Mullin

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I don't post nearly as much as I used to, but it seems to me that we all need to come to the realization that we have to live with Mullin learning on the job. I actually thought he did a good job with the team this year - given all the ramifications of the Lovett injury saga. On the job training isn't ideal in a conference as unforgiving as the Big East. As someone else said on this thread, Jay Wright got to learn on the job at Hofstra. As far as I know, no one else in Big East history has come in to the conference as a HC with no actual coaching experience. (I may be wrong, but I doubt it.)

So of course a stronger staff would be a help - and adding additional capabilities to the staff would be another sign of growth for Mullin. One of the big warning signs with Jarvis was his weak staff - and he never moved to upgrade it because his ego was too big to admit he needed to. Norm Roberts actually had a pretty good staff, which goes to show that ultimately a strong staff cannot overcome a weak HC.

That said, I'm all for hiring Mike Rice. He seems to have his anger issues under control and he'd immediately make us a force in metro area recruiting. He would complement Matt, who does a good job at what he does - but is only one guy and he doesn't appear to have any cachet in NY/NJ. Plus, Rice a legit college coach - not like other guys who have been hired simply because they can bring their kids with them (like the Porter's dad at Mizzou, the guy USC just hired and Danny Manning's dad back in the day) or a guy like Tiny who was brought to the Hall to get one player.
 
Assuming those doing the vetting are confident Mike Rice has realized his prior errors and changed - and his recent and current roles with The Patrick School and Team Rio suggest that a number of others think he has - Rice to SJU seems like a potential grand slam for both parties on a number of levels as it did at a similar time last year.

Re-establishing credibility at college level for Rice. Positive publicity/momentum for SJU and Rice at a time when both could probably use it. Experienced HC helping a staff lacking experience navigate in AC capacity. Almost instantly multiplying SJU's legitimacy by some factor in arguably the best HS basketball state in the country at a time when SJU needs impact HS kids for '19 bigtime.

I'm neither enthusiastic about this staff nor sold it's time to move on. Probably as much confused by them as anything right now. Not sure how to harmonize impressive gameplans employed v. Duke, @Nova, Butler, @Creighton, Xavier and others with what happened in the first two Georgetown games, Providence, DePaul, and the last ~7 minutes + OT against Seton Hall which was some of the worst basketball an SJU team has played under Mullin and gave away a laughably winnable game. This wasn't just a team showing up vs. not (although that was a part of it at times), there was an odd inconsistency to both offensive and defensive approaches that ranged from elite to atrocious. Layer onto that what is at a minimum a seemingly growing perception that this staff is working less than as optimally as they could in recruiting and it's a bit of a bizarre current state of things, possibly detracting from what may actually be a pretty positive outlook for 18-19 if Ponds returns and there is another big added to the roster.

Can Rice fix all of this? I doubt it. But he's a hoops junkie with experience that is supposed to have a pretty tireless work ethic and is ultra connected to the recruiting landscape generally and NJ specifically at a time that we could probably use all of those things. Again assuming that decision-makers are satisfied there isn't downside exposure related to his prior actions as a coach. If that's the case, think one of biggest potential upsides to a Rice hire is that he may be able to bring some cohesion to in-season management as well as recruiting approach, both of which have seemed disjointed at times with current staff. Which may be an odd take given his not too distant past, but think that may be the case.
 
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[quote="RedmanMike" post=280244]I don't post nearly as much as I used to, but it seems to me that we all need to come to the realization that we have to live with Mullin learning on the job. I actually thought he did a good job with the team this year - given all the ramifications of the Lovett injury saga. On the job training isn't ideal in a conference as unforgiving as the Big East. As someone else said on this thread, Jay Wright got to learn on the job at Hofstra. As far as I know, no one else in Big East history has come in to the conference as a HC with no actual coaching experience. (I may be wrong, but I doubt it.)

So of course a stronger staff would be a help - and adding additional capabilities to the staff would be another sign of growth for Mullin. One of the big warning signs with Jarvis was his weak staff - and he never moved to upgrade it because his ego was too big to admit he needed to. Norm Roberts actually had a pretty good staff, which goes to show that ultimately a strong staff cannot overcome a weak HC.

