Official Visits

[quote="Boo Harvey" post=295595][quote="Chicago Days" post=295591][quote="RedStormNC" post=295590]I'd love if Zach would be able to get a legit sit down interview w/ Mullin prior to season not so much as to upcoming season but reflections on his first three years, his current approach to recruiting, staffing, coaching etc.

What questions would you most want to see asked (knowing can't ask about specific kids, or personnel)[/quote]

I think Chris could be asked: 1) If he is satisfied with the Staff’s current structure vis-a-vis pre-game matchup adjustments, player-development capabilities, and the recruiting management grind.
2) What does he view his recruiting role to be.
3) What is the most challenging aspect of his job.
4) What does he think the team has to show the most improvement on in 2018-19 versus last year on both offense and defense.
5) The challenges he faces to keep his players motivated and in-sync with the program and team.
6) What goes into determining our OOC schedule, year-in and out. Is it difficult for St. John’s to get competeitive to very-competitive games against other teams?
7) How important is it to him to have St, John’s play in a more modern and attractive arena than CA, and/or how critical the need to play more games in MSG or another public arena to both attract recruits and heighten the programs’s reputation.[/quote]

Terrific questions. Would love to have somebody hold Mullin accountable. Good luck[/quote]

That's an absurd postulation. While all of us would like to see a reporting structure where Chris, like all other coaches, reports to a competent, strong athletic director, there is no question that there is oversight and accountability in the program. The accountability is all about wins and losses.

I heard Bobby Gempshaw speak in person last night about the important of a winning basketball team in our marquee sport, and that the implications are far wider than simply athletic success. He is so closely watching and interested in the progress of the program that he drove from a dinner in Manhattan to Long Island.

There is also a committee of board members that keep a close eye on our basketball program.. They have much more influence with Bobby G than they had with Harrington, and I believe they were instrumental in Lavin's dismissal.
 
Back to official visits. How many will actually take place and does anyone think we will get a Fall commitment?
My preference is a big or forward whether that be Fall or Spring.
 
[quote="Class of 72" post=295607]Back to official visits. How many will actually take place and does anyone think we will get a Fall commitment?
My preference is a big or forward whether that be Fall or Spring.[/quote]
My sense is, assuming Aidan heads to L’Ville, Kofi is still in mix, but potentially
“complicated” & a Spring commit.
 
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[quote="Paultzman" post=295608][quote="Class of 72" post=295607]Back to official visits. How many will actually take place and does anyone think we will get a Fall commitment?
My preference is a big or forward whether that be Fall or Spring.[/quote]
My sense is, assuming Aidan heads to L’Ville, Kofi is still in mix, but potentially
“complicated” & a Spring commit.[/quote]

Eligibility issues?
 
Unrelated comment:, Alpha Bangura Jr 2020 recruit from Dutchess County NY and currently playing at great Stepinac program was offered by Manhattan yesterday. He is built like his dad. Not a BE level player, but nice to see him developing.
 
[quote="Boo Harvey" post=295609][quote="Paultzman" post=295608][quote="Class of 72" post=295607]Back to official visits. How many will actually take place and does anyone think we will get a Fall commitment?
My preference is a big or forward whether that be Fall or Spring.[/quote]
My sense is, assuming Aidan heads to L’Ville, Kofi is still in mix, but potentially
“complicated” & a Spring commit.[/quote]

Eligibility issues?[/quote]
Not that I know of.
 
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"I heard Bobby Gempshaw speak in person last night about the important of a winning basketball team in our marquee sport, and that the implications are far wider than simply athletic success. He is so closely watching and interested in the progress of the program that he drove from a dinner in Manhattan to Long Island."

I was there last night as well and what struck me was the confidence Chris showed about this year. Much more noticeable in my opinion.
 
1) If he is satisfied with the Staff’s current structure vis-a-vis pre-game matchup adjustments, player-development capabilities, and the recruiting management grind.

These are my guys, they bring a lot of knowledge and I think we make a great staff together

2) What does he view his recruiting role to be.

After I accepted the job and spoke to Louie, he told me it's simple: get good players. I use myself as an example that you don't only have to go to Duke or Kentucky to be successful. You can come to St. John's. We're always on the lookout for guys we think would be a good fit

3) What is the most challenging aspect of his job.

Losing gets very frustrating, especially when you know the talent you have. Hated losing as a player and even more as a coach since I'm the one leading these guys.

4) What does he think the team has to show the most improvement on in 2018-19 versus last year on both offense and defense.

