Next Coach?

[beast of the east]

Seriously looking forward to the program moving in a different direction. Team was awful today.

You do know the game came down to the very last possession of the game, don't you?

1-4 in Big East play. No moral victories when you have 3 seniors, 1 junior, and 1 sophomore on the floor for you at all times.

I wasn't claiming a moral victory, and had posted early that I felt this was a must win game. Do you honestly believe that except for the relatively small group that has been calling for a change win or lose, that had we hit a 3 on that last possession and won there would be little of this talk right now?

Yes there would be a lot less talk of this, and rightfully so. At that point, we'd be 1 game under .500 rather than 3. It didn't happen and we didn't come through when we needed to. This isn't an isolated incident either... just as we didn't complete the comeback against Seton Hall. Just as we didn't complete the comeback against Butler. Just as we didn't upset Nova despite playing close most the game. Tournament teams do not start conference play 1-4 and they generally don't lose to teams that will finish with RPIs around 200. 2-3 is a hell of a lot better than 1-4 with a loss to DePaul.

Sports in a way are illogical. They usually come down to one play or maybe a bad call. That's all irrelevant when you lose, which SJU has 4 out of 5 times now. A loss is a loss a win is a win. Period. This is the worst start anyone could have imagined.

11-1 raised false expectations. Anyone who looked at our roster could see that once Sampson left, we were in big trouble on the front line. I said before the season I believed we were just short of an NCAA bid, but could eke one out. I still believe that.

The fact is, we just ... aren't.... good... enough.

But fun to watch some... of... the... time.

 

[paultzman]

Seriously looking forward to the program moving in a different direction. Team was awful today.

You do know the game came down to the very last possession of the game, don't you?

1-4 in Big East play. No moral victories when you have 3 seniors, 1 junior, and 1 sophomore on the floor for you at all times.

I wasn't claiming a moral victory, and had posted early that I felt this was a must win game. Do you honestly believe that except for the relatively small group that has been calling for a change win or lose, that had we hit a 3 on that last possession and won there would be little of this talk right now?

Yes there would be a lot less talk of this, and rightfully so. At that point, we'd be 1 game under .500 rather than 3. It didn't happen and we didn't come through when we needed to. This isn't an isolated incident either... just as we didn't complete the comeback against Seton Hall. Just as we didn't complete the comeback against Butler. Just as we didn't upset Nova despite playing close most the game. Tournament teams do not start conference play 1-4 and they generally don't lose to teams that will finish with RPIs around 200. 2-3 is a hell of a lot better than 1-4 with a loss to DePaul.

Sports in a way are illogical. They usually come down to one play or maybe a bad call. That's all irrelevant when you lose, which SJU has 4 out of 5 times now. A loss is a loss a win is a win. Period. This is the worst start anyone could have imagined.

11-1 raised false expectations. Anyone who looked at our roster could see that once Sampson left, we were in big trouble on the front line. I said before the season I believed we were just short of an NCAA bid, but could eke one out. I still believe that.

The fact is, we just ... aren't.... good... enough.

But fun to watch some... of... the... time.

Must agree. Razor thin margin of error re short rotation, erratic shooting at best, extremely deficient rebounding, poor three point defense, but a hustling group. You can easily pull for this squad, but it may pay to be realistic. The early ranking excitement was predictable, since we are hungry to be relevant & successful. However, "fools gold" may be an apt analogy.

 

[beast of the east]

Seriously looking forward to the program moving in a different direction. Team was awful today.

You do know the game came down to the very last possession of the game, don't you?

1-4 in Big East play. No moral victories when you have 3 seniors, 1 junior, and 1 sophomore on the floor for you at all times.

I wasn't claiming a moral victory, and had posted early that I felt this was a must win game. Do you honestly believe that except for the relatively small group that has been calling for a change win or lose, that had we hit a 3 on that last possession and won there would be little of this talk right now?

Yes there would be a lot less talk of this, and rightfully so. At that point, we'd be 1 game under .500 rather than 3. It didn't happen and we didn't come through when we needed to. This isn't an isolated incident either... just as we didn't complete the comeback against Seton Hall. Just as we didn't complete the comeback against Butler. Just as we didn't upset Nova despite playing close most the game. Tournament teams do not start conference play 1-4 and they generally don't lose to teams that will finish with RPIs around 200. 2-3 is a hell of a lot better than 1-4 with a loss to DePaul.

