Around the Big East
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boo haarvey
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Paultzman post=447880 said:
Xavier leads Nova by eight, but early. Nova could win, but I think Gillespie, because of lack of team firepower, is required to score more than orchestrate, a bad formula. Nova’s lack of depth seems to problematic. As good as Wright is, this just may be one of those off years most coaches experience. Not counting them out, just sensing this team is sub par.
I'm sure it's a beautiful facility, but every time the camera's pan around Nova's Finn Pavilion, with all those angles, I feel like I'm gonna get dizzy or a headache
Jay is no doubt a great coach but most importantly he recruits great. As Ray Morgan posted SJUs one level 4 recruit in eight years doesn’t compare too well vs Jays about twenty. Not a fair fight.
Camera on Dan Hurley talking to ref...no sound but looking up, he says " Where the F--- is the scoreboard in this place (Fiserv Forum)?" Lol
Watching these games, it looks like they'll generally be in the 60s, and second half and late game execution, leadership and Go To guys is key. I worry that we won't successfully navigate that type of game in general, and the Butler game in particular, especially without Champ. My larger concern is for the remainder of the season.
Delaware post=447958 said:
100% on the second half and late game execution. Half court offense when it gets to a possession by possession game hasn’t been a strength of ours. Will have to be much better to win enough games to make the tourney.
beast of the east
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By every stretch of imagination, Villanova's refurbishment of the old (formerly DuPont) Pavillion was grade A in every respect. I went there with my daughter and sat with JSJ and his niece two years ago (just before Covid went nuts).RedStormNC post=447949 said:
Villanova had the money (Finneran donated $20 million+ without asking for control) to build a new arena, but Radnor community balked at increased traffic caused by a larger facility, so they scaled back and did a $70 million makeover. They raise about $100 million annually without a capital campaign (last one was 2014) from a much smaller, albeit from a wealthier and more engaged donor base.
Not surprisingly their student section behind the basket is massive, packed, and loud, with what appears to be a pretty equal number of male and female students. Everything in the place was done over - concessions, seats, bathrooms, meeting spaces. It's hard not to be envious but is a sign of what a little Catholic School can do with some money.
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beast of the east
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People forget that Jay Wright took over a moderately successful program from Steve Lappas, who was fired after 4 NCAA and 3 NIT appearances in 9 seasons, twice going to the 2nd round of the dance. By comparison, no coach since Carnesecca was as successful as Lappas Clearly Jay Wright has every quality you would want in a HOF coach with no blemishes on his character or program.Enright post=447953 said:
Having as much success as anyone in college basketball gives you access to the very best talent. Wright is about as good a recruiter as anyone as well as a great game coach who takes care of his players and sets a high bar for their off court behavior.
RedmanMike
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And he could have been coaching our Johnnies, if things had worked out a little differently in 2000...
beast of the east
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I think we'd like to believe that. The Wrights, including Patti loved Long Island, having lived in Rockville Centre. They felt it was a great place to raise their young family. Jay developed some lifelong relationships with HS coaches that continue to this day even though many from that era have retired.RedmanMike post=447976 said:
Looking at it realistically, both Jay and Patti had extremely strong ties to Villanova that go back to Patti's days as a cheerleader. Jay, as a student and player at Bucknell, would travel to Villanova frequently because he was dating Patti. He was an assistant on the 85 team that won the NCAA championship. I just think that when Jay had his great season at Hofstra, Villanova was keeping tabs and would not be surprised if they fired Lappas knowing Jay was their man.
If the Nova job wasn't available and ours was, I'd say it would be a reasonable bet that he comes to SJU. But if both jobs were open at the same time, I'd say no way he chooses us over Nova. As it turns out Nova and Wright made a great decision, and knowing the kind of person he is, I'm happy for him.
IIRC, Jarvis was looking at the Washington NBA job (and their was mutual interest) one year prior to Nova firing Lappas and hiring Wright away from Hofstra. Wright was rumored to be on a very shortlist to replace Jarvis if he left (which unfortunately he didn't).Beast of the East post=447980 said:
beast of the east
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Supposedly Jarvis was offered the HC job by Michael Jordan, who only offered him a one or two year deal (I think it was one). When Jarvis wanted more, Jordan completely backed off. At that point I believe Jarvis' attitude began to change. All water under the bridge. Like I said, if Nova wasn't available and ours was, I think Wright would have taken it.SJU85 post=447992 said: