Lavin Commentary Rutgers Game

[beast of the east]

M

I

Keep in mind Lovett and Mussini are Lavin recruits, Brandon Sampson was an SJU commit (10,3 ppg for #22 LSU), and Obekpa was coming back. Not saying was enough to keep his job, but it's not exactly nothing

Beast I do not want to quibble but, it is misleading to say that "Lovett and Mussini were Lavin recruits".

Yeah, the 2 were among the dozens (plural) of players which Lavin and his staff spoke to during the 2015 recruiting cycle but Lavin failed to obtain a commit from either. No one knows whether either LoVett or Missini would have committed play for Lavin.

Sampson verbaled lto Lavin. LSU continued to recruit Sampson after his non binding verbal. People on the LSU board will tell you that Sampson may have "flipped" even if Lavin remained at StJohn's; we will never know.

Yes. Obeka certainly was a "Lavin recruit".

Setting record straight, Lavin regime, Tony Chiles in particular, worked hard on LoVett recruitment. Re: Sampson, despite LSU board conjecture, he was excited to commit to SJU until Briscoe bailed. That changed both his and Diallo's outlook. Sampson clearly was even more vulnerable to departure once SL left & certainly LSU was working him. This comes from someone who conversed regularly with key members of both camps. As noted often, I was never a SL fan, but what's fair is fair. Time to move on in any event & enjoy development of a solid program under Mullin's direction.

Not a big SL fan either, but the myth that he didn't work at all, especially on this class, is wrong. Diallo, Brisco, Sampson, Lovett, Mussini, and that big Greek center that TIS thought was a lock. By your summary, had Brisco come, we may have had our best recruiting class in a very long time, Lavin would have reloaded, and been safe for another several years. It didn't happen, and that's the way it goes.

In the meantime, I'm just enjoying SJU bball with zero expectations for this year and loving the bright spots and reinvigorated fan base.

"Zero" expectations? That's how I started out, but after seeing some of the talent and heart on this team I have to admit I have elevated my expectations to "minimal" lol

Gird yourself. It's easy to be positive at 3-0. The Big East is going to be brutal, and on here the general euphoria of the last couple of weeks will turn somewhat ugly if we get off at 0-5 in conference play.

 

[Ray Morgan]

I feel like I just spent 15 minutes reading the transcripts from nearly every poster's session on the couch with their psychologist. "So this Mr. Lavin came back to C.A., how does that make you feel?" I know how it makes me feel. I don't care, since I change the channel. If I watched the whole game, I don't need Lavin's analysis. If I missed the game, I am better off coming here for a recap of what happened.

 

[monte]

M

I

Keep in mind Lovett and Mussini are Lavin recruits, Brandon Sampson was an SJU commit (10,3 ppg for #22 LSU), and Obekpa was coming back. Not saying was enough to keep his job, but it's not exactly nothing

Beast I do not want to quibble but, it is misleading to say that "Lovett and Mussini were Lavin recruits".

Yeah, the 2 were among the dozens (plural) of players which Lavin and his staff spoke to during the 2015 recruiting cycle but Lavin failed to obtain a commit from either. No one knows whether either LoVett or Missini would have committed play for Lavin.

Sampson verbaled lto Lavin. LSU continued to recruit Sampson after his non binding verbal. People on the LSU board will tell you that Sampson may have "flipped" even if Lavin remained at StJohn's; we will never know.

Yes. Obeka certainly was a "Lavin recruit".

Setting record straight, Lavin regime, Tony Chiles in particular, worked hard on LoVett recruitment. Re: Sampson, despite LSU board conjecture, he was excited to commit to SJU until Briscoe bailed. That changed both his and Diallo's outlook. Sampson clearly was even more vulnerable to departure once SL left & certainly LSU was working him. This comes from someone who conversed regularly with key members of both camps. As noted often, I was never a SL fan, but what's fair is fair. Time to move on in any event & enjoy development of a solid program under Mullin's direction.

Not a big SL fan either, but the myth that he didn't work at all, especially on this class, is wrong. Diallo, Brisco, Sampson, Lovett, Mussini, and that big Greek center that TIS thought was a lock. By your summary, had Brisco come, we may have had our best recruiting class in a very long time, Lavin would have reloaded, and been safe for another several years. It didn't happen, and that's the way it goes.

