Mitch Richmond

[quote="RedStormNC" post=300357]Some of the transfers aren't just a flash opportunity with limited time to pounce. It's been said, that past connections exist, putting out feelers, keeping relations through intermediaries etc. In some respects this can be more challenging.[/quote]

Sure there are some past relationship ships that ultimately pan out, maybe more so now with the explosion of the transfer market.
But besides Heron—where a prior relationship clearly existed—who else among our transfers was the result of a prior relationship? Wright came by way of Keita, Mack may come by way of Figgy, but I do not recall any recent transfer that we had a prior relationship with.
I’m not demeaning Matt’s talent to uncover transfer gems—of which Simon, Clark, (and I think) Figgy are.
I’m saying the ‘fit’ has to be there, and the timeline to make that decision is incredibly short.
Look at Olujobi. We lost him because he didn’t see ample ‘PT’ here.
And we lost on Dachon Burke, because of lack of love on our part when the HC didn’t show for his ‘official’ and there was little time to repair that.
That, I’ll call ‘bad’ luck.
 
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[quote="Class of 72" post=300358][quote="Paultzman" post=300349][quote="Mike Zaun" post=300348][quote="Class of 72" post=300346][quote="NCJohnnie" post=300271]The 2019 recruiting season is not over, why don't we wait until April or May to judge it? Just to remind everyone, it was April or so when we landed Figgy who has three years of eligibility and gives all signs of being a four star level recruit. It was not luck to get him, it was a wonderful coup by our leading recruiter. I am looking forward to a great and fun year. If it doesn't turn out that way, time to bash the staff then.[/quote]

NCJohnnie: "The 2019 recruiting season is not over, why don't we wait until April or May to judge it? "

Remove the year (2019) and fill in any year since 2013 and we have been regurgitating "why don't we wait until April or May to judge".
Programs that have sustained success don't pin their recruiting success to grabbing the sloppy seconds of a recruiting class. We got very lucky this year with Figueroa and Heron. Without them I don't think we break .500.
For 2019 I fully expected at least one early commitment. Got none.
I will be very happy to get either Precious or Kofi in the Spring and hopefully we can pull the trigger and get both but do you feel lucky as Clint Eastwood would say? Can we get lucky two years in a row?[/quote]

I think one of the biggest differences two camps on here have are: those who give the staff the benefit of the doubt and those who take exception to the idea that they should be given the benefit of the doubt after 3 straight woeful seasons and a rough showing vs. URI and a D2 team to start year 4. I just so happen to fall in the latter camp. Prove your worth first, then the critiques will die out. If you keep failing with this much talent, you deserve every critique you get. May sound harsh, but remember these are grown men with fat salaries. They aren't losing any sleep over a critique on a forum. By the way, didn't UConn just run out of scholarships for Heron?[/quote]
Heron actually flirted with transferring to SJU after his freshman year and had a solid relationship with Matt for a while as I understand it. The promising roster for coming year also helped, as noted by NCJ, with attracting him this season. It was thus not surprising he opted for Johnnies and not UConn.[/quote]

The original connection to Heron was from Slice's involvement. As you recall he originally committed to Pitt. We came in too late in Mullin's first year and Bruce Pearl is an experienced closer. Matt deserves credit for staying in touch but he never made the initial connection.[/quote]
Never said he did. Of course Slice & Heron’s father were close for years.
 
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Almost none of it is luck. It’s hard work, eye for talent, connections and relationships. The only guy on our staff who has had that is Matt. Time to bring in at least one more with all those qualities and we are exponentially increasing our ability to recruit, with more contacts, more relationships and more hard work on the recruiting trail. It’s a simple plan that even Louie agrees with. Talent wins ball games. Better and more good recruiters bring in better talent...
 
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There are a million different reasons you can lose (or gain) a transfer or a high school recruit. Not sure why one should be considered luck more than the other. Hard work (or lack thereof) can happen just as easily over 6 months as two years.
 
