Lavin and the new league

[SJU61982]

I purposley waited until after a win to post this, so that it didn't sound like I was whining after a loss. I also want to say that I am a fan of Steve Lavin, and everything that he represents. I especially like the fact that we never see him on the sidelines scowling, yelling, making faces, and/or verbally abusing his players, which is a turn off for me.

When he was hired, I thought, of all the resonable candidates at the time (Billy Donovan was a pipe dream), he was the most qualified. Reason being, I felt he could recruit well enough that, over time, we would be competing with the Syracuses, and the Louisevilles, et al. Jay Wright managed to do it after a few years at Villanova, and was competative for almost 10 years or so. When it came to in-game coaching, no one accused Wright of being the brightest bulb in the shed. I felt Lavin would build something similar here.

However, we will not be comepeting with those teams (at least not directly) in the near future. I feel, in the new "basketball-only" league, that there really won't be a team with the built in advantages that a Syracuse or a UCONN have in this league. I think it will be done more on an even plane, and that having a good X and O coach with a system in place might be the best thing (I see JT3 and Georgetown really thriving in this league). I know Lavin can always bring someone on board to help him with that, and it was successful two years ago, but I'm wondering if that will be enough in the new league (I hope it is).

So, what I guess I'm asking is, is Lavin TOO big a name for this conference? At the very least, the powers that be might want to force him to overthorw one of the current assistants, for somebody whom in-game coaching is a specialty. I don't think Lavin would subscribe to that, though. That would make him a man of integrity, but it might also put him on the unemployment line in a few years.

I hope it all works out, for Lavin and us.

 

[Class of 72]

I purposley waited until after a win to post this, so that it didn't sound like I was whining after a loss. I also want to say that I am a fan of Steve Lavin, and everything that he represents. I especially like the fact that we never see him on the sidelines scowling, yelling, making faces, and/or verbally abusing his players, which is a turn off for me.

When he was hired, I thought, of all the resonable candidates at the time (Billy Donovan was a pipe dream), he was the most qualified. Reason being, I felt he could recruit well enough that, over time, we would be competing with the Syracuses, and the Louisevilles, et al. Jay Wright managed to do it after a few years at Villanova, and was competative for almost 10 years or so. When it came to in-game coaching, no one accused Wright of being the brightest bulb in the shed. I felt Lavin would build something similar here.

However, we will not be comepeting with those teams (at least not directly) in the near future. I feel, in the new "basketball-only" league, that there really won't be a team with the built in advantages that a Syracuse or a UCONN have in this league. I think it will be done more on an even plane, and that having a good X and O coach with a system in place might be the best thing (I see JT3 and Georgetown really thriving in this league). I know Lavin can always bring someone on board to help him with that, and it was successful two years ago, but I'm wondering if that will be enough in the new league (I hope it is).

So, what I guess I'm asking is, is Lavin TOO big a name for this conference? At the very least, the powers that be might want to force him to overthorw one of the current assistants, for somebody whom in-game coaching is a specialty. I don't think Lavin would subscribe to that, though. That would make him a man of integrity, but it might also put him on the unemployment line in a few years.

I hope it all works out, for Lavin and us.

Xavier has had stellar coaches for years and has always made good coaching choices (unlike us). Mark Few is now a household name at a little school in Spokane named Gonzaga. St. Louis recently had the bigger than like Rick Majerus. Davidson has one of my favorite all time coaches, ever!
Does that answer your question?

 

[redken]

I purposley waited until after a win to post this, so that it didn't sound like I was whining after a loss. I also want to say that I am a fan of Steve Lavin, and everything that he represents. I especially like the fact that we never see him on the sidelines scowling, yelling, making faces, and/or verbally abusing his players, which is a turn off for me.

When he was hired, I thought, of all the resonable candidates at the time (Billy Donovan was a pipe dream), he was the most qualified. Reason being, I felt he could recruit well enough that, over time, we would be competing with the Syracuses, and the Louisevilles, et al. Jay Wright managed to do it after a few years at Villanova, and was competative for almost 10 years or so. When it came to in-game coaching, no one accused Wright of being the brightest bulb in the shed. I felt Lavin would build something similar here.

