'An Evening With St. John's Basketball'

tom in salem

tom in salem

Well-known member
http://www.redstormsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/100413aab.html


QUEENS, N.Y. - The Red Storm hardwood program invites all fans to "An Evening With St. John's Basketball," to be held on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at Gustavino's on the East Side of Manhattan. All alumni, fans, friends and supporters of St. John's basketball are invited to join head coach Steve Lavin, women's coach Joe Tartamella, the entire Red Storm men's and women's basketball teams and Hall of Fame Coach Lou Carnesecca for the evening of celebration.

As BIG EAST basketball makes a return to its glorious past and aligns with a new broadcast partner in FOX Sports 1, the "announcing A-Team" of Gus Johnson and Bill Raftery will be on-hand to usher in the new era and serve as the Masters of Ceremonies. The vibrant and vivacious Johnson, along with Raftery, who has been calling BIG EAST basketball for over thirty years, will take the lead as FOX Sports 1 nationally televises more than 100 games involving BIG EAST teams in 2013-14, beginning with non-conference play and extending through the entire 2014 BIG EAST Tournament at Madison Square Garden from March 12-15.

A new addition to the annual gala event, fans in attendance will meet each member of the Red Storm men's and women's basketball squads, with team representatives seated at each table in the dining area. All who attend will be able to mingle with a host of celebrity guests from St. John's hardwood history and New York City's storied legacy. For the latest updates on celebrity attendees, follow @StJohnsBBall on Twitter and Instagram, as well as SJU Hammer 2 Rock Hoops on Facebook.

"We are looking forward to our annual tip-off event as we celebrate the start of another college basketball season. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet our team and staff." said Lavin. "We're honored to be joined by Gus Johnson and Bill Raftery as we will pay tribute to the special tradition of the BIG EAST Conference. The funds raised will assist us in continuing to build a program our fans and alums can be proud of."




The annual gala, which serves as one of the premier fundraisers for the men's basketball program, is hosted each year by the St. John's Office of Athletic Development. A silent auction will give ardent Red Storm fans the ability to bid on premium items.
A cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m. with the dinner and auction winners to follow. Fans in attendance will listen to a season-opening address from coaches Lavin and Tartamella, hear from BIG EAST and NYC basketball legends, and enjoy a night dedicated to the celebration of St. John's hardwood legacy.

For more information or to reserve your place at "An Evening With St. John's Basketball," please contact Paul Sclafani at 718-990-5539 or via e-mail at sclafanp@stjohns.edu by Oct. 31.

The 2012-13 Red Storm advanced to the Second Round of the National Invitation Tournament and finished its campaign at 17-16 (8-10 BIG EAST). St. John's 83rd winning season in history and second of The Lavin Era was its fifth since 1999-2000. The Red Storm's 2011 NCAA berth and 2013 NIT appearance under Lavin mark the first time since 2002 and 2003 that St. John's reached the postseason twice in a three-year span under one coach. The Red Storm's 63-61 March 19 NIT Opening Round win over Saint Joseph's was the first non-vacated postseason victory for St. John's since the 2001 NCAA Tournament.

St. John's projects to return 91.6 percent of its scoring and 88.3 percent of its rebounding in 2013-14, including 2013 BIG EAST Rookie of the Year, All-BIG EAST Honorable Mention selection, unanimous All-Rookie team member, seven-time BIG EAST Rookie of the Week, 2013 MBWA Rookie of the Year and All-Met second team member JaKarr Sampson, who led all BIG EAST freshmen in scoring (14.9 ppg, T-11th overall) and rebounding (6.6 rpg, 11th overall). A game-changing shotblocker and BIG EAST All-Rookie selection, Chris Obekpa led the nation in rejections with a 4.03 blocks per game average and established a new single-season St. John's and BIG EAST freshman mark with 133 rejections on the year. Guard Phil Greene IV scored at a 10.1 ppg clip and displayed his ability as a dynamic playmaker despite a hip injury, and Sir'Dominic Pointer averaged 6.9 points with 5.5 rebounds and led the team with four double-doubles. Leading scorer D'Angelo Harrison averaged 17.8 ppg in 2012-13 - good for third among all BIG EAST players - and authored several prolific performances during the Red Storm's European Tour in August.