[quote="MCNPA" post=300361]Almost none of it is luck. It’s hard work, eye for talent, connections and no relationships. The only guy on our staff who has had that is Matt. Time to bring in at least one more with all those qualities and we are exponentially increasing our ability to recruit, with more contacts, more relationships and more hard work on the recruiting trail. It’s a simple plan that even Louie agrees with. Talent wins ball games. Better and more good recruiters bring in better talent...[/quote]

I didn’t say it’s not hard work, or a very keen eye for talent, or networks able to glean availability of upcoming transfers (all of which Matt has in spades; he’s a gem)—but given the arbitrary nature of the transfer market, in particular, where guys pop up almost ‘instantly’ and the fit has to be near serendipitous—that screams ‘luck’ to me as well.
That’s all I’m sayin’.
And yes, I agree, that if we can win Big with this roster, ‘that’ may well attract even more talent our way in 2019.
But succeeding in the transfer market, to me, encompasses hard work, sure, but also a large dosage of ‘luck’ and ‘fit’—because these guys also have shorter timeframes to prove their worth to pro scouts.
 
I think we can all agree that we need more effort full time on the recruiting front. However if Mitch is doing exactly what Coach is telling him to do then it’s not his fault. The current makeup of this staff is on Coach and if it doesn’t work out then I’m sure he will walk away before he gets fired.
 
[quote="Mike" post=300365]I think we can all agree that we need more effort full time on the recruiting front. However if Mitch is doing exactly what Coach is telling him to do then it’s not his fault. The current makeup of this staff is on Coach and if it doesn’t work out then I’m sure he will walk away before he gets fired.[/quote]

I've said the same thing on numerous occassions. So, I don't know why people continue to mention Richmond when he's more than likely doing what he's told to do. That clearly falls on Mullin. It seems obvious he's fine with it.

Folks continue to mention we need a second recruiter.... Take a look at the head coach. The head coach should either be the first or second recruiter. The head coach can either be the lead recruiter, depending on the recruit being targeted, or the head coach can simply be the closer.

Maybe, we need a second AND third recruiter.
 
During Lavin's last two years, Main Man used troll all of us. He would simply post "I like Steve Lavin and think he has done some good things". This, alone, would provoke 8 pages of angry debate.

Has Mitch Richmond become the new lightening rod?
 
[quote="Mike" post=300365]I think we can all agree that we need more effort full time on the recruiting front. However if Mitch is doing exactly what Coach is telling him to do then it’s not his fault. The current makeup of this staff is on Coach and if it doesn’t work out then I’m sure he will walk away before he gets fired.[/quote]

I think Mullin was open to a staff addition. He is on the hook for a $3 million contract due to his feud with Slice. Perhaps the president vetoed any hire with an unwritten message. "You made this bed, now sleep in it"
 
[quote="Mike" post=300365]I think we can all agree that we need more effort full time on the recruiting front. However if Mitch is doing exactly what Coach is telling him to do then it’s not his fault. The current makeup of this staff is on Coach and if it doesn’t work out then I’m sure he will walk away before he gets fired.[/quote]
Agree with your sentiments but maybe good friend Mitch could ask Chris "Hey Mo, could you use a little help with recruiting? I'd be willing to pitch in and help out a little." I realize work ethic has become somewhat of an anathema in this country but just thought I'd throw the thought out there as a possibility.
 
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[quote="JohnnyFan" post=300370]During Lavin's last two years, Main Man used troll all of us. He would simply post "I like Steve Lavin and think he has done some good things". This, alone, would provoke 8 pages of angry debate.

Has Mitch Richmond become the new lightening rod?[/quote] to be fair 4 of those 8 pages were you :)
 
It is amusing reading posters who likely do not know Mullin, President Bobby G,, or Mitch Richmond Speculate what they think..

My advice to my fellow posters is to focus on the present and enjoy the upcoming season.. St. john’s Is about to start its 2018- 19 season. This could be a very successful season. No matter how successful or unsuccessful the season ends there will be daily opportunities to offer observations about events as opposed to what others think.
 
[quote="otis" post=300376]It is amusing reading posters who likely do not know Mullin, President Bobby G,, or Mitch Richmond Speculate what they think..

My advice to my fellow posters is to focus on the present and enjoy the upcoming season.. St. john’s Is about to start its 2018- 19 season. This could be a very successful season. No matter how successful or unsuccessful the season ends there will be daily opportunities to offer observations about events as opposed to what others think.[/quote]



Otis, thank you very much for your objectivity. I have spoken with each of the individuals you mentioned, both privately and in groups, and have no idea as to what they are "really" thinking. Why, because I am not a "trusted" confident. I have no problem with this because they do not know everything that I am thinking. None of the individuals mentioned are friends of mine, we are acquaintances due to our mutual interests in St Johns and St Johns basketball. No more, no less.

