Mike Vacc SJU Critique

[lawmanfan]

Nova had a perfectly decent coach in Steve Lappas. 9 years, 4 NCAA tournaments, 3 NIT, .613 winning percentage, While there's still some debate over his departure, I have no doubt that Nova was looking to elevate their basketball program just as they've elevated their academic reputation. IMO Steve Lavin, if he stays, will be our Steve Lappas. Its up to the school to decide if that's what they want for their basketball program.

This is perhaps the most apposite post on the thread WRT the OP and Vaccaro's article.

I think Steve Lappas is an excellent point of comparison for Steve Lavin, though it is a different era. Lappas recruited some wonderful players. He frequently made the tournament, and invariably underachieved, because he was an atrocious basketball coach. Well, atrocious may by a bit of an overstatement, but he was bad (at best). As a result his talented teams routinely underachieved and got bounced early from the tournament year after year (yes, not unlike SJU under Louie).

Ultimately Villanova had to decide whether it wanted to continue with frustrating mediocrity (mediocrity being defined as frequent tournament appearances with early dismissals, as opposed to infrequent tournament appearances with early dismissals), or to assume the risk associated with giving up a bird in the hand and trying for two in the bush.

Of course, Nova got it right, and I don't know how many people have confidence in the ability or competence of SJU to do the same.

 

[TonyinFairfield]

Did you guys get that wonderful letter, under DLo's name, asking for a contribution? I'd never seen anything like that before and I thought it was a nice touch.

And yes, as a result, I did send a contribution.

 

[logen]

Logen
Since Louie retired what has gone on with the program that would make you think the school could make a better hire? If you want to say you want more for the program and or thought Lavin would be more succesful, I understand. The reality is outside of maybe Jarvis who is despised by most on here, Lavin has been the most succesful hire we have had post Louie.
I grew up watching us play in the tourney every year but our most recenmt history has been much worse than it has under Lavin.

I don't disagree with you at all about our recent history (post-Louie.) I also agree with your assessment of Lavin's 5 year record. But I do not believe in Lavin long term because I don't think you can fix lazy nor create passion where it is not there. I don't believe Lavin bleeds to be successful here and I think the lack of anything resembling quality depth this year and the outlook for next years roster and the reasons for both is ample proof. He may pull a rabbit out of the hat for next year but we should not be facing trying to piece together an even remotely competitive roster in his 6th year IMO. Having said that, I do understand and respect your position now

Logen, where do you get the notion that Lavin is lazy and dispassionate about being coach here? This is not a gotcha question, I have read it before, but has never been explained, just innuendo. Appreciate it.

Dispassionate is my conclusion from talking to people connected with SJU that I know but mostly from talking to HS coaches, who almost to a person either do not speak about Lavin or certainly don't speak highly of him. For example, I have one personal acquantince (not a coach, I have a close friend who is an SJU graduate, I am not, and met the aforementioned through him) who is an SJU grad and still connected with the university who swears Lavin "needs a GPS to find the campus, maybe we should just relocate Carnesseca Arena to the Village." I might have even used the GPS phrase in one of my anti-Lavin posts, if so , that's where I got it. I have heard similar things from other SJU people I know; I believe it is fair to say other posters have alluded to the same things.

I also know personally several (two specifically and personally but others through anecdotes) NJ HS coaches who have attempted to contact and open a dialogue with Lavin about players I will loosely lump as players they believe are D1 BE sleeper type players, you know, the ones that fly under the radar and 4 years later we say why can't we get guys that can shoot or rebound or whatever like that? Anyway, one was ignored, never contacted, the other who was more persistent was told by an SJU .basketball rep other than Lavin that "Coach does not waste his time on recruits he doesn't want."
By the way, I am paraphrasing both above quotes.

Now it is certainly Lavin's perogative and no coach can possibly follow up on every phone call they get. However, one of the coaches, who I have known forever, is a very prominent, successful and well respected high school coach in Jersey who has told me he would never steer or even recommend one of his kids go to SJU simply because he cannot understand the lack of any contact back. IMO, the fact that Lavin or a staff member has not in 5 years attempted to develop a relationship with this coach is mind boggling and unacceptable. Now for all those who will jump on me back that Lavin is perfectly within his rights to act as he sees fit, I agree, but I will form my opinion of the coach based on the feedback I get about him, especially when the information is from someone I know and respect.

 

[beast of the east]

Did you guys get that wonderful letter, under DLo's name, asking for a contribution? I'd never seen anything like that before and I thought it was a nice touch.

And yes, as a result, I did send a contribution.

Now I wish SJU would pick up on what some better organized schools do. From other schools I get emails from student athletes thanking me for contributions. It's a nice touch, even if the email is boilerplate.

 

[simplyred]

Logen
Since Louie retired what has gone on with the program that would make you think the school could make a better hire? If you want to say you want more for the program and or thought Lavin would be more succesful, I understand. The reality is outside of maybe Jarvis who is despised by most on here, Lavin has been the most succesful hire we have had post Louie.
I grew up watching us play in the tourney every year but our most recenmt history has been much worse than it has under Lavin.

I don't disagree with you at all about our recent history (post-Louie.) I also agree with your assessment of Lavin's 5 year record. But I do not believe in Lavin long term because I don't think you can fix lazy nor create passion where it is not there. I don't believe Lavin bleeds to be successful here and I think the lack of anything resembling quality depth this year and the outlook for next years roster and the reasons for both is ample proof. He may pull a rabbit out of the hat for next year but we should not be facing trying to piece together an even remotely competitive roster in his 6th year IMO. Having said that, I do understand and respect your position now

Logen, where do you get the notion that Lavin is lazy and dispassionate about being coach here? This is not a gotcha question, I have read it before, but has never been explained, just innuendo. Appreciate it.

He's been spotted in Soho restaurants.

 

[TonyinFairfield]

Logen
Since Louie retired what has gone on with the program that would make you think the school could make a better hire? If you want to say you want more for the program and or thought Lavin would be more succesful, I understand. The reality is outside of maybe Jarvis who is despised by most on here, Lavin has been the most succesful hire we have had post Louie.
I grew up watching us play in the tourney every year but our most recenmt history has been much worse than it has under Lavin.

I don't disagree with you at all about our recent history (post-Louie.) I also agree with your assessment of Lavin's 5 year record. But I do not believe in Lavin long term because I don't think you can fix lazy nor create passion where it is not there. I don't believe Lavin bleeds to be successful here and I think the lack of anything resembling quality depth this year and the outlook for next years roster and the reasons for both is ample proof. He may pull a rabbit out of the hat for next year but we should not be facing trying to piece together an even remotely competitive roster in his 6th year IMO. Having said that, I do understand and respect your position now

Logen, where do you get the notion that Lavin is lazy and dispassionate about being coach here? This is not a gotcha question, I have read it before, but has never been explained, just innuendo. Appreciate it.

