Coaching Decision Poll

[rawdognyc]

i took Lavin at his word and believed him that this Program would be resurrected and become a contender again in the BE Conference and nationally. He did not meet those goals as a Coach. He has had adequate time to build a Program and, hasn't.

Are you really that delusional? So him having us nationally ranked in 2 of 4 years on the bench and making the tourney in 2 of 4 years doesn't constitute being resurrected from the pit of dispare the program had been in for a decade? Maybe YOU and the others you mention should be realists in your expectations for St Johns University... Have you built a program from scratch in a major conference? Just curious how long it takes and what it should look like after 5 years... 3 20 win seasons seems like a damn good foundation to build off of.

Being nationally ranked in December in the grand scheme isn't that great. Seton hall was nationally ranked and I don't see their fan base endorsing Willard. It's all about March, and Lavin is 7-18 overall and 2-9 in tournaments at SJU.

Look at any successful head coach that has taken over a dead program in a major conference. Show me one coach who had to create a program from absolute scratch in a major conference that has a .600 plus winning percentage within the first 5 years of rebuild. If you can't see what he has been able to accomplish than there is no need to debate this. Improvement every year. Would i like to see a better winning percentage in March, of course. However it's nice actually playing in mid March once again. I just don't think you and the others look at things realistically. Look at Coach Ks first 5 years at Duke, Wright at Nova etc etc... Mind you none of these guys took over a program that had to have a complete foundation built like Lavin had to. Anyway we'll see how the chips fall over the next couple weeks.

 

[gregbodkin]

So what are we going to do if they do fire him? Try to pull Calhoun out of retirement or throw $100,000,000 at Calipari maybe?

 

[TonyinFairfield]

We're going to do this one-time, and one-time only:

The options are simplified, if you think it should be an extension with a low buyout...that's a "yes".

Let's get a sense of where the Redmen.com community stands on this, the primary issue surrounding the program.

Desco, thank you for doing this. No matter what the vote is, as you say, it's good to get a sense of where we as a community stand on this important issue for us.

 

[frank61]

Our coach beat the only team left in the tournament from the BIG EAST twice this season. He is a lot better than many posters give him credit for. Is he the best, NO. Has he brought our program back from quiet repose, YES. Were we in the national dialogue before he arrived, NO. Are in national discussion now, Yes. Oh and I voted to bring him back.

 

[salty dog]

B

Of course, I am delighted to see AVON, Ricky and, others who want more from the Program than we have gotten, express their views . Which are more fact based than what others put forth.

i took Lavin at his word and believed him that this Program would be resurrected and become a contender again in the BE Conference and nationally. He did not meet those goals as a Coach. He has had adequate time to build a Program and, hasn't.

Even, many in the local press are questioning his accomplishments and, rightly so. And, the naysayers here, just continue to bark at anyone and everyone who express a opinion different than their own. Mostly, without any factual evidence that is on the table. NOBLY, expressed by Ricky and Avon.

Lavin's record is mediocre at best.. And, that is being generous with that evaluation.

I was all for the hire five years ago. I knew we weren't getting an Xs and os guru but his MO was always a good recruiter and having watched SJU put bad teams out under norm I was completely for this hire contingent on the staff having Cs and Os coaches to compensate for Lavins "coaching"....what we have gotten is a staff that is nothing more than a bunch of very overpaid dimwits let by keady and whitesell. And a coach who hasn't been able to consistently live up to his rep as a good recruiter. He has recruited well at times but he has done a terrible job the last three classes of getting guys who will fill in when these seniors are gone. Now we are rebuilding again and he will not be here to clean up his own mess. I believe he will be fired this week. The admin realizes that this can't wait and the new coach must be put in place for recruiting etc etc.

I told you Sampson was coming when u said he wasn't. I will tell you Lavin will sign an extension and will be back

I actually said Briscoe was going to UK all along while everyone killed me for being negative. I made no proclamations about Sampson. So stop it.

