Coaching Staff

[1and1sju]

Can we give Jim Whitesell a chance before we count him out. He came in late in the off season last year. We definitely saw improvement as the season progressed. The collapse at the end of the year was due more to player issues than coaching. And I can't believe the disrespect that this fanbase shows toward Hall of Famer Gene Keady. Smh!

You can't believe the disrespect towards GK? Seems consistent with the disrespect shown to the rest of the staff and players for that matter.

I agree, I shouldn't be surprised. Then again, some of the posters probably were crapping in their diapers the last time Keady was on the sidelines. People take their dislike for Lavin to extremes.

I think Keady is/was a legendary coach, I watched a lot of Purdue games with him manning the sidelines. He was the full package in a head coach. The thing that rubs me wrong is that he was brought to NY/SJU to do what? I would like to see defined roles for the players, as well as the coaches and yes, even Gene Keady, the advisor!

His role right now seems to be the coaching equivalent of a trophy wife.

 

[Knight2]

Still trying to figure out what kind of team & staff we have. I have no idea of what to expect. Are we defensive or offensively driven? What are our strengths and weaknesses (needs)?

 

[redfazed]

Can we give Jim Whitesell a chance before we count him out. He came in late in the off season last year. We definitely saw improvement as the season progressed. The collapse at the end of the year was due more to player issues than coaching. And I can't believe the disrespect that this fanbase shows toward Hall of Famer Gene Keady. Smh!

SR, Keady doesn't do anything. He's not allowed to do anything. If he were here to contribute anything substantive he would be an assistant coach.
There have been numerous opportunities to get Keady on as a coach and let him work with the players and the rest of the staff, but we've never done that.
Keady is essentially retired, and has a part-time job with SJU. He might as well be an analyst with Minko, because they're paying him to just sit there and do an appearance every once in awhile.

That's meant as no disrespect to GK, it's just that he has the equivalent of a no-show union job right now.

I read somewhere that Keady spends a fair amount of time analyzing game film for the staff. But I agree that he is mostly a showpiece, part of the whole "Lavin-era storyline."

But Keady's obviously not the problem. We need a Dunlap-type guy, maybe it's Whitesell. This coming season will reveal a lot.

 

[beast of the east]

It won't happen, but I would welcome any change of staff...just give us someone who can run practices, draw up plays, and help SL make smart in-game decisions. We don't have that. We have a very good recruiter who also has a knack for press conferences and general smooth talk. We have talent, but no team concept. We have a coaching staff that seems to do a better job at cheerleading than anything else. We have a coaching legend on the bench who writes notes non-stop, but for all we know he's drafting Yelp reviews of his favorite NYC restaurants to post later that night. I truly feel we are one coach shy, one coach who is a hard ass, dry erase board, x's and o's, coach.

We had that guy - His name is Mike Dunlap
I only wish that we could find a clone
You can have all the talent in the world but I really believe that every team (at any level) needs a solid x and o guy to mold them into a cohesive unit
This is something that we are clearly lacking and have missed ever since Dunlap left
I hoped that Keady would be able to impart his knowledge to the coaching staff to fill the gap
However, the longer Keady is here, the more I believe that he is merely a figurehead

Look, Dunlap by all means served a great purpose here, but I also think that what he did here has been evaluated totally on the fact that the team evolved from a one and done in the NITs under Roberts to an NCAA bid team. Were there suddenly brilliant offensive schemas deployed in that one season? Not that I can recollect. Were there a dizzying array of inbounds plays, or even one killer play you can recollect? Were there any strategic end game moves that made you say, "What the hell, we totally outcoached the opposition?" I can't recall. The total credit given to Dunlap was basedon the fact that we became a tourney team. To me, more than anything that season's success was based on the lineup changes that made Dwight Hardy the focal point of the offense, Brownlee the clear #2 option, relegating DJ Kennedy to a valuable 3rd option instead of the #1 guy. The major strategic move was trusting Hardy, a shaky ball handler as the point guard for major stretches. Getting Evans off the court was a huge plus also. It was Hardy, with help from Brownlee and Kennedy, that went on a 10 game run that propelled us into national prominence. Once Brownlee broke his finger, and even before then, the team started to slow down. From that point forward, we were merely average, and nothing Dunlap or Lavin did, could reverse that. Was it Dunlap or Lavin who decided to start Hardy, or get the ball into Brownlee's hands more? I don't know, and I don't think anyone else on here knows either.