That said, I'm all for hiring Mike Rice. He seems to have his anger issues under control and he'd immediately make us a force in metro area recruiting. He would complement Matt, who does a good job at what he does - but is only one guy and he doesn't appear to have any cachet in NY/NJ. Plus, Rice a legit college coach - not like other guys who have been hired simply because they can bring their kids with them (like the Porter's dad at Mizzou, the guy USC just hired and Danny Manning's dad back in the day) or a guy like Tiny who was brought to the Hall to get one player.[/quote]

"That said, I'm all for hiring Mike Rice. He seems to have his anger issues under control "

Coach Rice could help in many ways but given his battle with anger issues he would be the perfect assistant to help Mullin with his "issues". If Mullin continues to think he can do this with amateurs around him he is doomed!
 
[quote="RedmanMike" post=280244]I don't post nearly as much as I used to, but it seems to me that we all need to come to the realization that we have to live with Mullin learning on the job. I actually thought he did a good job with the team this year - given all the ramifications of the Lovett injury saga. On the job training isn't ideal in a conference as unforgiving as the Big East. As someone else said on this thread, Jay Wright got to learn on the job at Hofstra. As far as I know, no one else in Big East history has come in to the conference as a HC with no actual coaching experience. (I may be wrong, but I doubt it.)

So of course a stronger staff would be a help - and adding additional capabilities to the staff would be another sign of growth for Mullin. One of the big warning signs with Jarvis was his weak staff - and he never moved to upgrade it because his ego was too big to admit he needed to. Norm Roberts actually had a pretty good staff, which goes to show that ultimately a strong staff cannot overcome a weak HC.

That said, I'm all for hiring Mike Rice. He seems to have his anger issues under control and he'd immediately make us a force in metro area recruiting. He would complement Matt, who does a good job at what he does - but is only one guy and he doesn't appear to have any cachet in NY/NJ. Plus, Rice a legit college coach - not like other guys who have been hired simply because they can bring their kids with them (like the Porter's dad at Mizzou, the guy USC just hired and Danny Manning's dad back in the day) or a guy like Tiny who was brought to the Hall to get one player.[/quote]

RMM you should post more often! I like your balance and insight :)
 
Does anyone actually know if a Mike Rice hire is being contemplated? Or that he would actually accept a job here? My gut tells me that SJU administration would not be interested in rehabilitating a coach fired for physically abusing players. Also as a former head coach, it would likely only be a very temporary stop until he redeems himself. It would also render St. Jean to an insignificant role on the bench, so I don't think Mullin would hire a Rice without knowing that St. Jean would immediately resign or immediately begin looking.

Sorry guys, I just don't see this at this point, but I don't troll the internet looking for this sort of information so some of you may know better.
 
[quote="Beast of the East" post=280294]Does anyone actually know if a Mike Rice hire is being contemplated? Or that he would actually accept a job here? My gut tells me that SJU administration would not be interested in rehabilitating a coach fired for physically abusing players. Also as a former head coach, it would likely only be a very temporary stop until he redeems himself. It would also render St. Jean to an insignificant role on the bench, so I don't think Mullin would hire a Rice without knowing that St. Jean would immediately resign or immediately begin looking.

Sorry guys, I just don't see this at this point, but I don't troll the internet looking for this sort of information so some of you may know better.[/quote]

I strongly disagree with the "rehabilitation" comment. On the contrary, giving Mike a chance on the college level would be within the Vincentian mission. We gave a 50 something former basketball player a chance to learn how to coach who has had issues. Mullin has his own anger issues and stubbornness and Mike Rice would be a good sounding board and support person. Time for Mullin to show he is serious about coaching and put together a staff with battle tested experience because Mullin is heading into the toughest battle of his short coaching career.
Recruiting is lackluster. St. Jean is a dilettante crutch that makes Mullin look amateurish on the sidelines. Mitch Richmond's P.R. value has eroded. If Mullin intends on being here for the long term, which I have doubted from his comments, then he needs to help solve the Slice debacle and put together a professional staff because the second honeymoon is over.
 
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[quote="Class of 72" post=280300][quote="Beast of the East" post=280294]Does anyone actually know if a Mike Rice hire is being contemplated? Or that he would actually accept a job here? My gut tells me that SJU administration would not be interested in rehabilitating a coach fired for physically abusing players. Also as a former head coach, it would likely only be a very temporary stop until he redeems himself. It would also render St. Jean to an insignificant role on the bench, so I don't think Mullin would hire a Rice without knowing that St. Jean would immediately resign or immediately begin looking.