So you want to replace a coach who got us to the dance, had a better record than the year before, has a top 40 kid committed, and is in the running for Diallo who I am on record as saying will come, as all Diallo only wanted a pg and coach to be here! Now Lavin gets an extension, and Sheed is coming back! You sound like you want to wreck the program again.

With all due respect, you being on record that Diallo will come is meaningless.

He was on record for Sampson when most thought losing Briscoe cost us Sampson. Avon is dreaming about his prediction for Briscoe. It was a last second decision and Roselle Catholic had a breakfast set up for celebration on picking St John's. that had to be cancelled. Knife in the back to Lavin who was on the kid for 4 years.

 

[Avon Barksdale]

B

Of course, I am delighted to see AVON, Ricky and, others who want more from the Program than we have gotten, express their views . Which are more fact based than what others put forth.

i took Lavin at his word and believed him that this Program would be resurrected and become a contender again in the BE Conference and nationally. He did not meet those goals as a Coach. He has had adequate time to build a Program and, hasn't.

Even, many in the local press are questioning his accomplishments and, rightly so. And, the naysayers here, just continue to bark at anyone and everyone who express a opinion different than their own. Mostly, without any factual evidence that is on the table. NOBLY, expressed by Ricky and Avon.

Lavin's record is mediocre at best.. And, that is being generous with that evaluation.

I was all for the hire five years ago. I knew we weren't getting an Xs and os guru but his MO was always a good recruiter and having watched SJU put bad teams out under norm I was completely for this hire contingent on the staff having Cs and Os coaches to compensate for Lavins "coaching"....what we have gotten is a staff that is nothing more than a bunch of very overpaid dimwits let by keady and whitesell. And a coach who hasn't been able to consistently live up to his rep as a good recruiter. He has recruited well at times but he has done a terrible job the last three classes of getting guys who will fill in when these seniors are gone. Now we are rebuilding again and he will not be here to clean up his own mess. I believe he will be fired this week. The admin realizes that this can't wait and the new coach must be put in place for recruiting etc etc.

I told you Sampson was coming when u said he wasn't. I will tell you Lavin will sign an extension and will be back

I actually said Briscoe was going to UK all along while everyone killed me for being negative. I made no proclamations about Sampson. So stop it.

Lavin gone or not in your opinion?

Gone

SJU not happy with him despite the drivel he's been feeding to the media.

How confident are you in that result? I care a lot more about who replaces him than if leaves.

This is what we have in our favor:

- candidates will be better than they were give years ago

- big east isn't as good of a conference so it'll be easier to win

I don't know what the admin is willing to pay and I know one of the things they are pissed about is Lavin and his staff's very very high salaries and his use of SJU resources. They would like to see a better return on their investment.

I think they'll interview some guys and go from there. There is no coach in waiting....

 

[SJUalum98]

Our coach beat the only team left in the tournament from the BIG EAST twice this season. He is a lot better than many posters give him credit for. Is he the best, NO. Has he brought our program back from quiet repose, YES. Were we in the national dialogue before he arrived, NO. Are in national discussion now, Yes. Oh and I voted to bring him back.

You are content with waiting every 4 years for national discussion.

Because guess what, we won't be next year.

 

[southernjohnny2]

B

Of course, I am delighted to see AVON, Ricky and, others who want more from the Program than we have gotten, express their views . Which are more fact based than what others put forth.

i took Lavin at his word and believed him that this Program would be resurrected and become a contender again in the BE Conference and nationally. He did not meet those goals as a Coach. He has had adequate time to build a Program and, hasn't.

Even, many in the local press are questioning his accomplishments and, rightly so. And, the naysayers here, just continue to bark at anyone and everyone who express a opinion different than their own. Mostly, without any factual evidence that is on the table. NOBLY, expressed by Ricky and Avon.

Lavin's record is mediocre at best.. And, that is being generous with that evaluation.