The Red Storm also adds 2011 junior college All-American forward Orlando Sanchez, sophomore transfer sharpshooter Max Hooper and redshirt senior big man God'sgift Achiuwa (9.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg in 2011-12) to its active roster, in addition to Top 5 national point guard prospect Rysheed Jordan, who joined the Red Storm this summer in preparation for the 2013-14 campaign.
 
I went to one of these gala evenings a few years ago and it was pretty realistic recreation of the SJ BB experience. They prepare you a sumptuous seven course meal but make you go home after the soup.
 
Went to one on the floor of Alumni hall a few years ago.....it was reasonably priced....since then it's been way out of my price range. How much is it this year?
 
Went to one on the floor of Alumni hall a few years ago.....it was reasonably priced....since then it's been way out of my price range. How much is it this year?
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That is the approach Seton Hall employs. Their Tip-Off event was held 2 weeks ago. $80 per person. Held at Walsh Gym. 500 people attended.
 
Went to one on the floor of Alumni hall a few years ago.....it was reasonably priced....since then it's been way out of my price range. How much is it this year?
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That is the approach Seton Hall employs. Their Tip-Off event was held 2 weeks ago. $80 per person. Held at Walsh Gym. 500 people attended.
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Supply and Demand
 
Went to one on the floor of Alumni hall a few years ago.....it was reasonably priced....since then it's been way out of my price range. How much is it this year?
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That is the approach Seton Hall employs. Their Tip-Off event was held 2 weeks ago. $80 per person. Held at Walsh Gym. 500 people attended.
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If St. John's can get 200 people at $750 a pop, with about $700 profit, that generates a lot more cash than an event that draws 1000 @ $75, where maybe $40 is profit.
 
If St. John's can get 200 people at $750 a pop, with about $700 profit, that generates a lot more cash than an event that draws 1000 @ $75, where maybe $40 is profit.
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I appreciate St.John's desire to raise money from the event but the $750 per person price tag may be a bit shortsighted. The event is an opportunity for St. John's to to strengthen its brand loyalty.

St.John's fans have been loyal in good years and the recent not so good years. Now that the mens basketball program is moving forward it may be more appropriate for St.John's to pursue a more big tent policy by charging a lower price to increase attendance to reward loyalty and to cultivate the next generation of St.John's fans. Not many fathers will be able to afford to bring their kids to the $750 per person event.

St.John's should consider a lower dinner price along the lines of $125 or $250 with a $750 or $1000 VIP reception to make the event affordable to a wider range of fans.
 
If St. John's can get 200 people at $750 a pop, with about $700 profit, that generates a lot more cash than an event that draws 1000 @ $75, where maybe $40 is profit.
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I appreciate St.John's desire to raise money from the event but the $750 per person price tag may be a bit shortsighted. The event is an opportunity for St. John's to to strengthen its brand loyalty.

St.John's fans have been loyal in good years and the recent not so good years. Now that the mens basketball program is moving forward it may be more appropriate for St.John's to pursue a more big tent policy by charging a lower price to increase attendance to reward loyalty and to cultivate the next generation of St.John's fans. Not many fathers will be able to afford to bring their kids to the $750 per person event.

St.John's should consider a lower dinner price along the lines of $125 or $250 with a $750 or $1000 VIP reception to make the event affordable to a wider range of fans.
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To be fair to the school and the program, you need a mix of both types of events - those designed to generate revenue for the program, and those designed to build the fan base. Even with your suggestion, $125 per person is out of reach for the average fan, including the 18-34s you want to grab hold of.
 
To be fair to the school and the program, you need a mix of both types of events - those designed to generate revenue for the program, and those designed to build the fan base.
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Beast, if you reread my post you will see that I was suggesting the mix of events with the less expensive dinner combined with the VIP reception. Please refresh my memory; what recent event has St.John's scheduled at a reasonable price to build the fan base as you seem to suggest occurs?