However, we will not be comepeting with those teams (at least not directly) in the near future. I feel, in the new "basketball-only" league, that there really won't be a team with the built in advantages that a Syracuse or a UCONN have in this league. I think it will be done more on an even plane, and that having a good X and O coach with a system in place might be the best thing (I see JT3 and Georgetown really thriving in this league). I know Lavin can always bring someone on board to help him with that, and it was successful two years ago, but I'm wondering if that will be enough in the new league (I hope it is).

So, what I guess I'm asking is, is Lavin TOO big a name for this conference? At the very least, the powers that be might want to force him to overthorw one of the current assistants, for somebody whom in-game coaching is a specialty. I don't think Lavin would subscribe to that, though. That would make him a man of integrity, but it might also put him on the unemployment line in a few years.

I hope it all works out, for Lavin and us.

Are you saying that Lavin is good enough to coach in the Big East, but not good enough to coach in the new conference? If so, I'm not getting it.

 

[SJU61982]

I purposley waited until after a win to post this, so that it didn't sound like I was whining after a loss. I also want to say that I am a fan of Steve Lavin, and everything that he represents. I especially like the fact that we never see him on the sidelines scowling, yelling, making faces, and/or verbally abusing his players, which is a turn off for me.

When he was hired, I thought, of all the resonable candidates at the time (Billy Donovan was a pipe dream), he was the most qualified. Reason being, I felt he could recruit well enough that, over time, we would be competing with the Syracuses, and the Louisevilles, et al. Jay Wright managed to do it after a few years at Villanova, and was competative for almost 10 years or so. When it came to in-game coaching, no one accused Wright of being the brightest bulb in the shed. I felt Lavin would build something similar here.

However, we will not be comepeting with those teams (at least not directly) in the near future. I feel, in the new "basketball-only" league, that there really won't be a team with the built in advantages that a Syracuse or a UCONN have in this league. I think it will be done more on an even plane, and that having a good X and O coach with a system in place might be the best thing (I see JT3 and Georgetown really thriving in this league). I know Lavin can always bring someone on board to help him with that, and it was successful two years ago, but I'm wondering if that will be enough in the new league (I hope it is).

So, what I guess I'm asking is, is Lavin TOO big a name for this conference? At the very least, the powers that be might want to force him to overthorw one of the current assistants, for somebody whom in-game coaching is a specialty. I don't think Lavin would subscribe to that, though. That would make him a man of integrity, but it might also put him on the unemployment line in a few years.

I hope it all works out, for Lavin and us.

Xavier has had stellar coaches for years and has always made good coaching choices (unlike us). Mark Few is now a household name at a little school in Spokane named Gonzaga. St. Louis recently had the bigger than like Rick Majerus. Davidson has one of my favorite all time coaches, ever!
Does that answer your question?

The "too big" comment... You're right, probably inaccuarte.

But, Xavier has always hired sound X and O guys, and those were/are considered the strengths of Majerus and Few, more so then recruiting. McKillop is the exception, and I'm not as high on him as some other people are. No doubting his record though.

My concern is Lavin falling short agianst some of the better basketball minds in this league. I don't think the talent discrepancy can ever be that different, like it is in this conference.

 

[Class of 72]

I purposley waited until after a win to post this, so that it didn't sound like I was whining after a loss. I also want to say that I am a fan of Steve Lavin, and everything that he represents. I especially like the fact that we never see him on the sidelines scowling, yelling, making faces, and/or verbally abusing his players, which is a turn off for me.

When he was hired, I thought, of all the resonable candidates at the time (Billy Donovan was a pipe dream), he was the most qualified. Reason being, I felt he could recruit well enough that, over time, we would be competing with the Syracuses, and the Louisevilles, et al. Jay Wright managed to do it after a few years at Villanova, and was competative for almost 10 years or so. When it came to in-game coaching, no one accused Wright of being the brightest bulb in the shed. I felt Lavin would build something similar here.

However, we will not be comepeting with those teams (at least not directly) in the near future. I feel, in the new "basketball-only" league, that there really won't be a team with the built in advantages that a Syracuse or a UCONN have in this league. I think it will be done more on an even plane, and that having a good X and O coach with a system in place might be the best thing (I see JT3 and Georgetown really thriving in this league). I know Lavin can always bring someone on board to help him with that, and it was successful two years ago, but I'm wondering if that will be enough in the new league (I hope it is).