He's been spotted in Soho restaurants.

Fire Lavin now! How dare he eat at restaurants in the neighborhood where he lives. That is totally unscrupulous. Makes what Boeheim has done at Syracuse look like petty theft! Fie on Lavin!

 

[salty dog]

Logen
Since Louie retired what has gone on with the program that would make you think the school could make a better hire? If you want to say you want more for the program and or thought Lavin would be more succesful, I understand. The reality is outside of maybe Jarvis who is despised by most on here, Lavin has been the most succesful hire we have had post Louie.
I grew up watching us play in the tourney every year but our most recenmt history has been much worse than it has under Lavin.

I don't disagree with you at all about our recent history (post-Louie.) I also agree with your assessment of Lavin's 5 year record. But I do not believe in Lavin long term because I don't think you can fix lazy nor create passion where it is not there. I don't believe Lavin bleeds to be successful here and I think the lack of anything resembling quality depth this year and the outlook for next years roster and the reasons for both is ample proof. He may pull a rabbit out of the hat for next year but we should not be facing trying to piece together an even remotely competitive roster in his 6th year IMO. Having said that, I do understand and respect your position now

Logen, where do you get the notion that Lavin is lazy and dispassionate about being coach here? This is not a gotcha question, I have read it before, but has never been explained, just innuendo. Appreciate it.

Dispassionate is my conclusion from talking to people connected with SJU that I know but mostly from talking to HS coaches, who almost to a person either do not speak about Lavin or certainly don't speak highly of him. For example, I have one personal acquantince (not a coach, I have a close friend who is an SJU graduate, I am not, and met the aforementioned through him) who is an SJU grad and still connected with the university who swears Lavin "needs a GPS to find the campus, maybe we should just relocate Carnesseca Arena to the Village." I might have even used the GPS phrase in one of my anti-Lavin posts, if so , that's where I got it. I have heard similar things from other SJU people I know; I believe it is fair to say other posters have alluded to the same things.

I also know personally several (two specifically and personally but others through anecdotes) NJ HS coaches who have attempted to contact and open a dialogue with Lavin about players I will loosely lump as players they believe are D1 BE sleeper type players, you know, the ones that fly under the radar and 4 years later we say why can't we get guys that can shoot or rebound or whatever like that? Anyway, one was ignored, never contacted, the other who was more persistent was told by an SJU .basketball rep other than Lavin that "Coach does not waste his time on recruits he doesn't want."
By the way, I am paraphrasing both above quotes.

Now it is certainly Lavin's perogative and no coach can possibly follow up on every phone call they get. However, one of the coaches, who I have known forever, is a very prominent, successful and well respected high school coach in Jersey who has told me he would never steer or even recommend one of his kids go to SJU simply because he cannot understand the lack of any contact back. IMO, the fact that Lavin or a staff member has not in 5 years attempted to develop a relationship with this coach is mind boggling and unacceptable. Now for all those who will jump on me back that Lavin is perfectly within his rights to act as he sees fit, I agree, but I will form my opinion of the coach based on the feedback I get about him, especially when the information is from someone I know and respect.

To be fair, what school are we talking about and how many D 1 players have they produced.

 

[Marillac]

Logen
Since Louie retired what has gone on with the program that would make you think the school could make a better hire? If you want to say you want more for the program and or thought Lavin would be more succesful, I understand. The reality is outside of maybe Jarvis who is despised by most on here, Lavin has been the most succesful hire we have had post Louie.
I grew up watching us play in the tourney every year but our most recenmt history has been much worse than it has under Lavin.

I don't disagree with you at all about our recent history (post-Louie.) I also agree with your assessment of Lavin's 5 year record. But I do not believe in Lavin long term because I don't think you can fix lazy nor create passion where it is not there. I don't believe Lavin bleeds to be successful here and I think the lack of anything resembling quality depth this year and the outlook for next years roster and the reasons for both is ample proof. He may pull a rabbit out of the hat for next year but we should not be facing trying to piece together an even remotely competitive roster in his 6th year IMO. Having said that, I do understand and respect your position now

Logen, where do you get the notion that Lavin is lazy and dispassionate about being coach here? This is not a gotcha question, I have read it before, but has never been explained, just innuendo. Appreciate it.

Dispassionate is my conclusion from talking to people connected with SJU that I know but mostly from talking to HS coaches, who almost to a person either do not speak about Lavin or certainly don't speak highly of him. For example, I have one personal acquantince (not a coach, I have a close friend who is an SJU graduate, I am not, and met the aforementioned through him) who is an SJU grad and still connected with the university who swears Lavin "needs a GPS to find the campus, maybe we should just relocate Carnesseca Arena to the Village." I might have even used the GPS phrase in one of my anti-Lavin posts, if so , that's where I got it. I have heard similar things from other SJU people I know; I believe it is fair to say other posters have alluded to the same things.

I also know personally several (two specifically and personally but others through anecdotes) NJ HS coaches who have attempted to contact and open a dialogue with Lavin about players I will loosely lump as players they believe are D1 BE sleeper type players, you know, the ones that fly under the radar and 4 years later we say why can't we get guys that can shoot or rebound or whatever like that? Anyway, one was ignored, never contacted, the other who was more persistent was told by an SJU .basketball rep other than Lavin that "Coach does not waste his time on recruits he doesn't want."
By the way, I am paraphrasing both above quotes.

Now it is certainly Lavin's perogative and no coach can possibly follow up on every phone call they get. However, one of the coaches, who I have known forever, is a very prominent, successful and well respected high school coach in Jersey who has told me he would never steer or even recommend one of his kids go to SJU simply because he cannot understand the lack of any contact back. IMO, the fact that Lavin or a staff member has not in 5 years attempted to develop a relationship with this coach is mind boggling and unacceptable. Now for all those who will jump on me back that Lavin is perfectly within his rights to act as he sees fit, I agree, but I will form my opinion of the coach based on the feedback I get about him, especially when the information is from someone I know and respect.

You dislike Lavin on a personal level. You are the poster that said in December "It's early, but I think this Creighton team is even better than last year" (good call, Wooden), but two weeks later told me to stop looking forward when I predicted we'd make the tournament.

Lavin is the most detached coach from the "insiders" that we've ever had. There is very little info and the lack of such info leads his bashers to believe he is doing nothing and surprising us with recruits that he scrambled to get in the 11th hour. When he first took over, we could get info from Chile at will--there was a steady stream from the AD department, and even Dunlap could be counted on here an there. They have all since been given gag orders. That doesn't mean they aren't working.

