Penn State, Sun. Dec. 18, 11am, FS1/970AM

[monte]

Wow. I think it is well documented that I was an early critic of Steve Lavin and I was particularly puzzled about why it took so long for people to see him for what he was.

While this season (and today especially) has been a dismal disappointment, I never thought Chris Mullin would have less leash with the fans than Slick Steve.

I was at today's game with my son (his first ever game) and I totally get it......it was beyond ugly. That said, I still think we win 10 games this year. Coaching aside, once these kids understand what it means to truly play hard for 40 minutes, we will look a lot better. For the long-term, I am going to assume that we will add an experienced basketball coach to the staff at year's end. If we don't, that's when I bail.

The difference is that Steve made a splash his first year on the court and with recruiting top talent. He was then given the same kind of pass his 2nd year that Chris was given last year. Lavin's 3rd year there was some slight improvement. So too was there in his 4th year. He did just enough to stave off serious criticism until about his 4th year if memory serves me correctly. Plus, after Norm, for a while there Ole Lav looked like John Wooden to some of the fan base. Come to think of it, he's starting to look like John Wooden in hindsight. Hahaha. JK.

 

[Ray Morgan]

I agree with most of what has been said. One thing I noticed yesterday was how much bigger, and I don't mean height-wise, the PSU players were. And they have a very young team. Lovett, Ponds, Ahmed and Owens looked like kids. During that run they just bullied and intimidated us and we spit out the bit. I don't think coaching can help that and I'm not looking forward to the rest of the schedule when we pretty much will have to face similar situations.

I'm sure I wasn't the only poster concerned about lack of bulk across the board that was brought up in the off season. By year 2, the recruiting should have included some guys who ate their Wheaties. The Big East teams will bang us around all season. Staff should have seen this coming.

 

[Class of 72]

There is also chatter that parents/handlers of current players have been reaching out to coaches outside of SJU for advice on how to deal with what is going on. They have concerns regarding the lack of improvement and how this will push their stock down for a future pro job.

Well it certainly should not be the "handlers" of either of our guards since the entire offense is run through them and both are too small to be considered NBA Draft material for at least 4 years and even then would have a tough time with the bigger guards that will be available.
If it is the parents or parasites of ANY of the other players then I would consider their leaving an addition by subtraction.
Owens and Freudenberg have the biggest upside and I don't expect them to leave. Should 2 or 3 leave they would be replaced with 5th year players.
The biggest damage to recruiting is being bad mouthed by rival coaches. Mullin's only selling point was his NBA experience. If losses and slow development continue he will just not get quality players and Matt running after transfers and JCs just will not cut it at this level.

 

[JohnnyFan]

I agree with most of what has been said. One thing I noticed yesterday was how much bigger, and I don't mean height-wise, the PSU players were. And they have a very young team. Lovett, Ponds, Ahmed and Owens looked like kids. During that run they just bullied and intimidated us and we spit out the bit. I don't think coaching can help that and I'm not looking forward to the rest of the schedule when we pretty much will have to face similar situations.

Agreed. Having big, mature bodies makes a huge difference. If we can keep these guys together, we will see a big difference.

 

[bamafan]

We are doing a service to guys aspiring to play for pay;

Penn State's Mike Watkins picks up Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors after 15 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks, 4 assists vs. St. John's.

Agree. And I heard parents/handlers of players around the country are reaching out to find out how to get St. John's on their proteges schedules.

 

[GardenCity62]

With all the troubles SJU is having I found it funny and mind boggling that there is concern that this roster which can't compete with low mid major teams is worried about their future in the pros.
Forget the recruiting for 2018 and get some players for next year telling a few of the current roster there pro chances will be enhanced elsewhere.