Frank Allocco - De La Salle High CA

[jhansonbro17]

A majority of us in here sound like a majority of the Charlotte Bobcats fans when they hired Dunlap. None of them knew who he was, didn't think he was qualified for the job, etc., while all of us talked about what a great basketball mind he is and what a great hire it would be for the Bobcats. I'm gonna trust Lavin on this one and just assume that we'll all be pleasantly surprised (also assuming he even takes the job), just like the Bobcats fans will be with Dunlap.

 

[JackofVirginia]

 Did Carnesecca join Lapchick staff as top assistant or did he work his way up?

 

He was next in charge, in fact while I was coaching a high school team we practiced after St.John's at the Flushing Armory. Louie ran their practice while Lapchick sat on the sideline.

 

[redken]

I'm wondering how this hiring, which looks like it's inevitable, will affect our defensive strategy. Will we still go pretty much strictly zone like we've done in the past two years? Will Allocco bring something new to the defensive end, or was the zone strictly a Lavin preference and somethinbg we'll continue to adhere to? 

 

[1and1sju]

I trust Lavin, and I've said I'm going to reserve a "wait and see" approach to this hiring. (If it in fact happens).
Lavin's been right enough in his first 3 years, so for me he's earned the right to make some out of the box decisions.

With that said, I think some people are misunderstanding the criticism or apprehension about this hire.
It's not that this kind of hire can't work out... it's just that the odds are better going with a proven commodity.

Can you take a reliever out of the pen who's never started and name him you're 5th starter? Sure. But the more relaible option is someone who's been a starter before.

Can you hire a contractor who just opened his own business to renovate your house? Yea. And it may turn out beautiful, he may have great ideas. But if he's always worked on someone else's crew.. the safer, more predictable choice is to choose a contractor who's overseen this type of work before.

That's all. I just think several posters are making the same point - it's not that this can't work out. They're just pointing out that this isn't the safest most predictable choice. Which is fine. It'll probably turn out well. But... if for some reason it doesn't ... you can't say Lav has made all the right choices. Because the safe choice here is to hire an assistant at the D-1 level.

 

[rawdognyc]

I trust Lavin, and I've said I'm going to reserve a "wait and see" approach to this hiring. (If it in fact happens).
Lavin's been right enough in his first 3 years, so for me he's earned the right to make some out of the box decisions.

With that said, I think some people are misunderstanding the criticism or apprehension about this hire.
It's not that this kind of hire can't work out... it's just that the odds are better going with a proven commodity.

Can you take a reliever out of the pen who's never started and name him you're 5th starter? Sure. But the more relaible option is someone who's been a starter before.

Can you hire a contractor who just opened his own business to renovate your house? Yea. And it may turn out beautiful, he may have great ideas. But if he's always worked on someone else's crew.. the safer, more predictable choice is to choose a contractor who's overseen this type of work before.

That's all. I just think several posters are making the same point - it's not that this can't work out. They're just pointing out that this isn't the safest most predictable choice. Which is fine. It'll probably turn out well. But... if for some reason it doesn't ... you can't say Lav has made all the right choices. Because the safe choice here is to hire an assistant at the D-1 level.

 

So what's your take on Dunlap getting hired by the bobcats? With your logic, it's probably a bad choice since he's never been a head coach above D2.. 

 

[1and1sju]

I trust Lavin, and I've said I'm going to reserve a "wait and see" approach to this hiring. (If it in fact happens).
Lavin's been right enough in his first 3 years, so for me he's earned the right to make some out of the box decisions.

With that said, I think some people are misunderstanding the criticism or apprehension about this hire.
It's not that this kind of hire can't work out... it's just that the odds are better going with a proven commodity.

Can you take a reliever out of the pen who's never started and name him you're 5th starter? Sure. But the more relaible option is someone who's been a starter before.

Can you hire a contractor who just opened his own business to renovate your house? Yea. And it may turn out beautiful, he may have great ideas. But if he's always worked on someone else's crew.. the safer, more predictable choice is to choose a contractor who's overseen this type of work before.

That's all. I just think several posters are making the same point - it's not that this can't work out. They're just pointing out that this isn't the safest most predictable choice. Which is fine. It'll probably turn out well. But... if for some reason it doesn't ... you can't say Lav has made all the right choices. Because the safe choice here is to hire an assistant at the D-1 level.