 

[1and1sju]

Logen
Since Louie retired what has gone on with the program that would make you think the school could make a better hire? If you want to say you want more for the program and or thought Lavin would be more succesful, I understand. The reality is outside of maybe Jarvis who is despised by most on here, Lavin has been the most succesful hire we have had post Louie.
I grew up watching us play in the tourney every year but our most recenmt history has been much worse than it has under Lavin.

I don't disagree with you at all about our recent history (post-Louie.) I also agree with your assessment of Lavin's 5 year record. But I do not believe in Lavin long term because I don't think you can fix lazy nor create passion where it is not there. I don't believe Lavin bleeds to be successful here and I think the lack of anything resembling quality depth this year and the outlook for next years roster and the reasons for both is ample proof. He may pull a rabbit out of the hat for next year but we should not be facing trying to piece together an even remotely competitive roster in his 6th year IMO. Having said that, I do understand and respect your position now

Logen, where do you get the notion that Lavin is lazy and dispassionate about being coach here? This is not a gotcha question, I have read it before, but has never been explained, just innuendo. Appreciate it.

Dispassionate is my conclusion from talking to people connected with SJU that I know but mostly from talking to HS coaches, who almost to a person either do not speak about Lavin or certainly don't speak highly of him. For example, I have one personal acquantince (not a coach, I have a close friend who is an SJU graduate, I am not, and met the aforementioned through him) who is an SJU grad and still connected with the university who swears Lavin "needs a GPS to find the campus, maybe we should just relocate Carnesseca Arena to the Village." I might have even used the GPS phrase in one of my anti-Lavin posts, if so , that's where I got it. I have heard similar things from other SJU people I know; I believe it is fair to say other posters have alluded to the same things.

I also know personally several (two specifically and personally but others through anecdotes) NJ HS coaches who have attempted to contact and open a dialogue with Lavin about players I will loosely lump as players they believe are D1 BE sleeper type players, you know, the ones that fly under the radar and 4 years later we say why can't we get guys that can shoot or rebound or whatever like that? Anyway, one was ignored, never contacted, the other who was more persistent was told by an SJU .basketball rep other than Lavin that "Coach does not waste his time on recruits he doesn't want."
By the way, I am paraphrasing both above quotes.

Now it is certainly Lavin's perogative and no coach can possibly follow up on every phone call they get. However, one of the coaches, who I have known forever, is a very prominent, successful and well respected high school coach in Jersey who has told me he would never steer or even recommend one of his kids go to SJU simply because he cannot understand the lack of any contact back. IMO, the fact that Lavin or a staff member has not in 5 years attempted to develop a relationship with this coach is mind boggling and unacceptable. Now for all those who will jump on me back that Lavin is perfectly within his rights to act as he sees fit, I agree, but I will form my opinion of the coach based on the feedback I get about him, especially when the information is from someone I know and respect.

You dislike Lavin on a personal level. You are the poster that said in December "It's early, but I think this Creighton team is even better than last year" (good call, Wooden), but two weeks later told me to stop looking forward when I predicted we'd make the tournament.

Lavin is the most detached coach from the "insiders" that we've ever had. There is very little info and the lack of such info leads his bashers to believe he is doing nothing and surprising us with recruits that he scrambled to get in the 11th hour. When he first took over, we could get info from Chile at will--there was a steady stream from the AD department, and even Dunlap could be counted on here an there. They have all since been given gag orders. That doesn't mean they aren't working.

Marillac, I agree that less is leaked, and that's probably a good thing for the program. And also that people shouldn't read into silence, it doesn't necessarily equate to inaction.

But wake up man! It's almost April. Teams are readying their 2016 recruiting boards, and planning their summer trips. And we are still formulating our 2015 class, with MAJOR pieces still missing.

Who's the pg if Rysheed isn't here?
There isn't a PF on the roster besides Amar. And there isn't a SF on the roster period.
Not to mention the problems at center, were we could be thin again depending how things shake out with CO and ADR.

I understand there are JUCOS, international players, and graudate transfers available. But this is very late in the game for a guy who is supposed to be an elite recruiter.

 

[redken]

Logen
Since Louie retired what has gone on with the program that would make you think the school could make a better hire? If you want to say you want more for the program and or thought Lavin would be more succesful, I understand. The reality is outside of maybe Jarvis who is despised by most on here, Lavin has been the most succesful hire we have had post Louie.
I grew up watching us play in the tourney every year but our most recenmt history has been much worse than it has under Lavin.

I don't disagree with you at all about our recent history (post-Louie.) I also agree with your assessment of Lavin's 5 year record. But I do not believe in Lavin long term because I don't think you can fix lazy nor create passion where it is not there. I don't believe Lavin bleeds to be successful here and I think the lack of anything resembling quality depth this year and the outlook for next years roster and the reasons for both is ample proof. He may pull a rabbit out of the hat for next year but we should not be facing trying to piece together an even remotely competitive roster in his 6th year IMO. Having said that, I do understand and respect your position now

Logen, where do you get the notion that Lavin is lazy and dispassionate about being coach here? This is not a gotcha question, I have read it before, but has never been explained, just innuendo. Appreciate it.

He's been spotted in Soho restaurants.

Fire Lavin now! How dare he eat at restaurants in the neighborhood where he lives. That is totally unscrupulous. Makes what Boeheim has done at Syracuse look like petty theft! Fie on Lavin!

I don't know about that, Tony: Boeheim has been seen eating in restaurants in Syracuse ... and in casual clothes, no less.

 

[monte]

Logen
Since Louie retired what has gone on with the program that would make you think the school could make a better hire? If you want to say you want more for the program and or thought Lavin would be more succesful, I understand. The reality is outside of maybe Jarvis who is despised by most on here, Lavin has been the most succesful hire we have had post Louie.
I grew up watching us play in the tourney every year but our most recenmt history has been much worse than it has under Lavin.

I don't disagree with you at all about our recent history (post-Louie.) I also agree with your assessment of Lavin's 5 year record. But I do not believe in Lavin long term because I don't think you can fix lazy nor create passion where it is not there. I don't believe Lavin bleeds to be successful here and I think the lack of anything resembling quality depth this year and the outlook for next years roster and the reasons for both is ample proof. He may pull a rabbit out of the hat for next year but we should not be facing trying to piece together an even remotely competitive roster in his 6th year IMO. Having said that, I do understand and respect your position now

Logen, where do you get the notion that Lavin is lazy and dispassionate about being coach here? This is not a gotcha question, I have read it before, but has never been explained, just innuendo. Appreciate it.

