Anderson - is he really the guy ?

[Ray Morgan]

One way,  believe the school/program can and should differentiate and connect with the recruits and NY base and younger generation is figuring out how to leverage a real strategic partnership with J Cole, an SJU alum and one of the biggest names in hip hop and music industry.  Not just for an appearance at a game, or tip off, but strategically build a partnership that draws tremendous attention to the athletic program, the academic sideand also gives back to things Cole finds important (and he seems to be one that is well informed and engaged).

Parlay this partnership w/ our relationship with MSG, the music/ fashion industry as a whole and social media and related platforms with high visibility and reach.

Take away the recent history, add in a business/entrepreneur mind like Repole and there could be the makings of something few schools can replicate in terms of nation brand recognition and demand generation and connecting with a generation.

School needs to think beyond their world and go big.


Just great to see an opinion for improving the program without mentioning the coach as the problem.  You win with great players. Getting enough of them here is the challenge.




 

 

[mjmaherjr]

The problem with Mike Repole is that he is the complete opposite of what the board is looking for. He actually wants a say in basketball matters and that is a no no. He can contribute but no input. And he is not the only potential donor to face this wall of no new members wanted. A neighbor of mine year ago took back a significant pledge because he was too pushy in wanting input.
The board may be successful in their other responsibilities but thirty years of bad basketball and the fall to irrelevance after a long history of success , you would think would influence them to welcome some change but that does not seem the case The hope is Father Shanley feels the same as many posters and takes command.

I agree but let me also say that there are people who are the classiest people we have ever met like JSJ here who do way more for the school than all of us combined and seek no recognition and it's not just hoops related. They are the backbone of what giving is all about. All I'm saying it it's a Shanley-Cragg job now to negotiate the waters in between. If I can figure it out in my biz I gotta believe it applies to other entities and I'm not saying I'm a pioneer just someone who gets the need to bridge the gap 

 

[RedStormNC]

One way,  believe the school/program can and should differentiate and connect with the recruits and NY base and younger generation is figuring out how to leverage a real strategic partnership with J Cole, an SJU alum and one of the biggest names in hip hop and music industry.  Not just for an appearance at a game, or tip off, but strategically build a partnership that draws tremendous attention to the athletic program, the academic sideand also gives back to things Cole finds important (and he seems to be one that is well informed and engaged).

Parlay this partnership w/ our relationship with MSG, the music/ fashion industry as a whole and social media and related platforms with high visibility and reach.

Take away the recent history, add in a business/entrepreneur mind like Repole and there could be the makings of something few schools can replicate in terms of nation brand recognition and demand generation and connecting with a generation.

School needs to think beyond their world and go big.


Just great to see an opinion for improving the program without mentioning the coach as the problem.  You win with great players. Getting enough of them here is the challenge.





 

Least thing I could do, since I was the one who started this epic/trainwreck of a thread (depending who you ask)...,lol

 

[monte]

The problem with Mike Repole is that he is the complete opposite of what the board is looking for. He actually wants a say in basketball matters and that is a no no. He can contribute but no input. And he is not the only potential donor to face this wall of no new members wanted. A neighbor of mine year ago took back a significant pledge because he was too pushy in wanting input.
The board may be successful in their other responsibilities but thirty years of bad basketball and the fall to irrelevance after a long history of success , you would think would influence them to welcome some change but that does not seem the case The hope is Father Shanley feels the same as many posters and takes command.

I agree but let me also say that there are people who are the classiest people we have ever met like JSJ here who do way more for the school than all of us combined and seek no recognition and it's not just hoops related. They are the backbone of what giving is all about. All I'm saying it it's a Shanley-Cragg job now to negotiate the waters in between. If I can figure it out in my biz I gotta believe it applies to other entities and I'm not saying I'm a pioneer just someone who gets the need to bridge the gap 

Good post Mike. I nominate you to be the go between with the school and Repole. Take him out to dinner and talk frankly with him, one Mike to another. My guess is that you'll get a commitment from him for a new arena and practice facility, and he'll throw in much needed pub(on Union Turnpike) for good measure, before you're done with appetizers. 