I do know that when Dunlap had the reigns while Lavin was out, that the wheels fell off, with Malik Stith quitting even after Nurideen Lindsay quit. Dunlap for his part, leveraged his SJU rep (and prior solid rep) into an NBA head coaching job, (meaning that at least Michael Jordan was watching SJU), and promptly got himself fired. So I do think the Dunlap story here is exaggerated by fans hungry for another NCAA berth. Is you heap all that credit on him, he has to accept some of the blame for the team falling apart under him in year 2

 

[beast of the east]

Can we give Jim Whitesell a chance before we count him out. He came in late in the off season last year. We definitely saw improvement as the season progressed. The collapse at the end of the year was due more to player issues than coaching. And I can't believe the disrespect that this fanbase shows toward Hall of Famer Gene Keady. Smh!

SR, Keady doesn't do anything. He's not allowed to do anything. If he were here to contribute anything substantive he would be an assistant coach.
There have been numerous opportunities to get Keady on as a coach and let him work with the players and the rest of the staff, but we've never done that.
Keady is essentially retired, and has a part-time job with SJU. He might as well be an analyst with Minko, because they're paying him to just sit there and do an appearance every once in awhile.

That's meant as no disrespect to GK, it's just that he has the equivalent of a no-show union job right now.

Respectfully, have you ever spent even 5 minutes with the guy? I have a feeling if you did, you wouldn't say anything resembling the reckless statement you just made. The guy is a serious, no nonsense guy, who is enjoying being a voice to Lavin, the rest of the coaching staff, and the players outside of game situations. He writes down little things he sees on the court during games, to go over with Lavin and staff after games. It could be a blown assignment, some bad fundamental, matchups that are working or not working. Damnit, he's a six time national coach of the year who still has all of his marbles, and as we saw this year on occasion, still some fire in his belly. To somehow disparage him, especially since he is taking up no room on the bench for anyone else to replace him, is just plain silly.

 

[1and1sju]

Can we give Jim Whitesell a chance before we count him out. He came in late in the off season last year. We definitely saw improvement as the season progressed. The collapse at the end of the year was due more to player issues than coaching. And I can't believe the disrespect that this fanbase shows toward Hall of Famer Gene Keady. Smh!

SR, Keady doesn't do anything. He's not allowed to do anything. If he were here to contribute anything substantive he would be an assistant coach.
There have been numerous opportunities to get Keady on as a coach and let him work with the players and the rest of the staff, but we've never done that.
Keady is essentially retired, and has a part-time job with SJU. He might as well be an analyst with Minko, because they're paying him to just sit there and do an appearance every once in awhile.

That's meant as no disrespect to GK, it's just that he has the equivalent of a no-show union job right now.

Respectfully, have you ever spent even 5 minutes with the guy? I have a feeling if you did, you wouldn't say anything resembling the reckless statement you just made. The guy is a serious, no nonsense guy, who is enjoying being a voice to Lavin, the rest of the coaching staff, and the players outside of game situations. He writes down little things he sees on the court during games, to go over with Lavin and staff after games. It could be a blown assignment, some bad fundamental, matchups that are working or not working. Damnit, he's a six time national coach of the year who still has all of his marbles, and as we saw this year on occasion, still some fire in his belly. To somehow disparage him, especially since he is taking up no room on the bench for anyone else to replace him, is just plain silly.

I spoke to him briefly at the event at Stout 2 seasons ago, but I can't base an opinion of the guy off of a handshake. But my point is that mine or your opinion of him is irrelevant actually, I think he's a great coach, but he's in a inconsequential position. I'm not disparaging him, just the role he has been given. He can't talk to the players. How can I expect him to have an impact on the team if he can't speak to the players?
But I think this is taking the conversation off track a bit, Simmons is right; Keady obviously isn't the problem. I do think, to some degree, Keady's job with SJU is part of a pattern of Lavin using props and gimmicks to prop the program up while substance suffers. But again, Gene Keady is far from being a problem.
If Keady was here to really help the team, he should be a coach and not Rico Hines or Martin who both had zero coaching experience when they were made assistant coaches. They held front-office jobs and were trainers, but were never coaches involved in game-planning and running practices. If Keady is going to be here, let's use him! Otherwise, I stick to my comment that he's a trophy for Lavin to impress people with.

 

[beast of the east]

Can we give Jim Whitesell a chance before we count him out. He came in late in the off season last year. We definitely saw improvement as the season progressed. The collapse at the end of the year was due more to player issues than coaching. And I can't believe the disrespect that this fanbase shows toward Hall of Famer Gene Keady. Smh!