I have said the "Serenity Prayer", and accept that all decisions regarding St Johns basketball are out of my control. As a fan I am looking forward to a successful season. Let's Go Redmen!!!!
 
[quote="otis" post=300376]It is amusing reading posters who likely do not know Mullin, President Bobby G,, or Mitch Richmond Speculate what they think..

My advice to my fellow posters is to focus on the present and enjoy the upcoming season.. St. john’s Is about to start its 2018- 19 season. This could be a very successful season. No matter how successful or unsuccessful the season ends there will be daily opportunities to offer observations about events as opposed to what others think.[/quote]

I get what you're saying and it's true that 99% of us including myself do not know what the truth is...most is speculation albeit with supportive evidence not mere throwing spaghetti on the wall and seeing if it sticks. That being said, I see the impossible standard tactic being used again. Knowing exactly what coaches think, getting inside their heads, and only trusting things we hear directly from their mouths are impossible standards. Ask any reporter who goes to press conferences routinely...would you only believe Todd Bowles literally? Or do you think you could read between the lines a bit with other evidence around him? No one can get inside their brains and no one will hear this stuff straight from their mouths. Reading between the lines and noticing patterns is a real thing. I respect other opinions, not sure why this is radical stuff to mention. I don't need to be a dentist to know there's a problem with my tooth. I also don't need to hear "your tooth looks bad" from a dentist to know I have a bad tooth.
 
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[quote="Mike Zaun" post=300381][quote="otis" post=300376]It is amusing reading posters who likely do not know Mullin, President Bobby G,, or Mitch Richmond Speculate what they think..

My advice to my fellow posters is to focus on the present and enjoy the upcoming season.. St. john’s Is about to start its 2018- 19 season. This could be a very successful season. No matter how successful or unsuccessful the season ends there will be daily opportunities to offer observations about events as opposed to what others think.[/quote]

I get what you're saying and it's true that 99% of us including myself do not know what the truth is...most is speculation albeit with supportive evidence not mere throwing spaghetti on the wall and seeing if it sticks. That being said, I see the impossible standard tactic being used again. Knowing exactly what coaches think, getting inside their heads, and only trusting things we hear directly from their mouths are impossible standards. Ask any reporter who goes to press conferences routinely...would you only believe Todd Bowles literally? Or do you think you could read between the lines a bit with other evidence around him? No one can get inside their brains and no one will hear this stuff straight from their mouths. Reading between the lines and noticing patterns is a real thing. I respect other opinions, not sure why this is radical stuff to mention. I don't need to be a dentist to know there's a problem with my tooth. I also don't need to hear "your tooth looks bad" from a dentist to know I have a bad tooth.[/quote]

News Flash: Zaun finally admits that he doesn't know what the truth is.:) ;)
 
[quote="Section9" post=300382][quote="Mike Zaun" post=300381][quote="otis" post=300376]It is amusing reading posters who likely do not know Mullin, President Bobby G,, or Mitch Richmond Speculate what they think..

My advice to my fellow posters is to focus on the present and enjoy the upcoming season.. St. john’s Is about to start its 2018- 19 season. This could be a very successful season. No matter how successful or unsuccessful the season ends there will be daily opportunities to offer observations about events as opposed to what others think.[/quote]

I get what you're saying and it's true that 99% of us including myself do not know what the truth is...most is speculation albeit with supportive evidence not mere throwing spaghetti on the wall and seeing if it sticks. That being said, I see the impossible standard tactic being used again. Knowing exactly what coaches think, getting inside their heads, and only trusting things we hear directly from their mouths are impossible standards. Ask any reporter who goes to press conferences routinely...would you only believe Todd Bowles literally? Or do you think you could read between the lines a bit with other evidence around him? No one can get inside their brains and no one will hear this stuff straight from their mouths. Reading between the lines and noticing patterns is a real thing. I respect other opinions, not sure why this is radical stuff to mention. I don't need to be a dentist to know there's a problem with my tooth. I also don't need to hear "your tooth looks bad" from a dentist to know I have a bad tooth.[/quote]

News Flash: Zaun finally admits that he doesn't know what the truth is.:) ;)[/quote]

But if "truth" is only measured via what coaches literally say and hacking their thoughts (the impossible standard), then does anyone really know the truth? Look at the Mets...every year when they fail miserably and there are obvious problems all over the place, the coaches say the same nonsense. It's to the point where press conferences are almost useless because coach speak is so common. They will very rarely if ever give direct answers to questions. Pundits and people in the know will leak out issues but coaches and other staff will never admit it even if it's 100% true. When you're dealing with college basketball, yes reporters implying things consistently (not just 1 reporter either) and fans in the know throwing around rumors actually do qualify as evidence. It may not be the DNA type evidence where we know for certain, but it definitely implies certain things.