We need to get the ball moving more to get guys some open looks, especially Ponds. Defensively, we just need to use our athleticism and stay disciplined avoiding foul trouble and close out on shooters.

5) The challenges he faces to keep his players motivated and in-sync with the program and team.

No one likes to lose and unfortunately this game will humble you quick, but these guys keep their heads up and get ready for the next game win or lose.

6) What goes into determining our OOC schedule, year-in and out. Is it difficult for St. John’s to get competeitive to very-competitive games against other teams?

Going to defer to Greg on that one (room of reporters laughs).

7) How important is it to him to have St, John’s play in a more modern and attractive arena than CA, and/or how critical the need to play more games in MSG or another public arena to both attract recruits and heighten the programs’s reputation.

We've done a lot of updates and it looks great. Winning will take care of everything and it's more important than any fancy arena. MSG is great, but Carnesecca man...that place is home.
 
[quote="SJU85" post=295599]I believe the answer to number 1 would be “Yes, I am satisfied with my staff’s current structure.” If he wasn’t, I would think another change or changes would have been made besides the DOBO position (not sure if this has actually been confirmed).[/quote]

These are respectful and necessary questions.
I know he’d punt the first question. Then Zach points out and asks: St. John’s seems to have 1 primary recruiting coach, while all other high-major programs have at least two (plus an HC—full bore—on getting talent). You don’t think you need 1 more coach with central recruiting responsibilities?
So, let him say ‘No’.
Then we brace for ‘whatever’.
 
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[quote="Beast of the East" post=295604][quote="Boo Harvey" post=295595][quote="Chicago Days" post=295591][quote="RedStormNC" post=295590]I'd love if Zach would be able to get a legit sit down interview w/ Mullin prior to season not so much as to upcoming season but reflections on his first three years, his current approach to recruiting, staffing, coaching etc.

What questions would you most want to see asked (knowing can't ask about specific kids, or personnel)[/quote]

I think Chris could be asked: 1) If he is satisfied with the Staff’s current structure vis-a-vis pre-game matchup adjustments, player-development capabilities, and the recruiting management grind.
2) What does he view his recruiting role to be.
3) What is the most challenging aspect of his job.
4) What does he think the team has to show the most improvement on in 2018-19 versus last year on both offense and defense.
5) The challenges he faces to keep his players motivated and in-sync with the program and team.
6) What goes into determining our OOC schedule, year-in and out. Is it difficult for St. John’s to get competeitive to very-competitive games against other teams?
7) How important is it to him to have St, John’s play in a more modern and attractive arena than CA, and/or how critical the need to play more games in MSG or another public arena to both attract recruits and heighten the programs’s reputation.[/quote]

Terrific questions. Would love to have somebody hold Mullin accountable. Good luck[/quote]

That's an absurd postulation. While all of us would like to see a reporting structure where Chris, like all other coaches, reports to a competent, strong athletic director, there is no question that there is oversight and accountability in the program. The accountability is all about wins and losses.

I heard Bobby Gempshaw speak in person last night about the important of a winning basketball team in our marquee sport, and that the implications are far wider than simply athletic success. He is so closely watching and interested in the progress of the program that he drove from a dinner in Manhattan to Long Island.

There is also a committee of board members that keep a close eye on our basketball program.. They have much more influence with Bobby G than they had with Harrington, and I believe they were instrumental in Lavin's dismissal.[/quote]

Beast, with all due respect: How are these ‘absurd postulations’?
They reflect honest questions about some of the major areas all of us and most observers think are critical to having a consistently winning program.
And, funny, that Bobby G drove ‘all the way from a dinner in Manhattan to Long Island’ to address his school’s only major-$ $$$$$$$-generating sport.
Back in the day, daily 2-hour plus commutes were the way it was, if one wanted to put bread-and-more on the table.
 
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[quote="Chicago Days" post=295623][quote="Beast of the East" post=295604][quote="Boo Harvey" post=295595][quote="Chicago Days" post=295591][quote="RedStormNC" post=295590]I'd love if Zach would be able to get a legit sit down interview w/ Mullin prior to season not so much as to upcoming season but reflections on his first three years, his current approach to recruiting, staffing, coaching etc.