SR, Keady doesn't do anything. He's not allowed to do anything. If he were here to contribute anything substantive he would be an assistant coach.
There have been numerous opportunities to get Keady on as a coach and let him work with the players and the rest of the staff, but we've never done that.
Keady is essentially retired, and has a part-time job with SJU. He might as well be an analyst with Minko, because they're paying him to just sit there and do an appearance every once in awhile.

That's meant as no disrespect to GK, it's just that he has the equivalent of a no-show union job right now.

Respectfully, have you ever spent even 5 minutes with the guy? I have a feeling if you did, you wouldn't say anything resembling the reckless statement you just made. The guy is a serious, no nonsense guy, who is enjoying being a voice to Lavin, the rest of the coaching staff, and the players outside of game situations. He writes down little things he sees on the court during games, to go over with Lavin and staff after games. It could be a blown assignment, some bad fundamental, matchups that are working or not working. Damnit, he's a six time national coach of the year who still has all of his marbles, and as we saw this year on occasion, still some fire in his belly. To somehow disparage him, especially since he is taking up no room on the bench for anyone else to replace him, is just plain silly.

I spoke to him briefly at the event at Stout 2 seasons ago, but I can't base an opinion of the guy off of a handshake. But my point is that mine or your opinion of him is irrelevant actually, I think he's a great coach, but he's in a inconsequential position. I'm not disparaging him, just the role he has been given. He can't talk to the players. How can I expect him to have an impact on the team if he can't speak to the players?
But I think this is taking the conversation off track a bit, Simmons is right; Keady obviously isn't the problem. I do think, to some degree, Keady's job with SJU is part of a pattern of Lavin using props and gimmicks to prop the program up while substance suffers. But again, Gene Keady is far from being a problem.
If Keady was here to really help the team, he should be a coach and not Rico Hines or Martin who both had zero coaching experience when they were made assistant coaches. They held front-office jobs and were trainers, but were never coaches involved in game-planning and running practices. If Keady is going to be here, let's use him! Otherwise, I stick to my comment that he's a trophy for Lavin to impress people with.

Hey no disrespect to you, but suggesting that Keady is a prop is a little overboard based on a foregone conclusion that Lavin is a lowlife swindler who will do anything to distract. I spoke to KEady about his hire, and he explained that his wife had died, and he wasn't doing much of anything when Lavin called and asked him to help out. I think the words he used was "as long as Steve wants me here and I think I am being useful then I will stay here." If you look at the evidence of guys who have played here for Lavin - Polee who says he still speaks to Lavin and respects and likes him - Harrison who says he appreciates that Lavin gave him a second chance to redeem himself - the fact that Obekpa was allowed to return after dissing the coach and team - speaks volumes about LAvin as a guy who cares about the kids he's coached and the people he has worked for and with. Keady gave Lavin his first chance and is a well respected guy, so much respected that Lavin isn't merely providing misplaced loyalty. To suggest Lavin is using Keady to deflect criticism, or as a "prop" is without basis in criticizing Lavin, and says even less about Keady insofar as accepting a paycheck for nothing. The reality is Lavin left money on the table in his SJU negotiation so that he could fill a staff with talented assistants with above grade pay. I you want to disparage Lavin as a subpar game situation coach, I may agree subjectively, but the rest of the crap heaped on him is pure garbage.

 

[bamafan]

Still trying to figure out what kind of team & staff we have. I have no idea of what to expect. Are we defensive or offensively driven? What are our strengths and weaknesses (needs)?

Lavin says he will know what kind of team identity we have by 2020. Hey, he set himself up for that one. Tough noogies to those that can't take a joke!

 

[monte]

Can we give Jim Whitesell a chance before we count him out. He came in late in the off season last year. We definitely saw improvement as the season progressed. The collapse at the end of the year was due more to player issues than coaching. And I can't believe the disrespect that this fanbase shows toward Hall of Famer Gene Keady. Smh!

SR, Keady doesn't do anything. He's not allowed to do anything. If he were here to contribute anything substantive he would be an assistant coach.
There have been numerous opportunities to get Keady on as a coach and let him work with the players and the rest of the staff, but we've never done that.
Keady is essentially retired, and has a part-time job with SJU. He might as well be an analyst with Minko, because they're paying him to just sit there and do an appearance every once in awhile.

That's meant as no disrespect to GK, it's just that he has the equivalent of a no-show union job right now.

I read somewhere that Keady spends a fair amount of time analyzing game film for the staff. But I agree that he is mostly a showpiece, part of the whole "Lavin-era storyline."

