Fire Lavin!

[Section3]

I think this season is excatly what we can expect with Lavin. We will always have good talent, but we won't spend much (or any time ranked). He is not going to get UCLA talent in Queens and is not a good enough coach to win with this talent.

Boy, recruiting and media skills aside, he is a REALLY lousy coach! I think the Lavin era will be no less frustrating than those in recent years.

I am very familiar with the type of responses I will receive......essentially absolving Lavin from all responsibilty and placing it on his players. I will wait patiently, as even you staunch Lavin supporters will grow tired of the incompetency after a few years.

By the way, the first time (in 2015) that he says we are the youngest team in America, I am going to throw up. We will be because he recruited just one player and lost him to a conference rival (yes, yes, I know this wasn't his fault). The Almighty Slick Steve will spin this too.

13-26 from the free throw line....blame lavin

When free throw shooting has been a bugaboo for Lavin's teams during his entire tenure, yes he does deserve blame for that.

BS...you want to lay the lack of urgency for 32 minutes on him or playing a small lineup against a big team, fine...he isnt responsible for 13-26...get real

 

[beast of the east]

This doesn't really belong here, but if I place it on the game threads it will be lost. On my way in, I overheard a ticket holder asking at the gate how he could get to see his brother who is coaching one of the teams. I had my ticket scanned at exactly the same time, so as I stepped in and he seemed lost, I told him I overheard him say his brother was a coach. He was friendly, and said his brother coaches St. John's and is Steve Lavin. He couldn't have possibly been more normal, a regular guy, no pretenses. I immediately offered my condolences for his dad passing away, and he was appreciative, and said, "you know, my dad played at Madison Square Garden". I said "That's terrific, I know your dad was one of the best players ever in the Bay area." He was visiting for the week, and lives in the bay area himself. Not a silver tongue, just a regular good time. I mentioned what a huge game it was, and he said, "Don't worry, I packed 3 wins with me." I said I'd take two, save one for the NCAA tournament. He smiled and said, don't worry, I have about 9 in total. I helped him find his gate as we went up the escalators, and wished him a good trip to NYC.

Look, right now we want to crap on Steve as a silver tongued manipulator who will say anything that he thinks is the right thing to say. I can't dispute or change anyone who has that opinion (my karma has taken a -35 hit in the past 2 weeks because I responded to the irrational -- as if I care anyway). But I can say, even if family members raised in the same household can be very different, Steve's brother John came across as a really good, really regular guy. Unfortunately, it was the highlight of my day at MSG.

Have a good offseason guys. I'm not one to cry in my beer, so I passed on Stouts. Thanks to all of you who I've gotten to know better during the course of this season. So many good guys on here, and I'm rather fortunate to know a good number of you.

Once shared a luxury box in Boston with Whitey Bulger's brother, Bill, then Provost at UMass. To think they shared the same room. You know I am just kidding.

Father Louis Gigante , and Vinny the Chin.

 

[jumbo_peanuts]

I think this season is excatly what we can expect with Lavin. We will always have good talent, but we won't spend much (or any time ranked). He is not going to get UCLA talent in Queens and is not a good enough coach to win with this talent.

Boy, recruiting and media skills aside, he is a REALLY lousy coach! I think the Lavin era will be no less frustrating than those in recent years.

I am very familiar with the type of responses I will receive......essentially absolving Lavin from all responsibilty and placing it on his players. I will wait patiently, as even you staunch Lavin supporters will grow tired of the incompetency after a few years.

By the way, the first time (in 2015) that he says we are the youngest team in America, I am going to throw up. We will be because he recruited just one player and lost him to a conference rival (yes, yes, I know this wasn't his fault). The Almighty Slick Steve will spin this too.

13-26 from the free throw line....blame lavin

When free throw shooting has been a bugaboo for Lavin's teams during his entire tenure, yes he does deserve blame for that.

Free throw shooting is all mental and repetition. And thats something that comes in the offseason. What do you want Lavin to do? Force them to take 500 free throws a day?

 

[STJ11Redmen]

Free throw shooting is all mental and repetition. And thats something that comes in the offseason. What do you want Lavin to do? Force them to take 500 free throws a day?

Yes.

 

[STJ11Redmen]

I think this season is excatly what we can expect with Lavin. We will always have good talent, but we won't spend much (or any time ranked). He is not going to get UCLA talent in Queens and is not a good enough coach to win with this talent.