 

[monte]

One way,  believe the school/program can and should differentiate and connect with the recruits and NY base and younger generation is figuring out how to leverage a real strategic partnership with J Cole, an SJU alum and one of the biggest names in hip hop and music industry.  Not just for an appearance at a game, or tip off, but strategically build a partnership that draws tremendous attention to the athletic program, the academic sideand also gives back to things Cole finds important (and he seems to be one that is well informed and engaged).

Parlay this partnership w/ our relationship with MSG, the music/ fashion industry as a whole and social media and related platforms with high visibility and reach.

Take away the recent history, add in a business/entrepreneur mind like Repole and there could be the makings of something few schools can replicate in terms of nation brand recognition and demand generation and connecting with a generation.

School needs to think beyond their world and go big.


Just great to see an opinion for improving the program without mentioning the coach as the problem.  You win with great players. Getting enough of them here is the challenge.






 

Least thing I could do, since I was the one who started this epic/trainwreck of a thread (depending who you ask)...,lol

Far from a train wreck of a thread. This thread was needed, even it offended some of the snowflakes on the board. The truth hurts sometimes. 

 

[RedStormNC]

Maybe someone who knows Repole or his email should send him a link to the thread and let him see he's needed and can be a difference maker...just needs to play the game a bit 

I'd vote for mjm to broker the deal.

 

[fuchsia]

I would tell my students (in addiction counseling) that my job was not to teach them answers but to teach them to ask better questions.  I have gone through all of these Pitt postmortem threads and hope I have come up with a few questions, so here goes.

• Is next years expected roster of Posh, Wusu, Stanley, Pinzon, Nyiwe, King, and Storr, plus the remnant transfers projected as a decent forty minutes of hell team?
• Is Wusu better as a stretch four, particularly if he learns some back to the basket and fadeaway footwork?
• Are Mathis, Coburn, and Smith each incomplete players to a degree that parts of either our defense or offense will break down at some point if we rely on them?
• Is there specific payoff to moving Pinzon to co-point guard with Posh and then rotating one of the three transfers and Wusu to the two guard to maintain continuity?

 

[mjmaherjr]

The problem with Mike Repole is that he is the complete opposite of what the board is looking for. He actually wants a say in basketball matters and that is a no no. He can contribute but no input. And he is not the only potential donor to face this wall of no new members wanted. A neighbor of mine year ago took back a significant pledge because he was too pushy in wanting input.
The board may be successful in their other responsibilities but thirty years of bad basketball and the fall to irrelevance after a long history of success , you would think would influence them to welcome some change but that does not seem the case The hope is Father Shanley feels the same as many posters and takes command.

I agree but let me also say that there are people who are the classiest people we have ever met like JSJ here who do way more for the school than all of us combined and seek no recognition and it's not just hoops related. They are the backbone of what giving is all about. All I'm saying it it's a Shanley-Cragg job now to negotiate the waters in between. If I can figure it out in my biz I gotta believe it applies to other entities and I'm not saying I'm a pioneer just someone who gets the need to bridge the gap 

Good post Mike. I nominate you to be the go between with the school and Repole. Take could take him out to dinner and talk frankly with him, one Mike to another. My guess is that you'll get a commitment from him for a new arena and practice facility, and he'll throw in much needed pub(on Union Turnpike) for good measure, before you're done with appetizers. 

Thx Monte I appreciate it. I'm sure in the college space Cragg can close a lot of deals and in no way am I saying I can close amy deal he couldn't have but it's just a fact but me in front of people I'll close clients in my biz just because they trust me. but again in no way am I saying I can do Craggs job all I'm saying is I can do my job and I've had to adopt like crazy the last 29 years

 

[MCNPA]

Gonna say truthfully, we need about 2 more studs to get to the next level.  Posh is awesome, Storr is a big talent.  Pinzon is going to be a very good player but we are missing some athleticism and scoring ability aside from these guys.  A few spots to be truthful. I like Stanley’s potential quite a bit but we need some real natural scorers.  
Champ is gonna shoot his shot next year and we are woefully prepared for what is ahead.  Haven’t heard much on the recruiting front but we are gonna need more horsepower to get to where we hope to be.

I think I thought that our replacements for the kids leaving were a net gain.  Not sure either the kids that left nor the kids that came in really moved the needle.  That said, quite a few teams in the big East moved ahead.  Time to get movin here. 