But Keady's obviously not the problem. We need a Dunlap-type guy, maybe it's Whitesell. This coming season will reveal a lot.

Agree with your first sentence. FWIW with all those Ws and COY awards, GK has never made the final 4 and is not in the HOF. But as others have said, GK is not the issue. As for your 2nd sentence, if we so badly need a Dunlap-type guy in order for this team to be successful, then we've got the wrong guy at the helm.

 

[JohnnyFan]

Can we give Jim Whitesell a chance before we count him out. He came in late in the off season last year. We definitely saw improvement as the season progressed. The collapse at the end of the year was due more to player issues than coaching. And I can't believe the disrespect that this fanbase shows toward Hall of Famer Gene Keady. Smh!

SR, Keady doesn't do anything. He's not allowed to do anything. If he were here to contribute anything substantive he would be an assistant coach.
There have been numerous opportunities to get Keady on as a coach and let him work with the players and the rest of the staff, but we've never done that.
Keady is essentially retired, and has a part-time job with SJU. He might as well be an analyst with Minko, because they're paying him to just sit there and do an appearance every once in awhile.

That's meant as no disrespect to GK, it's just that he has the equivalent of a no-show union job right now.

Respectfully, have you ever spent even 5 minutes with the guy? I have a feeling if you did, you wouldn't say anything resembling the reckless statement you just made. The guy is a serious, no nonsense guy, who is enjoying being a voice to Lavin, the rest of the coaching staff, and the players outside of game situations. He writes down little things he sees on the court during games, to go over with Lavin and staff after games. It could be a blown assignment, some bad fundamental, matchups that are working or not working. Damnit, he's a six time national coach of the year who still has all of his marbles, and as we saw this year on occasion, still some fire in his belly. To somehow disparage him, especially since he is taking up no room on the bench for anyone else to replace him, is just plain silly.

I spoke to him briefly at the event at Stout 2 seasons ago, but I can't base an opinion of the guy off of a handshake. But my point is that mine or your opinion of him is irrelevant actually, I think he's a great coach, but he's in a inconsequential position. I'm not disparaging him, just the role he has been given. He can't talk to the players. How can I expect him to have an impact on the team if he can't speak to the players?
But I think this is taking the conversation off track a bit, Simmons is right; Keady obviously isn't the problem. I do think, to some degree, Keady's job with SJU is part of a pattern of Lavin using props and gimmicks to prop the program up while substance suffers. But again, Gene Keady is far from being a problem.
If Keady was here to really help the team, he should be a coach and not Rico Hines or Martin who both had zero coaching experience when they were made assistant coaches. They held front-office jobs and were trainers, but were never coaches involved in game-planning and running practices. If Keady is going to be here, let's use him! Otherwise, I stick to my comment that he's a trophy for Lavin to impress people with.

Hey no disrespect to you, but suggesting that Keady is a prop is a little overboard based on a foregone conclusion that Lavin is a lowlife swindler who will do anything to distract. I spoke to KEady about his hire, and he explained that his wife had died, and he wasn't doing much of anything when Lavin called and asked him to help out. I think the words he used was "as long as Steve wants me here and I think I am being useful then I will stay here." If you look at the evidence of guys who have played here for Lavin - Polee who says he still speaks to Lavin and respects and likes him - Harrison who says he appreciates that Lavin gave him a second chance to redeem himself - the fact that Obekpa was allowed to return after dissing the coach and team - speaks volumes about LAvin as a guy who cares about the kids he's coached and the people he has worked for and with. Keady gave Lavin his first chance and is a well respected guy, so much respected that Lavin isn't merely providing misplaced loyalty. To suggest Lavin is using Keady to deflect criticism, or as a "prop" is without basis in criticizing Lavin, and says even less about Keady insofar as accepting a paycheck for nothing. The reality is Lavin left money on the table in his SJU negotiation so that he could fill a staff with talented assistants with above grade pay. I you want to disparage Lavin as a subpar game situation coach, I may agree subjectively, but the rest of the crap heaped on him is pure garbage.

I understand your point, he does seem to have a knack for maintaining rapport with players even through tough times. However, it amazes me that so many fans are perfectly happy to accept that he is a poor basketball coach. You have to admit, Steve Lavin has a powerful charisma (some of us call it kool aid) that seduces fans into unconditional support. I mean some folks are actually discussing assistant coach changes in order to acquire the necessary basketball acumen. Throughout the worst of times, a significant portion of the fan base will tranfer responsibility to assistant coaches, players, and even fans while swiftly defending the head coach. I really do find it to be an interesting dynamic.