What questions would you most want to see asked (knowing can't ask about specific kids, or personnel)[/quote]

I think Chris could be asked: 1) If he is satisfied with the Staff’s current structure vis-a-vis pre-game matchup adjustments, player-development capabilities, and the recruiting management grind.
2) What does he view his recruiting role to be.
3) What is the most challenging aspect of his job.
4) What does he think the team has to show the most improvement on in 2018-19 versus last year on both offense and defense.
5) The challenges he faces to keep his players motivated and in-sync with the program and team.
6) What goes into determining our OOC schedule, year-in and out. Is it difficult for St. John’s to get competeitive to very-competitive games against other teams?
7) How important is it to him to have St, John’s play in a more modern and attractive arena than CA, and/or how critical the need to play more games in MSG or another public arena to both attract recruits and heighten the programs’s reputation.[/quote]

Terrific questions. Would love to have somebody hold Mullin accountable. Good luck[/quote]

That's an absurd postulation. While all of us would like to see a reporting structure where Chris, like all other coaches, reports to a competent, strong athletic director, there is no question that there is oversight and accountability in the program. The accountability is all about wins and losses.

I heard Bobby Gempshaw speak in person last night about the important of a winning basketball team in our marquee sport, and that the implications are far wider than simply athletic success. He is so closely watching and interested in the progress of the program that he drove from a dinner in Manhattan to Long Island.

There is also a committee of board members that keep a close eye on our basketball program.. They have much more influence with Bobby G than they had with Harrington, and I believe they were instrumental in Lavin's dismissal.[/quote]

Beast, with all due respect: How are these ‘absurd postulations’?
They reflect honest questions about some of the major areas all of us and most observers think are critical to having a consistently winning program.
And, funny, that Bobby G drove ‘all the way from Huntington into Manhattan’ to address his school’s only major-$ $$$$$$$-generating sport.
Back in the day, daily 2-hour plus commutes were the way it was, if one wanted to put bread-and-more on the table.[/quote]

No, sorry. This quote function sucks. The postulation I was referring to is from the post after yours, inferring that there is no accountability. I wasn't commenting on your questions.
 
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There would never be a hardball question thrown at Mullin, nor an investigative report analyzing his every move since taking over. This isn't 60 Minutes. The real investigative reporting should be on the sleazy recruiting practices and, dare I say it, cash payoffs that are likely prevalent in college basketball recruiting. The truth is no one cares, except the fans of programs like this one that make a slew of recruits top 5 lists, only to watch them go somewhere else. Now we are reading that we may finish second to a program that has allegedly played these dirty games for years, and hasn't even been sanctioned yet. And they have mediocre academics to boot.

At least we know that our program is clean. The evidence of that is all the recruits that were courted for years, and ended up somewhere else.
 
[quote="Beast of the East" post=295625][quote="Chicago Days" post=295623][quote="Beast of the East" post=295604][quote="Boo Harvey" post=295595][quote="Chicago Days" post=295591][quote="RedStormNC" post=295590]I'd love if Zach would be able to get a legit sit down interview w/ Mullin prior to season not so much as to upcoming season but reflections on his first three years, his current approach to recruiting, staffing, coaching etc.

What questions would you most want to see asked (knowing can't ask about specific kids, or personnel)[/quote]

I think Chris could be asked: 1) If he is satisfied with the Staff’s current structure vis-a-vis pre-game matchup adjustments, player-development capabilities, and the recruiting management grind.
2) What does he view his recruiting role to be.
3) What is the most challenging aspect of his job.
4) What does he think the team has to show the most improvement on in 2018-19 versus last year on both offense and defense.
5) The challenges he faces to keep his players motivated and in-sync with the program and team.
6) What goes into determining our OOC schedule, year-in and out. Is it difficult for St. John’s to get competeitive to very-competitive games against other teams?
7) How important is it to him to have St, John’s play in a more modern and attractive arena than CA, and/or how critical the need to play more games in MSG or another public arena to both attract recruits and heighten the programs’s reputation.[/quote]

Terrific questions. Would love to have somebody hold Mullin accountable. Good luck[/quote]

That's an absurd postulation. While all of us would like to see a reporting structure where Chris, like all other coaches, reports to a competent, strong athletic director, there is no question that there is oversight and accountability in the program. The accountability is all about wins and losses.

I heard Bobby Gempshaw speak in person last night about the important of a winning basketball team in our marquee sport, and that the implications are far wider than simply athletic success. He is so closely watching and interested in the progress of the program that he drove from a dinner in Manhattan to Long Island.