 

So what's your take on Dunlap getting hired by the bobcats? With your logic, it's probably a bad choice since he's never been a head coach above D2.. 

 

Bad choice? No. But is it as safe as hiring Jerry Sloan or Nate Mcmillan? No.
And, truth be told, we don't know that Dunlap is going to succeed in the NBA. But no I don't have a problem with the Bobcats choice.. or if we hire Allocco.
All I'm pointing out is that you can't say this is undisputedly a great pick. Because from a percentages or risk-aversion perspective .. you select a guy who has performed well at the same position at same level.

Doesn't mean this isn't a good hire, or that Lavin hasn't earned the right to take a flyer on someone who he feels will be good. It could be, and he has. But some of the concerns have a very real basis. That is all.

 

[Sleek718]

sheeeeeesh. tough crowd.

as far as I am concerned, Lavs can't do any wrong at this point.

i defer to him.

see his wife? see his recruits? see his hair? i mean, c'mon y'all!  

 

[MCNPA]

I trust Lavin, and I've said I'm going to reserve a "wait and see" approach to this hiring. (If it in fact happens).
Lavin's been right enough in his first 3 years, so for me he's earned the right to make some out of the box decisions.

With that said, I think some people are misunderstanding the criticism or apprehension about this hire.
It's not that this kind of hire can't work out... it's just that the odds are better going with a proven commodity.

Can you take a reliever out of the pen who's never started and name him you're 5th starter? Sure. But the more relaible option is someone who's been a starter before.

Can you hire a contractor who just opened his own business to renovate your house? Yea. And it may turn out beautiful, he may have great ideas. But if he's always worked on someone else's crew.. the safer, more predictable choice is to choose a contractor who's overseen this type of work before.

That's all. I just think several posters are making the same point - it's not that this can't work out. They're just pointing out that this isn't the safest most predictable choice. Which is fine. It'll probably turn out well. But... if for some reason it doesn't ... you can't say Lav has made all the right choices. Because the safe choice here is to hire an assistant at the D-1 level.

 

So what's your take on Dunlap getting hired by the bobcats? With your logic, it's probably a bad choice since he's never been a head coach above D2.. 

 

Bad choice? No. But is it as safe as hiring Jerry Sloan or Nate Mcmillan? No.
And, truth be told, we don't know that Dunlap is going to succeed in the NBA. But no I don't have a problem with the Bobcats choice.. or if we hire Allocco.
All I'm pointing out is that you can't say this is undisputedly a great pick. Because from a percentages or risk-aversion perspective .. you select a guy who has performed well at the same position at same level.

Doesn't mean this isn't a good hire, or that Lavin hasn't earned the right to take a flyer on someone who he feels will be good. It could be, and he has. But some of the concerns have a very real basis. That is all.

 

There is very little "risk" involved when hiring an assistant coach with a ton of basketball experience regardless. The risk is mostly in the hiring of a head coach for the program. The Head coach is ultimately the one who sells the fans, recruits and organizes his team. Allocco seems to be a well-respected tactician. Let's face it, Lavin has been in this business for quite a while and knows about Allocco's qualifications far better than any of us. When it comes to basketball tactics, the "level" you've coached at means little. The game is the same. If Lavin feels like Allocco is such a great tactician as to have been wanting him on the staff since he got here, there's probably a reason. I still don't feel there is a lot of inherent "risk" involved in this hire though. Lavs wants a tactician and motivator who can help game-plan. Seems like Allocco's specialty.

 

[bobre45]

I trust Lavin, and I've said I'm going to reserve a "wait and see" approach to this hiring. (If it in fact happens).
Lavin's been right enough in his first 3 years, so for me he's earned the right to make some out of the box decisions.

With that said, I think some people are misunderstanding the criticism or apprehension about this hire.
It's not that this kind of hire can't work out... it's just that the odds are better going with a proven commodity.

Can you take a reliever out of the pen who's never started and name him you're 5th starter? Sure. But the more relaible option is someone who's been a starter before.

Can you hire a contractor who just opened his own business to renovate your house? Yea. And it may turn out beautiful, he may have great ideas. But if he's always worked on someone else's crew.. the safer, more predictable choice is to choose a contractor who's overseen this type of work before.