Dispassionate is my conclusion from talking to people connected with SJU that I know but mostly from talking to HS coaches, who almost to a person either do not speak about Lavin or certainly don't speak highly of him. For example, I have one personal acquantince (not a coach, I have a close friend who is an SJU graduate, I am not, and met the aforementioned through him) who is an SJU grad and still connected with the university who swears Lavin "needs a GPS to find the campus, maybe we should just relocate Carnesseca Arena to the Village." I might have even used the GPS phrase in one of my anti-Lavin posts, if so , that's where I got it. I have heard similar things from other SJU people I know; I believe it is fair to say other posters have alluded to the same things.

I also know personally several (two specifically and personally but others through anecdotes) NJ HS coaches who have attempted to contact and open a dialogue with Lavin about players I will loosely lump as players they believe are D1 BE sleeper type players, you know, the ones that fly under the radar and 4 years later we say why can't we get guys that can shoot or rebound or whatever like that? Anyway, one was ignored, never contacted, the other who was more persistent was told by an SJU .basketball rep other than Lavin that "Coach does not waste his time on recruits he doesn't want."
By the way, I am paraphrasing both above quotes.

Now it is certainly Lavin's perogative and no coach can possibly follow up on every phone call they get. However, one of the coaches, who I have known forever, is a very prominent, successful and well respected high school coach in Jersey who has told me he would never steer or even recommend one of his kids go to SJU simply because he cannot understand the lack of any contact back. IMO, the fact that Lavin or a staff member has not in 5 years attempted to develop a relationship with this coach is mind boggling and unacceptable. Now for all those who will jump on me back that Lavin is perfectly within his rights to act as he sees fit, I agree, but I will form my opinion of the coach based on the feedback I get about him, especially when the information is from someone I know and respect.

You dislike Lavin on a personal level. You are the poster that said in December "It's early, but I think this Creighton team is even better than last year" (good call, Wooden), but two weeks later told me to stop looking forward when I predicted we'd make the tournament.

Lavin is the most detached coach from the "insiders" that we've ever had. There is very little info and the lack of such info leads his bashers to believe he is doing nothing and surprising us with recruits that he scrambled to get in the 11th hour. When he first took over, we could get info from Chile at will--there was a steady stream from the AD department, and even Dunlap could be counted on here an there. They have all since been given gag orders. That doesn't mean they aren't working.

It also doesnt mean that they are. The only thing that really matters are the results. So far the results have been questionable.

 

[Marillac]

Logen
Since Louie retired what has gone on with the program that would make you think the school could make a better hire? If you want to say you want more for the program and or thought Lavin would be more succesful, I understand. The reality is outside of maybe Jarvis who is despised by most on here, Lavin has been the most succesful hire we have had post Louie.
I grew up watching us play in the tourney every year but our most recenmt history has been much worse than it has under Lavin.

I don't disagree with you at all about our recent history (post-Louie.) I also agree with your assessment of Lavin's 5 year record. But I do not believe in Lavin long term because I don't think you can fix lazy nor create passion where it is not there. I don't believe Lavin bleeds to be successful here and I think the lack of anything resembling quality depth this year and the outlook for next years roster and the reasons for both is ample proof. He may pull a rabbit out of the hat for next year but we should not be facing trying to piece together an even remotely competitive roster in his 6th year IMO. Having said that, I do understand and respect your position now

Logen, where do you get the notion that Lavin is lazy and dispassionate about being coach here? This is not a gotcha question, I have read it before, but has never been explained, just innuendo. Appreciate it.

Dispassionate is my conclusion from talking to people connected with SJU that I know but mostly from talking to HS coaches, who almost to a person either do not speak about Lavin or certainly don't speak highly of him. For example, I have one personal acquantince (not a coach, I have a close friend who is an SJU graduate, I am not, and met the aforementioned through him) who is an SJU grad and still connected with the university who swears Lavin "needs a GPS to find the campus, maybe we should just relocate Carnesseca Arena to the Village." I might have even used the GPS phrase in one of my anti-Lavin posts, if so , that's where I got it. I have heard similar things from other SJU people I know; I believe it is fair to say other posters have alluded to the same things.

I also know personally several (two specifically and personally but others through anecdotes) NJ HS coaches who have attempted to contact and open a dialogue with Lavin about players I will loosely lump as players they believe are D1 BE sleeper type players, you know, the ones that fly under the radar and 4 years later we say why can't we get guys that can shoot or rebound or whatever like that? Anyway, one was ignored, never contacted, the other who was more persistent was told by an SJU .basketball rep other than Lavin that "Coach does not waste his time on recruits he doesn't want."
By the way, I am paraphrasing both above quotes.

Now it is certainly Lavin's perogative and no coach can possibly follow up on every phone call they get. However, one of the coaches, who I have known forever, is a very prominent, successful and well respected high school coach in Jersey who has told me he would never steer or even recommend one of his kids go to SJU simply because he cannot understand the lack of any contact back. IMO, the fact that Lavin or a staff member has not in 5 years attempted to develop a relationship with this coach is mind boggling and unacceptable. Now for all those who will jump on me back that Lavin is perfectly within his rights to act as he sees fit, I agree, but I will form my opinion of the coach based on the feedback I get about him, especially when the information is from someone I know and respect.

You dislike Lavin on a personal level. You are the poster that said in December "It's early, but I think this Creighton team is even better than last year" (good call, Wooden), but two weeks later told me to stop looking forward when I predicted we'd make the tournament.

Lavin is the most detached coach from the "insiders" that we've ever had. There is very little info and the lack of such info leads his bashers to believe he is doing nothing and surprising us with recruits that he scrambled to get in the 11th hour. When he first took over, we could get info from Chile at will--there was a steady stream from the AD department, and even Dunlap could be counted on here an there. They have all since been given gag orders. That doesn't mean they aren't working.

Marillac, I agree that less is leaked, and that's probably a good thing for the program. And also that people shouldn't read into silence, it doesn't necessarily equate to inaction.

But wake up man! It's almost April. Teams are readying their 2016 recruiting boards, and planning their summer trips. And we are still formulating our 2015 class, with MAJOR pieces still missing.

Who's the pg if Rysheed isn't here?
There isn't a PF on the roster besides Amar. And there isn't a SF on the roster period.
Not to mention the problems at center, were we could be thin again depending how things shake out with CO and ADR.

I understand there are JUCOS, international players, and graudate transfers available. But this is very late in the game for a guy who is supposed to be an elite recruiter.

Desco,

I am all for fair criticism of the Coach. However, it isn't fair to assume the worst and blame Coach Lavin based on those assumptions.

We all speculated Harrison was a goner after the suspension. Some even posted "info" of his destination. We later learned that Harrison almost immediately pledged to Lavin to finish his career as a Johnny. For all we know CO and Rysheed have both told him they are coming back.

It's also unfair to kill Lavin because he doesn't leak info. Nobody ever doubted Norm's hustle, because Norm would give his whereabouts to informed posters. Lavin doesn't do that(anymore) and info is really hard to come by with this staff. It drives some former insiders mad.

