just being arrogant, again, REALLY?? This staff doesn't even get a YEAR to prove themselves, ONE off-season to upgrade the roster, work with a the players and mold a team?? For all the HOF arm chair coaches out there look up how long it took K and Jay Wright, two pretty good coaches, to turn around programs in infinetly better shape when they took over than SJU was. Not to mention that, oh, maybe Mullin, for all his BB credentials, realistically, has a learning curve to get comfortable doing something he has NEVER done before. I have NO IDEA if this staff will be successful but I do know the turning over of the talent on the roster is almost unprecedented at this level and that is where it all starts. And I am sure as hell willing to give Chris Mullin the same amount of time I gave Norm Roberts and Steve Lavin to see if he and co. can turn this around before I start criticizing.

See some folks are giving them time to prove they might be as good as they expected, the same group who thinks that the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience was a good idea.

Others are giving the staff time to prove they're not as bad as should be expected given the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience which seemed like a not so good idea.

I agree that they deserve more time, whichever side of the fence your're sitting on but it doesn't mean they should be free from any constructive criticism.

Different strokes for different folks.

I see nothing constructive about the criticism; people reading body language and analyzing still pictures taken out of context and where someone sits or what he wears? A brand new coach with NO experience having the intelligence to allow someone with more experience than him coach at times? Criticizing end of game plays that aren't executed because of lack of experience, practice time and talent? Looking at our roster and complaining that we didn't "improve", a roster completely devoid of legitimate ready to play D1 talent? EVERY one of our freshman would have been realistic candidates to red shirt in another situation. I wonder how many of these "constructive" criticizers would have had the seeds to attempt what Mullin did KNOWING the year last year was going to happen? The team by and large played hard and competed against teams with significantly better talent, in most cases against teams I'm which we didn't put a player on the court that would get a sniff of playing time for the opponent. How do I judge the coaching; by the late season games where we had big deficits but came back to make them competitive against far superior teams. No quit, no lay down. That showed me Mullin and staff had picked the right kids and had gotten through to them. The criticism "constructive"? Hardly. Unfair and ridiculously premature, yes, but constructive or legitimate at this point in time, no.

Some very good points save one: giving Mo credit for having the intelligence to allow someone with more coaching experience to coach at times. Sorry but not when that coach is an early twenties something coach with no coaching experience either.

 

[monte]

Granted I haven't paid attention too much lately but did we hire Dick Harter or Rick Carslisle on the bench ?

Hey MJ,

Rather than merely repeating your observations regarding where Mullin may sit, how he dresses, and who speaks during timeouts, please provide some substantive comment regarding how your observations hurt the performance of last years team. Thanks.

There is nothing substantive in all the staff criticism other than an "expansion" team roster thrown together at the very last moment with no off-season practice didn't play cohesively, especially on the defensive end. Never mind the lack of on the ball quickness, lack of interior bulk and strength, and that these players had never played together one minute previously; obviously 90% of the board could have coached rings around this amateur staff. I mean, how could Mullin not have conjured up memories of Auerbach and Wooden with the talent he had to work with and the time he had to work with them? Not to mention that Rohressen should have recruited a Kentucky like roster already, the man is just stealing money!! Disgraceful,,,
At the risk of just being arrogant, again, REALLY?? This staff doesn't even get a YEAR to prove themselves, ONE off-season to upgrade the roster, work with a the players and mold a team?? For all the HOF arm chair coaches out there look up how long it took K and Jay Wright, two pretty good coaches, to turn around programs in infinetly better shape when they took over than SJU was. Not to mention that, oh, maybe Mullin, for all his BB credentials, realistically, has a learning curve to get comfortable doing something he has NEVER done before. I have NO IDEA if this staff will be successful but I do know the turning over of the talent on the roster is almost unprecedented at this level and that is where it all starts. And I am sure as hell willing to give Chris Mullin the same amount of time I gave Norm Roberts and Steve Lavin to see if he and co. can turn this around before I start criticizing.

See some folks are giving them time to prove they might be as good as they expected, the same group who thinks that the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience was a good idea.

Others are giving the staff time to prove they're not as bad as should be expected given the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience which seemed like a not so good idea.

I agree that they deserve more time, whichever side of the fence your're sitting on but it doesn't mean they should be free from any constructive criticism.

Different strokes for different folks.

Way to early to pass judgment, never to early to critique....even Chris Mullin. It comes with the territory.

Funny, because I think the negativity is because it is Chris Mullin. Everyone preached patience, very few practiced it. Beating a dead horse, critique what, clothes and seats and not being able to make chicken primevera out of chicken s..t?

I almost always agree with your posts Logen, and agree that criticizing seating, clothing, etc, is reaching, but are you suggesting that we wait until a certain period of time has passed before we start discussing/debating/critiquing things like in-game coaching, staff management, recruiting strategies, etc? And when exactly would that period of time be? Tell me why what we discuss here should be any different(keeping in mind that this is a public forum) than what we discuss when sitting at a game or at a bar with friends? Most certainly these are topics being discussed in those venues, so why not here?

 

[mjmaherjr]

Granted I haven't paid attention too much lately but did we hire Dick Harter or Rick Carslisle on the bench ?

Hey MJ,

Rather than merely repeating your observations regarding where Mullin may sit, how he dresses, and who speaks during timeouts, please provide some substantive comment regarding how your observations hurt the performance of last years team. Thanks.

There is nothing substantive in all the staff criticism other than an "expansion" team roster thrown together at the very last moment with no off-season practice didn't play cohesively, especially on the defensive end. Never mind the lack of on the ball quickness, lack of interior bulk and strength, and that these players had never played together one minute previously; obviously 90% of the board could have coached rings around this amateur staff. I mean, how could Mullin not have conjured up memories of Auerbach and Wooden with the talent he had to work with and the time he had to work with them? Not to mention that Rohressen should have recruited a Kentucky like roster already, the man is just stealing money!! Disgraceful,,,
At the risk of just being arrogant, again, REALLY?? This staff doesn't even get a YEAR to prove themselves, ONE off-season to upgrade the roster, work with a the players and mold a team?? For all the HOF arm chair coaches out there look up how long it took K and Jay Wright, two pretty good coaches, to turn around programs in infinetly better shape when they took over than SJU was. Not to mention that, oh, maybe Mullin, for all his BB credentials, realistically, has a learning curve to get comfortable doing something he has NEVER done before. I have NO IDEA if this staff will be successful but I do know the turning over of the talent on the roster is almost unprecedented at this level and that is where it all starts. And I am sure as hell willing to give Chris Mullin the same amount of time I gave Norm Roberts and Steve Lavin to see if he and co. can turn this around before I start criticizing.