Boy, recruiting and media skills aside, he is a REALLY lousy coach! I think the Lavin era will be no less frustrating than those in recent years.

I am very familiar with the type of responses I will receive......essentially absolving Lavin from all responsibilty and placing it on his players. I will wait patiently, as even you staunch Lavin supporters will grow tired of the incompetency after a few years.

By the way, the first time (in 2015) that he says we are the youngest team in America, I am going to throw up. We will be because he recruited just one player and lost him to a conference rival (yes, yes, I know this wasn't his fault). The Almighty Slick Steve will spin this too.

13-26 from the free throw line....blame lavin

When free throw shooting has been a bugaboo for Lavin's teams during his entire tenure, yes he does deserve blame for that.

BS...you want to lay the lack of urgency for 32 minutes on him or playing a small lineup against a big team, fine...he isnt responsible for 13-26...get real

He recruited players incapable of making free throws. Every fault of this team lies squarely on Lavin's shoulders. That's the nature of college sports, the coach is responsible for everything.

 

[beast of the east]

I think this season is excatly what we can expect with Lavin. We will always have good talent, but we won't spend much (or any time ranked). He is not going to get UCLA talent in Queens and is not a good enough coach to win with this talent.

Boy, recruiting and media skills aside, he is a REALLY lousy coach! I think the Lavin era will be no less frustrating than those in recent years.

I am very familiar with the type of responses I will receive......essentially absolving Lavin from all responsibilty and placing it on his players. I will wait patiently, as even you staunch Lavin supporters will grow tired of the incompetency after a few years.

By the way, the first time (in 2015) that he says we are the youngest team in America, I am going to throw up. We will be because he recruited just one player and lost him to a conference rival (yes, yes, I know this wasn't his fault). The Almighty Slick Steve will spin this too.

13-26 from the free throw line....blame lavin

When free throw shooting has been a bugaboo for Lavin's teams during his entire tenure, yes he does deserve blame for that.

BS...you want to lay the lack of urgency for 32 minutes on him or playing a small lineup against a big team, fine...he isnt responsible for 13-26...get real

He recruited players incapable of making free throws. Every fault of this team lies squarely on Lavin's shoulders. That's the nature of college sports, the coach is responsible for everything.

Is it Lavin's fault the Harrison got his huge three point shot attempt blocked? Curious to hear your response.

 

[STJ11Redmen]

I think this season is excatly what we can expect with Lavin. We will always have good talent, but we won't spend much (or any time ranked). He is not going to get UCLA talent in Queens and is not a good enough coach to win with this talent.

Boy, recruiting and media skills aside, he is a REALLY lousy coach! I think the Lavin era will be no less frustrating than those in recent years.

I am very familiar with the type of responses I will receive......essentially absolving Lavin from all responsibilty and placing it on his players. I will wait patiently, as even you staunch Lavin supporters will grow tired of the incompetency after a few years.

By the way, the first time (in 2015) that he says we are the youngest team in America, I am going to throw up. We will be because he recruited just one player and lost him to a conference rival (yes, yes, I know this wasn't his fault). The Almighty Slick Steve will spin this too.

13-26 from the free throw line....blame lavin

When free throw shooting has been a bugaboo for Lavin's teams during his entire tenure, yes he does deserve blame for that.

BS...you want to lay the lack of urgency for 32 minutes on him or playing a small lineup against a big team, fine...he isnt responsible for 13-26...get real

He recruited players incapable of making free throws. Every fault of this team lies squarely on Lavin's shoulders. That's the nature of college sports, the coach is responsible for everything.

Is it Lavin's fault the Harrison got his huge three point shot attempt blocked? Curious to hear your response.

No, but it is his fault that we were in a position where making a 3 pointer in the Big East Quarterfinals was necessary to make the tournament with a veteran team of former high profile recruits.

 

[beast of the east]

I think this season is excatly what we can expect with Lavin. We will always have good talent, but we won't spend much (or any time ranked). He is not going to get UCLA talent in Queens and is not a good enough coach to win with this talent.

Boy, recruiting and media skills aside, he is a REALLY lousy coach! I think the Lavin era will be no less frustrating than those in recent years.

I am very familiar with the type of responses I will receive......essentially absolving Lavin from all responsibilty and placing it on his players. I will wait patiently, as even you staunch Lavin supporters will grow tired of the incompetency after a few years.

By the way, the first time (in 2015) that he says we are the youngest team in America, I am going to throw up. We will be because he recruited just one player and lost him to a conference rival (yes, yes, I know this wasn't his fault). The Almighty Slick Steve will spin this too.

