Matt A
- Thread starter paultzman
- Start date
Class of 72
Active member
Other than Shamorie, Matt has to prove he can recruit elite players right out of high school at St. John's and not just be a broker on the transfer market. Let's see if we can close on a couple of the half dozen local players we are involved with because after Lavin left we appear to be less of a player on the national scene. Personally, I think Mullin and Richmond should be also spending time in the lucrative west coast market.
Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't Marcus Lovett commit right out of high school? We have just completed a season that was a big improvement, and some on here are criticizing Matt. In less than two years, he has brought in some very good players. We also have two transfers that will be eligible in September. We are involved with several of the top players in the 2018 Class. Even Jay Wright didn't turn around Villanova in two years. Rebuilding a program is a process.
One poster in an attempt to put Matt down stated that Iowa State is doing very well without him. The reality is that Matt was instrumental in recruiting the players that have helped Iowa State remain competitive over the last two years. Recruiting is not just flying around the country sucking up to AAU coaches. It is building and maintaining relationships with parents, coaches, and players so that they trust you.
In essence, the only reason that we have a team at all, is because of Matt. No one else has recruited any players. What we should be asking is why this is so? Let's be real, neither Mullin, Richmond, or St. Jean have any idea what goes into recruiting. I don't care who the coach is, you can't win without players so to continue to criticize the one individual who is bringing in players seems totally nonsensical to me.
Agree completely Panther, Matt has been nothing short of amazing in his time here. However it's imperative that if there are any issues, they be adressed and resolved. There is no way that Matt can continue to be an effective recruiter with rumors constantly circulating about the possibility of him leaving.
One poster here.
I said I hope he stays but if he goes he goes. In two separate posts. Please read the first six words of that first sentence, no wait let me make it easier for you, I will write it again - I hope he stays.
I'm not putting anyone down, I get what he does. One thing he seems to do well is evaluate talent, a big part of his job. He also spends a lot of time sucking up to AAU coaches, as does every other lead recruiter. To think otherwise is naive.
I'm not sure what people want here. Is the idea to keep him at all costs? Really? Personally, I don't know Matt and have nothing against him. He is a big Mets fan so for that alone I like him. But if he wants to leave then we move on.
Now, I find this part of it interesting, the strong, "you don't know what he does" argument, even though I see no one suggesting he be fired. Because I have seen not just posts, but entire threads asking for Richmond to be fired, and many posts indicating he does nothing. Which means, I guess, that all of you attend practice on a regular basis.
Because i have seen every home game in person since Mullin became coach and this year (last year he was not allowed) he was actively coaching. No player comes out of a game without having to sit down next to Mitch, and if you watch he is coaching said players.
So me, I don't want Matt fired, or Mitch, or St. Jean, or Mullin. I want to give the entire staff a fair shot. Sorry if that is an unpopular sentiment.
Yes, let's be real. It's foolish to think Mullin, Richmond, or St. Jean do not have any idea what goes into recruiting. SJU has a unique setup, I agree, where Matt does a very heavy amount of the legwork. He also has very little to do with the coaching. He clearly has nothing to do with the coaching during games.
At many schools lead recruiters also coach. If a school is going to pay a full Assistant's salary to a coach who only recruits it is only logical that he does most of the recruiting work. I'm not sure if that is the best way to run the program, but Mullin seems to think so and I'm hoping he is right.
But the idea that Matt is outworking the other assistants indicates knowledge of the inner workings of the program that I have not seen shared. Matt does his work out front, in public. If St. Jean looks at tape all night Braziller does not know and doesn't tweet it out.
It is weak to defend Matt by taking shots at the rest of the staff. I want them all to stay and for the program to have continuity.
Just a question not saying matt is not out there hustling but last yr what top player did Matt recruit that could have started on any team in the confr? Not his fault with the time schedule to put a team together But i think many here was expecting a better quality of talent considering he was touted as a special recruiter Hope he does well for 2018 class and should be able to bring in a big center who will start and project the team to a NCAA ticket
we are sju
Active member
I think people need to understand that with the exception of Lavin's first class it is not easy to recruit kids here.
Think we have to concentrate on just recruiting solid 3 star kids and build a roster based on Mullin's preferred style of play.
Maybe identify 4 or 5- four star guys that we have a realistic chance at each class and concentrate on getting one of them.
Seems we spend too much time trying to hit Grand Slams and are stuck with uneven rosters.
Think we have to concentrate on just recruiting solid 3 star kids and build a roster based on Mullin's preferred style of play.
Maybe identify 4 or 5- four star guys that we have a realistic chance at each class and concentrate on getting one of them.
Seems we spend too much time trying to hit Grand Slams and are stuck with uneven rosters.
If Matt were to leave, even if the it were completely out of the program's hands or the program's decision and rationale to allow him to leave were completely justifiable.
And even if the program has a great alternative.
And even if same were the case for Slice on both counts.
Losing (1) an assistant who is regarded as one of the better recruiters in the college game and left Kentucky after one year to come to SJU, and (2) an assistant who is regarded as a an emerging star recruiter, graduated from SJU, and appears to be doing an excellent job to date under difficult circumstances.
In the span of 2 years would not be positive momentum or solid continuity internally, nor would it be good perception externally, even in the fluid landscape of college hoops. As the program tries to generate some stability and sustainability achieving those things on the staff at least for a few years would probably be helpful. Other programs seem to find a way to do it. Hope this is just normal off-season chatter.
And even if the program has a great alternative.
And even if same were the case for Slice on both counts.
Losing (1) an assistant who is regarded as one of the better recruiters in the college game and left Kentucky after one year to come to SJU, and (2) an assistant who is regarded as a an emerging star recruiter, graduated from SJU, and appears to be doing an excellent job to date under difficult circumstances.
In the span of 2 years would not be positive momentum or solid continuity internally, nor would it be good perception externally, even in the fluid landscape of college hoops. As the program tries to generate some stability and sustainability achieving those things on the staff at least for a few years would probably be helpful. Other programs seem to find a way to do it. Hope this is just normal off-season chatter.
[quote="SJU1512" post=247961 Hope this is just normal off-season chatter.[/quote]
Well, normal for us.
Well, normal for us.
JackofVirginia
Active member
During Louie's coaching tenure it was a lot easier to recruit locals. Most important to our city kids were the stipends they got for room and board plus the opportunity to play at Madison Square Garden. Of course the team used their money to buy leather jackets and boom boxes. Can never forget receiving two dollars for travel money from Jack Kaiser while the basketball players on the baseball team got an envelope. (Never ever saw how much they got).