See some folks are giving them time to prove they might be as good as they expected, the same group who thinks that the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience was a good idea.

Others are giving the staff time to prove they're not as bad as should be expected given the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience which seemed like a not so good idea.

I agree that they deserve more time, whichever side of the fence your're sitting on but it doesn't mean they should be free from any constructive criticism.

Different strokes for different folks.

Way to early to pass judgment, never to early to critique....even Chris Mullin. It comes with the territory.

Funny, because I think the negativity is because it is Chris Mullin. Everyone preached patience, very few practiced it. Beating a dead horse, critique what, clothes and seats and not being able to make chicken primevera out of chicken s..t?

To a small extent you are correct. Some like myself maybe expected more because it is Chris Mullin who was one of the smartest players on the court as a player ever and not Norm Roberts or Lavin. So at least in my case yeah I didn't expect to see him letting someone else coach the team on the floor during games most of the time because it was Chris freaking Mullin and he was deferring to someone half his age with virtually no coaching experience

As far as what he wears I really don't care all that much. As far as wear he sits on the scorers table yeah that's certainly me and it definitely wasn't taken out of context in a picture or anything becaause everyone who was at the games saw the context it was in and I'd have the same criticism of any coach for our team

It's a new season. I'm not even one of the people who has overinflated expectations this year. 15 wins and to me that's something to build on and I won't be complaining too much

 

[Section9]

Granted I haven't paid attention too much lately but did we hire Dick Harter or Rick Carslisle on the bench ?

Hey MJ,

Rather than merely repeating your observations regarding where Mullin may sit, how he dresses, and who speaks during timeouts, please provide some substantive comment regarding how your observations hurt the performance of last years team. Thanks.

There is nothing substantive in all the staff criticism other than an "expansion" team roster thrown together at the very last moment with no off-season practice didn't play cohesively, especially on the defensive end. Never mind the lack of on the ball quickness, lack of interior bulk and strength, and that these players had never played together one minute previously; obviously 90% of the board could have coached rings around this amateur staff. I mean, how could Mullin not have conjured up memories of Auerbach and Wooden with the talent he had to work with and the time he had to work with them? Not to mention that Rohressen should have recruited a Kentucky like roster already, the man is just stealing money!! Disgraceful,,,
At the risk of just being arrogant, again, REALLY?? This staff doesn't even get a YEAR to prove themselves, ONE off-season to upgrade the roster, work with a the players and mold a team?? For all the HOF arm chair coaches out there look up how long it took K and Jay Wright, two pretty good coaches, to turn around programs in infinetly better shape when they took over than SJU was. Not to mention that, oh, maybe Mullin, for all his BB credentials, realistically, has a learning curve to get comfortable doing something he has NEVER done before. I have NO IDEA if this staff will be successful but I do know the turning over of the talent on the roster is almost unprecedented at this level and that is where it all starts. And I am sure as hell willing to give Chris Mullin the same amount of time I gave Norm Roberts and Steve Lavin to see if he and co. can turn this around before I start criticizing.

See some folks are giving them time to prove they might be as good as they expected, the same group who thinks that the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience was a good idea.

Others are giving the staff time to prove they're not as bad as should be expected given the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience which seemed like a not so good idea.

I agree that they deserve more time, whichever side of the fence your're sitting on but it doesn't mean they should be free from any constructive criticism.

Different strokes for different folks.

I see nothing constructive about the criticism; people reading body language and analyzing still pictures taken out of context and where someone sits or what he wears? A brand new coach with NO experience having the intelligence to allow someone with more experience than him coach at times? Criticizing end of game plays that aren't executed because of lack of experience, practice time and talent? Looking at our roster and complaining that we didn't "improve", a roster completely devoid of legitimate ready to play D1 talent? EVERY one of our freshman would have been realistic candidates to red shirt in another situation. I wonder how many of these "constructive" criticizers would have had the seeds to attempt what Mullin did KNOWING the year last year was going to happen? The team by and large played hard and competed against teams with significantly better talent, in most cases against teams I'm which we didn't put a player on the court that would get a sniff of playing time for the opponent. How do I judge the coaching; by the late season games where we had big deficits but came back to make them competitive against far superior teams. No quit, no lay down. That showed me Mullin and staff had picked the right kids and had gotten through to them. The criticism "constructive"? Hardly. Unfair and ridiculously premature, yes, but constructive or legitimate at this point in time, no.

Some very good points save one: giving Mo credit for having the intelligence to allow someone with more coaching experience to coach at times. Sorry but not when that coach is an early twenties something coach with no coaching experience either.

St. Jean is considered to be one of the brightest young coaches in the country. Think Chris brought him on board to do his old man a favor? Or maybe because Chris recognizes his ability. Besides, what coaching geniuses that you can think of could have done better with last years' team?

 

[Section9]

Granted I haven't paid attention too much lately but did we hire Dick Harter or Rick Carslisle on the bench ?

Hey MJ,

Rather than merely repeating your observations regarding where Mullin may sit, how he dresses, and who speaks during timeouts, please provide some substantive comment regarding how your observations hurt the performance of last years team. Thanks.

There is nothing substantive in all the staff criticism other than an "expansion" team roster thrown together at the very last moment with no off-season practice didn't play cohesively, especially on the defensive end. Never mind the lack of on the ball quickness, lack of interior bulk and strength, and that these players had never played together one minute previously; obviously 90% of the board could have coached rings around this amateur staff. I mean, how could Mullin not have conjured up memories of Auerbach and Wooden with the talent he had to work with and the time he had to work with them? Not to mention that Rohressen should have recruited a Kentucky like roster already, the man is just stealing money!! Disgraceful,,,
At the risk of just being arrogant, again, REALLY?? This staff doesn't even get a YEAR to prove themselves, ONE off-season to upgrade the roster, work with a the players and mold a team?? For all the HOF arm chair coaches out there look up how long it took K and Jay Wright, two pretty good coaches, to turn around programs in infinetly better shape when they took over than SJU was. Not to mention that, oh, maybe Mullin, for all his BB credentials, realistically, has a learning curve to get comfortable doing something he has NEVER done before. I have NO IDEA if this staff will be successful but I do know the turning over of the talent on the roster is almost unprecedented at this level and that is where it all starts. And I am sure as hell willing to give Chris Mullin the same amount of time I gave Norm Roberts and Steve Lavin to see if he and co. can turn this around before I start criticizing.