 

[monte]

Can we give Jim Whitesell a chance before we count him out. He came in late in the off season last year. We definitely saw improvement as the season progressed. The collapse at the end of the year was due more to player issues than coaching. And I can't believe the disrespect that this fanbase shows toward Hall of Famer Gene Keady. Smh!

SR, Keady doesn't do anything. He's not allowed to do anything. If he were here to contribute anything substantive he would be an assistant coach.
There have been numerous opportunities to get Keady on as a coach and let him work with the players and the rest of the staff, but we've never done that.
Keady is essentially retired, and has a part-time job with SJU. He might as well be an analyst with Minko, because they're paying him to just sit there and do an appearance every once in awhile.

That's meant as no disrespect to GK, it's just that he has the equivalent of a no-show union job right now.

Respectfully, have you ever spent even 5 minutes with the guy? I have a feeling if you did, you wouldn't say anything resembling the reckless statement you just made. The guy is a serious, no nonsense guy, who is enjoying being a voice to Lavin, the rest of the coaching staff, and the players outside of game situations. He writes down little things he sees on the court during games, to go over with Lavin and staff after games. It could be a blown assignment, some bad fundamental, matchups that are working or not working. Damnit, he's a six time national coach of the year who still has all of his marbles, and as we saw this year on occasion, still some fire in his belly. To somehow disparage him, especially since he is taking up no room on the bench for anyone else to replace him, is just plain silly.

I spoke to him briefly at the event at Stout 2 seasons ago, but I can't base an opinion of the guy off of a handshake. But my point is that mine or your opinion of him is irrelevant actually, I think he's a great coach, but he's in a inconsequential position. I'm not disparaging him, just the role he has been given. He can't talk to the players. How can I expect him to have an impact on the team if he can't speak to the players?
But I think this is taking the conversation off track a bit, Simmons is right; Keady obviously isn't the problem. I do think, to some degree, Keady's job with SJU is part of a pattern of Lavin using props and gimmicks to prop the program up while substance suffers. But again, Gene Keady is far from being a problem.
If Keady was here to really help the team, he should be a coach and not Rico Hines or Martin who both had zero coaching experience when they were made assistant coaches. They held front-office jobs and were trainers, but were never coaches involved in game-planning and running practices. If Keady is going to be here, let's use him! Otherwise, I stick to my comment that he's a trophy for Lavin to impress people with.

Hey no disrespect to you, but suggesting that Keady is a prop is a little overboard based on a foregone conclusion that Lavin is a lowlife swindler who will do anything to distract. I spoke to KEady about his hire, and he explained that his wife had died, and he wasn't doing much of anything when Lavin called and asked him to help out. I think the words he used was "as long as Steve wants me here and I think I am being useful then I will stay here." If you look at the evidence of guys who have played here for Lavin - Polee who says he still speaks to Lavin and respects and likes him - Harrison who says he appreciates that Lavin gave him a second chance to redeem himself - the fact that Obekpa was allowed to return after dissing the coach and team - speaks volumes about LAvin as a guy who cares about the kids he's coached and the people he has worked for and with. Keady gave Lavin his first chance and is a well respected guy, so much respected that Lavin isn't merely providing misplaced loyalty. To suggest Lavin is using Keady to deflect criticism, or as a "prop" is without basis in criticizing Lavin, and says even less about Keady insofar as accepting a paycheck for nothing. The reality is Lavin left money on the table in his SJU negotiation so that he could fill a staff with talented assistants with above grade pay. I you want to disparage Lavin as a subpar game situation coach, I may agree subjectively, but the rest of the crap heaped on him is pure garbage.

I understand your point, he does seem to have a knack for maintaining rapport with players even through tough times. However, it amazes me that so many fans are perfectly happy to accept that he is a poor basketball coach. You have to admit, Steve Lavin has a powerful charisma (some of us call it kool aid) that seduces fans into unconditional support. I mean some folks are actually discussing assistant coach changes in order to acquire the necessary basketball acumen. Throughout the worst of times, a significant portion of the fan base will tranfer responsibility to assistant coaches, players, and even fans while swiftly defending the head coach. I really do find it to be an interesting dynamic.

There's a certain segment of the posters who have close ties to the coach and staff. Much as there were those same posters for Norm. They will vehemently defend and make excuses to the bitter end.