13-26 from the free throw line....blame lavin

When free throw shooting has been a bugaboo for Lavin's teams during his entire tenure, yes he does deserve blame for that.

BS...you want to lay the lack of urgency for 32 minutes on him or playing a small lineup against a big team, fine...he isnt responsible for 13-26...get real

He recruited players incapable of making free throws. Every fault of this team lies squarely on Lavin's shoulders. That's the nature of college sports, the coach is responsible for everything.

Is it Lavin's fault the Harrison got his huge three point shot attempt blocked? Curious to hear your response.

No, but it is his fault that we were in a position where making a 3 pointer in the Big East Quarterfinals was necessary to make the tournament with a veteran team of former high profile recruits.

So using your logic, is it Lavin's fault that we missed free throws, or his fault that he put us in a position of having to make them?

 

[mullin20]

Missing 50% of your FT at the Div 1 college level isn't a coaches fault.. You guys are lost on that one...

 

[ipd200]

Who's fault is it that we didn't improve over the last year? We were 16-15 after we lost last year in the 1st round of the BET. That is with Harrison not playing 5 games. We add Jordan and Sanchez, a weaker schedule, and we win 4 more games - and fans think we should extend his contract through 2020? Besides big recruiting what has he really accomplished?

 

[STJ11Redmen]

I think this season is excatly what we can expect with Lavin. We will always have good talent, but we won't spend much (or any time ranked). He is not going to get UCLA talent in Queens and is not a good enough coach to win with this talent.

Boy, recruiting and media skills aside, he is a REALLY lousy coach! I think the Lavin era will be no less frustrating than those in recent years.

I am very familiar with the type of responses I will receive......essentially absolving Lavin from all responsibilty and placing it on his players. I will wait patiently, as even you staunch Lavin supporters will grow tired of the incompetency after a few years.

By the way, the first time (in 2015) that he says we are the youngest team in America, I am going to throw up. We will be because he recruited just one player and lost him to a conference rival (yes, yes, I know this wasn't his fault). The Almighty Slick Steve will spin this too.

13-26 from the free throw line....blame lavin

When free throw shooting has been a bugaboo for Lavin's teams during his entire tenure, yes he does deserve blame for that.

BS...you want to lay the lack of urgency for 32 minutes on him or playing a small lineup against a big team, fine...he isnt responsible for 13-26...get real

He recruited players incapable of making free throws. Every fault of this team lies squarely on Lavin's shoulders. That's the nature of college sports, the coach is responsible for everything.

Is it Lavin's fault the Harrison got his huge three point shot attempt blocked? Curious to hear your response.

No, but it is his fault that we were in a position where making a 3 pointer in the Big East Quarterfinals was necessary to make the tournament with a veteran team of former high profile recruits.

So using your logic, is it Lavin's fault that we missed free throws, or his fault that he put us in a position of having to make them?

Both. My point is that everything about this team has Steve Lavin's fingerprints on it. He is the GM and the Head Coach. The team isn't making the NCAA tournament and that's a major issue with a veteran team like this. We are a below average free throw shooting team and that has cost us wins and possible a tournament bid this year. We also have numerous other flaws that have cost us games, all of which Lavin is responsible for one way or the other. I don't know if firing him is the right move but I'm sick of his quotes saying our resume is deserving of a bid and that it's in the committee's hands. I just want the guy to take responsibility for his failures for once.

 

[beast of the east]

I think this season is excatly what we can expect with Lavin. We will always have good talent, but we won't spend much (or any time ranked). He is not going to get UCLA talent in Queens and is not a good enough coach to win with this talent.

Boy, recruiting and media skills aside, he is a REALLY lousy coach! I think the Lavin era will be no less frustrating than those in recent years.

I am very familiar with the type of responses I will receive......essentially absolving Lavin from all responsibilty and placing it on his players. I will wait patiently, as even you staunch Lavin supporters will grow tired of the incompetency after a few years.

By the way, the first time (in 2015) that he says we are the youngest team in America, I am going to throw up. We will be because he recruited just one player and lost him to a conference rival (yes, yes, I know this wasn't his fault). The Almighty Slick Steve will spin this too.

13-26 from the free throw line....blame lavin

When free throw shooting has been a bugaboo for Lavin's teams during his entire tenure, yes he does deserve blame for that.