That's all. I just think several posters are making the same point - it's not that this can't work out. They're just pointing out that this isn't the safest most predictable choice. Which is fine. It'll probably turn out well. But... if for some reason it doesn't ... you can't say Lav has made all the right choices. Because the safe choice here is to hire an assistant at the D-1 level.

 

So what's your take on Dunlap getting hired by the bobcats? With your logic, it's probably a bad choice since he's never been a head coach above D2.. 

 

Bad choice? No. But is it as safe as hiring Jerry Sloan or Nate Mcmillan? No.
And, truth be told, we don't know that Dunlap is going to succeed in the NBA. But no I don't have a problem with the Bobcats choice.. or if we hire Allocco.
All I'm pointing out is that you can't say this is undisputedly a great pick. Because from a percentages or risk-aversion perspective .. you select a guy who has performed well at the same position at same level.

Doesn't mean this isn't a good hire, or that Lavin hasn't earned the right to take a flyer on someone who he feels will be good. It could be, and he has. But some of the concerns have a very real basis. That is all.

 

There is very little "risk" involved when hiring an assistant coach with a ton of basketball experience regardless. The risk is mostly in the hiring of a head coach for the program. The Head coach is ultimately the one who sells the fans, recruits and organizes his team. Allocco seems to be a well-respected tactician. Let's face it, Lavin has been in this business for quite a while and knows about Allocco's qualifications far better than any of us. When it comes to basketball tactics, the "level" you've coached at means little. The game is the same. If Lavin feels like Allocco is such a great tactician as to have been wanting him on the staff since he got here, there's probably a reason. I still don't feel there is a lot of inherent "risk" involved in this hire though. Lavs wants a tactician and motivator who can help game-plan. Seems like Allocco's specialty.

 

I think all the risk is at Lavin's level. As long as he stays everything is cool. If he goes for any reason we're probably stuck with a clean slate, ground up rebuild. Sound familiar at all? If we have the years I'm expecting the NBA for one is going to be throwing money at him and that's only one possibility. All I'm saying is that succession is a big deal here and the guy writing his checks should have a say.

 

[johnsliva]

I'm wondering how this hiring, which looks like it's inevitable, will affect our defensive strategy. Will we still go pretty much strictly zone like we've done in the past two years? Will Allocco bring something new to the defensive end, or was the zone strictly a Lavin preference and somethinbg we'll continue to adhere to? 

 

I think our adherance to zone over the last 2 yeasrs had to do more with personell and situation rather than prefferance. When you are only playing 7 it hard to run a hard pressing man defense. 2 years ago we just didn't have the athletes to play a good pressing man. Let's see what the new year brings when we have the bodies to paly what the situation calls for.

 

[maineqb]

 The ground up rebuild falls at the feet of Father Harrington for signing off on a guy who simply never should have been here.

The plan should always be the same when a coach leaves a top tier program. Go throw as much money as needed at the best guy, and get him. It was done 2 yrs ago here after a decade of embarrasment. It is much easier when coach leaves after being succesful.

re: Frank Allocco. Its the same strategy. Go get the best lead assistant that fits our head guy. Allocco is one of the most elite basketball minds in America. A guy that pro, college and HS coaches lean on for guidance. Somebody that prepares well, commands at practice and is great with recruits parents or parent.

 

[Section9]

I'm wondering how this hiring, which looks like it's inevitable, will affect our defensive strategy. Will we still go pretty much strictly zone like we've done in the past two years? Will Allocco bring something new to the defensive end, or was the zone strictly a Lavin preference and somethinbg we'll continue to adhere to? 

 

I think our adherance to zone over the last 2 yeasrs had to do more with personell and situation rather than prefferance. When you are only playing 7 it hard to run a hard pressing man defense. 2 years ago we just didn't have the athletes to play a good pressing man. Let's see what the new year brings when we have the bodies to paly what the situation calls for.

 

Playing zone and zone pressing is Lavin's preferred MO, he likes a fast paced game. It is obviously Dunlap's choice as well and one of the primary reasons he was hired. Don't expect to see many changes this year except different wrinkles the new Asst. Coach may bring to the table. You're going to see most teams use a zone press/trap rather than man to man press and we've got the athletes and depth to use it with a vengance this coming season.