Also this 11th hour stuff is nonsense. Just because WE didn't know about a recruit until he signed, doesn't mean the staff wasn't all over them. Amar didn't just get a call in August and commit right away. The staff liked what they saw during a scrimmage a year earlier and stayed on him the whole time. Euros and Jucos generally take longer to decide. Mussini, for example, said he won't decide until August.

Finally, it's not like we have no recruits. We have three guards signed to replace the three we are losing. We can essentially return our entire front court and even gain ADR. In 2015, it is very wise to have a few ships available in the spring and summer with the influx of Euros, the graduate transfers, and the coaching carousel transfer fallout.

 

[logen]

Logen
Since Louie retired what has gone on with the program that would make you think the school could make a better hire? If you want to say you want more for the program and or thought Lavin would be more succesful, I understand. The reality is outside of maybe Jarvis who is despised by most on here, Lavin has been the most succesful hire we have had post Louie.
I grew up watching us play in the tourney every year but our most recenmt history has been much worse than it has under Lavin.

I don't disagree with you at all about our recent history (post-Louie.) I also agree with your assessment of Lavin's 5 year record. But I do not believe in Lavin long term because I don't think you can fix lazy nor create passion where it is not there. I don't believe Lavin bleeds to be successful here and I think the lack of anything resembling quality depth this year and the outlook for next years roster and the reasons for both is ample proof. He may pull a rabbit out of the hat for next year but we should not be facing trying to piece together an even remotely competitive roster in his 6th year IMO. Having said that, I do understand and respect your position now

Logen, where do you get the notion that Lavin is lazy and dispassionate about being coach here? This is not a gotcha question, I have read it before, but has never been explained, just innuendo. Appreciate it.

Dispassionate is my conclusion from talking to people connected with SJU that I know but mostly from talking to HS coaches, who almost to a person either do not speak about Lavin or certainly don't speak highly of him. For example, I have one personal acquantince (not a coach, I have a close friend who is an SJU graduate, I am not, and met the aforementioned through him) who is an SJU grad and still connected with the university who swears Lavin "needs a GPS to find the campus, maybe we should just relocate Carnesseca Arena to the Village." I might have even used the GPS phrase in one of my anti-Lavin posts, if so , that's where I got it. I have heard similar things from other SJU people I know; I believe it is fair to say other posters have alluded to the same things.

I also know personally several (two specifically and personally but others through anecdotes) NJ HS coaches who have attempted to contact and open a dialogue with Lavin about players I will loosely lump as players they believe are D1 BE sleeper type players, you know, the ones that fly under the radar and 4 years later we say why can't we get guys that can shoot or rebound or whatever like that? Anyway, one was ignored, never contacted, the other who was more persistent was told by an SJU .basketball rep other than Lavin that "Coach does not waste his time on recruits he doesn't want."
By the way, I am paraphrasing both above quotes.

Now it is certainly Lavin's perogative and no coach can possibly follow up on every phone call they get. However, one of the coaches, who I have known forever, is a very prominent, successful and well respected high school coach in Jersey who has told me he would never steer or even recommend one of his kids go to SJU simply because he cannot understand the lack of any contact back. IMO, the fact that Lavin or a staff member has not in 5 years attempted to develop a relationship with this coach is mind boggling and unacceptable. Now for all those who will jump on me back that Lavin is perfectly within his rights to act as he sees fit, I agree, but I will form my opinion of the coach based on the feedback I get about him, especially when the information is from someone I know and respect.

To be fair, what school are we talking about and how many D 1 players have they produced.

A poster asked me why I feel Lavin is lazy and dispassionate so I gave MY reasons. I don;t have to be fair simply because it is MY opinion. You are a Lavin lover and I respect that, show me the same.

 

[logen]

Logen
Since Louie retired what has gone on with the program that would make you think the school could make a better hire? If you want to say you want more for the program and or thought Lavin would be more succesful, I understand. The reality is outside of maybe Jarvis who is despised by most on here, Lavin has been the most succesful hire we have had post Louie.
I grew up watching us play in the tourney every year but our most recenmt history has been much worse than it has under Lavin.

I don't disagree with you at all about our recent history (post-Louie.) I also agree with your assessment of Lavin's 5 year record. But I do not believe in Lavin long term because I don't think you can fix lazy nor create passion where it is not there. I don't believe Lavin bleeds to be successful here and I think the lack of anything resembling quality depth this year and the outlook for next years roster and the reasons for both is ample proof. He may pull a rabbit out of the hat for next year but we should not be facing trying to piece together an even remotely competitive roster in his 6th year IMO. Having said that, I do understand and respect your position now

Logen, where do you get the notion that Lavin is lazy and dispassionate about being coach here? This is not a gotcha question, I have read it before, but has never been explained, just innuendo. Appreciate it.

Dispassionate is my conclusion from talking to people connected with SJU that I know but mostly from talking to HS coaches, who almost to a person either do not speak about Lavin or certainly don't speak highly of him. For example, I have one personal acquantince (not a coach, I have a close friend who is an SJU graduate, I am not, and met the aforementioned through him) who is an SJU grad and still connected with the university who swears Lavin "needs a GPS to find the campus, maybe we should just relocate Carnesseca Arena to the Village." I might have even used the GPS phrase in one of my anti-Lavin posts, if so , that's where I got it. I have heard similar things from other SJU people I know; I believe it is fair to say other posters have alluded to the same things.

I also know personally several (two specifically and personally but others through anecdotes) NJ HS coaches who have attempted to contact and open a dialogue with Lavin about players I will loosely lump as players they believe are D1 BE sleeper type players, you know, the ones that fly under the radar and 4 years later we say why can't we get guys that can shoot or rebound or whatever like that? Anyway, one was ignored, never contacted, the other who was more persistent was told by an SJU .basketball rep other than Lavin that "Coach does not waste his time on recruits he doesn't want."
By the way, I am paraphrasing both above quotes.

Now it is certainly Lavin's perogative and no coach can possibly follow up on every phone call they get. However, one of the coaches, who I have known forever, is a very prominent, successful and well respected high school coach in Jersey who has told me he would never steer or even recommend one of his kids go to SJU simply because he cannot understand the lack of any contact back. IMO, the fact that Lavin or a staff member has not in 5 years attempted to develop a relationship with this coach is mind boggling and unacceptable. Now for all those who will jump on me back that Lavin is perfectly within his rights to act as he sees fit, I agree, but I will form my opinion of the coach based on the feedback I get about him, especially when the information is from someone I know and respect.

You dislike Lavin on a personal level. You are the poster that said in December "It's early, but I think this Creighton team is even better than last year" (good call, Wooden), but two weeks later told me to stop looking forward when I predicted we'd make the tournament.