There is also a committee of board members that keep a close eye on our basketball program.. They have much more influence with Bobby G than they had with Harrington, and I believe they were instrumental in Lavin's dismissal.[/quote]

Beast, with all due respect: How are these ‘absurd postulations’?
They reflect honest questions about some of the major areas all of us and most observers think are critical to having a consistently winning program.
And, funny, that Bobby G drove ‘all the way from Huntington into Manhattan’ to address his school’s only major-$ $$$$$$$-generating sport.
Back in the day, daily 2-hour plus commutes were the way it was, if one wanted to put bread-and-more on the table.[/quote]

No, sorry. This quote function sucks. The postulation I was referring to is from the post after yours, inferring that there is no accountability. I wasn't commenting on your questions.[/quote]

Np. My fault. I reviewed your comment —following some coffee—and realized you were referring to the previous comment. I apologize, Beast.
 
[quote="Ray Morgan" post=295626]There would never be a hardball question thrown at Mullin, nor an investigative report analyzing his every move since taking over. This isn't 60 Minutes. The real investigative reporting should be on the sleazy recruiting practices and, dare I say it, cash payoffs that are likely prevalent in college basketball recruiting. The truth is no one cares, except the fans of programs like this one that make a slew of recruits top 5 lists, only to watch them go somewhere else. Now we are reading that we may finish second to a program that has allegedly played these dirty games for years, and hasn't even been sanctioned yet. And they have mediocre academics to boot.

At least we know that our program is clean. The evidence of that is all the recruits that were courted for years, and ended up somewhere else.[/quote]

Thinking only questions #1-#2 are ‘hardball’ and could be softened. At ‘bottom’, the questions reflect an honest desire to glean some ‘inside’ perspective about our beloved team and it’s future. It’s not a disrespectful ‘search’.
And I too am proud that our program is clean and am baffled that Louisville and Arizona areunaffected by the scandals that would’ve doomed many other programs.
 
[quote="Chicago Days" post=295627][quote="Beast of the East" post=295625][quote="Chicago Days" post=295623][quote="Beast of the East" post=295604][quote="Boo Harvey" post=295595][quote="Chicago Days" post=295591][quote="RedStormNC" post=295590]I'd love if Zach would be able to get a legit sit down interview w/ Mullin prior to season not so much as to upcoming season but reflections on his first three years, his current approach to recruiting, staffing, coaching etc.

What questions would you most want to see asked (knowing can't ask about specific kids, or personnel)[/quote]

I think Chris could be asked: 1) If he is satisfied with the Staff’s current structure vis-a-vis pre-game matchup adjustments, player-development capabilities, and the recruiting management grind.
2) What does he view his recruiting role to be.
3) What is the most challenging aspect of his job.
4) What does he think the team has to show the most improvement on in 2018-19 versus last year on both offense and defense.
5) The challenges he faces to keep his players motivated and in-sync with the program and team.
6) What goes into determining our OOC schedule, year-in and out. Is it difficult for St. John’s to get competeitive to very-competitive games against other teams?
7) How important is it to him to have St, John’s play in a more modern and attractive arena than CA, and/or how critical the need to play more games in MSG or another public arena to both attract recruits and heighten the programs’s reputation.[/quote]

Terrific questions. Would love to have somebody hold Mullin accountable. Good luck[/quote]

That's an absurd postulation. While all of us would like to see a reporting structure where Chris, like all other coaches, reports to a competent, strong athletic director, there is no question that there is oversight and accountability in the program. The accountability is all about wins and losses.

I heard Bobby Gempshaw speak in person last night about the important of a winning basketball team in our marquee sport, and that the implications are far wider than simply athletic success. He is so closely watching and interested in the progress of the program that he drove from a dinner in Manhattan to Long Island.

There is also a committee of board members that keep a close eye on our basketball program.. They have much more influence with Bobby G than they had with Harrington, and I believe they were instrumental in Lavin's dismissal.[/quote]

Beast, with all due respect: How are these ‘absurd postulations’?
They reflect honest questions about some of the major areas all of us and most observers think are critical to having a consistently winning program.
And, funny, that Bobby G drove ‘all the way from Huntington into Manhattan’ to address his school’s only major-$ $$$$$$$-generating sport.
Back in the day, daily 2-hour plus commutes were the way it was, if one wanted to put bread-and-more on the table.[/quote]

No, sorry. This quote function sucks. The postulation I was referring to is from the post after yours, inferring that there is no accountability. I wasn't commenting on your questions.[/quote]

Np. My fault. I reviewed your comment —following some coffee—and realized you were referring to the previous comment. I apologize, Beast.[/quote]

No need for apologies. We're good. You're post was fine. You're a great, respected poster
 
[quote="Beast of the East" post=295629][quote="Chicago Days" post=295627][quote="Beast of the East" post=295625][quote="Chicago Days" post=295623][quote="Beast of the East" post=295604][quote="Boo Harvey" post=295595][quote="Chicago Days" post=295591][quote="RedStormNC" post=295590]I'd love if Zach would be able to get a legit sit down interview w/ Mullin prior to season not so much as to upcoming season but reflections on his first three years, his current approach to recruiting, staffing, coaching etc.