Sports in a way are illogical. They usually come down to one play or maybe a bad call. That's all irrelevant when you lose, which SJU has 4 out of 5 times now. A loss is a loss a win is a win. Period. This is the worst start anyone could have imagined.

11-1 raised false expectations. Anyone who looked at our roster could see that once Sampson left, we were in big trouble on the front line. I said before the season I believed we were just short of an NCAA bid, but could eke one out. I still believe that.

The fact is, we just ... aren't.... good... enough.

But fun to watch some... of... the... time.

Must agree. Razor thin margin of error re short rotation, erratic shooting at best, extremely deficient rebounding, poor three point defense, but a hustling group. You can easily pull for this squad, but it may pay to be realistic. The early ranking excitement was predictable, since we are hungry to be relevant & successful. However, "fools gold" may be an apt analogy.

Paultz, I don't know if you've been there all along, or just adjusting expectations. If as fans you adjust expectations to the talent and depth of this squad, the rest can be enjoyable, or at least as enjoyable as frequently frustrated can be.

 

[paultzman]

Seriously looking forward to the program moving in a different direction. Team was awful today.

You do know the game came down to the very last possession of the game, don't you?

1-4 in Big East play. No moral victories when you have 3 seniors, 1 junior, and 1 sophomore on the floor for you at all times.

I wasn't claiming a moral victory, and had posted early that I felt this was a must win game. Do you honestly believe that except for the relatively small group that has been calling for a change win or lose, that had we hit a 3 on that last possession and won there would be little of this talk right now?

Yes there would be a lot less talk of this, and rightfully so. At that point, we'd be 1 game under .500 rather than 3. It didn't happen and we didn't come through when we needed to. This isn't an isolated incident either... just as we didn't complete the comeback against Seton Hall. Just as we didn't complete the comeback against Butler. Just as we didn't upset Nova despite playing close most the game. Tournament teams do not start conference play 1-4 and they generally don't lose to teams that will finish with RPIs around 200. 2-3 is a hell of a lot better than 1-4 with a loss to DePaul.

Sports in a way are illogical. They usually come down to one play or maybe a bad call. That's all irrelevant when you lose, which SJU has 4 out of 5 times now. A loss is a loss a win is a win. Period. This is the worst start anyone could have imagined.

11-1 raised false expectations. Anyone who looked at our roster could see that once Sampson left, we were in big trouble on the front line. I said before the season I believed we were just short of an NCAA bid, but could eke one out. I still believe that.

The fact is, we just ... aren't.... good... enough.

But fun to watch some... of... the... time.

Must agree. Razor thin margin of error re short rotation, erratic shooting at best, extremely deficient rebounding, poor three point defense, but a hustling group. You can easily pull for this squad, but it may pay to be realistic. The early ranking excitement was predictable, since we are hungry to be relevant & successful. However, "fools gold" may be an apt analogy.

Paultz, I don't know if you've been there all along, or just adjusting expectations. If as fans you adjust expectations to the talent and depth of this squad, the rest can be enjoyable, or at least as enjoyable as frequently frustrated can be.

I am a realist & felt, after losing Thomas, we would have rebounding & depth problems, be a scrappy team & maybe dance if all went well. I never felt confident in paper thin front line. As a lifer & a class of 69 grad, I will always support the team. I was spoiled in my youth watching great teams (Tony Jackson, etc) and expecting to win on a regular basis. Although passionate, I have adjusted my expectations. The Mullin, Artest, Sealy teams were also a joy. I suspect that level of success may not be replicated in my lifetime. Go Johnnies!

 

[usguard]

Seriously looking forward to the program moving in a different direction. Team was awful today.

You do know the game came down to the very last possession of the game, don't you?

1-4 in Big East play. No moral victories when you have 3 seniors, 1 junior, and 1 sophomore on the floor for you at all times.

I wasn't claiming a moral victory, and had posted early that I felt this was a must win game. Do you honestly believe that except for the relatively small group that has been calling for a change win or lose, that had we hit a 3 on that last possession and won there would be little of this talk right now?