Lavin is the most detached coach from the "insiders" that we've ever had. There is very little info and the lack of such info leads his bashers to believe he is doing nothing and surprising us with recruits that he scrambled to get in the 11th hour. When he first took over, we could get info from Chile at will--there was a steady stream from the AD department, and even Dunlap could be counted on here an there. They have all since been given gag orders. That doesn't mean they aren't working.

Don't you dare tell me what I feel about another human being on a personal level you egotistical a..hole. What a sad testimony on your life to take the time to go back to other people's posts and re-post them out of context just to stroke your own ego. You are one sad human being.

 

[Marillac]

Logen
Since Louie retired what has gone on with the program that would make you think the school could make a better hire? If you want to say you want more for the program and or thought Lavin would be more succesful, I understand. The reality is outside of maybe Jarvis who is despised by most on here, Lavin has been the most succesful hire we have had post Louie.
I grew up watching us play in the tourney every year but our most recenmt history has been much worse than it has under Lavin.

I don't disagree with you at all about our recent history (post-Louie.) I also agree with your assessment of Lavin's 5 year record. But I do not believe in Lavin long term because I don't think you can fix lazy nor create passion where it is not there. I don't believe Lavin bleeds to be successful here and I think the lack of anything resembling quality depth this year and the outlook for next years roster and the reasons for both is ample proof. He may pull a rabbit out of the hat for next year but we should not be facing trying to piece together an even remotely competitive roster in his 6th year IMO. Having said that, I do understand and respect your position now

Logen, where do you get the notion that Lavin is lazy and dispassionate about being coach here? This is not a gotcha question, I have read it before, but has never been explained, just innuendo. Appreciate it.

Dispassionate is my conclusion from talking to people connected with SJU that I know but mostly from talking to HS coaches, who almost to a person either do not speak about Lavin or certainly don't speak highly of him. For example, I have one personal acquantince (not a coach, I have a close friend who is an SJU graduate, I am not, and met the aforementioned through him) who is an SJU grad and still connected with the university who swears Lavin "needs a GPS to find the campus, maybe we should just relocate Carnesseca Arena to the Village." I might have even used the GPS phrase in one of my anti-Lavin posts, if so , that's where I got it. I have heard similar things from other SJU people I know; I believe it is fair to say other posters have alluded to the same things.

I also know personally several (two specifically and personally but others through anecdotes) NJ HS coaches who have attempted to contact and open a dialogue with Lavin about players I will loosely lump as players they believe are D1 BE sleeper type players, you know, the ones that fly under the radar and 4 years later we say why can't we get guys that can shoot or rebound or whatever like that? Anyway, one was ignored, never contacted, the other who was more persistent was told by an SJU .basketball rep other than Lavin that "Coach does not waste his time on recruits he doesn't want."
By the way, I am paraphrasing both above quotes.

Now it is certainly Lavin's perogative and no coach can possibly follow up on every phone call they get. However, one of the coaches, who I have known forever, is a very prominent, successful and well respected high school coach in Jersey who has told me he would never steer or even recommend one of his kids go to SJU simply because he cannot understand the lack of any contact back. IMO, the fact that Lavin or a staff member has not in 5 years attempted to develop a relationship with this coach is mind boggling and unacceptable. Now for all those who will jump on me back that Lavin is perfectly within his rights to act as he sees fit, I agree, but I will form my opinion of the coach based on the feedback I get about him, especially when the information is from someone I know and respect.

You dislike Lavin on a personal level. You are the poster that said in December "It's early, but I think this Creighton team is even better than last year" (good call, Wooden), but two weeks later told me to stop looking forward when I predicted we'd make the tournament.

Lavin is the most detached coach from the "insiders" that we've ever had. There is very little info and the lack of such info leads his bashers to believe he is doing nothing and surprising us with recruits that he scrambled to get in the 11th hour. When he first took over, we could get info from Chile at will--there was a steady stream from the AD department, and even Dunlap could be counted on here an there. They have all since been given gag orders. That doesn't mean they aren't working.

Don't you dare tell me what I feel about another human being on a personal level you egotistical a..hole. What a sad testimony on your life to take the time to go back to other people's posts and re-post them out of context just to stroke your own ego. You are one sad human being.

Back to personal attacks?
Have a good night and I genuinely hope things get better for you.

 

[Section3]

You don't get into the NCAA Tournament based upon TV appearances or even on recruiting alone. Putting together talent is one thing. Using it appropriately and keeping a proper cycle of players that fit the needs of your system is another. Both important components.
Our opponent on Friday, San Diego St University has been to the Tournament every year for the past 6 years with an at large bid every one of those with the exception of one Conf. Championship. They barely get any national TV exposure and are dwarfed by much bigger names in their recruiting sandbox. They have a system. They stick with it and recruit accordingly. The point being that as I specified, in the Big East (meaning as it is today), there is no reason St Johns should not be going to the Tournament every year with not going, being an aberration.

Do you really think that San Diego St. would have 6 bids in a row if they were in a major conference. Most people refer to the mountain west as a mid major and as such, even though they were 1st place in their league at 14-4, and sport a 27-9 record, they are exactly one seed better than SJU, a fifth place Big East team and downgraded by the NCAA seeding because of Obekpa's suspension. You might as well compare Harvard's success in dominating the Ivy League.

In our league, Villanova at this point should go every year. Georgetown pretty also.

We now have over 20 years and 5 coaches to return to the gold standard of post season most years under Carnsecca - Repeat MOST years. Even Lou would fall short of your standard.

Sounds like you are arguing with yourself with your convoluted Villanova envy. There is zero reason other than the program being run better, that they should be in the Tournament every year and St Johns shouldn't.

Nova is a better university than SJU top to bottom in almost every conceivable way, from academics, campus, infrastructure, and endowment. If you think that's convoluted, I really can't argue against that logic. If there is no reason other than the fact that through 2 campaigns over 9 years they've now raised over $800 million, compared to our one campaign that raised $300 million they simply have means that SJU doesn't possess.

Agree with you., but on sheer volume of alumni alone SJU should be able to raise as much money as Nova. I suspect(although I have no knowledge of this), that it has as much to do with the effectiveness(or lack of) of our fundraising campaigns as anything.

I'm not sure exactly how it happened, maybe it was the Cahill effect, but most SJU alumni do not have a strong allegiance to the school in terms of giving back. Back then, maybe as now, the school lacked spirit, that ol' college stuff that oozes out of hundreds of campuses across America. Our giving rate is atrocious, even if it is improved over the past 15 years. Our alumni base is much larger than Nova's, but contributes much less on just about any measure.