 

[L J S A]

On a side note, a McKillop team that could have been us for the past 23 years beat Alabama tonight.

 

[mjmaherjr]

On a side note, a McKillop team that could have been us for the past 23 years beat Alabama tonight.

he was the coach we should have had

 

[salty dog]

A year ago, I put together and posted each Big East team and the number of 4 and 5 star recruits. Obviously, St. John's was near the bottom with Depaul. St. John's finish was a testament to the vast improvement by Champ, the continued growth of Earl and GWill, and the havoc created by Posh. Moore had a good season as well. CMA had an excellent season from the bench.

This time, I just want to put out some numbers taken from the ESPN 100 ranking of top high school players. The focus was on St. John's only.
After hitting a home run in 2011, things started to deteriorate in terms of recruiting higher rated players,
Here are the number of 4 star and above high school recruits from 2014 through 2021:
2014:  0
2015: 0
2016:  1 (Ponds)
2017: 0
2018: 0
2019: 0
2020: 0
2021: 0
Seven of the past 8 seasons, St. John's was shut out of top 100 recruits. AJ Storr, who is ranked in the high 90s, ended the streak of no top 100 recruits at 5.  For comparative purposes, Creighton landed four 4 star recruits in 2021 alone. This after their coach was nearly a victim of cancel culture.  I did not compile stats for the other Big East teams, but unless every other school was shut out, St. John's ranked last.  I saw Depaul a few times, so it's not even a tie for last place. What Lavin did in 2011 was really an anomaly.  His recruiting  cooled down significantly after that, and certainly his health crisis was a big factor, among others.

To fix this, there needs to be an honest assessment by A.D. Cragg and the university hierarchy regarding why a host of coaches have been unable produce better recruiting numbers. I understand that having a winning program will help recruiting, but obviously we can all see the problem with that. Call me jaded, but I put college basketball recruiting one step above pro wrestling and one step below horse racing in terms of honesty and integrity. At least wrestling admits it's a show. This makes the current approach at St. John's akin to running a marathon with a piano on your back. One poster suggested that the basketball program be handed over to Repole. With someone as familiar with the high end of the thoroughbred industry, I have no doubt he is quite aware of what would be needed to turn things around. I also would be interested in knowing what posters would do if they were in control of the program.

this is analytics at its best and explains it quite simply Good job Ray!  Looie always said it was the players not the coaching


 

 

[monte]

Wait, what? Here's a list of top 100 kids who the last 3 coaches have brought in either directly or via transfer:
Norm:
Burrell

Lavin:
Polee
Harkless
Harrison
Greene
Garrett
Sir Dom
Sampson
Obekpa
Jordan
Branch

Mullin:
Ponds
Lovett
Simon
Heron

Plus we got countless other top 150 kids like Mason Jr, DJ, Ellison, etc. Plus JC AA's like Hardy, Brownlee, Primo, LJ, Ahmed. etc. And highly regarded foreign players like Mussini, Fruedenberg, etc. So I'm not quite sure where this notion came about that we can't get talent to come here, because it's simply not true. 

 

[Amaseinyourface]

Wait, what? Here's a list of top 100 kids who the last 3 coaches have brought in either directly or via transfer:
Norm:
Burrell

Lavin:
Polee
Harkless
Harrison
Greene
Garrett
Sir Dom
Sampson
Obekpa
Jordan
Branch

Mullin:
Ponds
Lovett
Simon
Heron

Plus we got countless other top 150 kids like Mason Jr, DJ, Ellison, etc. Plus JC AA's like Hardy, Brownlee, Primo, LJ, Ahmed. etc. And highly regarded foreign players like Mussini, Fruedenberg, etc. So I'm not quite sure where this notion came about that we can't get talent to come here, because it's simply not true. 

Agree with you but if we’re counting transfers Mathis and Wheeler were considered good high school prospects. Mathis top 150 wheeler was top 150 for most and finished right outside of it.

 

[Ray Morgan]

Wait, what? Here's a list of top 100 kids who the last 3 coaches have brought in either directly or via transfer:
Norm:
Burrell

Lavin:
Polee
Harkless
Harrison
Greene
Garrett
Sir Dom
Sampson
Obekpa
Jordan
Branch

Mullin:
Ponds
Lovett
Simon
Heron

Plus we got countless other top 150 kids like Mason Jr, DJ, Ellison, etc. Plus JC AA's like Hardy, Brownlee, Primo, LJ, Ahmed. etc. And highly regarded foreign players like Mussini, Fruedenberg, etc. So I'm not quite sure where this notion came about that we can't get talent to come here, because it's simply not true. 