Even with your suggestion, $125 per person is out of reach for the average fan, including the 18-34s you want to grab hold of.
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Our experiences are apparently different. I regularly see adults 18 to 35 spend $125 and more on clothes, activities and the like for things they want. My guess is that many St.John's students and recent grads would attend a dinner for $125+.
 
speaking of brand loyalty, I just read today that a Thomas Aquinas College, a small, Catholic school in California displaced Princeton as the #1 school for alumni giving with 64% compared to the average of 13%. Pretty amazing figure. Of course the alumni base is a lot smaller than larger schools, but even so. This same school was also tops in academics for classical liberal arts education along the lines of Great Books programs.

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2013/oct/03/thomas-aquinas-college-tops-for-alumni-giving/
 
speaking of brand loyalty, I just read today that a Thomas Aquinas College, a small, Catholic school in California displaced Princeton as the #1 school for alumni giving with 64% compared to the average of 13%. Pretty amazing figure. Of course the alumni base is a lot smaller than larger schools, but even so. This same school was also tops in academics for classical liberal arts education along the lines of Great Books programs.

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2013/oct/03/thomas-aquinas-college-tops-for-alumni-giving/
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I don't think Princeton is worried with it's 17+ billion dollar endowment.
 
To be fair to the school and the program, you need a mix of both types of events - those designed to generate revenue for the program, and those designed to build the fan base.
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Beast, if you reread my post you will see that I was suggesting the mix of events with the less expensive dinner combined with the VIP reception. Please refresh my memory; what recent event has St.John's scheduled at a reasonable price to build the fan base as you seem to suggest occurs?

Even with your suggestion, $125 per person is out of reach for the average fan, including the 18-34s you want to grab hold of.
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Our experiences are apparently different. I regularly see adults 18 to 35 spend $125 and more on clothes, activities and the like for things they want. My guess is that many St.John's students and recent grads would attend a dinner for $125+.
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Game Watch events, I believe are $30-40 with food. The night at Jameson's a few years back was a terrific night, and in that range - there were close to two dozen or more former players and coaches. I think an event in that price range that has an attraction like coaches or players would draw very well, and make younger fans feel more attached to the program. In the Jameson's venue, all former players and coaches were approachable, and shared some really great insights and recollections.

I know $125 seems affordable to you, but it is way beyond the reach of many average fans, who are either struggling to keep up with bills, getting established in their careers, or even out of work.
 
speaking of brand loyalty, I just read today that a Thomas Aquinas College, a small, Catholic school in California displaced Princeton as the #1 school for alumni giving with 64% compared to the average of 13%. Pretty amazing figure. Of course the alumni base is a lot smaller than larger schools, but even so. This same school was also tops in academics for classical liberal arts education along the lines of Great Books programs.

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2013/oct/03/thomas-aquinas-college-tops-for-alumni-giving/
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Great fact to post. You've told me about this school, and except for the fact that we'd like our son to stay closer to home, would consider it. Today, many colleges and universities are doing so much more than in the past to engage students. Many students today have a love affair with their school - they are just elated to be a member of the student body, and are fully engaged in a ton of extracurricular opportunities, including service. When we visit a campus, and you ask a student candidly, "So tell me, what do you REALLY think of this school?", the tone of their voice changes, their eyes get almost glassy, and they confide that they really, really love the place and couldn't imagine being anywhere else. The best schools then immediately try to establish a culture of giving in the year following graduation, asking the class of 2013, for example, to donate $20.13 so that their class will have 100% support of the school. Homecoming is a big deal the first two-three years after graduation, with an entire weekend of meeting old friends and catching up, football game, etc. I would imagine that St. Thomas Aquinas, in addition to being a fine school then engenders a real community spirit among students, does the same.

If students feel a part of something, and that carries over to becoming alumni that want to support a school that gave them a wonderful experience, then % of donations begin to climb.