I was all for the hire five years ago. I knew we weren't getting an Xs and os guru but his MO was always a good recruiter and having watched SJU put bad teams out under norm I was completely for this hire contingent on the staff having Cs and Os coaches to compensate for Lavins "coaching"....what we have gotten is a staff that is nothing more than a bunch of very overpaid dimwits let by keady and whitesell. And a coach who hasn't been able to consistently live up to his rep as a good recruiter. He has recruited well at times but he has done a terrible job the last three classes of getting guys who will fill in when these seniors are gone. Now we are rebuilding again and he will not be here to clean up his own mess. I believe he will be fired this week. The admin realizes that this can't wait and the new coach must be put in place for recruiting etc etc.

I told you Sampson was coming when u said he wasn't. I will tell you Lavin will sign an extension and will be back

I actually said Briscoe was going to UK all along while everyone killed me for being negative. I made no proclamations about Sampson. So stop it.

Lavin gone or not in your opinion?

Gone

SJU not happy with him despite the drivel he's been feeding to the media.

How confident are you in that result? I care a lot more about who replaces him than if leaves.

This is what we have in our favor:

- candidates will be better than they were give years ago

- big east isn't as good of a conference so it'll be easier to win

I don't know what the admin is willing to pay and I know one of the things they are pissed about is Lavin and his staff's very very high salaries and his use of SJU resources. They would like to see a better return on their investment.

I think they'll interview some guys and go from there. There is no coach in waiting....

Unless the Gempshaw changed his mind since yesterday morning, Lavin extension for 3 years and that is why Lavin was all giddy yesterday

 

[redfazed]

If Jordan and Obekpa do not return, we are looking at an almost complete rebuild. It will not be pretty. Four years ago, Lavin landed a top-5 recruiting class and still couldn't wiln a single Big East or NCAA Tourney game. If he's renewed, a low buyout is imperative.

 

[simplyred]

Our coach beat the only team left in the tournament from the BIG EAST twice this season. He is a lot better than many posters give him credit for. Is he the best, NO. Has he brought our program back from quiet repose, YES. Were we in the national dialogue before he arrived, NO. Are in national discussion now, Yes. Oh and I voted to bring him back.

You are content with waiting every 4 years for national discussion.

Because guess what, we won't be next year.

Yes we will.

 

[westchesterjoe]

Just as an aside.. this is off topic.. My opinion.. I would have thought Lavin could have thrown a bouquet to Polee in his press conference . It would have been a classy thing to do..And, was surprised he made no mention.

Polee almost single handed broke our back in the game Friday night.. Especially, with the health issues Polee experienced this season and came back from.

Dwayne was his first major recruit and while he left, I thought Polee would have been an asset to SJU as a 4 year player. I do not know what happened but, was he pushed out of the Program for Jakarr and Moe? Might that have been a miscalculation by Steve? Especially, since Jakarr did not qualify to play that year...

A lot of guys left, did not qualify or transferred in lavin's time here.

Polee? He deserved some praise as a opposing player who played well against us.

Just a thought.

 

[southernjohnny2]

Just as an aside.. this is off topic.. My opinion.. I would have thought Lavin could have thrown a bouquet to Polee in his press conference . It would have been a classy thing to do..And, was surprised he made no mention.

Polee almost single handed broke our back in the game Friday night.. Especially, with the health issues Polee experienced this season and came back from.

Dwayne was his first major recruit and while he left, I thought Polee would have been an asset to SJU as a 4 year player. I do not know what happened but, was he pushed out of the Program for Jakarr and Moe? Might that have been a miscalculation by Steve? Especially, since Jakarr did not qualify to play that year...

A lot of guys left, did not qualify or transferred in lavin's time here.

Polee? He deserved some praise as a opposing player who played well against us.

Just a thought.

Do you know how many kids have transferred from NC state since Mark took over as coach? More than we had leave, and look what they did to Nova! You are reaching

 

[westchesterjoe]

Just as an aside.. this is off topic.. My opinion.. I would have thought Lavin could have thrown a bouquet to Polee in his press conference . It would have been a classy thing to do..And, was surprised he made no mention.

