Lavin Rumors.

[Moose]

Actually, the name being mentioned a lot more for the USC job is Jamie Dixon. This has some legs. Will it happen? Who knows?

Dixon grew up in Southern California, went to Notre Dame HS in Sherman Oaks. His wife is a USC alum, and USC has a really tight alumni network. The SC job has always been considered one where the right coach could be a huge winner. Great recruiting base, media center, weather, etc. Of course, UCLA basketball is LA's showcase program, while SC football is king, but LA is big enough for more than one program. SC built a top facility a few years ago, so now many feel the program is ready to win. Money is not an issue, as SC has tons of it, much more than Pitt. There are also questions about Pitt's move to the ACC, but none of us really know what the furute brings, or how Dixon feels.

Speaking to some USC alums, one drawback to Dixon is that he coaches like Ben Howland, slow down, good defense & physical, where West coast players want to play more up tempo. Possibly, Dixon's coaching style at Pitt was a result of him (Howland too) feeling that Pitt was not going to attract flashy high scoring players, and coaching the way he did was best for Pitt.

Anyhow, USC has a number of names kicking around. Lavin doesn't seem like a big candidate.

Besides Dixon and Hopkins who are the names mentioned?

 

[simplyred]

^^ Tim Floyd, Part Deux

 

[guru]

Lav is not going anywhere!!! He is in this for the long haul......I'm also pretty sure we will see a 'change' in philosophy and staff

 

[westchesterjoe]

I heard the same rumor but discounted it. I heard that a famous alum with HOF credentials is targeted to replace him.

Actually, the rumor wouldn't surprise me at all if it came to fruition. He has roots there, the weather is better, and its close to Hollywood action for his wife. Wonder how the detractors would feel if he bolted after this season.

Beast, I would not be happy if Lavin left now and I've been critical of his game Coaching. His job here isn't finished in my book. He took this job and said it could become the jewel of the Big East. He needs to deliver on his expectations.

Whether he will in year 4 or 5 remains to be seen.. The team needs a better PG than Branch in my book. Branch also appears injury prone.. And, how about a player than can shoot the 3? And, please no more about Hooper for next year. Lavin needs a heady , high BB IQ player like Heslip, Hulls, Ryan A. who can drain the 3. We have enough slashers who can't find the hoop with a map..

 

[Jnaw17]

I heard the same rumor but discounted it. I heard that a famous alum with HOF credentials is targeted to replace him.

Actually, the rumor wouldn't surprise me at all if it came to fruition. He has roots there, the weather is better, and its close to Hollywood action for his wife. Wonder how the detractors would feel if he bolted after this season.

Beast, I would not be happy if Lavin left now and I've been critical of his game Coaching. His job here isn't finished in my book. He took this job and said it could become the jewel of the Big East. He needs to deliver on his expectations.

Whether he will in year 4 or 5 remains to be seen.. The team needs a better PG than Branch in my book. Branch also appears injury prone.. And, how about a player than can shoot the 3? And, please no more about Hooper for next year. Lavin needs a heady , high BB IQ player like Heslip, Hulls, Ryan A. who can drain the 3. We have enough slashers who can't find the hoop with a map..

You're views are getting old. Branch is a fine point guard and is only "injury prone" based on a G'Town player falling on the back of his leg. The team was playing well when he was healthy and will be fine with him playing a full year next year.

 

[Class of 72]

I heard the same rumor but discounted it. I heard that a famous alum with HOF credentials is targeted to replace him.

Actually, the rumor wouldn't surprise me at all if it came to fruition. He has roots there, the weather is better, and its close to Hollywood action for his wife. Wonder how the detractors would feel if he bolted after this season.

Beast, I would not be happy if Lavin left now and I've been critical of his game Coaching. His job here isn't finished in my book. He took this job and said it could become the jewel of the Big East. He needs to deliver on his expectations.

Whether he will in year 4 or 5 remains to be seen.. The team needs a better PG than Branch in my book. Branch also appears injury prone.. And, how about a player than can shoot the 3? And, please no more about Hooper for next year. Lavin needs a heady , high BB IQ player like Heslip, Hulls, Ryan A. who can drain the 3. We have enough slashers who can't find the hoop with a map..

Don't sell Max short. The I.Q., in general, will skyrocket next year with Gift, Orlando and Max....all excellent students. But Hooper has been a 3 point specialist since his sophomore year in high school and in one game hit 9 of 10 3 point shots that tied a Cali high school hoops record if I recall.
I am hoping he surprises us since we need a deadly 3 point shooter.

 

[mjmaherjr]

I heard the same rumor but discounted it. I heard that a famous alum with HOF credentials is targeted to replace him.

Actually, the rumor wouldn't surprise me at all if it came to fruition. He has roots there, the weather is better, and its close to Hollywood action for his wife. Wonder how the detractors would feel if he bolted after this season.

Beast, I would not be happy if Lavin left now and I've been critical of his game Coaching. His job here isn't finished in my book. He took this job and said it could become the jewel of the Big East. He needs to deliver on his expectations.