 

[MJDinkins]

Can we give Jim Whitesell a chance before we count him out. He came in late in the off season last year. We definitely saw improvement as the season progressed. The collapse at the end of the year was due more to player issues than coaching. And I can't believe the disrespect that this fanbase shows toward Hall of Famer Gene Keady. Smh!

SR, Keady doesn't do anything. He's not allowed to do anything. If he were here to contribute anything substantive he would be an assistant coach.
There have been numerous opportunities to get Keady on as a coach and let him work with the players and the rest of the staff, but we've never done that.
Keady is essentially retired, and has a part-time job with SJU. He might as well be an analyst with Minko, because they're paying him to just sit there and do an appearance every once in awhile.

That's meant as no disrespect to GK, it's just that he has the equivalent of a no-show union job right now.

Respectfully, have you ever spent even 5 minutes with the guy? I have a feeling if you did, you wouldn't say anything resembling the reckless statement you just made. The guy is a serious, no nonsense guy, who is enjoying being a voice to Lavin, the rest of the coaching staff, and the players outside of game situations. He writes down little things he sees on the court during games, to go over with Lavin and staff after games. It could be a blown assignment, some bad fundamental, matchups that are working or not working. Damnit, he's a six time national coach of the year who still has all of his marbles, and as we saw this year on occasion, still some fire in his belly. To somehow disparage him, especially since he is taking up no room on the bench for anyone else to replace him, is just plain silly.

I spoke to him briefly at the event at Stout 2 seasons ago, but I can't base an opinion of the guy off of a handshake. But my point is that mine or your opinion of him is irrelevant actually, I think he's a great coach, but he's in a inconsequential position. I'm not disparaging him, just the role he has been given. He can't talk to the players. How can I expect him to have an impact on the team if he can't speak to the players?
But I think this is taking the conversation off track a bit, Simmons is right; Keady obviously isn't the problem. I do think, to some degree, Keady's job with SJU is part of a pattern of Lavin using props and gimmicks to prop the program up while substance suffers. But again, Gene Keady is far from being a problem.
If Keady was here to really help the team, he should be a coach and not Rico Hines or Martin who both had zero coaching experience when they were made assistant coaches. They held front-office jobs and were trainers, but were never coaches involved in game-planning and running practices. If Keady is going to be here, let's use him! Otherwise, I stick to my comment that he's a trophy for Lavin to impress people with.

Hey no disrespect to you, but suggesting that Keady is a prop is a little overboard based on a foregone conclusion that Lavin is a lowlife swindler who will do anything to distract. I spoke to KEady about his hire, and he explained that his wife had died, and he wasn't doing much of anything when Lavin called and asked him to help out. I think the words he used was "as long as Steve wants me here and I think I am being useful then I will stay here." If you look at the evidence of guys who have played here for Lavin - Polee who says he still speaks to Lavin and respects and likes him - Harrison who says he appreciates that Lavin gave him a second chance to redeem himself - the fact that Obekpa was allowed to return after dissing the coach and team - speaks volumes about LAvin as a guy who cares about the kids he's coached and the people he has worked for and with. Keady gave Lavin his first chance and is a well respected guy, so much respected that Lavin isn't merely providing misplaced loyalty. To suggest Lavin is using Keady to deflect criticism, or as a "prop" is without basis in criticizing Lavin, and says even less about Keady insofar as accepting a paycheck for nothing. The reality is Lavin left money on the table in his SJU negotiation so that he could fill a staff with talented assistants with above grade pay. I you want to disparage Lavin as a subpar game situation coach, I may agree subjectively, but the rest of the crap heaped on him is pure garbage.

I understand your point, he does seem to have a knack for maintaining rapport with players even through tough times. However, it amazes me that so many fans are perfectly happy to accept that he is a poor basketball coach. You have to admit, Steve Lavin has a powerful charisma (some of us call it kool aid) that seduces fans into unconditional support. I mean some folks are actually discussing assistant coach changes in order to acquire the necessary basketball acumen. Throughout the worst of times, a significant portion of the fan base will tranfer responsibility to assistant coaches, players, and even fans while swiftly defending the head coach. I really do find it to be an interesting dynamic.

Most of the fans, per my observation, aren't "perfectly happy" with the coach. Many of the fans, whether they support him or not, have stated ad nauseam of his shortcomings. Some folks have chosen to give him another year or two, and not continue to beat a dead horse.

