South Carolina, Tues. Dec. 22, 9pm, CBS Sp& 570AM

[simplyred]

Sitting on the scorer's table not only gives off the impression that you don't care, it is disrespectful to the people sitting at that table. Especially the guy that was right behind him. I would have taken a cup of water and spilled it on the table if I had been that guy.

Do you think Mullin doesn't care?

And unless that guy was a family member, screw him. Got to look at a Hall of Fame but for 10 minutes, he can tell his kids

I think he cares. I just don't think it gives a good impression when he sits on the table. I assume the guy sitting there is there because he has a job to do. Kind of hard when someone is sitting directly in front of you. Also, being in the HOF doesn't give you a pass on the courtesy thing.

 

[mjmaherjr]

Ellison will be fine, he looked decent pre-injury. He's rusty and is almost always the most inexperienced guy in the court. Didn't he have an injury in high school too? Only way to learn is to be on the floor.

Ellison is stiff arming all his shots. He needs to go back to learn to shoot 101. He was also seen after the game in Johnny rockets laughing with some coeds. To me it was a phil linz moment if you are old enough to remember. Yogi berra where are you? Help!!
Plus they don't charge the basket after they shoot which leaves maybe one player in any position to rebound. We need to rebound better

Unless Ellison was violating curfew, the only thing we should feel about him laughing with co-eds in Johnny Rockets is jealousy. He is an 18 year old kid enjoying college. Doesn't he have a reputation already as a gym rat? That should be good enough for us. And I remember the harmonica on the bus.

Apparently nothing is good enough for an SJU fan; people can rationalize their criticism all they want but we had a HOF player take on a serious challenge to bring us back to prominence, hire a world class staff that works their butts off to recruit and develop and all they get from the "fans" is criticism about shoes and scorer's tables. Personally, I don't care what Mullin wears or where he sits. And all because a team thrown together in a matter of months from slim pickings isn't playing well. Many of the "fans" will even, free of charge, let the staff and players know what they are doing wrong, including telling the coaches who should play. Of course none of these "fans" are at a practice or meeting but they know best!! The "wah wah crybaby" culture strikes again. ANYONE who knows basketball knew we were going to monumentally struggle this year but now that it's here, whining and cheap shots rule the day!!

I say this respectfully to you because you are one of my favorite posters back to the littlemin days but sitting on a scorers table on tv is a very big deal and gives the impression of not caring.

That's the equivalent of me having a client in my office and leaning back in my chair with my arms crossed or having my feet up on the desk while conducting the meeting. Hell no. No matter who the client is or what meeting you are in you sit forward and listen no matter how mundane the things the other person is talking about and you pay attention.

When I see him sitting on the scorers table it's ridiculous and while I have no doubt he cares about what's happening on the court he isn't giving off that impression especially when we are losing and if I notice I guarantee others notice.

Body language is noticeable to people

MJ we agree on most things but same as with Lavin's wardrobe who cares where he sits? Not a business setting it is a basketball game. Unless he tried to sit on your face who cares where he sits? Best coach in Football looks like the unabomber. Best coach in Football and the NBA give the most unprofessional press conferences and manager of the National League Champions created his own language.

Nobody does the John Wooden, Tom Landry, Connie Mack thing anymore. Still a sport. Just win baby and you can coach naked for all I care.

To be fair I know you haven't criticized Lavin for what he wore and I'm not calling out people who did either.

I'm on record saying I'd be fine with the Unabomber as our coach if he could win us a national championship ( I say that half jokingly ). But the sitting on the scorers table thing is the 1 thing I think is a big deal. I don't care what he wears. He could wear a hawaian shirt to every game for all I care as long as we are winning or on the long path toward winning. But either stand and coach or sit in your chair and coach. I want nothing more or nothing less

 

[paultzman]

Sitting on the scorer's table not only gives off the impression that you don't care, it is disrespectful to the people sitting at that table. Especially the guy that was right behind him. I would have taken a cup of water and spilled it on the table if I had been that guy.

I can appreciate CM's frustration, but as you & several other folks have noted, sitting on the table seemed unnecessary. Not blowing it out of proportion nor nit picking, as big Mullin guy, but just don't see upside.

f

You too? Really?

This is not a big thing as noted, but found it peculiar. Far more important things for sure.

 

[we are sju]

Ellison will be fine, he looked decent pre-injury. He's rusty and is almost always the most inexperienced guy in the court. Didn't he have an injury in high school too? Only way to learn is to be on the floor.

Ellison is stiff arming all his shots. He needs to go back to learn to shoot 101. He was also seen after the game in Johnny rockets laughing with some coeds. To me it was a phil linz moment if you are old enough to remember. Yogi berra where are you? Help!!
Plus they don't charge the basket after they shoot which leaves maybe one player in any position to rebound. We need to rebound better

Unless Ellison was violating curfew, the only thing we should feel about him laughing with co-eds in Johnny Rockets is jealousy. He is an 18 year old kid enjoying college. Doesn't he have a reputation already as a gym rat? That should be good enough for us. And I remember the harmonica on the bus.