Sorry guys, I just don't see this at this point, but I don't troll the internet looking for this sort of information so some of you may know better.[/quote]

I strongly disagree with the "rehabilitation" comment. On the contrary, giving Mike a chance on the college level would be within the Vincentian mission. We gave a 50 something former basketball player a chance to learn how to coach who has had issues. Mullin has his own anger issues and stubbornness and Mike Rice would be a good sounding board and support person. Time for Mullin to show he is serious about coaching and put together a staff with battle tested experience because Mullin is heading into the toughest battle of his short coaching career.
Recruiting is lackluster. St. Jean is a dilettante crutch that makes Mullin look amateurish on the sidelines. Mitch Richmond's P.R. value has eroded. If Mullin intends on being here for the long term, which I have doubted from his comments, then he needs to help solve the Slice debacle and put together a professional staff because the second honeymoon is over.[/quote]

Vincentian mission is not to rehabilitate coaches fired for the things Rice allegedly did. We know St. John's - they are not likely going to hire someone that may be a problem, and Rice carries that baggage. Whether you, or I, or others want him hired matters little. It's what they likely will do, and I don't see it at this point.

I don't think you, nor anyone else knows what St. Jean knows or doesn't know so its unfair to bash him IMO. I really don't know what Richmond does, and until someone tells me, I'd say it's fair to question if he is worth the money he is being paid, especially given his lack of prior experience. I don't see him busting it all out on the recruiting trail, his in game contributions appear to be minimal, but I don't know what he does during practice.

I will go one step further and say that given the current roster, I don't think a .500 conference record next season and at large bid is a given. Whether they do or don't secure an NCAA bid isn't the question, but whether they actually are a bubble team that flirts with or exceeds 20 wins and are able to watch selection Sunday with a chance to dance. Should they not safely procure a bid shouldn't be the expectation, but whether or not they can compete and be in the hunt for one should be, IMO.
 
Mike Vaccaro

@MikeVacc
The hits just keep on coming at St. John’s. What in the world is going on there? #sjubb
 
[quote="Class of 72" post=280260][quote="RedmanMike" post=280244]I don't post nearly as much as I used to, but it seems to me that we all need to come to the realization that we have to live with Mullin learning on the job. I actually thought he did a good job with the team this year - given all the ramifications of the Lovett injury saga. On the job training isn't ideal in a conference as unforgiving as the Big East. As someone else said on this thread, Jay Wright got to learn on the job at Hofstra. As far as I know, no one else in Big East history has come in to the conference as a HC with no actual coaching experience. (I may be wrong, but I doubt it.)

So of course a stronger staff would be a help - and adding additional capabilities to the staff would be another sign of growth for Mullin. One of the big warning signs with Jarvis was his weak staff - and he never moved to upgrade it because his ego was too big to admit he needed to. Norm Roberts actually had a pretty good staff, which goes to show that ultimately a strong staff cannot overcome a weak HC.

That said, I'm all for hiring Mike Rice. He seems to have his anger issues under control and he'd immediately make us a force in metro area recruiting. He would complement Matt, who does a good job at what he does - but is only one guy and he doesn't appear to have any cachet in NY/NJ. Plus, Rice a legit college coach - not like other guys who have been hired simply because they can bring their kids with them (like the Porter's dad at Mizzou, the guy USC just hired and Danny Manning's dad back in the day) or a guy like Tiny who was brought to the Hall to get one player.[/quote]

"That said, I'm all for hiring Mike Rice. He seems to have his anger issues under control "

Coach Rice could help in many ways but given his battle with anger issues he would be the perfect assistant to help Mullin with his "issues". If Mullin continues to think he can do this with amateurs around him he is doomed![/quote]
Sorry 72 while I would like for us to hire Mike Rice I have to disagree with your assertion that he would be the perfect assistant to help Mullin. I would fully expect after two weeks with Mullin in frustration we would see videos surface of Rice firing basketballs and office supplies at Mullin.:lol:
 
[quote="Beast of the East" post=280311][quote="Class of 72" post=280300][quote="Beast of the East" post=280294]Does anyone actually know if a Mike Rice hire is being contemplated? Or that he would actually accept a job here? My gut tells me that SJU administration would not be interested in rehabilitating a coach fired for physically abusing players. Also as a former head coach, it would likely only be a very temporary stop until he redeems himself. It would also render St. Jean to an insignificant role on the bench, so I don't think Mullin would hire a Rice without knowing that St. Jean would immediately resign or immediately begin looking.

