Open Practice this Sunday oct 1

Surprised the turnout wasn’t better. I guess Johnniemania, Pitino style, is a process.
Keep in mind we had rain for a week and today was beautiful. Also Sunday football like Paultz mentioned. Do October on a Saturday next time but last year this crowd would have had 10 people. You build a house with a foundation. Plus the autograph session literally it’s even better than what i said. They awe awesome kids. My only reco and it’s probably not even allowed with NIL would he to hsbe Rick be the last signee but I’m sure that’s NIL stuff. Another small thing I’d have shown up earlier to see Rick Rick a practice it was stunning to watch if have paid for just that.
 
I rarely go to CA anymore so didn't end up going, but a few things regarding attendance:
1. Maybe it's just me, but I feel this wasn't promoted much. I was surprised it was happening today since the season is still a month away and I'm not following it that closely yet.
2. Where I'm at (Long Island City), today was probably the most people I've seen outside all year. Beautiful weather after a rough couple weeks.
3. Ticket sales are way up and that's all that matters. It's 2023 in NYC, not a college football practice in the South. People have far more entertainment options these days and outside of heavy promotion or ideal circumstances (see #1/2), it'd be incredibly difficult to get people out to a practice. People will show up when the season starts, and even before that during Midnight Madness.
 
First off, it was just a practice, really not a great tool to pass judgment.

Ledlum stood out as an inside outside threat. No.one shot well or finished well around the hoop.

Soriano looked quicker but still as strong maybe stronger and asserted himself in the paint better.

Id say about 500-600 fans, above the 400 i guessed yesterday. Those expecting 4000 would be disappointed but to me, if we beat Michigan and sweep in Charleston fans will light up.

This was an NIL event primarily and i was told they sold about 500 t-shirts. Less than 100 bought an autograph wristband for $30 but i was told that went well.

Saw and chatted Sharif Fordham, who coaches nassau cc for past 8 seasons. George Johnson was also there but i dont think anyone except me and Panther noticed.

The great news is a very toned down Pitino got after his guys for not cutting, not pushing the ball on every possession, not playing defense, etc. He was zoned in on everything, a HUGE improvement over previous practices I've been to.

Rick spoke to the crowd and did say he expects to play 10 or 11 guys.

Based on today I'd say other than Ledlum and Soriano, the other 3 are anyone's good guess. They have about a month to start playimg defense and playing purposeful offense and sticking shots when open.

Saw matt a, vin from storm, panther, and idrsft and a bunch others i dont know from here.

Practice was a c minus generously. Pitino a B because he toned it down for fans, attendance C minus, NIl effort and solid B.

Nice effort to open practice but could have been better promoted.

Kudos to Rick for supporting Showalter. :)
 
'Student sections' had about... 7 people total... so no, not many lol
There were what seemed like a decent number lined up to get in through the two open security lanes.

Billy redsuit didn't sit in student section and i think this year he will drag kids out of dorms if they dont show up. At the very worst he will give his Mary Louis students extra credit for coming to games or tell them Ed Sheeran is performing.

Think of.today's practice as early rehearsals for a broadway show. Lots of things to work out before opening night
 
A little off topic but not really. The current lowest price on Seatgeek for the Michigan/St. John’s (Nov 13game) is $222 per ticket. Don’t know if that’s just based on current limited availability or what but that’s crazy.

Point is this has to mean something about the interest. Much bigger than an open practice on a football Sunday.
 
Btw for autographs while I’m not an autograph guy my buddy’s son who is like 8 years aa and the team each and every one of them couldn’t have been nice to Joey not just signing but asking him questions. As we drove home that little 8 year old just became a fan for life
This kind of stuff is priceless for building a loyal fanbase.
 
A little off topic but not really. The current lowest price on Seatgeek for the Michigan/St. John’s (Nov 13game) is $222 per ticket. Don’t know if that’s just based on current limited availability or what but that’s crazy.

Point is this has to mean something about the interest. Much bigger than an open practice on a football Sunday.
Check out the link above- once SJU gives MSG back the tickets they don't sell... you'll see them on Ticket master.
 
A little off topic but not really. The current lowest price on Seatgeek for the Michigan/St. John’s (Nov 13game) is $222 per ticket. Don’t know if that’s just based on current limited availability or what but that’s crazy.

Point is this has to mean something about the interest. Much bigger than an open practice on a football Sunday.
Michigan is going to sell out of that I’m certain
 
Understand that our fan base is trained for disappointment and to over analyze every little detail. However being concerned about today’s turnout shouldn’t be one of them. Per Mike Cragg, Full Season ticket sales are up over 70 percent over last year’s final numbers. Seven nationally televised regular season games on the docket. It’s a new day, don’t sweat the small stuff.
 
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