See some folks are giving them time to prove they might be as good as they expected, the same group who thinks that the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience was a good idea.

Others are giving the staff time to prove they're not as bad as should be expected given the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience which seemed like a not so good idea.

I agree that they deserve more time, whichever side of the fence your're sitting on but it doesn't mean they should be free from any constructive criticism.

Different strokes for different folks.

Way to early to pass judgment, never to early to critique....even Chris Mullin. It comes with the territory.

Funny, because I think the negativity is because it is Chris Mullin. Everyone preached patience, very few practiced it. Beating a dead horse, critique what, clothes and seats and not being able to make chicken primevera out of chicken s..t?

To a small extent you are correct. Some like myself maybe expected more because it is Chris Mullin who was one of the smartest players on the court as a player ever and not Norm Roberts or Lavin. So at least in my case yeah I didn't expect to see him letting someone else coach the team on the floor during games most of the time because it was Chris freaking Mullin and he was deferring to someone half his age with virtually no coaching experience

As far as what he wears I really don't care all that much. As far as wear he sits on the scorers table yeah that's certainly me and it definitely wasn't taken out of context in a picture or anything becaause everyone who was at the games saw the context it was in and I'd have the same criticism of any coach for our team

It's a new season. I'm not even one of the people who has overinflated expectations this year. 15 wins and to me that's something to build on and I won't be complaining too much

We've disagreed in the past but you're right on point with the 15 win scenario.

 

[rawdognyc]

Granted I haven't paid attention too much lately but did we hire Dick Harter or Rick Carslisle on the bench ?

Hey MJ,

Rather than merely repeating your observations regarding where Mullin may sit, how he dresses, and who speaks during timeouts, please provide some substantive comment regarding how your observations hurt the performance of last years team. Thanks.

There is nothing substantive in all the staff criticism other than an "expansion" team roster thrown together at the very last moment with no off-season practice didn't play cohesively, especially on the defensive end. Never mind the lack of on the ball quickness, lack of interior bulk and strength, and that these players had never played together one minute previously; obviously 90% of the board could have coached rings around this amateur staff. I mean, how could Mullin not have conjured up memories of Auerbach and Wooden with the talent he had to work with and the time he had to work with them? Not to mention that Rohressen should have recruited a Kentucky like roster already, the man is just stealing money!! Disgraceful,,,
At the risk of just being arrogant, again, REALLY?? This staff doesn't even get a YEAR to prove themselves, ONE off-season to upgrade the roster, work with a the players and mold a team?? For all the HOF arm chair coaches out there look up how long it took K and Jay Wright, two pretty good coaches, to turn around programs in infinetly better shape when they took over than SJU was. Not to mention that, oh, maybe Mullin, for all his BB credentials, realistically, has a learning curve to get comfortable doing something he has NEVER done before. I have NO IDEA if this staff will be successful but I do know the turning over of the talent on the roster is almost unprecedented at this level and that is where it all starts. And I am sure as hell willing to give Chris Mullin the same amount of time I gave Norm Roberts and Steve Lavin to see if he and co. can turn this around before I start criticizing.

See some folks are giving them time to prove they might be as good as they expected, the same group who thinks that the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience was a good idea.

Others are giving the staff time to prove they're not as bad as should be expected given the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience which seemed like a not so good idea.

I agree that they deserve more time, whichever side of the fence your're sitting on but it doesn't mean they should be free from any constructive criticism.

Different strokes for different folks.

I see nothing constructive about the criticism; people reading body language and analyzing still pictures taken out of context and where someone sits or what he wears? A brand new coach with NO experience having the intelligence to allow someone with more experience than him coach at times? Criticizing end of game plays that aren't executed because of lack of experience, practice time and talent? Looking at our roster and complaining that we didn't "improve", a roster completely devoid of legitimate ready to play D1 talent? EVERY one of our freshman would have been realistic candidates to red shirt in another situation. I wonder how many of these "constructive" criticizers would have had the seeds to attempt what Mullin did KNOWING the year last year was going to happen? The team by and large played hard and competed against teams with significantly better talent, in most cases against teams I'm which we didn't put a player on the court that would get a sniff of playing time for the opponent. How do I judge the coaching; by the late season games where we had big deficits but came back to make them competitive against far superior teams. No quit, no lay down. That showed me Mullin and staff had picked the right kids and had gotten through to them. The criticism "constructive"? Hardly. Unfair and ridiculously premature, yes, but constructive or legitimate at this point in time, no.

Some very good points save one: giving Mo credit for having the intelligence to allow someone with more coaching experience to coach at times. Sorry but not when that coach is an early twenties something coach with no coaching experience either.

St. Jean is considered to be one of the brightest young coaches in the country. Think Chris brought him on board to do his old man a favor? Or maybe because Chris recognizes his ability. Besides, what coaching geniuses that you can think of could have done better with last years' team?

I like St Jean a lot.I think he is a great asset and has a great understanding of basketball and coaching. Terrific mind for the game. I kind of envision him as being our head coach one day when Mullin hangs it up. It may be just in my head, however I feel he is being groomed for that role. I personally don't see Mullin doing this for more than a handful of years. Get the program back where they are a going to the tournament almost yearly and then retires. I may be way off. Just a gut feeling I get. If he stays 20 years I'll be happy. I love Mullin. Just don't know how much he loves coaching. This is all opinion by the way.

 

[paultzman]

Granted I haven't paid attention too much lately but did we hire Dick Harter or Rick Carslisle on the bench ?

Hey MJ,

Rather than merely repeating your observations regarding where Mullin may sit, how he dresses, and who speaks during timeouts, please provide some substantive comment regarding how your observations hurt the performance of last years team. Thanks.

There is nothing substantive in all the staff criticism other than an "expansion" team roster thrown together at the very last moment with no off-season practice didn't play cohesively, especially on the defensive end. Never mind the lack of on the ball quickness, lack of interior bulk and strength, and that these players had never played together one minute previously; obviously 90% of the board could have coached rings around this amateur staff. I mean, how could Mullin not have conjured up memories of Auerbach and Wooden with the talent he had to work with and the time he had to work with them? Not to mention that Rohressen should have recruited a Kentucky like roster already, the man is just stealing money!! Disgraceful,,,
At the risk of just being arrogant, again, REALLY?? This staff doesn't even get a YEAR to prove themselves, ONE off-season to upgrade the roster, work with a the players and mold a team?? For all the HOF arm chair coaches out there look up how long it took K and Jay Wright, two pretty good coaches, to turn around programs in infinetly better shape when they took over than SJU was. Not to mention that, oh, maybe Mullin, for all his BB credentials, realistically, has a learning curve to get comfortable doing something he has NEVER done before. I have NO IDEA if this staff will be successful but I do know the turning over of the talent on the roster is almost unprecedented at this level and that is where it all starts. And I am sure as hell willing to give Chris Mullin the same amount of time I gave Norm Roberts and Steve Lavin to see if he and co. can turn this around before I start criticizing.