How many fans are actually "transferring responsibility" towards the assistant coaches (other than the fans who want other assistant coaches in place because they continue to harp on Lavin's bench coaching), players, and fans? There could be some folks here or there, but I'm not sure I'd consider it "significant." Lastly, there is a form of responsibility towards the players. Players have to be held some form of accountability. Generally, the blame falls in the lap of the coaches (as, well as it should be for the most part).

 

[JohnnyFan]

Can we give Jim Whitesell a chance before we count him out. He came in late in the off season last year. We definitely saw improvement as the season progressed. The collapse at the end of the year was due more to player issues than coaching. And I can't believe the disrespect that this fanbase shows toward Hall of Famer Gene Keady. Smh!

SR, Keady doesn't do anything. He's not allowed to do anything. If he were here to contribute anything substantive he would be an assistant coach.
There have been numerous opportunities to get Keady on as a coach and let him work with the players and the rest of the staff, but we've never done that.
Keady is essentially retired, and has a part-time job with SJU. He might as well be an analyst with Minko, because they're paying him to just sit there and do an appearance every once in awhile.

That's meant as no disrespect to GK, it's just that he has the equivalent of a no-show union job right now.

Respectfully, have you ever spent even 5 minutes with the guy? I have a feeling if you did, you wouldn't say anything resembling the reckless statement you just made. The guy is a serious, no nonsense guy, who is enjoying being a voice to Lavin, the rest of the coaching staff, and the players outside of game situations. He writes down little things he sees on the court during games, to go over with Lavin and staff after games. It could be a blown assignment, some bad fundamental, matchups that are working or not working. Damnit, he's a six time national coach of the year who still has all of his marbles, and as we saw this year on occasion, still some fire in his belly. To somehow disparage him, especially since he is taking up no room on the bench for anyone else to replace him, is just plain silly.

I spoke to him briefly at the event at Stout 2 seasons ago, but I can't base an opinion of the guy off of a handshake. But my point is that mine or your opinion of him is irrelevant actually, I think he's a great coach, but he's in a inconsequential position. I'm not disparaging him, just the role he has been given. He can't talk to the players. How can I expect him to have an impact on the team if he can't speak to the players?
But I think this is taking the conversation off track a bit, Simmons is right; Keady obviously isn't the problem. I do think, to some degree, Keady's job with SJU is part of a pattern of Lavin using props and gimmicks to prop the program up while substance suffers. But again, Gene Keady is far from being a problem.
If Keady was here to really help the team, he should be a coach and not Rico Hines or Martin who both had zero coaching experience when they were made assistant coaches. They held front-office jobs and were trainers, but were never coaches involved in game-planning and running practices. If Keady is going to be here, let's use him! Otherwise, I stick to my comment that he's a trophy for Lavin to impress people with.

Hey no disrespect to you, but suggesting that Keady is a prop is a little overboard based on a foregone conclusion that Lavin is a lowlife swindler who will do anything to distract. I spoke to KEady about his hire, and he explained that his wife had died, and he wasn't doing much of anything when Lavin called and asked him to help out. I think the words he used was "as long as Steve wants me here and I think I am being useful then I will stay here." If you look at the evidence of guys who have played here for Lavin - Polee who says he still speaks to Lavin and respects and likes him - Harrison who says he appreciates that Lavin gave him a second chance to redeem himself - the fact that Obekpa was allowed to return after dissing the coach and team - speaks volumes about LAvin as a guy who cares about the kids he's coached and the people he has worked for and with. Keady gave Lavin his first chance and is a well respected guy, so much respected that Lavin isn't merely providing misplaced loyalty. To suggest Lavin is using Keady to deflect criticism, or as a "prop" is without basis in criticizing Lavin, and says even less about Keady insofar as accepting a paycheck for nothing. The reality is Lavin left money on the table in his SJU negotiation so that he could fill a staff with talented assistants with above grade pay. I you want to disparage Lavin as a subpar game situation coach, I may agree subjectively, but the rest of the crap heaped on him is pure garbage.

I understand your point, he does seem to have a knack for maintaining rapport with players even through tough times. However, it amazes me that so many fans are perfectly happy to accept that he is a poor basketball coach. You have to admit, Steve Lavin has a powerful charisma (some of us call it kool aid) that seduces fans into unconditional support. I mean some folks are actually discussing assistant coach changes in order to acquire the necessary basketball acumen. Throughout the worst of times, a significant portion of the fan base will tranfer responsibility to assistant coaches, players, and even fans while swiftly defending the head coach. I really do find it to be an interesting dynamic.

There's a certain segment of the posters who have close ties to the coach and staff. Much as there were those same posters for Norm. They will vehemently defend and make excuses to the bitter end.