At St. John's so many of us worked 20-30 hours per week during semesters to put ourselves through school, and full time during breaks, we often found administration not to be so warm and fuzzy. It takes an awful lot to undo that sentiment over time, until you realize that we received a private college education at a lower cost than was possible anywhere else.
 
speaking of brand loyalty, I just read today that a Thomas Aquinas College, a small, Catholic school in California displaced Princeton as the #1 school for alumni giving with 64% compared to the average of 13%. Pretty amazing figure. Of course the alumni base is a lot smaller than larger schools, but even so. This same school was also tops in academics for classical liberal arts education along the lines of Great Books programs.

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2013/oct/03/thomas-aquinas-college-tops-for-alumni-giving/
Click to expand...

Great fact to post. You've told me about this school, and except for the fact that we'd like our son to stay closer to home, would consider it. Today, many colleges and universities are doing so much more than in the past to engage students. Many students today have a love affair with their school - they are just elated to be a member of the student body, and are fully engaged in a ton of extracurricular opportunities, including service. When we visit a campus, and you ask a student candidly, "So tell me, what do you REALLY think of this school?", the tone of their voice changes, their eyes get almost glassy, and they confide that they really, really love the place and couldn't imagine being anywhere else. The best schools then immediately try to establish a culture of giving in the year following graduation, asking the class of 2013, for example, to donate $20.13 so that their class will have 100% support of the school. Homecoming is a big deal the first two-three years after graduation, with an entire weekend of meeting old friends and catching up, football game, etc. I would imagine that St. Thomas Aquinas, in addition to being a fine school then engenders a real community spirit among students, does the same.

If students feel a part of something, and that carries over to becoming alumni that want to support a school that gave them a wonderful experience, then % of donations begin to climb.

At St. John's so many of us worked 20-30 hours per week during semesters to put ourselves through school, and full time during breaks, we often found administration not to be so warm and fuzzy. It takes an awful lot to undo that sentiment over time, until you realize that we received a private college education at a lower cost than was possible anywhere else.
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I think my only interactions with the administration back in the mid- to late-'60s were their regularly telling me to get a haircut or shave, or asking me if there was a shirt & tie underneath my turtleneck, or ordering me not to sit on the grass. Warm and fuzzy memories indeed. (Fortunately there was the basketball team, which did provide me with some great memories.)
 
It looks like most of the posters agree that the cost for this event is prohibitive . Why not have this event at CA with a much more reasonable price,similar to Seton Hall . there are times when I wonder if people at SJU are in touch with the alumni and understand their financial situation. How many graduates of the School of Ed are going to this event ? for the life of me I cannot fathom how we allowed the situation to develop where St. Joes became SJU. Lets wake up !!!!!!!!!!!!
 
It looks like most of the posters agree that the cost for this event is prohibitive . Why not have this event at CA with a much more reasonable price,similar to Seton Hall . there are times when I wonder if people at SJU are in touch with the alumni and understand their financial situation. How many graduates of the School of Ed are going to this event ? for the life of me I cannot fathom how we allowed the situation to develop where St. Joes became SJU. Lets wake up !!!!!!!!!!!!
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There have been some pretty good get togethers that didn't cost much. Pre-game receptions at Stouts often draw ex players, the Red and White meals before games are a little pricey but not crazy ($50-75). Often while the R&W receptions are going on, so is another reception at MSG that's even less expensive ($30 or so). But I do agree that more of those types of events would be nice too.

I think St. John's was waiting to see if that internet thing caught on, and was discussing in committee whether or not to allocate $100 or so to register a domain name.
 
It looks like most of the posters agree that the cost for this event is prohibitive . Why not have this event at CA with a much more reasonable price,similar to Seton Hall . there are times when I wonder if people at SJU are in touch with the alumni and understand their financial situation. How many graduates of the School of Ed are going to this event ? for the life of me I cannot fathom how we allowed the situation to develop where St. Joes became SJU. Lets wake up !!!!!!!!!!!!
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It is my understanding that Lav determines the format of the event.
 
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