See some folks are giving them time to prove they might be as good as they expected, the same group who thinks that the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience was a good idea.

Others are giving the staff time to prove they're not as bad as should be expected given the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience which seemed like a not so good idea.

I agree that they deserve more time, whichever side of the fence your're sitting on but it doesn't mean they should be free from any constructive criticism.

Different strokes for different folks.

I see nothing constructive about the criticism; people reading body language and analyzing still pictures taken out of context and where someone sits or what he wears? A brand new coach with NO experience having the intelligence to allow someone with more experience than him coach at times? Criticizing end of game plays that aren't executed because of lack of experience, practice time and talent? Looking at our roster and complaining that we didn't "improve", a roster completely devoid of legitimate ready to play D1 talent? EVERY one of our freshman would have been realistic candidates to red shirt in another situation. I wonder how many of these "constructive" criticizers would have had the seeds to attempt what Mullin did KNOWING the year last year was going to happen? The team by and large played hard and competed against teams with significantly better talent, in most cases against teams I'm which we didn't put a player on the court that would get a sniff of playing time for the opponent. How do I judge the coaching; by the late season games where we had big deficits but came back to make them competitive against far superior teams. No quit, no lay down. That showed me Mullin and staff had picked the right kids and had gotten through to them. The criticism "constructive"? Hardly. Unfair and ridiculously premature, yes, but constructive or legitimate at this point in time, no.

Some very good points save one: giving Mo credit for having the intelligence to allow someone with more coaching experience to coach at times. Sorry but not when that coach is an early twenties something coach with no coaching experience either.

St. Jean is considered to be one of the brightest young coaches in the country. Think Chris brought him on board to do his old man a favor? Or maybe because Chris recognizes his ability. Besides, what coaching geniuses that you can think of could have done better with last years' team?

I like St Jean a lot.I think he is a great asset and has a great understanding of basketball and coaching. Terrific mind for the game. I kind of envision him as being our head coach one day when Mullin hangs it up. It may be just in my head, however I feel he is being groomed for that role. I personally don't see Mullin doing this for more than a handful of years. Get the program back where they are a going to the tournament almost yearly and then retires. I may be way off. Just a gut feeling I get. If he stays 20 years I'll be happy. I love Mullin. Just don't know how much he loves coaching. This is all opinion by the way.

Beware of the "Opinion Police".

 

[rawdognyc]

Granted I haven't paid attention too much lately but did we hire Dick Harter or Rick Carslisle on the bench ?

Hey MJ,

Rather than merely repeating your observations regarding where Mullin may sit, how he dresses, and who speaks during timeouts, please provide some substantive comment regarding how your observations hurt the performance of last years team. Thanks.

There is nothing substantive in all the staff criticism other than an "expansion" team roster thrown together at the very last moment with no off-season practice didn't play cohesively, especially on the defensive end. Never mind the lack of on the ball quickness, lack of interior bulk and strength, and that these players had never played together one minute previously; obviously 90% of the board could have coached rings around this amateur staff. I mean, how could Mullin not have conjured up memories of Auerbach and Wooden with the talent he had to work with and the time he had to work with them? Not to mention that Rohressen should have recruited a Kentucky like roster already, the man is just stealing money!! Disgraceful,,,
At the risk of just being arrogant, again, REALLY?? This staff doesn't even get a YEAR to prove themselves, ONE off-season to upgrade the roster, work with a the players and mold a team?? For all the HOF arm chair coaches out there look up how long it took K and Jay Wright, two pretty good coaches, to turn around programs in infinetly better shape when they took over than SJU was. Not to mention that, oh, maybe Mullin, for all his BB credentials, realistically, has a learning curve to get comfortable doing something he has NEVER done before. I have NO IDEA if this staff will be successful but I do know the turning over of the talent on the roster is almost unprecedented at this level and that is where it all starts. And I am sure as hell willing to give Chris Mullin the same amount of time I gave Norm Roberts and Steve Lavin to see if he and co. can turn this around before I start criticizing.

See some folks are giving them time to prove they might be as good as they expected, the same group who thinks that the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience was a good idea.

Others are giving the staff time to prove they're not as bad as should be expected given the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience which seemed like a not so good idea.

I agree that they deserve more time, whichever side of the fence your're sitting on but it doesn't mean they should be free from any constructive criticism.

Different strokes for different folks.

I see nothing constructive about the criticism; people reading body language and analyzing still pictures taken out of context and where someone sits or what he wears? A brand new coach with NO experience having the intelligence to allow someone with more experience than him coach at times? Criticizing end of game plays that aren't executed because of lack of experience, practice time and talent? Looking at our roster and complaining that we didn't "improve", a roster completely devoid of legitimate ready to play D1 talent? EVERY one of our freshman would have been realistic candidates to red shirt in another situation. I wonder how many of these "constructive" criticizers would have had the seeds to attempt what Mullin did KNOWING the year last year was going to happen? The team by and large played hard and competed against teams with significantly better talent, in most cases against teams I'm which we didn't put a player on the court that would get a sniff of playing time for the opponent. How do I judge the coaching; by the late season games where we had big deficits but came back to make them competitive against far superior teams. No quit, no lay down. That showed me Mullin and staff had picked the right kids and had gotten through to them. The criticism "constructive"? Hardly. Unfair and ridiculously premature, yes, but constructive or legitimate at this point in time, no.

Some very good points save one: giving Mo credit for having the intelligence to allow someone with more coaching experience to coach at times. Sorry but not when that coach is an early twenties something coach with no coaching experience either.

St. Jean is considered to be one of the brightest young coaches in the country. Think Chris brought him on board to do his old man a favor? Or maybe because Chris recognizes his ability. Besides, what coaching geniuses that you can think of could have done better with last years' team?

I like St Jean a lot.I think he is a great asset and has a great understanding of basketball and coaching. Terrific mind for the game. I kind of envision him as being our head coach one day when Mullin hangs it up. It may be just in my head, however I feel he is being groomed for that role. I personally don't see Mullin doing this for more than a handful of years. Get the program back where they are a going to the tournament almost yearly and then retires. I may be way off. Just a gut feeling I get. If he stays 20 years I'll be happy. I love Mullin. Just don't know how much he loves coaching. This is all opinion by the way.