A few points. My list was post Lavin. That was 3 coaches again and has no recency.  I used the ESPN top 100. I did not include transfers from junior colleges or otherwise. Of course we can get talent.  Top 150 will get you mid pack in your conference and a low seeding every 5 years or so.  Like I asked Lawmanfan, if you can provide a successful program in a major conference that wins with players exclusively in the 100-200 range, then you will have my attention. If there is such a program, we need to follow their plan.  Or figure out what's missing here and do what the top programs do: Get more 4 star players out of high school.  They are more likely to be difference makers. I'm not sure why that seems to be hard to accept, although I have my theories.
 

 

[beast of the east]

One way,  believe the school/program can and should differentiate and connect with the recruits and NY base and younger generation is figuring out how to leverage a real strategic partnership with J Cole, an SJU alum and one of the biggest names in hip hop and music industry.  Not just for an appearance at a game, or tip off, but strategically build a partnership that draws tremendous attention to the athletic program, the academic sideand also gives back to things Cole finds important (and he seems to be one that is well informed and engaged).

Parlay this partnership w/ our relationship with MSG, the music/ fashion industry as a whole and social media and related platforms with high visibility and reach.

Take away the recent history, add in a business/entrepreneur mind like Repole and there could be the makings of something few schools can replicate in terms of nation brand recognition and demand generation and connecting with a generation.

School needs to think beyond their world and go big.



 

By all accounts, the school wants nothing to do with Repole. I don't know the guy from a hole in the wall, but I'll assume that he can be demanding, pushy and belligerent, amongst other things. Probably has some strong opinions about what the school could be and should be doing, especially as it relates to the basketball program. Also probably wants to school to move outside of their comfort zone, which doesn't sit well with them. They'd rather be surrounded by yes men. That's just my assumption based on what i've read and heard. So, unfortunately, the one potential huge donor who is passionate about SJU basketball, and who could probably help remove all of the excuses (new facilities, etc) for our sorry state of affairs, is persona non grata at SJU.  Maybe you can make sense of that one, because I can't. 

 

Absolutely wrong assertions.   Repole has definitely pissed off a lot of important people, but the ball is in his court to make an overture to SJU.   If he did, he would not be unwelcomed, but he insulted some board members by name who have frankly donated far more than Repole ever has.    He was wrong about the selection of Hurley as coach, and keep in mind, Cragg knows Bobby from his Duke days about as well as any AD in the country would.   He suggested he would pay half of a $20 million makeover of CA, but IMO that would be a mistake because we would end up with less seats than before and be less suitable for BE home games.   Also, $20 million pales in comparison with Villanova's $75 million makeover of the Pavillion, so what would we be left with?   He didn't mention facilities makeover, but as soon as Cragg announced a plan, Bill Janetschek came up with $1 million and a lot of alums have contributed significant amounts.   We are still far short of what we need to be competitive, and Father Shanley has noted we have the worst facilities in the Big East.   I do not believe Shanley will fund the facilities investment from university funds or via a bond unless alumni get behind the plan.   In recent history, Jerome Belson was far more generous, the Tafner family far more generous, the Rooney family far more generous. and many many others.   .    

I am pretty certain that Cragg communicated the need for improved facilities when Anderson interviewed here, even though a plan wasn't in place yet at that time.

While we can disagree as to whether or not Anderson or anyone else can overcome the worst facilities in the Big East (and more than likely at the very bottom of major conference schools) the fact still exists that they are horrible.

But to respond to your assertion, if Repole showed up at the school to make amends, he would not be unwelcomed by leadership.  I just don't see that happening at this juncture, so it's a dead subject.   

 

[JohnnyFan]

Beast of the East post=447927 wrote:

Repole has definitely pissed off a lot of important people, but the ball is in his court to make an overture to SJU. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

He's the billionaire and we are looking for funding.  I would say the ball is in our court.

 

 

[RedStormNC]

Beast - I always appreciate your insights....  