Polee almost single handed broke our back in the game Friday night.. Especially, with the health issues Polee experienced this season and came back from.

Dwayne was his first major recruit and while he left, I thought Polee would have been an asset to SJU as a 4 year player. I do not know what happened but, was he pushed out of the Program for Jakarr and Moe? Might that have been a miscalculation by Steve? Especially, since Jakarr did not qualify to play that year...

A lot of guys left, did not qualify or transferred in lavin's time here.

Polee? He deserved some praise as a opposing player who played well against us.

Just a thought.

Do you know how many kids have transferred from NC state since Mark took over as coach? More than we had leave, and look what they did to Nova! You are reaching

I don't think I am but, your entitled to express a differing view. Lavin promotes a touchy , feely type atmosphere that I think he likes to portray in public.. Polee, I think deserved a little accolade from Steve.

That was the main point I tried to make. NC State isn't my concern or interest.

 

[frank61]

Just as an aside.. this is off topic.. My opinion.. I would have thought Lavin could have thrown a bouquet to Polee in his press conference . It would have been a classy thing to do..And, was surprised he made no mention.

Polee almost single handed broke our back in the game Friday night.. Especially, with the health issues Polee experienced this season and came back from.

Dwayne was his first major recruit and while he left, I thought Polee would have been an asset to SJU as a 4 year player. I do not know what happened but, was he pushed out of the Program for Jakarr and Moe? Might that have been a miscalculation by Steve? Especially, since Jakarr did not qualify to play that year...

A lot of guys left, did not qualify or transferred in lavin's time here.

Polee? He deserved some praise as a opposing player who played well against us.

Just a thought.

Do you know how many kids have transferred from NC state since Mark took over as coach? More than we had leave, and look what they did to Nova! You are reaching

I don't think I am but, your entitled to express a differing view. Lavin promotes a touchy , feely type atmosphere that I think he likes to portray in public.. Polee, I think deserved a little accolade from Steve.

That was the main point I tried to make. NC State isn't my concern or interest.

I agree with your description of Lavin being touchy, feely. I think with that in mind Lavin may have exchanged a message to Polee on a personal level and we would never know it.

 

[southernjohnny2]

Just as an aside.. this is off topic.. My opinion.. I would have thought Lavin could have thrown a bouquet to Polee in his press conference . It would have been a classy thing to do..And, was surprised he made no mention.

Polee almost single handed broke our back in the game Friday night.. Especially, with the health issues Polee experienced this season and came back from.

Dwayne was his first major recruit and while he left, I thought Polee would have been an asset to SJU as a 4 year player. I do not know what happened but, was he pushed out of the Program for Jakarr and Moe? Might that have been a miscalculation by Steve? Especially, since Jakarr did not qualify to play that year...

A lot of guys left, did not qualify or transferred in lavin's time here.

Polee? He deserved some praise as a opposing player who played well against us.

Just a thought.

Do you know how many kids have transferred from NC state since Mark took over as coach? More than we had leave, and look what they did to Nova! You are reaching

I don't think I am but, your entitled to express a differing view. Lavin promotes a touchy , feely type atmosphere that I think he likes to portray in public.. Polee, I think deserved a little accolade from Steve.

That was the main point I tried to make. NC State isn't my concern or interest.

A few years ago the Wear twins and Larry Drew transferred to Ucla, they were from Cali, do you think UNC fans wanted to see Roy Williams give praise to them? Polee went back home and I wouldn't want my coach heaping praise on a kid that left

 

[Ricky Smith]

Just as an aside.. this is off topic.. My opinion.. I would have thought Lavin could have thrown a bouquet to Polee in his press conference . It would have been a classy thing to do..And, was surprised he made no mention.

Polee almost single handed broke our back in the game Friday night.. Especially, with the health issues Polee experienced this season and came back from.