Whether he will in year 4 or 5 remains to be seen.. The team needs a better PG than Branch in my book. Branch also appears injury prone.. And, how about a player than can shoot the 3? And, please no more about Hooper for next year. Lavin needs a heady , high BB IQ player like Heslip, Hulls, Ryan A. who can drain the 3. We have enough slashers who can't find the hoop with a map..

Don't sell Max short. The I.Q., in general, will skyrocket next year with Gift, Orlando and Max....all excellent students. But Hooper has been a 3 point specialist since his sophomore year in high school and in one game hit 9 of 10 3 point shots that tied a Cali high school hoops record if I recall.
I am hoping he surprises us since we need a deadly 3 point shooter.

if he hits 2 of 10 our % is going to go higher so its a win/win

 

[Jnaw17]

I heard the same rumor but discounted it. I heard that a famous alum with HOF credentials is targeted to replace him.

Actually, the rumor wouldn't surprise me at all if it came to fruition. He has roots there, the weather is better, and its close to Hollywood action for his wife. Wonder how the detractors would feel if he bolted after this season.

Beast, I would not be happy if Lavin left now and I've been critical of his game Coaching. His job here isn't finished in my book. He took this job and said it could become the jewel of the Big East. He needs to deliver on his expectations.

Whether he will in year 4 or 5 remains to be seen.. The team needs a better PG than Branch in my book. Branch also appears injury prone.. And, how about a player than can shoot the 3? And, please no more about Hooper for next year. Lavin needs a heady , high BB IQ player like Heslip, Hulls, Ryan A. who can drain the 3. We have enough slashers who can't find the hoop with a map..

Don't sell Max short. The I.Q., in general, will skyrocket next year with Gift, Orlando and Max....all excellent students. But Hooper has been a 3 point specialist since his sophomore year in high school and in one game hit 9 of 10 3 point shots that tied a Cali high school hoops record if I recall.
I am hoping he surprises us since we need a deadly 3 point shooter.

Agreed, and by the way the "basketball IQ" will also shoot up because these kids will all be a year older. Age does help in some cases. Many didn't think much of the basketball IQ of Norm's last team until Lavin got here and then all of a sudden they're brilliant in the court.

 

[westchesterjoe]

I hope Hooper is a better shooter than Chris Mullin but, doubt that he is close to it.

What I'm talking about is a 4-5 star shooter that everyone wants, not some 2nd tier role player.. The BIG 10 has some kids on Indiana and Wisconsin, among others that drain 3's like no one we've had since Mullin. And,yes, I know there wasn't a 3 pt shot in Mullin's days.

We played and lost to virtually every team this year that high quality 3pt Shooters.. Heslip, Doolan, Ryan A from Nova. We need our own gunslinger.

 

[Class of 72]

I heard the same rumor but discounted it. I heard that a famous alum with HOF credentials is targeted to replace him.

Actually, the rumor wouldn't surprise me at all if it came to fruition. He has roots there, the weather is better, and its close to Hollywood action for his wife. Wonder how the detractors would feel if he bolted after this season.

Beast, I would not be happy if Lavin left now and I've been critical of his game Coaching. His job here isn't finished in my book. He took this job and said it could become the jewel of the Big East. He needs to deliver on his expectations.

Whether he will in year 4 or 5 remains to be seen.. The team needs a better PG than Branch in my book. Branch also appears injury prone.. And, how about a player than can shoot the 3? And, please no more about Hooper for next year. Lavin needs a heady , high BB IQ player like Heslip, Hulls, Ryan A. who can drain the 3. We have enough slashers who can't find the hoop with a map..

You're views are getting old. Branch is a fine point guard and is only "injury prone" based on a G'Town player falling on the back of his leg. The team was playing well when he was healthy and will be fine with him playing a full year next year.

I like Jamal Branch and think he could be an adequate PG next year but without an offensive system, he looks as helter skelter as the rest of the team. His assist ratio does not scream out assist man and he has no natural back up when he sits. That we used a walk on during the Nova game is telling.
As for Joe's views, they are his and he is entitled as you yours. There is no need to downgrade others views but opposing views are healthy and worthy of discussion.
The regular season is over....let the speculation and predictions begin....and have fun!

 

[Class of 72]

I hope Hooper is a better shooter than Chris Mullin but, doubt that he is close to it.

What I'm talking about is a 4-5 star shooter that everyone wants, not some 2nd tier role player.. The BIG 10 has some kids on Indiana and Wisconsin, among others that drain 3's like no one we've had since Mullin. And,yes, I know there wasn't a 3 pt shot in Mullin's days.

We played and lost to virtually every team this year that high quality 3pt Shooters.. Heslip, Doolan, Ryan A from Nova. We need our own gunslinger.

Joe, most 4-5 star shooters are committed so forget next year. Max will be the next great white hope of hoops at SJ. LOL!
Marco may be better looking but by some accounts, Max is a much better shooter. Someone who has seen him shoot in practices actually compared him very favorably to Chris from the corner. His release is quicker than Marco's and he is the type of player you mentioned at Wisconsin and Indiana....minus the muscle mass. I will be rooting hard for him.