 

[usguard]

I'm wondering how this hiring, which looks like it's inevitable, will affect our defensive strategy. Will we still go pretty much strictly zone like we've done in the past two years? Will Allocco bring something new to the defensive end, or was the zone strictly a Lavin preference and somethinbg we'll continue to adhere to? 

 

I think our adherance to zone over the last 2 yeasrs had to do more with personell and situation rather than prefferance. When you are only playing 7 it hard to run a hard pressing man defense. 2 years ago we just didn't have the athletes to play a good pressing man. Let's see what the new year brings when we have the bodies to paly what the situation calls for.

 

Playing zone and zone pressing is Lavin's preferred MO, he likes a fast paced game. It is obviously Dunlap's choice as well and one of the primary reasons he was hired. Don't expect to see many changes this year except different wrinkles the new Asst. Coach may bring to the table. You're going to see most teams use a zone press/trap rather than man to man press and we've got the athletes and depth to use it with a vengance this coming season.

 

Amen brother

 

[crgreen]

I'm wondering how this hiring, which looks like it's inevitable, will affect our defensive strategy. Will we still go pretty much strictly zone like we've done in the past two years? Will Allocco bring something new to the defensive end, or was the zone strictly a Lavin preference and somethinbg we'll continue to adhere to? 

 

I think our adherance to zone over the last 2 yeasrs had to do more with personell and situation rather than prefferance. When you are only playing 7 it hard to run a hard pressing man defense. 2 years ago we just didn't have the athletes to play a good pressing man. Let's see what the new year brings when we have the bodies to paly what the situation calls for.

 

Playing zone and zone pressing is Lavin's preferred MO, he likes a fast paced game. It is obviously Dunlap's choice as well and one of the primary reasons he was hired. Don't expect to see many changes this year except different wrinkles the new Asst. Coach may bring to the table. You're going to see most teams use a zone press/trap rather than man to man press and we've got the athletes and depth to use it with a vengance this coming season.

 

Agree. Folks should not forget (as his critics selectively have), that while Steve is looking for an Xs and Os assistant, 18 years ago HE was the assistant to Jim Harrick who designed and implemented the defense for the 1995 Bruin squad, per numerous accreditations from Harrick. That was a pretty effective defense - just Corliss Williamson and the rest of the Razorbacks. 32-1, and the National Championship. The team had arguably been STRONGER the year before, with Senior All Conference SG Shon Tarver, and 7'0 junior center George Zidek having a BETTER year than he would have as a Senior - but that team had gone "one and done", losing in the 1st round of the NCAA tourney in 1994. Harrick had Lavin redesign the defense to protect the team as they had to integrate at least 2 freshmen into the top 7 rotation (interestingly, turned out NOT to be the two that were anticipated - omm'A Givens and Kris Johnson were the two highly ranked frosh recruits, but Toby Bailey and JR Henderson were the two that earned minutes - because they had the athleticism and flexibility to be plugged in at multiple positions (for those looking for insights into why Steve goes after the kind of players he does today) and play the kind of switching defense that was employed to take advantage of the speed and athleticism of Tyus Edney, Ed O'Bannon and Charles O'Bannon..... 

 

[usguard]

I'm wondering how this hiring, which looks like it's inevitable, will affect our defensive strategy. Will we still go pretty much strictly zone like we've done in the past two years? Will Allocco bring something new to the defensive end, or was the zone strictly a Lavin preference and somethinbg we'll continue to adhere to? 

 

I think our adherance to zone over the last 2 yeasrs had to do more with personell and situation rather than prefferance. When you are only playing 7 it hard to run a hard pressing man defense. 2 years ago we just didn't have the athletes to play a good pressing man. Let's see what the new year brings when we have the bodies to paly what the situation calls for.

 

Playing zone and zone pressing is Lavin's preferred MO, he likes a fast paced game. It is obviously Dunlap's choice as well and one of the primary reasons he was hired. Don't expect to see many changes this year except different wrinkles the new Asst. Coach may bring to the table. You're going to see most teams use a zone press/trap rather than man to man press and we've got the athletes and depth to use it with a vengance this coming season.