Beware of the "Opinion Police".

Lol. I just don't want any rumors started, so I figured I'd make it clear that it was just an opinion and I could be way way off with my opinion at that.

 

[logen]

Granted I haven't paid attention too much lately but did we hire Dick Harter or Rick Carslisle on the bench ?

Hey MJ,

Rather than merely repeating your observations regarding where Mullin may sit, how he dresses, and who speaks during timeouts, please provide some substantive comment regarding how your observations hurt the performance of last years team. Thanks.

There is nothing substantive in all the staff criticism other than an "expansion" team roster thrown together at the very last moment with no off-season practice didn't play cohesively, especially on the defensive end. Never mind the lack of on the ball quickness, lack of interior bulk and strength, and that these players had never played together one minute previously; obviously 90% of the board could have coached rings around this amateur staff. I mean, how could Mullin not have conjured up memories of Auerbach and Wooden with the talent he had to work with and the time he had to work with them? Not to mention that Rohressen should have recruited a Kentucky like roster already, the man is just stealing money!! Disgraceful,,,
At the risk of just being arrogant, again, REALLY?? This staff doesn't even get a YEAR to prove themselves, ONE off-season to upgrade the roster, work with a the players and mold a team?? For all the HOF arm chair coaches out there look up how long it took K and Jay Wright, two pretty good coaches, to turn around programs in infinetly better shape when they took over than SJU was. Not to mention that, oh, maybe Mullin, for all his BB credentials, realistically, has a learning curve to get comfortable doing something he has NEVER done before. I have NO IDEA if this staff will be successful but I do know the turning over of the talent on the roster is almost unprecedented at this level and that is where it all starts. And I am sure as hell willing to give Chris Mullin the same amount of time I gave Norm Roberts and Steve Lavin to see if he and co. can turn this around before I start criticizing.

See some folks are giving them time to prove they might be as good as they expected, the same group who thinks that the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience was a good idea.

Others are giving the staff time to prove they're not as bad as should be expected given the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience which seemed like a not so good idea.

I agree that they deserve more time, whichever side of the fence your're sitting on but it doesn't mean they should be free from any constructive criticism.

Different strokes for different folks.

I see nothing constructive about the criticism; people reading body language and analyzing still pictures taken out of context and where someone sits or what he wears? A brand new coach with NO experience having the intelligence to allow someone with more experience than him coach at times? Criticizing end of game plays that aren't executed because of lack of experience, practice time and talent? Looking at our roster and complaining that we didn't "improve", a roster completely devoid of legitimate ready to play D1 talent? EVERY one of our freshman would have been realistic candidates to red shirt in another situation. I wonder how many of these "constructive" criticizers would have had the seeds to attempt what Mullin did KNOWING the year last year was going to happen? The team by and large played hard and competed against teams with significantly better talent, in most cases against teams I'm which we didn't put a player on the court that would get a sniff of playing time for the opponent. How do I judge the coaching; by the late season games where we had big deficits but came back to make them competitive against far superior teams. No quit, no lay down. That showed me Mullin and staff had picked the right kids and had gotten through to them. The criticism "constructive"? Hardly. Unfair and ridiculously premature, yes, but constructive or legitimate at this point in time, no.

Some very good points save one: giving Mo credit for having the intelligence to allow someone with more coaching experience to coach at times. Sorry but not when that coach is an early twenties something coach with no coaching experience either.

His age is irrelevant to me, his reputation as one of the great young basketball minds is not. But we shall see.

 

[JohnnyFan]

[attachment]mullin-debut.jpg[/attachment]

Is that St. Jean off to the left?

 

[beast of the east]

Granted I haven't paid attention too much lately but did we hire Dick Harter or Rick Carslisle on the bench ?

Hey MJ,

Rather than merely repeating your observations regarding where Mullin may sit, how he dresses, and who speaks during timeouts, please provide some substantive comment regarding how your observations hurt the performance of last years team. Thanks.

There is nothing substantive in all the staff criticism other than an "expansion" team roster thrown together at the very last moment with no off-season practice didn't play cohesively, especially on the defensive end. Never mind the lack of on the ball quickness, lack of interior bulk and strength, and that these players had never played together one minute previously; obviously 90% of the board could have coached rings around this amateur staff. I mean, how could Mullin not have conjured up memories of Auerbach and Wooden with the talent he had to work with and the time he had to work with them? Not to mention that Rohressen should have recruited a Kentucky like roster already, the man is just stealing money!! Disgraceful,,,
At the risk of just being arrogant, again, REALLY?? This staff doesn't even get a YEAR to prove themselves, ONE off-season to upgrade the roster, work with a the players and mold a team?? For all the HOF arm chair coaches out there look up how long it took K and Jay Wright, two pretty good coaches, to turn around programs in infinetly better shape when they took over than SJU was. Not to mention that, oh, maybe Mullin, for all his BB credentials, realistically, has a learning curve to get comfortable doing something he has NEVER done before. I have NO IDEA if this staff will be successful but I do know the turning over of the talent on the roster is almost unprecedented at this level and that is where it all starts. And I am sure as hell willing to give Chris Mullin the same amount of time I gave Norm Roberts and Steve Lavin to see if he and co. can turn this around before I start criticizing.

See some folks are giving them time to prove they might be as good as they expected, the same group who thinks that the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience was a good idea.

Others are giving the staff time to prove they're not as bad as should be expected given the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience which seemed like a not so good idea.

I agree that they deserve more time, whichever side of the fence your're sitting on but it doesn't mean they should be free from any constructive criticism.

Different strokes for different folks.

I see nothing constructive about the criticism; people reading body language and analyzing still pictures taken out of context and where someone sits or what he wears? A brand new coach with NO experience having the intelligence to allow someone with more experience than him coach at times? Criticizing end of game plays that aren't executed because of lack of experience, practice time and talent? Looking at our roster and complaining that we didn't "improve", a roster completely devoid of legitimate ready to play D1 talent? EVERY one of our freshman would have been realistic candidates to red shirt in another situation. I wonder how many of these "constructive" criticizers would have had the seeds to attempt what Mullin did KNOWING the year last year was going to happen? The team by and large played hard and competed against teams with significantly better talent, in most cases against teams I'm which we didn't put a player on the court that would get a sniff of playing time for the opponent. How do I judge the coaching; by the late season games where we had big deficits but came back to make them competitive against far superior teams. No quit, no lay down. That showed me Mullin and staff had picked the right kids and had gotten through to them. The criticism "constructive"? Hardly. Unfair and ridiculously premature, yes, but constructive or legitimate at this point in time, no.