Yes there would be a lot less talk of this, and rightfully so. At that point, we'd be 1 game under .500 rather than 3. It didn't happen and we didn't come through when we needed to. This isn't an isolated incident either... just as we didn't complete the comeback against Seton Hall. Just as we didn't complete the comeback against Butler. Just as we didn't upset Nova despite playing close most the game. Tournament teams do not start conference play 1-4 and they generally don't lose to teams that will finish with RPIs around 200. 2-3 is a hell of a lot better than 1-4 with a loss to DePaul.

Sports in a way are illogical. They usually come down to one play or maybe a bad call. That's all irrelevant when you lose, which SJU has 4 out of 5 times now. A loss is a loss a win is a win. Period. This is the worst start anyone could have imagined.

11-1 raised false expectations. Anyone who looked at our roster could see that once Sampson left, we were in big trouble on the front line. I said before the season I believed we were just short of an NCAA bid, but could eke one out. I still believe that.

The fact is, we just ... aren't.... good... enough.

But fun to watch some... of... the... time.

Must agree. Razor thin margin of error re short rotation, erratic shooting at best, extremely deficient rebounding, poor three point defense, but a hustling group. You can easily pull for this squad, but it may pay to be realistic. The early ranking excitement was predictable, since we are hungry to be relevant & successful. However, "fools gold" may be an apt analogy.

Paultz, I don't know if you've been there all along, or just adjusting expectations. If as fans you adjust expectations to the talent and depth of this squad, the rest can be enjoyable, or at least as enjoyable as frequently frustrated can be.

I am a realist & felt, after losing Thomas, we would have rebounding & depth problems, be a scrappy team & maybe dance if all went well. I never felt confident in paper thin front line. As a lifer & a class of 69 grad, I will always support the team. I was spoiled in my youth watching great teams (Tony Jackson, etc) and expecting to win on a regular basis. Although passionate, I have adjusted my expectations. The Mullin, Artest, Sealy teams were also a joy. I suspect that level of success may not be replicated in my lifetime. Go Johnnies!

Also saw those players but feel we will eventually hit a monster recruiting class

 

[usguard]

Seriously looking forward to the program moving in a different direction. Team was awful today.

You do know the game came down to the very last possession of the game, don't you?

1-4 in Big East play. No moral victories when you have 3 seniors, 1 junior, and 1 sophomore on the floor for you at all times.

I wasn't claiming a moral victory, and had posted early that I felt this was a must win game. Do you honestly believe that except for the relatively small group that has been calling for a change win or lose, that had we hit a 3 on that last possession and won there would be little of this talk right now?

Yes there would be a lot less talk of this, and rightfully so. At that point, we'd be 1 game under .500 rather than 3. It didn't happen and we didn't come through when we needed to. This isn't an isolated incident either... just as we didn't complete the comeback against Seton Hall. Just as we didn't complete the comeback against Butler. Just as we didn't upset Nova despite playing close most the game. Tournament teams do not start conference play 1-4 and they generally don't lose to teams that will finish with RPIs around 200. 2-3 is a hell of a lot better than 1-4 with a loss to DePaul.

Sports in a way are illogical. They usually come down to one play or maybe a bad call. That's all irrelevant when you lose, which SJU has 4 out of 5 times now. A loss is a loss a win is a win. Period. This is the worst start anyone could have imagined.

We have to stop blaming the coach for their not playing up to expectation I guess we can say that the staff evaluation of players ability
with a few exceptions was poor


11-1 raised false expectations. Anyone who looked at our roster could see that once Sampson left, we were in big trouble on the front line. I said before the season I believed we were just short of an NCAA bid, but could eke one out. I still believe that.

The fact is, we just ... aren't.... good... enough.

But fun to watch some... of... the... time.

Must agree. Razor thin margin of error re short rotation, erratic shooting at best, extremely deficient rebounding, poor three point defense, but a hustling group. You can easily pull for this squad, but it may pay to be realistic. The early ranking excitement was predictable, since we are hungry to be relevant & successful. However, "fools gold" may be an apt analogy.

 

[paultzman]

Seriously looking forward to the program moving in a different direction. Team was awful today.

You do know the game came down to the very last possession of the game, don't you?

1-4 in Big East play. No moral victories when you have 3 seniors, 1 junior, and 1 sophomore on the floor for you at all times.