Is there any correlation to athletic success and the rate of giving at Georgetown and Villanova? I think it's pretty clear, but then again, it could be convoluted thinking. Everyone wants to be associated with a winner. It takes a big investment in winning to get there. Many thought Lavin was that investment.

I would say SJU has deployed the NY Mets strategy of investing. Looie retires, they go cheap on Mahoney figuring our program is turnkey, WRONG. Than they go cheap again in hiring Frachilla. He turns losing around, and instead of immediately tearing up his contract and pencilling in bigger numbers, they get angry and fire him for hitting them up for more money. Then they decide they DO need to spend more, but don't go top shelf. Enter Jarvis, at around 800K or so, all in (Nike, tv show, etc). Jarvis fails, and the stealing CEO priest Harrington decides that a big (LOL) investment in JArvis didn't yield results but got him a prima dona, so he cheaps out again on Roberts. Enter some BIG donors who convince Harrington of what EVERY successful sports university knows about branding and the value of winning, and they pony up for Lavin.

Now the Mets would cheap out again.

The George Steinbrenner Yankees (yes I hate them) would spend spend spend till you win. If SJU is to regain any glory, that's what must happen. Alumni at SJU are tight with money, but perhaps if we won, they'd part with more. Perhaps better students would want to be a part of a school that has a big time program. It all works in concert. But I doubt SJU will go this route.

I think the lack of allegiance (and cntribution) is related to the fact that, until recently, we have been exclusively a commuter school...I think the fact that kids live at a school for 4 years creates a natural and long term bond...hence why the NY alumni base of all non-NY schools come out of the woodwork when their team plays at MSG

 

[Class of 72]

Logen
Since Louie retired what has gone on with the program that would make you think the school could make a better hire? If you want to say you want more for the program and or thought Lavin would be more succesful, I understand. The reality is outside of maybe Jarvis who is despised by most on here, Lavin has been the most succesful hire we have had post Louie.
I grew up watching us play in the tourney every year but our most recenmt history has been much worse than it has under Lavin.

I don't disagree with you at all about our recent history (post-Louie.) I also agree with your assessment of Lavin's 5 year record. But I do not believe in Lavin long term because I don't think you can fix lazy nor create passion where it is not there. I don't believe Lavin bleeds to be successful here and I think the lack of anything resembling quality depth this year and the outlook for next years roster and the reasons for both is ample proof. He may pull a rabbit out of the hat for next year but we should not be facing trying to piece together an even remotely competitive roster in his 6th year IMO. Having said that, I do understand and respect your position now

Logen, where do you get the notion that Lavin is lazy and dispassionate about being coach here? This is not a gotcha question, I have read it before, but has never been explained, just innuendo. Appreciate it.

Dispassionate is my conclusion from talking to people connected with SJU that I know but mostly from talking to HS coaches, who almost to a person either do not speak about Lavin or certainly don't speak highly of him. For example, I have one personal acquantince (not a coach, I have a close friend who is an SJU graduate, I am not, and met the aforementioned through him) who is an SJU grad and still connected with the university who swears Lavin "needs a GPS to find the campus, maybe we should just relocate Carnesseca Arena to the Village." I might have even used the GPS phrase in one of my anti-Lavin posts, if so , that's where I got it. I have heard similar things from other SJU people I know; I believe it is fair to say other posters have alluded to the same things.

I also know personally several (two specifically and personally but others through anecdotes) NJ HS coaches who have attempted to contact and open a dialogue with Lavin about players I will loosely lump as players they believe are D1 BE sleeper type players, you know, the ones that fly under the radar and 4 years later we say why can't we get guys that can shoot or rebound or whatever like that? Anyway, one was ignored, never contacted, the other who was more persistent was told by an SJU .basketball rep other than Lavin that "Coach does not waste his time on recruits he doesn't want."
By the way, I am paraphrasing both above quotes.

Now it is certainly Lavin's perogative and no coach can possibly follow up on every phone call they get. However, one of the coaches, who I have known forever, is a very prominent, successful and well respected high school coach in Jersey who has told me he would never steer or even recommend one of his kids go to SJU simply because he cannot understand the lack of any contact back. IMO, the fact that Lavin or a staff member has not in 5 years attempted to develop a relationship with this coach is mind boggling and unacceptable. Now for all those who will jump on me back that Lavin is perfectly within his rights to act as he sees fit, I agree, but I will form my opinion of the coach based on the feedback I get about him, especially when the information is from someone I know and respect.

You dislike Lavin on a personal level. You are the poster that said in December "It's early, but I think this Creighton team is even better than last year" (good call, Wooden), but two weeks later told me to stop looking forward when I predicted we'd make the tournament.

Lavin is the most detached coach from the "insiders" that we've ever had. There is very little info and the lack of such info leads his bashers to believe he is doing nothing and surprising us with recruits that he scrambled to get in the 11th hour. When he first took over, we could get info from Chile at will--there was a steady stream from the AD department, and even Dunlap could be counted on here an there. They have all since been given gag orders. That doesn't mean they aren't working.

Don't you dare tell me what I feel about another human being on a personal level you egotistical a..hole. What a sad testimony on your life to take the time to go back to other people's posts and re-post them out of context just to stroke your own ego. You are one sad human being.

Why is it that when some folks get challenged for their opinions or misinformation they resort to becoming old cry babies or go into denial??
Marillac pointed something out that questioned your view and you get your depends all wet? Point/ Counterpoint is fair and expected. You wrote an essay about some unnamed high school coach and his players you "loosely lump" as players they believe are D1 BE sleeper type players. Well that is great! Most fans are upset we are missing out on top 100 kids not sleepers.

Maybe through your connections you could tell us how many times you saw our coaches at
Roselle Catholic with coach Dave Boff? Maybe they wasted too much time and years pursuing the number 1 guard in the country. Your credibility would not have been questioned if you gave a couple of examples over the "five years" of the success of these sleepers. Inquiring minds would like to know and you would get just credit.

Did it bother you when a troll fabricated a lie about 3 kids and drug use and I went back and proved it was he after denying it like we are a bunch of idiots that don't know how to archive Internet content?
I don't care what side of the fence any of our fickle fans sit on the Lavin tenure issue or his future. Most are likely half right about anything Lavin related and some just like to fabricate nonsense. Most of us expect more than any coach will ever be able to deliver here. Most of us have been more disappointed than satisfied with our results over the past quarter century or more. It all comes full circle when some young opinionated fans who were toddlers 25-30 years ago start claiming they forgot more about the game of basketball or St. John's than blah, blah. Our disappointments have instilled an air of sarcasm in what and how we express our opinions about St. John's basketball. Contrary to what Dr. Fun and a few other literati here think, no one has a patent on sarcasm and Marillac referring to you as Wooden was just that. You will get over it and so will others who get all twisted over someone who makes a sarcastic counter.