 

[Jnaw17]

I heard the same rumor but discounted it. I heard that a famous alum with HOF credentials is targeted to replace him.

Actually, the rumor wouldn't surprise me at all if it came to fruition. He has roots there, the weather is better, and its close to Hollywood action for his wife. Wonder how the detractors would feel if he bolted after this season.

Beast, I would not be happy if Lavin left now and I've been critical of his game Coaching. His job here isn't finished in my book. He took this job and said it could become the jewel of the Big East. He needs to deliver on his expectations.

Whether he will in year 4 or 5 remains to be seen.. The team needs a better PG than Branch in my book. Branch also appears injury prone.. And, how about a player than can shoot the 3? And, please no more about Hooper for next year. Lavin needs a heady , high BB IQ player like Heslip, Hulls, Ryan A. who can drain the 3. We have enough slashers who can't find the hoop with a map..

You're views are getting old. Branch is a fine point guard and is only "injury prone" based on a G'Town player falling on the back of his leg. The team was playing well when he was healthy and will be fine with him playing a full year next year.

I like Jamal Branch and think he could be an adequate PG next year but without an offensive system, he looks as helter skelter as the rest of the team. His assist ratio does not scream out assist man and he has no natural back up when he sits. That we used a walk on during the Nova game is telling.
As for Joe's views, they are his and he is entitled as you yours. There is no need to downgrade others views but opposing views are healthy and worthy of discussion.
The regular season is over....let the speculation and predictions begin....and have fun!

Not sure what was degrading, but I'll take your point. The constant knocking of the players and our Coach is getting old, which was my point.

As for Branch, I firmly believe he is still hurt, but good enough to play. Let's judge him on the 10-11 games before the injury when he could clearly move quicker. I agree that an alternate pg would help, so maybe Rysheed will jump on board.

 

[blackpeter24]

Branch is an average point guard, at best. He has no explosiveness or athleticism. He also lacks strength and his decision making is average, at best.

 

[doodyny33]

Branch is an average point guard, at best. He has no explosiveness or athleticism. He also lacks strength and his decision making is average, at best.

He was playing very good basketball up until his injury. After he got hurt, he was not the same player.

At this time, I think it's fair to call him an average PG. But I remain optimistic that he'll come back stronger next year. I'm not saying he's going to be the next Erick Barkley for us, but I think he has the skills to be very effective at this level.

 

[Moose]

Branch is an average point guard, at best. He has no explosiveness or athleticism. He also lacks strength and his decision making is average, at best.

You are basing it off his last game.
Maybe you should check out the Marquette game. 8 assists.

 

[guru]

I personally really like branch.... But that being said we are missing a lightning quick true pg that can penetrate and breakdown defenses! It seems to me phil and branch don't take that next couple of dribbles to draw the d and kick..... Insert a peyton Siva type in our lineup and we are dangerous!!!

 

[Marillac]

Branch is an average point guard, at best. He has no explosiveness or athleticism. He also lacks strength and his decision making is average, at best.

I agree that he isn't a very explosive or athletic kid by PG standards. I don't think he was what most of us hoped he'd be, but I think he is far better than "average at best." I think he can be very good in time. The kid is a soph, but has played less total games in his two half seasons than most guys get in a their freshman year.

He's good in the open court and he shows a willingness to guard. Based on what I saw against Villanova, I expect the team to apply much more pressure next season and that will play to Branch's strengths. He has shown that he can break down a defener and get to the tin--just not as often as we'd all like. Can you fault the kid? We have nobody that needs to doubled in the post--only one kid that even needs to be respected. We have one--perhaps two--outside threats so nobody needs to worry about pick-and-rolls or hedging on high screens. Teams pack the post and take away what PG's love the most. I don't think they will be able to do that next year. Sanchez will be a legit threat to score down low, and at 6'9 220 he will be a force in the pick-and-roll because he can also shoot (and pass) it relatively well from the perimeter.

This wole teams needs to add some serious muscle....Branch is no different. I think the tim in the weight room will allow this team to take the next step defensively.

 

[JackofVirginia]

Let's remember that Branch also stopped taking outside shots once he returned from his injury. Don't believe he was totally recovered. He wil be fine for us next year. He may not be the fastest point guard but he certainly can penetrate and finish.

 

[beast of the east]

Branch is an average point guard, at best. He has no explosiveness or athleticism. He also lacks strength and his decision making is average, at best.

Did you miss the two drives to the basket vs. Marquette? One was on a break, where appearing to be travelling at top speed close to the key, he suddenly exploded into another gear and left his defender a half step behind for anuncontested layup. My guess is that with his knee, he is maybe 85%, and if not for the Harrison suspension, would have been receiving less minutes. It appeared to hurt his mobility more on defense than offense though

 

[Section3]

Funny, but my mail carrier's cousin's neighbor's ex-wife who is dating the brother of the nephew of the neighbor of the AD at NJIT who has never met Lavin said Lavin is going to Duke.

Let the search committee commence their operations.

Reliable source?