I wasn't claiming a moral victory, and had posted early that I felt this was a must win game. Do you honestly believe that except for the relatively small group that has been calling for a change win or lose, that had we hit a 3 on that last possession and won there would be little of this talk right now?

Yes there would be a lot less talk of this, and rightfully so. At that point, we'd be 1 game under .500 rather than 3. It didn't happen and we didn't come through when we needed to. This isn't an isolated incident either... just as we didn't complete the comeback against Seton Hall. Just as we didn't complete the comeback against Butler. Just as we didn't upset Nova despite playing close most the game. Tournament teams do not start conference play 1-4 and they generally don't lose to teams that will finish with RPIs around 200. 2-3 is a hell of a lot better than 1-4 with a loss to DePaul.

Sports in a way are illogical. They usually come down to one play or maybe a bad call. That's all irrelevant when you lose, which SJU has 4 out of 5 times now. A loss is a loss a win is a win. Period. This is the worst start anyone could have imagined.

11-1 raised false expectations. Anyone who looked at our roster could see that once Sampson left, we were in big trouble on the front line. I said before the season I believed we were just short of an NCAA bid, but could eke one out. I still believe that.

The fact is, we just ... aren't.... good... enough.

But fun to watch some... of... the... time.

Must agree. Razor thin margin of error re short rotation, erratic shooting at best, extremely deficient rebounding, poor three point defense, but a hustling group. You can easily pull for this squad, but it may pay to be realistic. The early ranking excitement was predictable, since we are hungry to be relevant & successful. However, "fools gold" may be an apt analogy.

Paultz, I don't know if you've been there all along, or just adjusting expectations. If as fans you adjust expectations to the talent and depth of this squad, the rest can be enjoyable, or at least as enjoyable as frequently frustrated can be.

I am a realist & felt, after losing Thomas, we would have rebounding & depth problems, be a scrappy team & maybe dance if all went well. I never felt confident in paper thin front line. As a lifer & a class of 69 grad, I will always support the team. I was spoiled in my youth watching great teams (Tony Jackson, etc) and expecting to win on a regular basis. Although passionate, I have adjusted my expectations. The Mullin, Artest, Sealy teams were also a joy. I suspect that level of success may not be replicated in my lifetime. Go Johnnies!

Also saw those players but feel we will eventually hit a monster recruiting class

Landing monster class does not necessarily equate to winning. Give me the occasional five star kid, three & four star recruits, a balanced roster & solid coaching. That should equate to a sustainable, high quality program capable of contending for a NCAA bid on a regular basis. Xavier is having a tough season so far, but to me is the template for that success. Don't get me wrong, of course I would like to see a top 10 class this year, if only to evidence we are still relevant.

 

[usguard]

Seriously looking forward to the program moving in a different direction. Team was awful today.

You do know the game came down to the very last possession of the game, don't you?

1-4 in Big East play. No moral victories when you have 3 seniors, 1 junior, and 1 sophomore on the floor for you at all times.

I wasn't claiming a moral victory, and had posted early that I felt this was a must win game. Do you honestly believe that except for the relatively small group that has been calling for a change win or lose, that had we hit a 3 on that last possession and won there would be little of this talk right now?

Yes there would be a lot less talk of this, and rightfully so. At that point, we'd be 1 game under .500 rather than 3. It didn't happen and we didn't come through when we needed to. This isn't an isolated incident either... just as we didn't complete the comeback against Seton Hall. Just as we didn't complete the comeback against Butler. Just as we didn't upset Nova despite playing close most the game. Tournament teams do not start conference play 1-4 and they generally don't lose to teams that will finish with RPIs around 200. 2-3 is a hell of a lot better than 1-4 with a loss to DePaul.

Sports in a way are illogical. They usually come down to one play or maybe a bad call. That's all irrelevant when you lose, which SJU has 4 out of 5 times now. A loss is a loss a win is a win. Period. This is the worst start anyone could have imagined.

11-1 raised false expectations. Anyone who looked at our roster could see that once Sampson left, we were in big trouble on the front line. I said before the season I believed we were just short of an NCAA bid, but could eke one out. I still believe that.

The fact is, we just ... aren't.... good... enough.

But fun to watch some... of... the... time.