What questions would you most want to see asked (knowing can't ask about specific kids, or personnel)[/quote]

I think Chris could be asked: 1) If he is satisfied with the Staff’s current structure vis-a-vis pre-game matchup adjustments, player-development capabilities, and the recruiting management grind.
2) What does he view his recruiting role to be.
3) What is the most challenging aspect of his job.
4) What does he think the team has to show the most improvement on in 2018-19 versus last year on both offense and defense.
5) The challenges he faces to keep his players motivated and in-sync with the program and team.
6) What goes into determining our OOC schedule, year-in and out. Is it difficult for St. John’s to get competeitive to very-competitive games against other teams?
7) How important is it to him to have St, John’s play in a more modern and attractive arena than CA, and/or how critical the need to play more games in MSG or another public arena to both attract recruits and heighten the programs’s reputation.[/quote]

Terrific questions. Would love to have somebody hold Mullin accountable. Good luck[/quote]

That's an absurd postulation. While all of us would like to see a reporting structure where Chris, like all other coaches, reports to a competent, strong athletic director, there is no question that there is oversight and accountability in the program. The accountability is all about wins and losses.

I heard Bobby Gempshaw speak in person last night about the important of a winning basketball team in our marquee sport, and that the implications are far wider than simply athletic success. He is so closely watching and interested in the progress of the program that he drove from a dinner in Manhattan to Long Island.

There is also a committee of board members that keep a close eye on our basketball program.. They have much more influence with Bobby G than they had with Harrington, and I believe they were instrumental in Lavin's dismissal.[/quote]

Beast, with all due respect: How are these ‘absurd postulations’?
They reflect honest questions about some of the major areas all of us and most observers think are critical to having a consistently winning program.
And, funny, that Bobby G drove ‘all the way from Huntington into Manhattan’ to address his school’s only major-$ $$$$$$$-generating sport.
Back in the day, daily 2-hour plus commutes were the way it was, if one wanted to put bread-and-more on the table.[/quote]

No, sorry. This quote function sucks. The postulation I was referring to is from the post after yours, inferring that there is no accountability. I wasn't commenting on your questions.[/quote]

Np. My fault. I reviewed your comment —following some coffee—and realized you were referring to the previous comment. I apologize, Beast.[/quote]

No need for apologies. We're good. You're post was fine. You're a great, respected poster[/quote]

Cool, Beast. Thanks.
 
[quote="Mike Zaun" post=295618]1) If he is satisfied with the Staff’s current structure vis-a-vis pre-game matchup adjustments, player-development capabilities, and the recruiting management grind.

These are my guys, they bring a lot of knowledge and I think we make a great staff together

2) What does he view his recruiting role to be.

After I accepted the job and spoke to Louie, he told me it's simple: get good players. I use myself as an example that you don't only have to go to Duke or Kentucky to be successful. You can come to St. John's. We're always on the lookout for guys we think would be a good fit

3) What is the most challenging aspect of his job.

Losing gets very frustrating, especially when you know the talent you have. Hated losing as a player and even more as a coach since I'm the one leading these guys.

4) What does he think the team has to show the most improvement on in 2018-19 versus last year on both offense and defense.

We need to get the ball moving more to get guys some open looks, especially Ponds. Defensively, we just need to use our athleticism and stay disciplined avoiding foul trouble and close out on shooters.

5) The challenges he faces to keep his players motivated and in-sync with the program and team.

No one likes to lose and unfortunately this game will humble you quick, but these guys keep their heads up and get ready for the next game win or lose.

6) What goes into determining our OOC schedule, year-in and out. Is it difficult for St. John’s to get competeitive to very-competitive games against other teams?

Going to defer to Greg on that one (room of reporters laughs).

7) How important is it to him to have St, John’s play in a more modern and attractive arena than CA, and/or how critical the need to play more games in MSG or another public arena to both attract recruits and heighten the programs’s reputation.

We've done a lot of updates and it looks great. Winning will take care of everything and it's more important than any fancy arena. MSG is great, but Carnesecca man...that place is home.[/quote]

Good responses Mike. Very head coach-esque!
 
Staff (1) expected to be in Florida in next week or so.
 
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[quote="Paultzman" post=295653]Staff (1) expected to be in Florida next week.[/quote]

Thanks Paultz. To see Precious?
Balsa Koprivica?
 
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