So, what I guess I'm asking is, is Lavin TOO big a name for this conference? At the very least, the powers that be might want to force him to overthorw one of the current assistants, for somebody whom in-game coaching is a specialty. I don't think Lavin would subscribe to that, though. That would make him a man of integrity, but it might also put him on the unemployment line in a few years.

I hope it all works out, for Lavin and us.

Xavier has had stellar coaches for years and has always made good coaching choices (unlike us). Mark Few is now a household name at a little school in Spokane named Gonzaga. St. Louis recently had the bigger than like Rick Majerus. Davidson has one of my favorite all time coaches, ever!
Does that answer your question?

The "too big" comment... You're right, probably inaccuarte.

But, Xavier has always hired sound X and O guys, and those were/are considered the strengths of Majerus and Few, more so then recruiting. McKillop is the exception, and I'm not as high on him as some other people are. No doubting his record though.

My concern is Lavin falling short agianst some of the better basketball minds in this league. I don't think the talent discrepancy can ever be that different, like it is in this conference.

The "talent discrepancy" and Lav's ability to walk into any recruits living room and be convincing is what would give him an advantage in the new league. It remains to be seen if coach Mike D will be in Charlotte next season so I am pretty hopeful Lav would take him back in a heartbeat.

 

[Moose]

I'd also say talent usually trumps all

 

[LINY89]

I'd also say talent usually trumps all

True...at the end of the day you are probably right. Cuse and Kentucky are going to be good whether it's a HS coach or a decent college coach at the helm.

 

[Section9]

I'd also say talent usually trumps all

True...at the end of the day you are probably right. Cuse and Kentucky are going to be good whether it's a HS coach or a decent college coach at the helm.

Your theory didn't work for Tubby Smith while he was at UK, and after about five years, if he lasts that long, it's not going to work with Hopkins either.

 

[Moose]

I'd also say talent usually trumps all

True...at the end of the day you are probably right. Cuse and Kentucky are going to be good whether it's a HS coach or a decent college coach at the helm.

Your theory didn't work for Tubby Smith while he was at UK, and after about five years, if he lasts that long, it's not going to work with Hopkins either.

Are you referring to the same Tubby Smith who spent 10 yrs at UK?
Went the Dance all 10 yrs?
1 Championship
3 Elite 8's
2 Sweet 16's
Went 263-83 for a winning percentage of 76%

Guy wins non stop

 

[MCNPA]

Tubby is another "forgotten" coach who has been nothing but successful. As far as Lavin goes, this new league actually positions Lavin and SJU to have many of the advantages that those school enjoyed for years. I think there are some parallels between Lavin's career and Tubby being cast out at UK as if he was trash.

First off, moose is correct that talent trumps all, and Lavin is a pro at bringing in talent. It is something that I don't think we will have to worry about under this coaching staff. Lavin has a plan for bringing in talent, and while he took some risks, he won't always have to. Glad he took risks, because he brought in real talent.

Lavin in this new league, has NYC and could really have a lot of advantages with respect to OOC scheduling as well as recruiting. All those ACC programs have removed themselves from this region and it could give us a chance to take much of it back.

Is Lavin too big for this league? Hardly. He's a cast-out that has a chance to re-claim his rep here. I think he's probably a better coach than he gets credit for, but that is irrelevant. Lavin brings in talent and lots of coaches win with their recruiting prowess. So be it if he has to prove to SJU fans that he can coach. That will come when we see results on the court. I think the new league will suit Lavin well though. Lots of good "name" coaches in the league. Fantastic coaches actually.

 

[ZanMan]

To paraphrase John Wooden:

"If you want to be a good coach, get good players. If you want to be a great coach, get great players."

'Nuff said.

 

[jrhoops1949]

I purposley waited until after a win to post this, so that it didn't sound like I was whining after a loss. I also want to say that I am a fan of Steve Lavin, and everything that he represents. I especially like the fact that we never see him on the sidelines scowling, yelling, making faces, and/or verbally abusing his players, which is a turn off for me.

When he was hired, I thought, of all the resonable candidates at the time (Billy Donovan was a pipe dream), he was the most qualified. Reason being, I felt he could recruit well enough that, over time, we would be competing with the Syracuses, and the Louisevilles, et al. Jay Wright managed to do it after a few years at Villanova, and was competative for almost 10 years or so. When it came to in-game coaching, no one accused Wright of being the brightest bulb in the shed. I felt Lavin would build something similar here.