 

[mjmaherjr]

Did you guys get that wonderful letter, under DLo's name, asking for a contribution? I'd never seen anything like that before and I thought it was a nice touch.

And yes, as a result, I did send a contribution.

damn you mean that letter wasn't just sent to me ?

 

[mjmaherjr]

I don't always agree with Vacc, but I respect him unlike Braziller. He is unbiased and tells it like it is.

Honestly, I'm ready to part ways with Lavin IF we can back it up with a full blown run at Archie Miller, Billy Donovan, Shaka Smart, Gregg Marshall, or one of the Hurley brothers.

I think think Lavin deserves more time, but I also realize that there is something about him off the court that about 1/4 of our fans dislike on a very personal level. Another 1/4 (or so) of our fans dislike him for basketball and basketball related stuff. Still, many posters--some very reasonable are completely on the fence and are swayed in either direction depending on what's happening. Even the beat writer despises him. It would be such an uphill climb for him to beat that.

Have you been abducted by aliens?

The fans are too divided and our fans our a nasty, unforgiving bunch.

true dat

 

[Marillac]

Logen
Since Louie retired what has gone on with the program that would make you think the school could make a better hire? If you want to say you want more for the program and or thought Lavin would be more succesful, I understand. The reality is outside of maybe Jarvis who is despised by most on here, Lavin has been the most succesful hire we have had post Louie.
I grew up watching us play in the tourney every year but our most recenmt history has been much worse than it has under Lavin.

I don't disagree with you at all about our recent history (post-Louie.) I also agree with your assessment of Lavin's 5 year record. But I do not believe in Lavin long term because I don't think you can fix lazy nor create passion where it is not there. I don't believe Lavin bleeds to be successful here and I think the lack of anything resembling quality depth this year and the outlook for next years roster and the reasons for both is ample proof. He may pull a rabbit out of the hat for next year but we should not be facing trying to piece together an even remotely competitive roster in his 6th year IMO. Having said that, I do understand and respect your position now

Logen, where do you get the notion that Lavin is lazy and dispassionate about being coach here? This is not a gotcha question, I have read it before, but has never been explained, just innuendo. Appreciate it.

Dispassionate is my conclusion from talking to people connected with SJU that I know but mostly from talking to HS coaches, who almost to a person either do not speak about Lavin or certainly don't speak highly of him. For example, I have one personal acquantince (not a coach, I have a close friend who is an SJU graduate, I am not, and met the aforementioned through him) who is an SJU grad and still connected with the university who swears Lavin "needs a GPS to find the campus, maybe we should just relocate Carnesseca Arena to the Village." I might have even used the GPS phrase in one of my anti-Lavin posts, if so , that's where I got it. I have heard similar things from other SJU people I know; I believe it is fair to say other posters have alluded to the same things.

I also know personally several (two specifically and personally but others through anecdotes) NJ HS coaches who have attempted to contact and open a dialogue with Lavin about players I will loosely lump as players they believe are D1 BE sleeper type players, you know, the ones that fly under the radar and 4 years later we say why can't we get guys that can shoot or rebound or whatever like that? Anyway, one was ignored, never contacted, the other who was more persistent was told by an SJU .basketball rep other than Lavin that "Coach does not waste his time on recruits he doesn't want."
By the way, I am paraphrasing both above quotes.

Now it is certainly Lavin's perogative and no coach can possibly follow up on every phone call they get. However, one of the coaches, who I have known forever, is a very prominent, successful and well respected high school coach in Jersey who has told me he would never steer or even recommend one of his kids go to SJU simply because he cannot understand the lack of any contact back. IMO, the fact that Lavin or a staff member has not in 5 years attempted to develop a relationship with this coach is mind boggling and unacceptable. Now for all those who will jump on me back that Lavin is perfectly within his rights to act as he sees fit, I agree, but I will form my opinion of the coach based on the feedback I get about him, especially when the information is from someone I know and respect.

You dislike Lavin on a personal level. You are the poster that said in December "It's early, but I think this Creighton team is even better than last year" (good call, Wooden), but two weeks later told me to stop looking forward when I predicted we'd make the tournament.

Lavin is the most detached coach from the "insiders" that we've ever had. There is very little info and the lack of such info leads his bashers to believe he is doing nothing and surprising us with recruits that he scrambled to get in the 11th hour. When he first took over, we could get info from Chile at will--there was a steady stream from the AD department, and even Dunlap could be counted on here an there. They have all since been given gag orders. That doesn't mean they aren't working.

Don't you dare tell me what I feel about another human being on a personal level you egotistical a..hole. What a sad testimony on your life to take the time to go back to other people's posts and re-post them out of context just to stroke your own ego. You are one sad human being.

Why is it that when some folks get challenged for their opinions or misinformation they resort to becoming old cry babies or go into denial??
Marillac pointed something out that questioned your view and you get your depends all wet? Point/ Counterpoint is fair and expected. You wrote an essay about some unnamed high school coach and his players you "loosely lump" as players they believe are D1 BE sleeper type players. Well that is great! Most fans are upset we are missing out on top 100 kids not sleepers.

Maybe through your connections you could tell us how many times you saw our coaches at
Roselle Catholic with coach Dave Boff? Maybe they wasted too much time and years pursuing the number 1 guard in the country. Your credibility would not have been questioned if you gave a couple of examples over the "five years" of the success of these sleepers. Inquiring minds would like to know and you would get just credit.

Did it bother you when a troll fabricated a lie about 3 kids and drug use and I went back and proved it was he after denying it like we are a bunch of idiots that don't know how to archive Internet content?
I don't care what side of the fence any of our fickle fans sit on the Lavin tenure issue or his future. Most are likely half right about anything Lavin related and some just like to fabricate nonsense. Most of us expect more than any coach will ever be able to deliver here. Most of us have been more disappointed than satisfied with our results over the past quarter century or more. It all comes full circle when some young opinionated fans who were toddlers 25-30 years ago start claiming they forgot more about the game of basketball or St. John's than blah, blah. Our disappointments have instilled an air of sarcasm in what and how we express our opinions about St. John's basketball. Contrary to what Dr. Fun and a few other literati here think, no one has a patent on sarcasm and Marillac referring to you as Wooden was just that. You will get over it and so will others who get all twisted over someone who makes a sarcastic counter.

He calls Lavin lazy, says he is not taking his job seriously, implies over and over that Lavin is collecting salary but not giving the university an honest effort in return...but that's not personal? That's not calling someone's character into question?

How dare Marillac tell him "what [Logen] feels about another human being on a personal level you egotistical a..hole." Does Marillac dare post that Logen dislikes him on a personal level? Or would that be inferring too much?