Some very good points save one: giving Mo credit for having the intelligence to allow someone with more coaching experience to coach at times. Sorry but not when that coach is an early twenties something coach with no coaching experience either.

St. Jean is considered to be one of the brightest young coaches in the country. Think Chris brought him on board to do his old man a favor? Or maybe because Chris recognizes his ability. Besides, what coaching geniuses that you can think of could have done better with last years' team?

By who?

 

[logen]

Granted I haven't paid attention too much lately but did we hire Dick Harter or Rick Carslisle on the bench ?

Hey MJ,

Rather than merely repeating your observations regarding where Mullin may sit, how he dresses, and who speaks during timeouts, please provide some substantive comment regarding how your observations hurt the performance of last years team. Thanks.

There is nothing substantive in all the staff criticism other than an "expansion" team roster thrown together at the very last moment with no off-season practice didn't play cohesively, especially on the defensive end. Never mind the lack of on the ball quickness, lack of interior bulk and strength, and that these players had never played together one minute previously; obviously 90% of the board could have coached rings around this amateur staff. I mean, how could Mullin not have conjured up memories of Auerbach and Wooden with the talent he had to work with and the time he had to work with them? Not to mention that Rohressen should have recruited a Kentucky like roster already, the man is just stealing money!! Disgraceful,,,
At the risk of just being arrogant, again, REALLY?? This staff doesn't even get a YEAR to prove themselves, ONE off-season to upgrade the roster, work with a the players and mold a team?? For all the HOF arm chair coaches out there look up how long it took K and Jay Wright, two pretty good coaches, to turn around programs in infinetly better shape when they took over than SJU was. Not to mention that, oh, maybe Mullin, for all his BB credentials, realistically, has a learning curve to get comfortable doing something he has NEVER done before. I have NO IDEA if this staff will be successful but I do know the turning over of the talent on the roster is almost unprecedented at this level and that is where it all starts. And I am sure as hell willing to give Chris Mullin the same amount of time I gave Norm Roberts and Steve Lavin to see if he and co. can turn this around before I start criticizing.

See some folks are giving them time to prove they might be as good as they expected, the same group who thinks that the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience was a good idea.

Others are giving the staff time to prove they're not as bad as should be expected given the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience which seemed like a not so good idea.

I agree that they deserve more time, whichever side of the fence your're sitting on but it doesn't mean they should be free from any constructive criticism.

Different strokes for different folks.

Way to early to pass judgment, never to early to critique....even Chris Mullin. It comes with the territory.

Funny, because I think the negativity is because it is Chris Mullin. Everyone preached patience, very few practiced it. Beating a dead horse, critique what, clothes and seats and not being able to make chicken primevera out of chicken s..t?

I almost always agree with your posts Logen, and agree that criticizing seating, clothing, etc, is reaching, but are you suggesting that we wait until a certain period of time has passed before we start discussing/debating/critiquing things like in-game coaching, staff management, recruiting strategies, etc? And when exactly would that period of time be? Tell me why what we discuss here should be any different(keeping in mind that this is a public forum) than what we discuss when sitting at a game or at a bar with friends? Most certainly these are topics being discussed in those venues, so why not here?

Yes I am suggesting a "grace period." Why? Not because it is Chris Mullin but because of the completely "unnatural" first year. Everyone agrees about the lack of talent, but to my thinking, you had a brand new coach in every sense of the word, a roster literally thrown together in a couple of months with no off-season. Players and coaches barely got to know each other before games started; no time for chemistry to develop, player leadership to emerge. This team was thrown together in every sense of the word, kind of like an all-star team with no all-stars and it showed. Maybe I just have a different perspective because I expected it to be MUCH uglier than it was and I credit Mullin and staff and the players for that. As for staff management and recruiting, nothing concrete has been offered, rumor and innuendo have ruled. Every staff has conflicts, especially when you lose, these are competitive guys with a capital C and I would be shocked if all was hugs and kisses. As for recruiting, the staff has shocked and amazed most observers with the roster turnaround so I don't get the problem. Finally, I know this is a public forum and I begrudge no one their opinion, I just disagree, as many do with me. Me, I am looking forward to next year like crazy, while it seems most want to look back. Maybe that is just because as Johnnies fans it has been mostly a tough few decades but I am surprised pessimism has kicked optimism's ass on this board when I really think we are on the verge of something really great. Just my view

 

[paultzman]

Granted I haven't paid attention too much lately but did we hire Dick Harter or Rick Carslisle on the bench ?

Hey MJ,

Rather than merely repeating your observations regarding where Mullin may sit, how he dresses, and who speaks during timeouts, please provide some substantive comment regarding how your observations hurt the performance of last years team. Thanks.

There is nothing substantive in all the staff criticism other than an "expansion" team roster thrown together at the very last moment with no off-season practice didn't play cohesively, especially on the defensive end. Never mind the lack of on the ball quickness, lack of interior bulk and strength, and that these players had never played together one minute previously; obviously 90% of the board could have coached rings around this amateur staff. I mean, how could Mullin not have conjured up memories of Auerbach and Wooden with the talent he had to work with and the time he had to work with them? Not to mention that Rohressen should have recruited a Kentucky like roster already, the man is just stealing money!! Disgraceful,,,
At the risk of just being arrogant, again, REALLY?? This staff doesn't even get a YEAR to prove themselves, ONE off-season to upgrade the roster, work with a the players and mold a team?? For all the HOF arm chair coaches out there look up how long it took K and Jay Wright, two pretty good coaches, to turn around programs in infinetly better shape when they took over than SJU was. Not to mention that, oh, maybe Mullin, for all his BB credentials, realistically, has a learning curve to get comfortable doing something he has NEVER done before. I have NO IDEA if this staff will be successful but I do know the turning over of the talent on the roster is almost unprecedented at this level and that is where it all starts. And I am sure as hell willing to give Chris Mullin the same amount of time I gave Norm Roberts and Steve Lavin to see if he and co. can turn this around before I start criticizing.

See some folks are giving them time to prove they might be as good as they expected, the same group who thinks that the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience was a good idea.

Others are giving the staff time to prove they're not as bad as should be expected given the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience which seemed like a not so good idea.

I agree that they deserve more time, whichever side of the fence your're sitting on but it doesn't mean they should be free from any constructive criticism.