In the meantime, I'm just enjoying SJU bball with zero expectations for this year and loving the bright spots and reinvigorated fan base.

"Zero" expectations? That's how I started out, but after seeing some of the talent and heart on this team I have to admit I have elevated my expectations to "minimal" lol

Gird yourself. It's easy to be positive at 3-0. The Big East is going to be brutal, and on here the general euphoria of the last couple of weeks will turn somewhat ugly if we get off at 0-5 in conference play.

I felt positive after our first game blowout to STA. Naturally I feel positive (not delusion) with a 3-0 start and especially after our great comeback win. Now I'm not expecting us to go undefeated this year, but I will continue to remain positive regardless of the results. And based on what I've seen so far from this team, especially Sima and Mussini, I fully expect that we are going to be better than anticipated.

 

[beast of the east]

M

I

Keep in mind Lovett and Mussini are Lavin recruits, Brandon Sampson was an SJU commit (10,3 ppg for #22 LSU), and Obekpa was coming back. Not saying was enough to keep his job, but it's not exactly nothing

Beast I do not want to quibble but, it is misleading to say that "Lovett and Mussini were Lavin recruits".

Yeah, the 2 were among the dozens (plural) of players which Lavin and his staff spoke to during the 2015 recruiting cycle but Lavin failed to obtain a commit from either. No one knows whether either LoVett or Missini would have committed play for Lavin.

Sampson verbaled lto Lavin. LSU continued to recruit Sampson after his non binding verbal. People on the LSU board will tell you that Sampson may have "flipped" even if Lavin remained at StJohn's; we will never know.

Yes. Obeka certainly was a "Lavin recruit".

Setting record straight, Lavin regime, Tony Chiles in particular, worked hard on LoVett recruitment. Re: Sampson, despite LSU board conjecture, he was excited to commit to SJU until Briscoe bailed. That changed both his and Diallo's outlook. Sampson clearly was even more vulnerable to departure once SL left & certainly LSU was working him. This comes from someone who conversed regularly with key members of both camps. As noted often, I was never a SL fan, but what's fair is fair. Time to move on in any event & enjoy development of a solid program under Mullin's direction.

Not a big SL fan either, but the myth that he didn't work at all, especially on this class, is wrong. Diallo, Brisco, Sampson, Lovett, Mussini, and that big Greek center that TIS thought was a lock. By your summary, had Brisco come, we may have had our best recruiting class in a very long time, Lavin would have reloaded, and been safe for another several years. It didn't happen, and that's the way it goes.

In the meantime, I'm just enjoying SJU bball with zero expectations for this year and loving the bright spots and reinvigorated fan base.

"Zero" expectations? That's how I started out, but after seeing some of the talent and heart on this team I have to admit I have elevated my expectations to "minimal" lol

Gird yourself. It's easy to be positive at 3-0. The Big East is going to be brutal, and on here the general euphoria of the last couple of weeks will turn somewhat ugly if we get off at 0-5 in conference play.

I felt positive after our first game blowout to STA. Naturally I feel positive (not delusion) with a 3-0 start and especially after our great comeback win. Now I'm not expecting us to go undefeated this year, but I will continue to remain positive regardless of the results. And based on what I've seen so far from this team, especially Sima and Mussini, I fully expect that we are going to be better than anticipated.

You'd better not be the first to crack...

 

[Rochester Redmen]

Don't get me wrong glad he's back a genuine good guy, but as New Yorkers know don't BS with non substance. Mullin will get kids play other NY metro D 1 players in a recruiting battle .Something Lavin didn't really do other than Harkless. Good mix of this plus what staff can do outside area. Sky's the limit , Mullin pedigree showing already , these kids don't quit. Love the effort .500 the goal which will be diificult but fun to watch . Would love to see them Knock off Boohiem at MSG, would make the season. Let's Go Redmen !