 

Agree. Folks should not forget (as his critics selectively have), that while Steve is looking for an Xs and Os assistant, 18 years ago HE was the assistant to Jim Harrick who designed and implemented the defense for the 1995 Bruin squad, per numerous accreditations from Harrick. That was a pretty effective defense - just Corliss Williamson and the rest of the Razorbacks. 32-1, and the National Championship. The team had arguably been STRONGER the year before, with Senior All Conference SG Shon Tarver, and 7'0 junior center George Zidek having a BETTER year than he would have as a Senior - but that team had gone "one and done", losing in the 1st round of the NCAA tourney in 1994. Harrick had Lavin redesign the defense to protect the team as they had to integrate at least 2 freshmen into the top 7 rotation (interestingly, turned out NOT to be the two that were anticipated - omm'A Givens and Kris Johnson were the two highly ranked frosh recruits, but Toby Bailey and JR Henderson were the two that earned minutes - because they had the athleticism and flexibility to be plugged in at multiple positions (for those looking for insights into why Steve goes after the kind of players he does today) and play the kind of switching defense that was employed to take advantage of the speed and athleticism of Tyus Edney, Ed O'Bannon and Charles O'Bannon..... 

 
y
Good post.
For those looking for a great Asst I feel is not necessary. Great players make great coaches. WE have a staff in place that can do just that win games and move.players to the next level I for one can't wait for the games to be.begin

 

[MJDinkins]

Per Jon Rothstein....

The most highly sought after assistant coaching position in recent memory is close to being filled.

According to multiple sources with knowledge of the situation, St. John’s is expected to hire De La Salle head coach Frank Allocco to replace former assistant Mike Dunlap, who was recently was named head coach of the Charlotte Bobcats. There is no timetable on an official announcement.

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/07...avin-ready-to-begin-next-chapter-at-st-johns/ 

 

[kranmars]

Per Jon Rothstein....

The most highly sought after assistant coaching position in recent memory is close to being filled.

According to multiple sources with knowledge of the situation, St. John’s is expected to hire De La Salle head coach Frank Allocco to replace former assistant Mike Dunlap, who was recently was named head coach of the Charlotte Bobcats. There is no timetable on an official announcement.

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/07...avin-ready-to-begin-next-chapter-at-st-johns/ 

 

When was the last time an assistant coaching spot at SJU was called the "most highly sought after assistant coaching postion in recent memory." It's still very weird to be considered a top destination for coaches and players alike.

Not that I am complaining of course.

 

[ras]

 That qoate is quite a compliment and a testimant to how far Lavin has braught the program and this is just the beginning.

 

[SJUalum98]

Jeff Eisenberg of Yahoo Sports:
De La Salle coach could be good fit on Steve Lavin’s staff at St. John’s

In an effort to reveal how Allocco led football powerhouse De La Salle to 14 straight league championships in basketball, eight section titles and two California Division I state titles, Yahoo! Sports spoke with one of his former players. Santa Clara forward John McArthur, a 2010 graduate of De La Salle, raved about Allocco's motivational skills and ability to squeeze every drop of potential and effort out of his players.
JE: What was your initial reaction when you heard Coach Allocco might be leaving for St. John's? Were you excited? Disappointed?
JM: I was really excited for him. I know he's going to do really well at the next level, or any level he's at. It's not necessarily bittersweet — I'm really happy for him — but De La Salle basketball will never be the same without Coach Frank Allocco.
JE: I know he's had other opportunities to leave. What do you think intrigued him about this one more than most?
JM: New York. He's a big New Jersey guy. He grew up in New Jersey and played there. So him getting the opportunity to be in the Big East and New York, that's one of the things that got him thinking, 'If I'm going to do it, this is the time to do it.'
JE: Describe his strengths as a coach. What are some of the things he does well that have helped him build De La Salle into a perennial power?
JM: He's extremely passionate and he really motivates players to fulfill their full potential as players and as people as well. He cares so much about you that you don't have any option but to play hard for him. He's giving you everything he has, so you feel obligated to do the same for him. He knows how to communicate toward different players and exactly what they need. If he needs to call somebody out and say they're soft, he'll do it. But he can also pull somebody aside and talk to them to get them going. He's very good at reading players and becoming close with them so they don't want to let him down.
JE: What's an example from your time at De La Salle. How did he help motivate you?
JM: My senior year, six of our top seven guys had graduated and it was just me coming back. He said, 'John it's you and me against the world. Let's go shock the world.' I developed a bond with him and I devoted my senior year to not letting him down and not letting the school down. Even though we lost a huge chunk of our team the previous year, we got a lot farther than everyone expected. (De La Salle went 29-3 and made the NorCal Division I title game)
JE: Some of Mike Dunlap's biggest strengths were as a tactician and a player developer. How do you think Coach Allocco will do in those areas?
JM: I don't think I've ever met a man who works harder than him. He doesn't sleep, I swear. He's always up watching film, trying to figure out how to put players in a position to succeed. I think he'll bring that to the table. ... I know at De La Salle he has developed quite a program, and to be honest we didn't have the most talented team any year. We beat teams we had no business being in the same gym with. That came from developing players who came in and worked hard. That was his big thing was we were going to outwork everybody. We were going to beat you through playing harder and being more skilled than you. He had players who had no business being on the court with these big-time D-I guys and he kicked their butts up and down the floor.
JE: Would Coach Allocco have any difficulty translating what he does well from the high school to the college level?
JM: Older guys are a little more headstrong, but with Coach Allocco, his demeanor, his personality and his passion, people are going to respect him as soon as he gets there. I don't think there will be any problems.