BS...you want to lay the lack of urgency for 32 minutes on him or playing a small lineup against a big team, fine...he isnt responsible for 13-26...get real

He recruited players incapable of making free throws. Every fault of this team lies squarely on Lavin's shoulders. That's the nature of college sports, the coach is responsible for everything.

Is it Lavin's fault the Harrison got his huge three point shot attempt blocked? Curious to hear your response.

No, but it is his fault that we were in a position where making a 3 pointer in the Big East Quarterfinals was necessary to make the tournament with a veteran team of former high profile recruits.

So using your logic, is it Lavin's fault that we missed free throws, or his fault that he put us in a position of having to make them?

Both. My point is that everything about this team has Steve Lavin's fingerprints on it. He is the GM and the Head Coach. The team isn't making the NCAA tournament and that's a major issue with a veteran team like this. We are a below average free throw shooting team and that has cost us wins and possible a tournament bid this year. We also have numerous other flaws that have cost us games, all of which Lavin is responsible for one way or the other. I don't know if firing him is the right move but I'm sick of his quotes saying our resume is deserving of a bid and that it's in the committee's hands. I just want the guy to take responsibility for his failures for once.

Ultimately a coach is going to be hired or fired based on whether he wins. Coach K doesn't make $6 million or whatever ridiculous salary he makes because he is a nice guy. Billy Donovan win two championships and can name his price. Same as Pitino. So you are right that Lavin will be judged on winning or losing, but on a game to game basis, he isnt responsible for Dlo making the huge 3 vs. Marquette, nor is he responsible for COs 3 quick fouls, Pointer's garbage play, bad free throw shooting, or Sampson's failure to complete a potentially game changing layup.

 

[ipd200]

If we make the NCAAs Lavin gets all the credit because he recruited these players and he coaches them. If we don't make the tourney the blame lies squarely with him.
I don't blame Lavin for missed free throws but when you recruit Gods Gift and you play him and he misses a free throw then yes, the coach can be held accountable for that. But that is splitting hairs to me.
I think the frustration lies with the season as a whole, and the blame is on the coach for that. I still hold out hope for a bid.

It's just disheartening. I'm 40 years old. How long do I keep my hope up. Every year I'm hopeful and every year total disappointment. I should of watched today's game in a sound proof padded room.

 

[STJ11Redmen]

I think this season is excatly what we can expect with Lavin. We will always have good talent, but we won't spend much (or any time ranked). He is not going to get UCLA talent in Queens and is not a good enough coach to win with this talent.

Boy, recruiting and media skills aside, he is a REALLY lousy coach! I think the Lavin era will be no less frustrating than those in recent years.

I am very familiar with the type of responses I will receive......essentially absolving Lavin from all responsibilty and placing it on his players. I will wait patiently, as even you staunch Lavin supporters will grow tired of the incompetency after a few years.

By the way, the first time (in 2015) that he says we are the youngest team in America, I am going to throw up. We will be because he recruited just one player and lost him to a conference rival (yes, yes, I know this wasn't his fault). The Almighty Slick Steve will spin this too.

13-26 from the free throw line....blame lavin

When free throw shooting has been a bugaboo for Lavin's teams during his entire tenure, yes he does deserve blame for that.

BS...you want to lay the lack of urgency for 32 minutes on him or playing a small lineup against a big team, fine...he isnt responsible for 13-26...get real

He recruited players incapable of making free throws. Every fault of this team lies squarely on Lavin's shoulders. That's the nature of college sports, the coach is responsible for everything.

Is it Lavin's fault the Harrison got his huge three point shot attempt blocked? Curious to hear your response.

No, but it is his fault that we were in a position where making a 3 pointer in the Big East Quarterfinals was necessary to make the tournament with a veteran team of former high profile recruits.

So using your logic, is it Lavin's fault that we missed free throws, or his fault that he put us in a position of having to make them?

Both. My point is that everything about this team has Steve Lavin's fingerprints on it. He is the GM and the Head Coach. The team isn't making the NCAA tournament and that's a major issue with a veteran team like this. We are a below average free throw shooting team and that has cost us wins and possible a tournament bid this year. We also have numerous other flaws that have cost us games, all of which Lavin is responsible for one way or the other. I don't know if firing him is the right move but I'm sick of his quotes saying our resume is deserving of a bid and that it's in the committee's hands. I just want the guy to take responsibility for his failures for once.