 

[monte]

M

I

Keep in mind Lovett and Mussini are Lavin recruits, Brandon Sampson was an SJU commit (10,3 ppg for #22 LSU), and Obekpa was coming back. Not saying was enough to keep his job, but it's not exactly nothing

Beast I do not want to quibble but, it is misleading to say that "Lovett and Mussini were Lavin recruits".

Yeah, the 2 were among the dozens (plural) of players which Lavin and his staff spoke to during the 2015 recruiting cycle but Lavin failed to obtain a commit from either. No one knows whether either LoVett or Missini would have committed play for Lavin.

Sampson verbaled lto Lavin. LSU continued to recruit Sampson after his non binding verbal. People on the LSU board will tell you that Sampson may have "flipped" even if Lavin remained at StJohn's; we will never know.

Yes. Obeka certainly was a "Lavin recruit".

Setting record straight, Lavin regime, Tony Chiles in particular, worked hard on LoVett recruitment. Re: Sampson, despite LSU board conjecture, he was excited to commit to SJU until Briscoe bailed. That changed both his and Diallo's outlook. Sampson clearly was even more vulnerable to departure once SL left & certainly LSU was working him. This comes from someone who conversed regularly with key members of both camps. As noted often, I was never a SL fan, but what's fair is fair. Time to move on in any event & enjoy development of a solid program under Mullin's direction.

Not a big SL fan either, but the myth that he didn't work at all, especially on this class, is wrong. Diallo, Brisco, Sampson, Lovett, Mussini, and that big Greek center that TIS thought was a lock. By your summary, had Brisco come, we may have had our best recruiting class in a very long time, Lavin would have reloaded, and been safe for another several years. It didn't happen, and that's the way it goes.

In the meantime, I'm just enjoying SJU bball with zero expectations for this year and loving the bright spots and reinvigorated fan base.

"Zero" expectations? That's how I started out, but after seeing some of the talent and heart on this team I have to admit I have elevated my expectations to "minimal" lol

Gird yourself. It's easy to be positive at 3-0. The Big East is going to be brutal, and on here the general euphoria of the last couple of weeks will turn somewhat ugly if we get off at 0-5 in conference play.

I felt positive after our first game blowout to STA. Naturally I feel positive (not delusion) with a 3-0 start and especially after our great comeback win. Now I'm not expecting us to go undefeated this year, but I will continue to remain positive regardless of the results. And based on what I've seen so far from this team, especially Sima and Mussini, I fully expect that we are going to be better than anticipated.

You'd better not be the first to crack...

Between our 16 pt come back win on Thursday, and Xavier's improbable miracle last minute win over CTK today, I am riding a sports high that I haven't felt in a very very long time. This may carry me past our first loss, but by the second one a complete melt down is a distinct possibility. .

 

[beast of the east]

M

I

Keep in mind Lovett and Mussini are Lavin recruits, Brandon Sampson was an SJU commit (10,3 ppg for #22 LSU), and Obekpa was coming back. Not saying was enough to keep his job, but it's not exactly nothing

Beast I do not want to quibble but, it is misleading to say that "Lovett and Mussini were Lavin recruits".

Yeah, the 2 were among the dozens (plural) of players which Lavin and his staff spoke to during the 2015 recruiting cycle but Lavin failed to obtain a commit from either. No one knows whether either LoVett or Missini would have committed play for Lavin.

Sampson verbaled lto Lavin. LSU continued to recruit Sampson after his non binding verbal. People on the LSU board will tell you that Sampson may have "flipped" even if Lavin remained at StJohn's; we will never know.

Yes. Obeka certainly was a "Lavin recruit".

Setting record straight, Lavin regime, Tony Chiles in particular, worked hard on LoVett recruitment. Re: Sampson, despite LSU board conjecture, he was excited to commit to SJU until Briscoe bailed. That changed both his and Diallo's outlook. Sampson clearly was even more vulnerable to departure once SL left & certainly LSU was working him. This comes from someone who conversed regularly with key members of both camps. As noted often, I was never a SL fan, but what's fair is fair. Time to move on in any event & enjoy development of a solid program under Mullin's direction.

Not a big SL fan either, but the myth that he didn't work at all, especially on this class, is wrong. Diallo, Brisco, Sampson, Lovett, Mussini, and that big Greek center that TIS thought was a lock. By your summary, had Brisco come, we may have had our best recruiting class in a very long time, Lavin would have reloaded, and been safe for another several years. It didn't happen, and that's the way it goes.