Different strokes for different folks.

I see nothing constructive about the criticism; people reading body language and analyzing still pictures taken out of context and where someone sits or what he wears? A brand new coach with NO experience having the intelligence to allow someone with more experience than him coach at times? Criticizing end of game plays that aren't executed because of lack of experience, practice time and talent? Looking at our roster and complaining that we didn't "improve", a roster completely devoid of legitimate ready to play D1 talent? EVERY one of our freshman would have been realistic candidates to red shirt in another situation. I wonder how many of these "constructive" criticizers would have had the seeds to attempt what Mullin did KNOWING the year last year was going to happen? The team by and large played hard and competed against teams with significantly better talent, in most cases against teams I'm which we didn't put a player on the court that would get a sniff of playing time for the opponent. How do I judge the coaching; by the late season games where we had big deficits but came back to make them competitive against far superior teams. No quit, no lay down. That showed me Mullin and staff had picked the right kids and had gotten through to them. The criticism "constructive"? Hardly. Unfair and ridiculously premature, yes, but constructive or legitimate at this point in time, no.

Some very good points save one: giving Mo credit for having the intelligence to allow someone with more coaching experience to coach at times. Sorry but not when that coach is an early twenties something coach with no coaching experience either.

St. Jean is considered to be one of the brightest young coaches in the country. Think Chris brought him on board to do his old man a favor? Or maybe because Chris recognizes his ability. Besides, what coaching geniuses that you can think of could have done better with last years' team?

By who?

Perhaps a guy with potential, but since he never coached before last season, I will wait until buying into "brightest young coaches" theory.

 

[rawdognyc]

Granted I haven't paid attention too much lately but did we hire Dick Harter or Rick Carslisle on the bench ?

Hey MJ,

Rather than merely repeating your observations regarding where Mullin may sit, how he dresses, and who speaks during timeouts, please provide some substantive comment regarding how your observations hurt the performance of last years team. Thanks.

There is nothing substantive in all the staff criticism other than an "expansion" team roster thrown together at the very last moment with no off-season practice didn't play cohesively, especially on the defensive end. Never mind the lack of on the ball quickness, lack of interior bulk and strength, and that these players had never played together one minute previously; obviously 90% of the board could have coached rings around this amateur staff. I mean, how could Mullin not have conjured up memories of Auerbach and Wooden with the talent he had to work with and the time he had to work with them? Not to mention that Rohressen should have recruited a Kentucky like roster already, the man is just stealing money!! Disgraceful,,,
At the risk of just being arrogant, again, REALLY?? This staff doesn't even get a YEAR to prove themselves, ONE off-season to upgrade the roster, work with a the players and mold a team?? For all the HOF arm chair coaches out there look up how long it took K and Jay Wright, two pretty good coaches, to turn around programs in infinetly better shape when they took over than SJU was. Not to mention that, oh, maybe Mullin, for all his BB credentials, realistically, has a learning curve to get comfortable doing something he has NEVER done before. I have NO IDEA if this staff will be successful but I do know the turning over of the talent on the roster is almost unprecedented at this level and that is where it all starts. And I am sure as hell willing to give Chris Mullin the same amount of time I gave Norm Roberts and Steve Lavin to see if he and co. can turn this around before I start criticizing.

See some folks are giving them time to prove they might be as good as they expected, the same group who thinks that the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience was a good idea.

Others are giving the staff time to prove they're not as bad as should be expected given the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience which seemed like a not so good idea.

I agree that they deserve more time, whichever side of the fence your're sitting on but it doesn't mean they should be free from any constructive criticism.

Different strokes for different folks.

I see nothing constructive about the criticism; people reading body language and analyzing still pictures taken out of context and where someone sits or what he wears? A brand new coach with NO experience having the intelligence to allow someone with more experience than him coach at times? Criticizing end of game plays that aren't executed because of lack of experience, practice time and talent? Looking at our roster and complaining that we didn't "improve", a roster completely devoid of legitimate ready to play D1 talent? EVERY one of our freshman would have been realistic candidates to red shirt in another situation. I wonder how many of these "constructive" criticizers would have had the seeds to attempt what Mullin did KNOWING the year last year was going to happen? The team by and large played hard and competed against teams with significantly better talent, in most cases against teams I'm which we didn't put a player on the court that would get a sniff of playing time for the opponent. How do I judge the coaching; by the late season games where we had big deficits but came back to make them competitive against far superior teams. No quit, no lay down. That showed me Mullin and staff had picked the right kids and had gotten through to them. The criticism "constructive"? Hardly. Unfair and ridiculously premature, yes, but constructive or legitimate at this point in time, no.

Some very good points save one: giving Mo credit for having the intelligence to allow someone with more coaching experience to coach at times. Sorry but not when that coach is an early twenties something coach with no coaching experience either.

St. Jean is considered to be one of the brightest young coaches in the country. Think Chris brought him on board to do his old man a favor? Or maybe because Chris recognizes his ability. Besides, what coaching geniuses that you can think of could have done better with last years' team?

By who?

Perhaps a guy with potential, but since he never coached before last season, I will wait until buying into "brightest young coaches" theory.

That was a better response than "by rawdog".. Appreciate it

 

[monte]

Granted I haven't paid attention too much lately but did we hire Dick Harter or Rick Carslisle on the bench ?

Hey MJ,

Rather than merely repeating your observations regarding where Mullin may sit, how he dresses, and who speaks during timeouts, please provide some substantive comment regarding how your observations hurt the performance of last years team. Thanks.

There is nothing substantive in all the staff criticism other than an "expansion" team roster thrown together at the very last moment with no off-season practice didn't play cohesively, especially on the defensive end. Never mind the lack of on the ball quickness, lack of interior bulk and strength, and that these players had never played together one minute previously; obviously 90% of the board could have coached rings around this amateur staff. I mean, how could Mullin not have conjured up memories of Auerbach and Wooden with the talent he had to work with and the time he had to work with them? Not to mention that Rohressen should have recruited a Kentucky like roster already, the man is just stealing money!! Disgraceful,,,
At the risk of just being arrogant, again, REALLY?? This staff doesn't even get a YEAR to prove themselves, ONE off-season to upgrade the roster, work with a the players and mold a team?? For all the HOF arm chair coaches out there look up how long it took K and Jay Wright, two pretty good coaches, to turn around programs in infinetly better shape when they took over than SJU was. Not to mention that, oh, maybe Mullin, for all his BB credentials, realistically, has a learning curve to get comfortable doing something he has NEVER done before. I have NO IDEA if this staff will be successful but I do know the turning over of the talent on the roster is almost unprecedented at this level and that is where it all starts. And I am sure as hell willing to give Chris Mullin the same amount of time I gave Norm Roberts and Steve Lavin to see if he and co. can turn this around before I start criticizing.