That said, this is a new year and the games finally count. We are all SJ fans and we all want the best for this program which has been dormant for too long. College hoops needs us back and the Big East needs us to burst on the national scene. Let's go eat some cupcakes and put aside our differences.
 
[quote="Mike Zaun" post=300381]
I don't need to be a dentist to know there's a problem with my tooth. I also don't need to hear "your tooth looks bad" from a dentist to know I have a bad tooth.[/quote]

______________________________________________

Yep, you may know that there is a problem with your tooth, but it will take a dentist to know what the problem is and how to correct it. Idle speculation about what the dentist is thinking is not a whole lot different than speculating about what Mullin, President Bobby G,, or Mitch Richmond are thinking except you may know the dentist; you likely don't know Mullin, President Bobby G,, or Mitch Richmond.

The fact of the matter is there have been a number issues that have ginned up a handful of repetitive posters regarding mistaken facts which individuals who have official positions with StJohn's have told me are not true or were not going to happen, and did not happen.

The point I am attempting to make is don't get worked up about events you cannot control. This will be a very big season for Mullin: either a big success or big disappointment. If Mullin strikes out then I trust the new St. John's Athletic Director is equipped to hire an experienced men's basketball coach.

Enjoy the season.
 
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[quote="otis" post=300384][quote="Mike Zaun" post=300381]
I don't need to be a dentist to know there's a problem with my tooth. I also don't need to hear "your tooth looks bad" from a dentist to know I have a bad tooth.[/quote]

______________________________________________

Yep, you may know that there is a problem with your tooth, but it will take a dentist to know what the problem is and how to correct it. Idle speculation about what the dentist is thinking is not a whole lot different than speculating about what Mullin, President Bobby G,, or Mitch Richmond are thinking except you may know the dentist; you likely don't know Mullin, President Bobby G,, or Mitch Richmond.

The fact of the matter is there have been a number issues that have ginned up a handful of repetitive posters regarding mistaken facts which individuals who have official positions with StJohn's have told me are not true or were not going to happen, and did not happen.

The point I am attempting to make is don't get worked up about events you cannot control. This will be a very big season for Mullin: either a big success or big disappointment. If Mullin strikes out then I trust the new St. John's Athletic Director is equipped to hire an experienced men's basketball coach.

Enjoy the season.[/quote]

I am liking the new OTIS I have been reading here! As we have said many times we are all fans here. Some more positive than others. Some more objective than others. When you refer to the many hundreds of posts regarding the possible hiring of Mike Rice I think much of it was speculation as you suggest but you are also the one who "confirmed " that the higher ups had refused to support the role Mullin intended for coach Rice. Obviously there is a mole in the pipeline if that was the case.
We all get the new Mantra. Be positive, enjoy the season, hope for the best and what ever happens happens with the staff because we all feel that the new AD is experienced enough to deal with the situation.
That said, let's also not get to telling posters what they know or don't know because trust me on this, some know more than others. But, as Panther clearly indicated, this staff, excluding Matt, does not have very strong personal bonds with any of the posters here and, quite frankly, with this administration.
 
[quote="L J S A" post=300188]The thing that annoys me is that if he's making an effort to look busy because of the new AD, it means that he knew he was super lazy before. I prefer to think that he just took a really long time to settle into the role.[/quote]

That is called the Costanza.
I learned to master the looking busy at work a long time ago. It really is a helpful skill. In fact I am doing it now.
 
[quote="Class of 72" post=300371][quote="Mike" post=300365]I think we can all agree that we need more effort full time on the recruiting front. However if Mitch is doing exactly what Coach is telling him to do then it’s not his fault. The current makeup of this staff is on Coach and if it doesn’t work out then I’m sure he will walk away before he gets fired.[/quote]

I think Mullin was open to a staff addition. He is on the hook for a $3 million contract due to his feud with Slice. Perhaps the president vetoed any hire with an unwritten message. "You made this bed, now sleep in it"[/quote]

I agree that could very well be the message. If that was the message then it’s up to him to tell them that we need help with recruiting. I will assume that was never told to Mitch.
 
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