Thanks, Monte. This makes sense and is helpful to me.

 

[simplyred]

There's a certain segment of the posters who have close ties to the coach and staff. Much as there were those same posters for Norm. They will vehemently defend and make excuses to the bitter end.

Thanks, Monte. This makes sense and is helpful to me.

Really?

 

[MJDinkins]

There's a certain segment of the posters who have close ties to the coach and staff. Much as there were those same posters for Norm. They will vehemently defend and make excuses to the bitter end.

Thanks, Monte. This makes sense and is helpful to me.

Really?

My thought, as well, simplyred.

 

[Jack Williams]

there aren't posters who say Lavins a good coach, there just aren't. Everyone knows his abilities or lack thereof. However, when people say he's a good recruiter, they are correct but that doesn't mean they are Lavin defenders. If people are allowed to call out the flaws of Lav, why can't people point out the good? It's an interesting dynamic that posters are labeled Kool aid drinkers and Lavin defenders/supporters when they point out a single thing he actually does well.

when posters actually look at maybe some of the other flaws of the staff, that doesn't mean they defend Lavin. How does pointing out some of the issues with the rest of the staff equate to someone defending Lavin? Maybe taking attention away from his flaws yes, but haven't his shortcomings been drilled into our heads over and over???

I actually liked this thread a lot because it took a step back from the Lavin bashing and looked at some other flaws in the management of our team. Lavin again, has his flaws and issues as a coach, but we are allowed to discuss the rest of the staff and their flaws as well. And that doesn't make anyone a Lavin defender.

 

[monte]

there aren't posters who say Lavins a good coach, there just aren't. Everyone knows his abilities or lack thereof. However, when people say he's a good recruiter, they are correct but that doesn't mean they are Lavin defenders. If people are allowed to call out the flaws of Lav, why can't people point out the good? It's an interesting dynamic that posters are labeled Kool aid drinkers and Lavin defenders/supporters when they point out a single thing he actually does well.

when posters actually look at maybe some of the other flaws of the staff, that doesn't mean they defend Lavin. How does pointing out some of the issues with the rest of the staff equate to someone defending Lavin? Maybe taking attention away from his flaws yes, but haven't his shortcomings been drilled into our heads over and over???

I actually liked this thread a lot because it took a step back from the Lavin bashing and looked at some other flaws in the management of our team. Lavin again, has his flaws and issues as a coach, but we are allowed to discuss the rest of the staff and their flaws as well. And that doesn't make anyone a Lavin defender.

Jack any thread which discusses the merits/flaws of the staff is ultimately going to come back to Lavin since he is the one responsible for their hiring and supervision. And you know what happens when a thread reverts back to Lavin.

 

[Knight2]

What do we know about Whitesell? Resume?

 

[redfazed]

What do we know about Whitesell? Resume?

Have you heard of Google?

 

[lawmanfan]

there aren't posters who say Lavins a good coach, there just aren't. Everyone knows his abilities or lack thereof. However, when people say he's a good recruiter, they are correct but that doesn't mean they are Lavin defenders. If people are allowed to call out the flaws of Lav, why can't people point out the good? It's an interesting dynamic that posters are labeled Kool aid drinkers and Lavin defenders/supporters when they point out a single thing he actually does well.

when posters actually look at maybe some of the other flaws of the staff, that doesn't mean they defend Lavin. How does pointing out some of the issues with the rest of the staff equate to someone defending Lavin? Maybe taking attention away from his flaws yes, but haven't his shortcomings been drilled into our heads over and over???

I actually liked this thread a lot because it took a step back from the Lavin bashing and looked at some other flaws in the management of our team. Lavin again, has his flaws and issues as a coach, but we are allowed to discuss the rest of the staff and their flaws as well. And that doesn't make anyone a Lavin defender.

You're not wrong, Jack.

I would say that most people evaluate Lavin as someplace between a B+ and an A as a recruiter, and someplace between a C and a D- as a game coach. There are always a few people who are going to get hysterical when somebody leaves early and put up a post that he's a failure as a recruiter. But overall those posts don't count any more than the ones that overreact and say he's a great coach, just misunderstood, when the team plays a good game.

Possibly the more interesting question - and more consequential to the results on the floor - is what he is as the head of a program. That would include choosing his assistants, creating an identity for the program, recruiting players to fit that identity, developing an offensive and defensive philosophy, and teaching and implementing those philosophies. I think there is a much broader difference of opinion on what grade people would give Coach in that department.