Dwayne was his first major recruit and while he left, I thought Polee would have been an asset to SJU as a 4 year player. I do not know what happened but, was he pushed out of the Program for Jakarr and Moe? Might that have been a miscalculation by Steve? Especially, since Jakarr did not qualify to play that year...

A lot of guys left, did not qualify or transferred in lavin's time here.

Polee? He deserved some praise as a opposing player who played well against us.

Just a thought.

Do you know how many kids have transferred from NC state since Mark took over as coach? More than we had leave, and look what they did to Nova! You are reaching

I don't think I am but, your entitled to express a differing view. Lavin promotes a touchy , feely type atmosphere that I think he likes to portray in public.. Polee, I think deserved a little accolade from Steve.

That was the main point I tried to make. NC State isn't my concern or interest.

A few years ago the Wear twins and Larry Drew transferred to Ucla, they were from Cali, do you think UNC fans wanted to see Roy Williams give praise to them? Polee went back home and I wouldn't want my coach heaping praise on a kid that left

Instead he put some of the blame on kids that left

 

[redfan259999888]

I'm shocked at how many people have such low expectations for the program. Or how many people see "20 wins" and no farther.

Exactly, going to the NCAA Tourny once every four years is just fine with most SJU I guess, being the youngest team in year six is just fine with them also.
With that mentality we'll be with the former nyc great schools (Fordham, NYU.....), just a nobody.

Just sad that this is ok in the minds of most sju fans.

 

[rawdognyc]

Him and the team were just bawling their eyes out in the locker room before heading to the presser... You really think Polee was on his mind when he sat down at the dais? You people are bat crap crazy on here.. Honestly

 

[paultzman]

B

Of course, I am delighted to see AVON, Ricky and, others who want more from the Program than we have gotten, express their views . Which are more fact based than what others put forth.

i took Lavin at his word and believed him that this Program would be resurrected and become a contender again in the BE Conference and nationally. He did not meet those goals as a Coach. He has had adequate time to build a Program and, hasn't.

Even, many in the local press are questioning his accomplishments and, rightly so. And, the naysayers here, just continue to bark at anyone and everyone who express a opinion different than their own. Mostly, without any factual evidence that is on the table. NOBLY, expressed by Ricky and Avon.

Lavin's record is mediocre at best.. And, that is being generous with that evaluation.

I was all for the hire five years ago. I knew we weren't getting an Xs and os guru but his MO was always a good recruiter and having watched SJU put bad teams out under norm I was completely for this hire contingent on the staff having Cs and Os coaches to compensate for Lavins "coaching"....what we have gotten is a staff that is nothing more than a bunch of very overpaid dimwits let by keady and whitesell. And a coach who hasn't been able to consistently live up to his rep as a good recruiter. He has recruited well at times but he has done a terrible job the last three classes of getting guys who will fill in when these seniors are gone. Now we are rebuilding again and he will not be here to clean up his own mess. I believe he will be fired this week. The admin realizes that this can't wait and the new coach must be put in place for recruiting etc etc.

I told you Sampson was coming when u said he wasn't. I will tell you Lavin will sign an extension and will be back

I actually said Briscoe was going to UK all along while everyone killed me for being negative. I made no proclamations about Sampson. So stop it.

So you want to replace a coach who got us to the dance, had a better record than the year before, has a top 40 kid committed, and is in the running for Diallo who I am on record as saying will come, as all Diallo only wanted a pg and coach to be here! Now Lavin gets an extension, and Sheed is coming back! You sound like you want to wreck the program again.

With all due respect, you being on record that Diallo will come is meaningless.

Quite

 

[Ricky Smith]

Him and the team were just bawling their eyes out in the locker room before heading to the presser... You really think Polee was on his mind when he sat down at the dais? You people are bat crap crazy on here.. Honestly

Garret, Jakarr and Harkless were on his mind. He even mentioned Malik Boothe