The only thing I still don't agree with is that the trustees are basically waiting for Repole to bow and kiss the rings on their fingers with an apology.  If they truly have the best interests of the university in mind, they should step up, put their hurt feelings to the side, and be the bigger persons, reach out proactively and figure out how to make it work.  Perhaps he's embarrassed or has other areas he can spend his energy on.  Smart people do business with smart people, even if sometimes they don't like each other personally or always share exact values.  They find areas of common ground.   If they absolutely won't until he comes crawling back (why would he?), then I think they need to move to a more aggressive plan than the path they are currently on...and that should include at top of their list, opening up the checkbook for what is the biggest piece of their overall cultural identity......... basketball.

 

[beast of the east]

Beast - I always appreciate your insights....  

The only thing I still don't agree with is that the trustees are basically waiting for Repole to bow and kiss the rings on their fingers with an apology.  If they truly have the best interests of the university in mind, they should step up put their hurt feelings to the side, and be the bigger persons,and figure out how to make it work.  Perhaps he's embarassed or has other areas he can spend his energy on.  Smart people to business with smart people, even if sometimes they don't like each other personally or always share exact values.    If they absolutely won't until he comes crawling back (why would he), then I think they need to move to a more aggressive plan than the path they are on...and that should include opening up the checkbook for what is the biggest piece of their overall identity.... basketball.

Repole may be a billionaire, but he also insulted the board of trustees, many by name, and called for their firing.  These are guys who have had their own fantastic career success, and within corporate structures where they successfully climbed the ladder, something Repole has never done.   His behavior would have gotten him fired in every single corporation, and a board of trustees has no use for loose cannons who go off in the manner Repole did.

That being said, Repole does not have to deal with the BOT at all should he choose to re-engage with the athletic department.   Our fans on here make a lot of presumptions about the lines of communication being completely dead.   

Repole knows what kind of impact a $50 million donation to the athletic department can have.   At this point, I am sure he chooses to spend his charitable assets somewhere else.   The idea that he has to kiss any rings is wrong, but I'm equally as sure the people he attacked want nothing to do with him.

I am aware directly through my involvement with the university that Father Shanley is asserting himself and redefining the role of the board of trustees and doing it respectfully.   

 

[monte]

Wait, what? Here's a list of top 100 kids who the last 3 coaches have brought in either directly or via transfer:
Norm:
Burrell

Lavin:
Polee
Harkless
Harrison
Greene
Garrett
Sir Dom
Sampson
Obekpa
Jordan
Branch

Mullin:
Ponds
Lovett
Simon
Heron

Plus we got countless other top 150 kids like Mason Jr, DJ, Ellison, etc. Plus JC AA's like Hardy, Brownlee, Primo, LJ, Ahmed. etc. And highly regarded foreign players like Mussini, Fruedenberg, etc. So I'm not quite sure where this notion came about that we can't get talent to come here, because it's simply not true. 

A few points. My list was post Lavin. That was 3 coaches again and has no recency.  I used the ESPN top 100. I did not include transfers from junior colleges or otherwise. Of course we can get talent.  Top 150 will get you mid pack in your conference and a low seeding every 5 years or so.  Like I asked Lawmanfan, if you can provide a successful program in a major conference that wins with players exclusively in the 100-200 range, then you will have my attention. If there is such a program, we need to follow their plan.  Or figure out what's missing here and do what the top programs do: Get more 4 star players out of high school.  They are more likely to be difference makers. I'm not sure why that seems to be hard to accept, although I have my theories.

 

I stand corrected Ray. I looked at the list quickly. I still think Mullin/Matt brought in ample talent, much better talent then we've seen CMA bring in. Not all right out of High School, but that's fine. Lots of schools in this new era are relying on transfers as well as high school kids.  Mullin wasn't a coach, CMA is. I think if CMA had Mullin's last 2 year talent, the team would easily be dancing. And yes, it's pretty damn simple; get the players and success will follow. Don't get the players, and it won't. It's the school's job to figure out how to compete with other schools in the conference in terms of facilities, etc. FWIW I just read an article were Cragg said that attendance is up 33% over last season. So that's encouraging. Between that and some fundraising, which he and Shanley are supposed to be very good at,  maybe there's hope.