Must agree. Razor thin margin of error re short rotation, erratic shooting at best, extremely deficient rebounding, poor three point defense, but a hustling group. You can easily pull for this squad, but it may pay to be realistic. The early ranking excitement was predictable, since we are hungry to be relevant & successful. However, "fools gold" may be an apt analogy.

Paultz, I don't know if you've been there all along, or just adjusting expectations. If as fans you adjust expectations to the talent and depth of this squad, the rest can be enjoyable, or at least as enjoyable as frequently frustrated can be.

I am a realist & felt, after losing Thomas, we would have rebounding & depth problems, be a scrappy team & maybe dance if all went well. I never felt confident in paper thin front line. As a lifer & a class of 69 grad, I will always support the team. I was spoiled in my youth watching great teams (Tony Jackson, etc) and expecting to win on a regular basis. Although passionate, I have adjusted my expectations. The Mullin, Artest, Sealy teams were also a joy. I suspect that level of success may not be replicated in my lifetime. Go Johnnies!

Also saw those players but feel we will eventually hit a monster recruiting class

Landing monster class does not necessarily equate to winning. Give me the occasional five star kid, three & four star recruits, a balanced roster & solid coaching. That should equate to a sustainable, high quality program capable of contending for a NCAA bid on a regular basis. Xavier is having a tough season so far, but to me is the template for that success. Don't get me wrong, of course I would like to see a top 10 class this year, if only to evidence we are still relevant.

Ture but top recruiting classes catch the eye of players and players would gravitate toward us IMO

 

[otis]

[Give me the occasional five star kid, three & four star recruits, a balanced roster & solid coaching. That should equate to a sustainable, high quality program capable of contending for a NCAA bid on a regular basis. .

A well coached program with a consistent balanced roster of eight 3* and five 4* "basketball players" contends for a NCAA bid on a regular basis.

Recruiting involves selection of players based upon basketball skills. Many ranked players are amazing athletes. Not all amazing athletes are equivalent basketball players.

Successful college basketball coaches distinguish a basketball player from an athlete.

 

[Class of 72]

[Give me the occasional five star kid, three & four star recruits, a balanced roster & solid coaching. That should equate to a sustainable, high quality program capable of contending for a NCAA bid on a regular basis. .

A well coached program with a consistent balanced roster of eight 3* and five 4* "basketball players" contends for a NCAA bid on a regular basis.

Recruiting involves selection of players based upon basketball skills. Many ranked players are amazing athletes. Not all amazing athletes are equivalent basketball players.

Successful college basketball coaches distinguish a basketball player from an athlete.

While very true Otis the sad thing about this team is they may have been just one or two players away from contending for a national title. Had Thomas qualified and Lavin signed just one of the NY area Kentucky recruits (Towns or Dakari Johson) the current team would be a top 10 team. Timing and luck are big factors and neither have been kind to St. John's. Fifty years ago Kentucky would not have had an Italian coach or any of the 10 black McDonald AA's.

 

[monte]

[Give me the occasional five star kid, three & four star recruits, a balanced roster & solid coaching. That should equate to a sustainable, high quality program capable of contending for a NCAA bid on a regular basis. .

A well coached program with a consistent balanced roster of eight 3* and five 4* "basketball players" contends for a NCAA bid on a regular basis.

Recruiting involves selection of players based upon basketball skills. Many ranked players are amazing athletes. Not all amazing athletes are equivalent basketball players.

Successful college basketball coaches distinguish a basketball player from an athlete.

IMO one of the most significant things that can be done to elevate this program is for the school to hire a true gym rat/recruiting guru. Someone that will stay local and scour the high school, CC and aau gyms, meeting with coaches and evaluating 2 and 3 star kids, and JC kids. Kids who may possess talents which transcend their rankings and who may fill a particular void(s) on our roster at any given time. Let Lavin keep traveling the globe going after the 4 and 5 star kids, European kids and walk-ons(lol). His first recruiting class notwithstanding, law of averages says he's only going to get a couple of those kids per year anyway. But don't overlook the other kids simply based on rankings, especially when many can be found right here in the area. FWIW I'm available for the right price

 

[beast of the east]

[Give me the occasional five star kid, three & four star recruits, a balanced roster & solid coaching. That should equate to a sustainable, high quality program capable of contending for a NCAA bid on a regular basis. .