 

[Section3]

Jeff Eisenberg of Yahoo Sports:
De La Salle coach could be good fit on Steve Lavin’s staff at St. John’s

In an effort to reveal how Allocco led football powerhouse De La Salle to 14 straight league championships in basketball, eight section titles and two California Division I state titles, Yahoo! Sports spoke with one of his former players. Santa Clara forward John McArthur, a 2010 graduate of De La Salle, raved about Allocco's motivational skills and ability to squeeze every drop of potential and effort out of his players.
JE: What was your initial reaction when you heard Coach Allocco might be leaving for St. John's? Were you excited? Disappointed?
JM: I was really excited for him. I know he's going to do really well at the next level, or any level he's at. It's not necessarily bittersweet — I'm really happy for him — but De La Salle basketball will never be the same without Coach Frank Allocco.
JE: I know he's had other opportunities to leave. What do you think intrigued him about this one more than most?
JM: New York. He's a big New Jersey guy. He grew up in New Jersey and played there. So him getting the opportunity to be in the Big East and New York, that's one of the things that got him thinking, 'If I'm going to do it, this is the time to do it.'
JE: Describe his strengths as a coach. What are some of the things he does well that have helped him build De La Salle into a perennial power?
JM: He's extremely passionate and he really motivates players to fulfill their full potential as players and as people as well. He cares so much about you that you don't have any option but to play hard for him. He's giving you everything he has, so you feel obligated to do the same for him. He knows how to communicate toward different players and exactly what they need. If he needs to call somebody out and say they're soft, he'll do it. But he can also pull somebody aside and talk to them to get them going. He's very good at reading players and becoming close with them so they don't want to let him down.
JE: What's an example from your time at De La Salle. How did he help motivate you?
JM: My senior year, six of our top seven guys had graduated and it was just me coming back. He said, 'John it's you and me against the world. Let's go shock the world.' I developed a bond with him and I devoted my senior year to not letting him down and not letting the school down. Even though we lost a huge chunk of our team the previous year, we got a lot farther than everyone expected. (De La Salle went 29-3 and made the NorCal Division I title game)
JE: Some of Mike Dunlap's biggest strengths were as a tactician and a player developer. How do you think Coach Allocco will do in those areas?
JM: I don't think I've ever met a man who works harder than him. He doesn't sleep, I swear. He's always up watching film, trying to figure out how to put players in a position to succeed. I think he'll bring that to the table. ... I know at De La Salle he has developed quite a program, and to be honest we didn't have the most talented team any year. We beat teams we had no business being in the same gym with. That came from developing players who came in and worked hard. That was his big thing was we were going to outwork everybody. We were going to beat you through playing harder and being more skilled than you. He had players who had no business being on the court with these big-time D-I guys and he kicked their butts up and down the floor.
JE: Would Coach Allocco have any difficulty translating what he does well from the high school to the college level?
JM: Older guys are a little more headstrong, but with Coach Allocco, his demeanor, his personality and his passion, people are going to respect him as soon as he gets there. I don't think there will be any problems.

 
I know the "proof is in the pudding" (who knows what that really means). . .but the way this kid speaks of him makes me feel like he can be a great addition. . .exciting times at SJ!!