Ultimately a coach is going to be hired or fired based on whether he wins. Coach K doesn't make $6 million or whatever ridiculous salary he makes because he is a nice guy. Billy Donovan win two championships and can name his price. Same as Pitino. So you are right that Lavin will be judged on winning or losing, but on a game to game basis, he isnt responsible for Dlo making the huge 3 vs. Marquette, nor is he responsible for COs 3 quick fouls, Pointer's garbage play, bad free throw shooting, or Sampson's failure to complete a potentially game changing layup.

He is responsible for bad free throw shooting when we have consistently been a poor free throw shooting team for his entire tenure. It's a major facet of the game and a reflection on the lack of overall refined skill players that the guy has recruited during his time here. If we were ranked 340th in the country in FT % but were 15th in the AP Poll like UNC is I wouldn't care as much. If we shot 75% as a team for the season and shot 50% one game I wouldn't care as much.

 

[mjmaherjr]

I

It's just disheartening. I'm 40 years old. How long do I keep my hope up. .

how many years did Moses wander the desert ? I think you have another 40 years

 

[1and1sju]

It's been complained about ad nauseam, but the title of this thread is indeed appropriate.
I don't think Steve Lavin should return as coach of SJU next season. He will, of course. But the program will be better off if he leaves sooner rather than later.

WIth that said, I don't have a problem with Steve Lavin the man. He seems to truly care about his players, and that is admirable. He doesn't embarrass the school, he doesn't (to my knowledge) cheat... all in all, he seems like a generally respectable human being.
But his job is to lead the basketball program, and I think the school would be better served with someone else in that position.

 

[JohnnyFan]

I would love to hear from the many individuals who posted that they were waiting until the end of the season to cast judgment on Lavin.

We didn't make the dance.......what is your judgment?

 

[paultzman]

This doesn't really belong here, but if I place it on the game threads it will be lost. On my way in, I overheard a ticket holder asking at the gate how he could get to see his brother who is coaching one of the teams. I had my ticket scanned at exactly the same time, so as I stepped in and he seemed lost, I told him I overheard him say his brother was a coach. He was friendly, and said his brother coaches St. John's and is Steve Lavin. He couldn't have possibly been more normal, a regular guy, no pretenses. I immediately offered my condolences for his dad passing away, and he was appreciative, and said, "you know, my dad played at Madison Square Garden". I said "That's terrific, I know your dad was one of the best players ever in the Bay area." He was visiting for the week, and lives in the bay area himself. Not a silver tongue, just a regular good time. I mentioned what a huge game it was, and he said, "Don't worry, I packed 3 wins with me." I said I'd take two, save one for the NCAA tournament. He smiled and said, don't worry, I have about 9 in total. I helped him find his gate as we went up the escalators, and wished him a good trip to NYC.

Look, right now we want to crap on Steve as a silver tongued manipulator who will say anything that he thinks is the right thing to say. I can't dispute or change anyone who has that opinion (my karma has taken a -35 hit in the past 2 weeks because I responded to the irrational -- as if I care anyway). But I can say, even if family members raised in the same household can be very different, Steve's brother John came across as a really good, really regular guy. Unfortunately, it was the highlight of my day at MSG.

Have a good offseason guys. I'm not one to cry in my beer, so I passed on Stouts. Thanks to all of you who I've gotten to know better during the course of this season. So many good guys on here, and I'm rather fortunate to know a good number of you.

Once shared a luxury box in Boston with Whitey Bulger's brother, Bill, then Provost at UMass. To think they shared the same room. You know I am just kidding.

Father Louis Gigante , and Vinny the Chin.

Ha, perfect.

 

[mjmaherjr]

I would love to hear from the many individuals who posted that they were waiting until the end of the season to cast judgment on Lavin.

We didn't make the dance.......what is you judgment?

I didn't call for his firing on this site but no doubt about it this season is an Epic Fail

 

[JohnnyFan]

It's been complained about ad nauseam, but the title of this thread is indeed appropriate.
I don't think Steve Lavin should return as coach of SJU next season. He will, of course. But the program will be better off if he leaves sooner rather than later.

WIth that said, I don't have a problem with Steve Lavin the man. He seems to truly care about his players, and that is admirable. He doesn't embarrass the school, he doesn't (to my knowledge) cheat... all in all, he seems like a generally respectable human being.
But his job is to lead the basketball program, and I think the school would be better served with someone else in that position.

Absolutely. There is a ceiling on the amount of success we can have with Lavin. He just has some very serious coaching deficiencies. This has repetitive frustration written all over it. Let's thank him for his professionalism and move in a different direction.