A well coached program with a consistent balanced roster of eight 3* and five 4* "basketball players" contends for a NCAA bid on a regular basis.

Recruiting involves selection of players based upon basketball skills. Many ranked players are amazing athletes. Not all amazing athletes are equivalent basketball players.

Successful college basketball coaches distinguish a basketball player from an athlete.

IMO one of the most significant things that can be done to elevate this program is for the school to hire a true gym rat/recruiting guru. Someone that will stay local and scour the high school, CC and aau gyms, meeting with coaches and evaluating 2 and 3 star kids, and JC kids. Kids who may possess talents which transcend their rankings and who may fill a particular void(s) on our roster at any given time. Let Lavin keep traveling the globe going after the 4 and 5 star kids, European kids and walk-ons(lol). His first recruiting class notwithstanding, law of averages says he's only going to get a couple of those kids per year anyway. But don't overlook the other kids simply based on rankings, especially when many can be found right here in the area. FWIW I'm available for the right price

You may not be ratty enough... although you do hang out at the CTK gym.

 

[monte]

[Give me the occasional five star kid, three & four star recruits, a balanced roster & solid coaching. That should equate to a sustainable, high quality program capable of contending for a NCAA bid on a regular basis. .

A well coached program with a consistent balanced roster of eight 3* and five 4* "basketball players" contends for a NCAA bid on a regular basis.

Recruiting involves selection of players based upon basketball skills. Many ranked players are amazing athletes. Not all amazing athletes are equivalent basketball players.

Successful college basketball coaches distinguish a basketball player from an athlete.

IMO one of the most significant things that can be done to elevate this program is for the school to hire a true gym rat/recruiting guru. Someone that will stay local and scour the high school, CC and aau gyms, meeting with coaches and evaluating 2 and 3 star kids, and JC kids. Kids who may possess talents which transcend their rankings and who may fill a particular void(s) on our roster at any given time. Let Lavin keep traveling the globe going after the 4 and 5 star kids, European kids and walk-ons(lol). His first recruiting class notwithstanding, law of averages says he's only going to get a couple of those kids per year anyway. But don't overlook the other kids simply based on rankings, especially when many can be found right here in the area. FWIW I'm available for the right price

You may not be ratty enough... although you do hang out at the CTK gym.

Don't overestimate me, I can be plenty ratty if need be.

 

[ras]

[Give me the occasional five star kid, three & four star recruits, a balanced roster & solid coaching. That should equate to a sustainable, high quality program capable of contending for a NCAA bid on a regular basis. .

A well coached program with a consistent balanced roster of eight 3* and five 4* "basketball players" contends for a NCAA bid on a regular basis.

Recruiting involves selection of players based upon basketball skills. Many ranked players are amazing athletes. Not all amazing athletes are equivalent basketball players.

Successful college basketball coaches distinguish a basketball player from an athlete.

it also involved getting complimentary pieces to one another. IE You don't have all wings and no bigs. And making sure that you have contingency plans for questionable qualifiers.

 

[logen]

[Give me the occasional five star kid, three & four star recruits, a balanced roster & solid coaching. That should equate to a sustainable, high quality program capable of contending for a NCAA bid on a regular basis. .

A well coached program with a consistent balanced roster of eight 3* and five 4* "basketball players" contends for a NCAA bid on a regular basis.

Recruiting involves selection of players based upon basketball skills. Many ranked players are amazing athletes. Not all amazing athletes are equivalent basketball players.

Successful college basketball coaches distinguish a basketball player from an athlete.

While very true Otis the sad thing about this team is they may have been just one or two players away from contending for a national title. Had Thomas qualified and Lavin signed just one of the NY area Kentucky recruits (Towns or Dakari Johson) the current team would be a top 10 team. Timing and luck are big factors and neither have been kind to St. John's. Fifty years ago Kentucky would not have had an Italian coach or any of the 10 black McDonald AA's.

So that's been the problem since Louie left, the civil rights movement!! Who knew?? (I am completely kidding)

 

[Chris7]

Lol, so this thread comes and goes. Comes with a loss goes with a win? At least that's consistent

 

[ADORAZ]

Well, regardless of what happens, for the sake of this topic let's assume for a minute there will be a new coach. Does anyone want to compile a list of potential coaches?