See some folks are giving them time to prove they might be as good as they expected, the same group who thinks that the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience was a good idea.

Others are giving the staff time to prove they're not as bad as should be expected given the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience which seemed like a not so good idea.

I agree that they deserve more time, whichever side of the fence your're sitting on but it doesn't mean they should be free from any constructive criticism.

Different strokes for different folks.

Way to early to pass judgment, never to early to critique....even Chris Mullin. It comes with the territory.

Funny, because I think the negativity is because it is Chris Mullin. Everyone preached patience, very few practiced it. Beating a dead horse, critique what, clothes and seats and not being able to make chicken primevera out of chicken s..t?

I almost always agree with your posts Logen, and agree that criticizing seating, clothing, etc, is reaching, but are you suggesting that we wait until a certain period of time has passed before we start discussing/debating/critiquing things like in-game coaching, staff management, recruiting strategies, etc? And when exactly would that period of time be? Tell me why what we discuss here should be any different(keeping in mind that this is a public forum) than what we discuss when sitting at a game or at a bar with friends? Most certainly these are topics being discussed in those venues, so why not here?

Yes I am suggesting a "grace period." Why? Not because it is Chris Mullin but because of the completely "unnatural" first year. Everyone agrees about the lack of talent, but to my thinking, you had a brand new coach in every sense of the word, a roster literally thrown together in a couple of months with no off-season. Players and coaches barely got to know each other before games started; no time for chemistry to develop, player leadership to emerge. This team was thrown together in every sense of the word, kind of like an all-star team with no all-stars and it showed. Maybe I just have a different perspective because I expected it to be MUCH uglier than it was and I credit Mullin and staff and the players for that. As for staff management and recruiting, nothing concrete has been offered, rumor and innuendo have ruled. Every staff has conflicts, especially when you lose, these are competitive guys with a capital C and I would be shocked if all was hugs and kisses. As for recruiting, the staff has shocked and amazed most observers with the roster turnaround so I don't get the problem. Finally, I know this is a public forum and I begrudge no one their opinion, I just disagree, as many do with me. Me, I am looking forward to next year like crazy, while it seems most want to look back. Maybe that is just because as Johnnies fans it has been mostly a tough few decades but I am surprised pessimism has kicked optimism's ass on this board when I really think we are on the verge of something really great. Just my view

I'm as optimistic of the future of the program, and as supportive of the staff as anyone. I agree they've done an incredible job on the recruiting front, and under very tough circumstances. By and large I think the fan base has been very fair to Chris and the staff, however to expect the fan base to remain completely mum if they feel there is an issue is not fair IMO.

 

[bamafan]

Granted I haven't paid attention too much lately but did we hire Dick Harter or Rick Carslisle on the bench ?

Hey MJ,

Rather than merely repeating your observations regarding where Mullin may sit, how he dresses, and who speaks during timeouts, please provide some substantive comment regarding how your observations hurt the performance of last years team. Thanks.

There is nothing substantive in all the staff criticism other than an "expansion" team roster thrown together at the very last moment with no off-season practice didn't play cohesively, especially on the defensive end. Never mind the lack of on the ball quickness, lack of interior bulk and strength, and that these players had never played together one minute previously; obviously 90% of the board could have coached rings around this amateur staff. I mean, how could Mullin not have conjured up memories of Auerbach and Wooden with the talent he had to work with and the time he had to work with them? Not to mention that Rohressen should have recruited a Kentucky like roster already, the man is just stealing money!! Disgraceful,,,
At the risk of just being arrogant, again, REALLY?? This staff doesn't even get a YEAR to prove themselves, ONE off-season to upgrade the roster, work with a the players and mold a team?? For all the HOF arm chair coaches out there look up how long it took K and Jay Wright, two pretty good coaches, to turn around programs in infinetly better shape when they took over than SJU was. Not to mention that, oh, maybe Mullin, for all his BB credentials, realistically, has a learning curve to get comfortable doing something he has NEVER done before. I have NO IDEA if this staff will be successful but I do know the turning over of the talent on the roster is almost unprecedented at this level and that is where it all starts. And I am sure as hell willing to give Chris Mullin the same amount of time I gave Norm Roberts and Steve Lavin to see if he and co. can turn this around before I start criticizing.

See some folks are giving them time to prove they might be as good as they expected, the same group who thinks that the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience was a good idea.

Others are giving the staff time to prove they're not as bad as should be expected given the hire of Mullin combined with a staff devoid of coaching experience which seemed like a not so good idea.

I agree that they deserve more time, whichever side of the fence your're sitting on but it doesn't mean they should be free from any constructive criticism.

Different strokes for different folks.

I see nothing constructive about the criticism; people reading body language and analyzing still pictures taken out of context and where someone sits or what he wears? A brand new coach with NO experience having the intelligence to allow someone with more experience than him coach at times? Criticizing end of game plays that aren't executed because of lack of experience, practice time and talent? Looking at our roster and complaining that we didn't "improve", a roster completely devoid of legitimate ready to play D1 talent? EVERY one of our freshman would have been realistic candidates to red shirt in another situation. I wonder how many of these "constructive" criticizers would have had the seeds to attempt what Mullin did KNOWING the year last year was going to happen? The team by and large played hard and competed against teams with significantly better talent, in most cases against teams I'm which we didn't put a player on the court that would get a sniff of playing time for the opponent. How do I judge the coaching; by the late season games where we had big deficits but came back to make them competitive against far superior teams. No quit, no lay down. That showed me Mullin and staff had picked the right kids and had gotten through to them. The criticism "constructive"? Hardly. Unfair and ridiculously premature, yes, but constructive or legitimate at this point in time, no.

Some very good points save one: giving Mo credit for having the intelligence to allow someone with more coaching experience to coach at times. Sorry but not when that coach is an early twenties something coach with no coaching experience either.

His age is irrelevant to me, his reputation as one of the great young basketball minds is not. But we shall see.

If you required life determining surgery would you go with the fresh out of med school top of the class doctor or the one with 25 years experience and a track record of a very high success rate. Being a fan of St J U i hope St.Jean does prove out to be a great asset to the program.

 

[Eric]

I see Amar has returned lol

 

[bamafan]

I see Amar has returned lol

Yes, and that topic has been beaten if not to death than a bloody pulp.