However, we will not be comepeting with those teams (at least not directly) in the near future. I feel, in the new "basketball-only" league, that there really won't be a team with the built in advantages that a Syracuse or a UCONN have in this league. I think it will be done more on an even plane, and that having a good X and O coach with a system in place might be the best thing (I see JT3 and Georgetown really thriving in this league). I know Lavin can always bring someone on board to help him with that, and it was successful two years ago, but I'm wondering if that will be enough in the new league (I hope it is).

So, what I guess I'm asking is, is Lavin TOO big a name for this conference? At the very least, the powers that be might want to force him to overthorw one of the current assistants, for somebody whom in-game coaching is a specialty. I don't think Lavin would subscribe to that, though. That would make him a man of integrity, but it might also put him on the unemployment line in a few years.

I hope it all works out, for Lavin and us.

Xavier has had stellar coaches for years and has always made good coaching choices (unlike us). Mark Few is now a household name at a little school in Spokane named Gonzaga. St. Louis recently had the bigger than like Rick Majerus. Davidson has one of my favorite all time coaches, ever!
Does that answer your question?

The "too big" comment... You're right, probably inaccuarte.

But, Xavier has always hired sound X and O guys, and those were/are considered the strengths of Majerus and Few, more so then recruiting. McKillop is the exception, and I'm not as high on him as some other people are. No doubting his record though.

My concern is Lavin falling short against some of the better basketball minds in this league. I don't think the talent discrepancy can ever be that different, like it is in this conference.

Your concerns of no concern, so don't be to concerned. The usual formula holds true. Tell good players your the guy to help them get into the league. Make sure you win some games and get some kids into the league along the way. Then you have a program. You surround yourself with good people. work hard, and just keep it going. Ya still worried?

 

[MCNPA]

I purposley waited until after a win to post this, so that it didn't sound like I was whining after a loss. I also want to say that I am a fan of Steve Lavin, and everything that he represents. I especially like the fact that we never see him on the sidelines scowling, yelling, making faces, and/or verbally abusing his players, which is a turn off for me.

When he was hired, I thought, of all the resonable candidates at the time (Billy Donovan was a pipe dream), he was the most qualified. Reason being, I felt he could recruit well enough that, over time, we would be competing with the Syracuses, and the Louisevilles, et al. Jay Wright managed to do it after a few years at Villanova, and was competative for almost 10 years or so. When it came to in-game coaching, no one accused Wright of being the brightest bulb in the shed. I felt Lavin would build something similar here.

However, we will not be comepeting with those teams (at least not directly) in the near future. I feel, in the new "basketball-only" league, that there really won't be a team with the built in advantages that a Syracuse or a UCONN have in this league. I think it will be done more on an even plane, and that having a good X and O coach with a system in place might be the best thing (I see JT3 and Georgetown really thriving in this league). I know Lavin can always bring someone on board to help him with that, and it was successful two years ago, but I'm wondering if that will be enough in the new league (I hope it is).

So, what I guess I'm asking is, is Lavin TOO big a name for this conference? At the very least, the powers that be might want to force him to overthorw one of the current assistants, for somebody whom in-game coaching is a specialty. I don't think Lavin would subscribe to that, though. That would make him a man of integrity, but it might also put him on the unemployment line in a few years.

I hope it all works out, for Lavin and us.

Xavier has had stellar coaches for years and has always made good coaching choices (unlike us). Mark Few is now a household name at a little school in Spokane named Gonzaga. St. Louis recently had the bigger than like Rick Majerus. Davidson has one of my favorite all time coaches, ever!
Does that answer your question?

The "too big" comment... You're right, probably inaccuarte.

But, Xavier has always hired sound X and O guys, and those were/are considered the strengths of Majerus and Few, more so then recruiting. McKillop is the exception, and I'm not as high on him as some other people are. No doubting his record though.

My concern is Lavin falling short against some of the better basketball minds in this league. I don't think the talent discrepancy can ever be that different, like it is in this conference.

Your concerns of no concern, so don't be to concerned. The usual formula holds true. Tell good players your the guy to help them get into the league. Make sure you win some games and get some kids into the league along the way. Then you have a program. You surround yourself with good people. work hard, and just keep it going. Ya still worried?