In the meantime, I'm just enjoying SJU bball with zero expectations for this year and loving the bright spots and reinvigorated fan base.

"Zero" expectations? That's how I started out, but after seeing some of the talent and heart on this team I have to admit I have elevated my expectations to "minimal" lol

Gird yourself. It's easy to be positive at 3-0. The Big East is going to be brutal, and on here the general euphoria of the last couple of weeks will turn somewhat ugly if we get off at 0-5 in conference play.

I felt positive after our first game blowout to STA. Naturally I feel positive (not delusion) with a 3-0 start and especially after our great comeback win. Now I'm not expecting us to go undefeated this year, but I will continue to remain positive regardless of the results. And based on what I've seen so far from this team, especially Sima and Mussini, I fully expect that we are going to be better than anticipated.

You'd better not be the first to crack...

Between our 16 pt come back win on Thursday, and Xavier's improbable miracle last minute win over CTK today, I am riding a sports high that I haven't felt in a very very long time. This may carry me past our first loss, but by the second one a complete melt down is a distinct possibility. .

Congratulations, Mark, you are a true Son of Xavier. Huge win. I'll let my son know if he doesn't already.

Seriously doubt you'll go over to the dark side this season.

 

[we are sju]

Just like Norm got a break because people hated Jarvis so much, Lavin gets a break from me simply for being sooo much better than Norm. I was convinced Norm was going to be allowed to coach forever.

 

[doodyny33]

M

I

Keep in mind Lovett and Mussini are Lavin recruits, Brandon Sampson was an SJU commit (10,3 ppg for #22 LSU), and Obekpa was coming back. Not saying was enough to keep his job, but it's not exactly nothing

Beast I do not want to quibble but, it is misleading to say that "Lovett and Mussini were Lavin recruits".

Yeah, the 2 were among the dozens (plural) of players which Lavin and his staff spoke to during the 2015 recruiting cycle but Lavin failed to obtain a commit from either. No one knows whether either LoVett or Missini would have committed play for Lavin.

Sampson verbaled lto Lavin. LSU continued to recruit Sampson after his non binding verbal. People on the LSU board will tell you that Sampson may have "flipped" even if Lavin remained at StJohn's; we will never know.

Yes. Obeka certainly was a "Lavin recruit".

Setting record straight, Lavin regime, Tony Chiles in particular, worked hard on LoVett recruitment. Re: Sampson, despite LSU board conjecture, he was excited to commit to SJU until Briscoe bailed. That changed both his and Diallo's outlook. Sampson clearly was even more vulnerable to departure once SL left & certainly LSU was working him. This comes from someone who conversed regularly with key members of both camps. As noted often, I was never a SL fan, but what's fair is fair. Time to move on in any event & enjoy development of a solid program under Mullin's direction.

Not a big SL fan either, but the myth that he didn't work at all, especially on this class, is wrong. Diallo, Brisco, Sampson, Lovett, Mussini, and that big Greek center that TIS thought was a lock. By your summary, had Brisco come, we may have had our best recruiting class in a very long time, Lavin would have reloaded, and been safe for another several years. It didn't happen, and that's the way it goes.

In the meantime, I'm just enjoying SJU bball with zero expectations for this year and loving the bright spots and reinvigorated fan base.

I'm still a fan of SL and hope he gets another good opportunity. Honestly, I only had 2 issues with him as coach. One, whenever we missed out on a recruit, there never ever seemed to be a backup plan. We'd swing and miss on a guy like Briscoe and then end up settling with somebody that nobody ever heard of. Two, there were just way too many problems regarding academics, suspensions, etc. I got the fact that he had to take chances when he first got to SJU. But after awhile, it was just tiresome listening to all the crap swirling around guys like Jordan and Obekpa. Took away from the fun of it.

Bottom line, I think the school made the right decision. Mullin is a straight shooter and the school enabled him to hire a hell of a staff too. Granted, I'd be supportive of anybody SJU hired, but I genuinely think this will lead to great things.