Sorry guys, I just don't see this at this point, but I don't troll the internet looking for this sort of information so some of you may know better.[/quote]

I strongly disagree with the "rehabilitation" comment. On the contrary, giving Mike a chance on the college level would be within the Vincentian mission. We gave a 50 something former basketball player a chance to learn how to coach who has had issues. Mullin has his own anger issues and stubbornness and Mike Rice would be a good sounding board and support person. Time for Mullin to show he is serious about coaching and put together a staff with battle tested experience because Mullin is heading into the toughest battle of his short coaching career.
Recruiting is lackluster. St. Jean is a dilettante crutch that makes Mullin look amateurish on the sidelines. Mitch Richmond's P.R. value has eroded. If Mullin intends on being here for the long term, which I have doubted from his comments, then he needs to help solve the Slice debacle and put together a professional staff because the second honeymoon is over.[/quote]

Vincentian mission is not to rehabilitate coaches fired for the things Rice allegedly did. We know St. John's - they are not likely going to hire someone that may be a problem, and Rice carries that baggage. Whether you, or I, or others want him hired matters little. It's what they likely will do, and I don't see it at this point.

I don't think you, nor anyone else knows what St. Jean knows or doesn't know so its unfair to bash him IMO. I really don't know what Richmond does, and until someone tells me, I'd say it's fair to question if he is worth the money he is being paid, especially given his lack of prior experience. I don't see him busting it all out on the recruiting trail, his in game contributions appear to be minimal, but I don't know what he does during practice.

I will go one step further and say that given the current roster, I don't think a .500 conference record next season and at large bid is a given. Whether they do or don't secure an NCAA bid isn't the question, but whether they actually are a bubble team that flirts with or exceeds 20 wins and are able to watch selection Sunday with a chance to dance. Should they not safely procure a bid shouldn't be the expectation, but whether or not they can compete and be in the hunt for one should be, IMO.[/quote]

Sal, given the current roster, 9th place would be the expected result.
Lose starters Owens and Ahmed and add Dixon and Keita.
Team trending downward.
 
[quote="Paultzman" post=280303]Rumors were out there re staff changes, but now doubt it.[/quote]

I am holding on to my support of Mullin, but this news (along with the lack of recruiting urgency) is making it difficult.
 
[quote="Paultzman" post=280303]Rumors were out there re staff changes, but now doubt it.[/quote]Well I guess Mullin will sink or swim with his staff. So be it, it's his job not ours lets see what happens. Shoot if it works that would be ideal but who knows. I get the feeling the school is going to let him ride out the 6 year contract no matter what happens. If they won't get a new assistant coach at least get a Sister Jean up in here because prayer might be our only hope. God Bless.
 
[quote="Paultzman" post=280312]Mike Vaccaro

@MikeVacc
The hits just keep on coming at St. John’s. What in the world is going on there? #sjubb[/quote]

Has Mike Vaccaro been out of town???
 
Tweet from Mike Vacarro of the N.Y. Post, who has always has been a huge fan of the Johnnies:

Mike Vaccaro (@MikeVacc)
4/9/18, 6:51 PM
The hits just keep on coming at St. John’s. What in the world is going on there? #sjubb twitter.com/nypost_brazill…
 
Instead of these tweets from Vaccaro and Braziller, they should be requesting some on the record sit down interviews with Mullin for an in depth Q&A for his perspective on the state of affairs of his program.
 
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Beast wrote:
"Vincentian mission is not to rehabilitate coaches fired for the things Rice allegedly did. We know St. John's - they are not likely going to hire someone that may be a problem, and Rice carries that baggage. Whether you, or I, or others want him hired matters little. It's what they likely will do, and I don't see it at this point"

They are not likely to hire someone that may be a problem?
I think St. John's has already crossed that bridge and created the problem with trusting Lou Carnesecca and blind faith in the hiring of Chris Mullin.
I was being sarcastic about the Vincentian mission. The mission appears to be dollars and sense and what this president and adminsitration do, including the administration of basketball, makes little sense. We are the lowest rated school and basketball team. Does that look like progress to anyone? Three years has not made a dent in either.
You mentioned St. Jean and Richmond and I and everyone else are wondering out loud what their value is other than to make Chris Mullin feel confident and comfortable. Tariq Owens just gave us a hint of their value when, in declaring for TT he praised a TT assistant coach that worked with him 3 years ago in helping him make his decision. Players appear to have no allegiance to this staff and leave without a second thought. If people don't think we need a change and others here are comfortable with the continuing mediocrity and stonewalling by Mullin, then some will be very shocked when the shit hits the fan. Don't say we didn't warn you.
 
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