Agree, because this "game coaching" stuff is overrated. Most coaching is done in practice, setting up offense and defensive gameplans. Game day is mostly up to the players to execute. Certainly a few substitutions, time outs etc. by the coach which can be important at times, but basketball is a fluid game that is won and lost by the players on the court and execution of age-old principles like proper defense, rebounding, and then executing offense within a framework.

 

[Class of 72]

I'd also say talent usually trumps all

True...at the end of the day you are probably right. Cuse and Kentucky are going to be good whether it's a HS coach or a decent college coach at the helm.

Your theory didn't work for Tubby Smith while he was at UK, and after about five years, if he lasts that long, it's not going to work with Hopkins either.

Are you referring to the same Tubby Smith who spent 10 yrs at UK?
Went the Dance all 10 yrs?
1 Championship
3 Elite 8's
2 Sweet 16's
Went 263-83 for a winning percentage of 76%

Guy wins non stop

ONE Championship at UK in 10 years and no other Final Fours is all you had to mention to make the opposite argument. Unlike our low expectations, Wildcat fans and supporters expect a Final Four every year with the talent they recruit. Tubby recruited some very good talent, certainly a few cuts above ours, but he won his one title with Rick Pitino's recruits.
Although he was not fired at UK when he took the Gopher job, he would have been within weeks as far as the story goes.
He now is the most over-paid Coach in America and even got a raise for just keeping Minn respectable. Nice work if you can find it and Tubby stepped in shit with the Gopher job.

 

[Class of 72]

I purposley waited until after a win to post this, so that it didn't sound like I was whining after a loss. I also want to say that I am a fan of Steve Lavin, and everything that he represents. I especially like the fact that we never see him on the sidelines scowling, yelling, making faces, and/or verbally abusing his players, which is a turn off for me.

When he was hired, I thought, of all the resonable candidates at the time (Billy Donovan was a pipe dream), he was the most qualified. Reason being, I felt he could recruit well enough that, over time, we would be competing with the Syracuses, and the Louisevilles, et al. Jay Wright managed to do it after a few years at Villanova, and was competative for almost 10 years or so. When it came to in-game coaching, no one accused Wright of being the brightest bulb in the shed. I felt Lavin would build something similar here.

However, we will not be comepeting with those teams (at least not directly) in the near future. I feel, in the new "basketball-only" league, that there really won't be a team with the built in advantages that a Syracuse or a UCONN have in this league. I think it will be done more on an even plane, and that having a good X and O coach with a system in place might be the best thing (I see JT3 and Georgetown really thriving in this league). I know Lavin can always bring someone on board to help him with that, and it was successful two years ago, but I'm wondering if that will be enough in the new league (I hope it is).

So, what I guess I'm asking is, is Lavin TOO big a name for this conference? At the very least, the powers that be might want to force him to overthorw one of the current assistants, for somebody whom in-game coaching is a specialty. I don't think Lavin would subscribe to that, though. That would make him a man of integrity, but it might also put him on the unemployment line in a few years.

I hope it all works out, for Lavin and us.

Xavier has had stellar coaches for years and has always made good coaching choices (unlike us). Mark Few is now a household name at a little school in Spokane named Gonzaga. St. Louis recently had the bigger than like Rick Majerus. Davidson has one of my favorite all time coaches, ever!
Does that answer your question?

The "too big" comment... You're right, probably inaccuarte.

But, Xavier has always hired sound X and O guys, and those were/are considered the strengths of Majerus and Few, more so then recruiting. McKillop is the exception, and I'm not as high on him as some other people are. No doubting his record though.

My concern is Lavin falling short against some of the better basketball minds in this league. I don't think the talent discrepancy can ever be that different, like it is in this conference.

Your concerns of no concern, so don't be to concerned. The usual formula holds true. Tell good players your the guy to help them get into the league. Make sure you win some games and get some kids into the league along the way. Then you have a program. You surround yourself with good people. work hard, and just keep it going. Ya still worried?

Agree, because this "game coaching" stuff is overrated. Most coaching is done in practice, setting up offense and defensive gameplans. Game day is mostly up to the players to execute. Certainly a few substitutions, time outs etc. by the coach which can be important at times, but basketball is a fluid game that is won and lost by the players on the court and execution of age-old principles like proper defense, rebounding, and then executing offense within a framework.