Last year I wanted Wojo. I don't know if I'd want any other assistant. I like Shaka Smart but doubt he's leaving VCU. Don't want anyone with baggage and possible issues upfront, besides Mark Jackson but that's a long shot anyways. So, no Ben Howland.

I haven't seen many mention Chris Mullin, so not sure if he's realistic.

Whoever it is, it'd need to be a big name who can recruit immediately so we don't slip off the radar for several years.

 

[Class of 72]

[Give me the occasional five star kid, three & four star recruits, a balanced roster & solid coaching. That should equate to a sustainable, high quality program capable of contending for a NCAA bid on a regular basis. .

A well coached program with a consistent balanced roster of eight 3* and five 4* "basketball players" contends for a NCAA bid on a regular basis.

Recruiting involves selection of players based upon basketball skills. Many ranked players are amazing athletes. Not all amazing athletes are equivalent basketball players.

Successful college basketball coaches distinguish a basketball player from an athlete.

While very true Otis the sad thing about this team is they may have been just one or two players away from contending for a national title. Had Thomas qualified and Lavin signed just one of the NY area Kentucky recruits (Towns or Dakari Johson) the current team would be a top 10 team. Timing and luck are big factors and neither have been kind to St. John's. Fifty years ago Kentucky would not have had an Italian coach or any of the 10 black McDonald AA's.

So that's been the problem since Louie left, the civil rights movement!! Who knew?? (I am completely kidding)

Ironically today is Dr. MLK day and when he marched and I was a senior in high school none of the southern powerhouse schools had black players. Anthony Grant at Alabama would have caused campus riots and given George Wallace a coronary. SJU did the right thing in the 50's but too bad kids nowadays have no sense of history. You can still count the black faces in the stands at UK, Alabama and Duke. But I digress, change is good.

 

[beast of the east]

[Give me the occasional five star kid, three & four star recruits, a balanced roster & solid coaching. That should equate to a sustainable, high quality program capable of contending for a NCAA bid on a regular basis. .

A well coached program with a consistent balanced roster of eight 3* and five 4* "basketball players" contends for a NCAA bid on a regular basis.

Recruiting involves selection of players based upon basketball skills. Many ranked players are amazing athletes. Not all amazing athletes are equivalent basketball players.

Successful college basketball coaches distinguish a basketball player from an athlete.

While very true Otis the sad thing about this team is they may have been just one or two players away from contending for a national title. Had Thomas qualified and Lavin signed just one of the NY area Kentucky recruits (Towns or Dakari Johson) the current team would be a top 10 team. Timing and luck are big factors and neither have been kind to St. John's. Fifty years ago Kentucky would not have had an Italian coach or any of the 10 black McDonald AA's.

So that's been the problem since Louie left, the civil rights movement!! Who knew?? (I am completely kidding)

Ironically today is Dr. MLK day and when he marched and I was a senior in high school none of the southern powerhouse schools had black players. Anthony Grant at Alabama would have caused campus riots and given George Wallace a coronary. SJU did the right thing in the 50's but too bad kids nowadays have no sense of history. You can still count the black faces in the stands at UK, Alabama and Duke. But I digress, change is good.

How could you possibly have been a senior in HS when MLK marched and a freshman when Lincoln won his second term?

 

[Class of 72]

Well, regardless of what happens, for the sake of this topic let's assume for a minute there will be a new coach. Does anyone want to compile a list of potential coaches?

Last year I wanted Wojo. I don't know if I'd want any other assistant. I like Shaka Smart but doubt he's leaving VCU. Don't want anyone with baggage and possible issues upfront, besides Mark Jackson but that's a long shot anyways. So, no Ben Howland.

I haven't seen many mention Chris Mullin, so not sure if he's realistic.

Whoever it is, it'd need to be a big name who can recruit immediately so we don't slip off the radar for several years.

Ron Naclario will look great in those UA sweats!
Larry Brown can take Lavin's West Village pad.
Fran Fraschilla would come back now that Father Harry is gone.
Rollie Massimino with Lou as senior advisor.
And, if we really want to rattle Syracuse, offer Mike Hopkins so Boeheim is forced to retire.