"Game coaching stuff is overrated"?
Every time George Blaney subbed for Jim Calhoun the coaching and plays went down a notch.....with the same players Calhoun coached a few games before.
Preparation is done in practice......coaching is done during the game in real time with quick adjustments. It is one thing to make believe Jamal White is Triche or Boatright in practice.....when Greene and Pointer actually face the real player, it sometimes becomes culture shock. That is where coaching comes into play and knowing who or how you can stop that player .....in real time. Age old principles are not inborn in freshmen and the learning curve can be punishing. Game coaching is even more critical when the opponent is not well known ( or scouted). Were you at the NJIT game??

 

[Moose]

I'd also say talent usually trumps all

True...at the end of the day you are probably right. Cuse and Kentucky are going to be good whether it's a HS coach or a decent college coach at the helm.

Your theory didn't work for Tubby Smith while he was at UK, and after about five years, if he lasts that long, it's not going to work with Hopkins either.

Are you referring to the same Tubby Smith who spent 10 yrs at UK?
Went the Dance all 10 yrs?
1 Championship
3 Elite 8's
2 Sweet 16's
Went 263-83 for a winning percentage of 76%

Guy wins non stop

ONE Championship at UK in 10 years and no other Final Fours is all you had to mention to make the opposite argument. Unlike our low expectations, Wildcat fans and supporters expect a Final Four every year with the talent they recruit. Tubby recruited some very good talent, certainly a few cuts above ours, but he won his one title with Rick Pitino's recruits.
Although he was not fired at UK when he took the Gopher job, he would have been within weeks as far as the story goes.
He now is the most over-paid Coach in America and even got a raise for just keeping Minn respectable. Nice work if you can find it and Tubby stepped in shit with the Gopher job.

We ARE NOT Kentucky.
As I've said numerous times. Any coach can put up those numbers and our fans still wouldn't be happy.
They have 4 championships since 1959. And he was responsible for one of them. Guy is a great coach who wins wherever he goes.

 

[MCNPA]

I purposley waited until after a win to post this, so that it didn't sound like I was whining after a loss. I also want to say that I am a fan of Steve Lavin, and everything that he represents. I especially like the fact that we never see him on the sidelines scowling, yelling, making faces, and/or verbally abusing his players, which is a turn off for me.

When he was hired, I thought, of all the resonable candidates at the time (Billy Donovan was a pipe dream), he was the most qualified. Reason being, I felt he could recruit well enough that, over time, we would be competing with the Syracuses, and the Louisevilles, et al. Jay Wright managed to do it after a few years at Villanova, and was competative for almost 10 years or so. When it came to in-game coaching, no one accused Wright of being the brightest bulb in the shed. I felt Lavin would build something similar here.

However, we will not be comepeting with those teams (at least not directly) in the near future. I feel, in the new "basketball-only" league, that there really won't be a team with the built in advantages that a Syracuse or a UCONN have in this league. I think it will be done more on an even plane, and that having a good X and O coach with a system in place might be the best thing (I see JT3 and Georgetown really thriving in this league). I know Lavin can always bring someone on board to help him with that, and it was successful two years ago, but I'm wondering if that will be enough in the new league (I hope it is).

So, what I guess I'm asking is, is Lavin TOO big a name for this conference? At the very least, the powers that be might want to force him to overthorw one of the current assistants, for somebody whom in-game coaching is a specialty. I don't think Lavin would subscribe to that, though. That would make him a man of integrity, but it might also put him on the unemployment line in a few years.

I hope it all works out, for Lavin and us.

Xavier has had stellar coaches for years and has always made good coaching choices (unlike us). Mark Few is now a household name at a little school in Spokane named Gonzaga. St. Louis recently had the bigger than like Rick Majerus. Davidson has one of my favorite all time coaches, ever!
Does that answer your question?

The "too big" comment... You're right, probably inaccuarte.

But, Xavier has always hired sound X and O guys, and those were/are considered the strengths of Majerus and Few, more so then recruiting. McKillop is the exception, and I'm not as high on him as some other people are. No doubting his record though.

My concern is Lavin falling short against some of the better basketball minds in this league. I don't think the talent discrepancy can ever be that different, like it is in this conference.

Your concerns of no concern, so don't be to concerned. The usual formula holds true. Tell good players your the guy to help them get into the league. Make sure you win some games and get some kids into the league along the way. Then you have a program. You surround yourself with good people. work hard, and just keep it going. Ya still worried?

Agree, because this "game coaching" stuff is overrated. Most coaching is done in practice, setting up offense and defensive gameplans. Game day is mostly up to the players to execute. Certainly a few substitutions, time outs etc. by the coach which can be important at times, but basketball is a fluid game that is won and lost by the players on the court and execution of age-old principles like proper defense, rebounding, and then executing offense within a framework.

"Game coaching stuff is overrated"?
Every time George Blaney subbed for Jim Calhoun the coaching and plays went down a notch.....with the same players Calhoun coached a few games before.
Preparation is done in practice......coaching is done during the game in real time with quick adjustments. It is one thing to make believe Jamal White is Triche or Boatright in practice.....when Greene and Pointer actually face the real player, it sometimes becomes culture shock. That is where coaching comes into play and knowing who or how you can stop that player .....in real time. Age old principles are not inborn in freshmen and the learning curve can be punishing. Game coaching is even more critical when the opponent is not well known ( or scouted). Were you at the NJIT game??

Only reason things went "down a notch" when Blaney subbed for Calhoun is that the players were afraid of Jim Calhoun on the sidelines. NJIT also played providence and seton hall to the last few posessions. NJIT is a decent team that is well-coached but more than that hustles. SJU's issues have been mostly attributable to poor defense and rebounding which are related to hustle and discipline. We have shown we are getting better, but all are struggles for a young team. Uk is also young and has also struggled. The game-coaching aspect is IMO totally overrated. Practice and preparation are underrated.

 

[Class of 72]

I'd also say talent usually trumps all

True...at the end of the day you are probably right. Cuse and Kentucky are going to be good whether it's a HS coach or a decent college coach at the helm.

Your theory didn't work for Tubby Smith while he was at UK, and after about five years, if he lasts that long, it's not going to work with Hopkins either.

Are you referring to the same Tubby Smith who spent 10 yrs at UK?
Went the Dance all 10 yrs?
1 Championship
3 Elite 8's
2 Sweet 16's
Went 263-83 for a winning percentage of 76%

Guy wins non stop

ONE Championship at UK in 10 years and no other Final Fours is all you had to mention to make the opposite argument. Unlike our low expectations, Wildcat fans and supporters expect a Final Four every year with the talent they recruit. Tubby recruited some very good talent, certainly a few cuts above ours, but he won his one title with Rick Pitino's recruits.
Although he was not fired at UK when he took the Gopher job, he would have been within weeks as far as the story goes.
He now is the most over-paid Coach in America and even got a raise for just keeping Minn respectable. Nice work if you can find it and Tubby stepped in shit with the Gopher job.

We ARE NOT Kentucky.
As I've said numerous times. Any coach can put up those numbers and our fans still wouldn't be happy.
They have 4 championships since 1959. And he was responsible for one of them. Guy is a great coach who wins wherever he goes.

Your definition of "winning" and that of Kentucky fans is obviously quite different! LOL!
No, we are not Kentucky but we sure want to be mentioned in that rarified air when discussing won-loss records. As you know we have slipped to 7th after a 20 year slide to post-Louie mediocrity. But it was not always that way. Even back in their "all-white" days when they spit on our black player.
As far as Tubby Smith, yes he is a very good coach. He has managed to win from Tulsa to icy Minnesota but a great coach ....I beg to differ.
They pay him a ton of money in Gopher country and his agent managed to get him a raise last year for just getting to the NIT. That Gopher team lost 15 games! He has had a losing Big 10 record the past two season (6-12). That kind of conference record was as good as our freshmen team in the best conference in America last year. How many coaches can twist the arm of a weak AD and earn $2 million after the losses in the previous 3 seasons were 14, 14 and 15?
Like I said, nice work if you can get it!

Now, back to Lavin and the new league that Newsie thinks is going to be a bust.

 

[MCNPA]

Tubby's record in-conference isn't great at Minnesota but he's still 117-65 overall. Agree he could do better in the league, but it isnt like he's pulling his weight. Minnesota is a very hard place to recruit to which IMO is the biggest problem,

 

[Class of 72]

Tubby's record in-conference isn't great at Minnesota but he's still 117-65 overall. Agree he could do better in the league, but it isnt like he's pulling his weight. Minnesota is a very hard place to recruit to which IMO is the biggest problem,

You are correct .... He is not pulling his weight for $2 million! LOL!