Apparently nothing is good enough for an SJU fan; people can rationalize their criticism all they want but we had a HOF player take on a serious challenge to bring us back to prominence, hire a world class staff that works their butts off to recruit and develop and all they get from the "fans" is criticism about shoes and scorer's tables. Personally, I don't care what Mullin wears or where he sits. And all because a team thrown together in a matter of months from slim pickings isn't playing well. Many of the "fans" will even, free of charge, let the staff and players know what they are doing wrong, including telling the coaches who should play. Of course none of these "fans" are at a practice or meeting but they know best!! The "wah wah crybaby" culture strikes again. ANYONE who knows basketball knew we were going to monumentally struggle this year but now that it's here, whining and cheap shots rule the day!!

I say this respectfully to you because you are one of my favorite posters back to the littlemin days but sitting on a scorers table on tv is a very big deal and gives the impression of not caring.

That's the equivalent of me having a client in my office and leaning back in my chair with my arms crossed or having my feet up on the desk while conducting the meeting. Hell no. No matter who the client is or what meeting you are in you sit forward and listen no matter how mundane the things the other person is talking about and you pay attention.

When I see him sitting on the scorers table it's ridiculous and while I have no doubt he cares about what's happening on the court he isn't giving off that impression especially when we are losing and if I notice I guarantee others notice.

Body language is noticeable to people

MJ we agree on most things but same as with Lavin's wardrobe who cares where he sits? Not a business setting it is a basketball game. Unless he tried to sit on your face who cares where he sits? Best coach in Football looks like the unabomber. Best coach in Football and the NBA give the most unprofessional press conferences and manager of the National League Champions created his own language.

Nobody does the John Wooden, Tom Landry, Connie Mack thing anymore. Still a sport. Just win baby and you can coach naked for all I care.

To be fair I know you haven't criticized Lavin for what he wore and I'm not calling out people who did either.

I'm on record saying I'd be fine with the Unabomber as our coach if he could win us a national championship ( I say that half jokingly ). But the sitting on the scorers table thing is the 1 thing I think is a big deal. I don't care what he wears. He could wear a hawaian shirt to every game for all I care as long as we are winning or on the long path toward winning. But either stand and coach or sit in your chair and coach. I want nothing more or nothing less

I will give u this if Norm would have done it I might have said something but Mullin if not as a coach is still a proven basketball guy.
So far I think Mullin gets dinged for the way he handled the handshake after Fordham game.Not pulling the plug on Phillip Seymour Ellison last night and for not making his defensive philosophy clearer to his players. Pretty much everything else has gone as expected for me.

 

[we are sju]

Sitting on the scorer's table not only gives off the impression that you don't care, it is disrespectful to the people sitting at that table. Especially the guy that was right behind him. I would have taken a cup of water and spilled it on the table if I had been that guy.

I can appreciate CM's frustration, but as you & several other folks have noted, sitting on the table seemed unnecessary. Not blowing it out of proportion nor nit picking, as big Mullin guy, but just don't see upside.

f

You too? Really?

This is not a big thing as noted, but found it peculiar. Far more important things for sure.

Only thing I would be worried about is that things are going to get worse. This year for sure and maybe into next season. People, especially around here don't have patience no matter what they may post. If people start in on wardrobe and where he sits this early, could get ugly around here.

 

[fun]

In the 85 NCAA tournament game where someone almost put Kenny Walker's eye out Eddie Sutton went up and sat in the third row of the stands he was so disgusted. At least Mullin stayed on the floor.

 

[Andrew]

Jerry Tarkanian for example chewed a towel during games so coaches deal with stress in many ways.

 

[logen]

Ellison will be fine, he looked decent pre-injury. He's rusty and is almost always the most inexperienced guy in the court. Didn't he have an injury in high school too? Only way to learn is to be on the floor.

Ellison is stiff arming all his shots. He needs to go back to learn to shoot 101. He was also seen after the game in Johnny rockets laughing with some coeds. To me it was a phil linz moment if you are old enough to remember. Yogi berra where are you? Help!!
Plus they don't charge the basket after they shoot which leaves maybe one player in any position to rebound. We need to rebound better

Unless Ellison was violating curfew, the only thing we should feel about him laughing with co-eds in Johnny Rockets is jealousy. He is an 18 year old kid enjoying college. Doesn't he have a reputation already as a gym rat? That should be good enough for us. And I remember the harmonica on the bus.

Apparently nothing is good enough for an SJU fan; people can rationalize their criticism all they want but we had a HOF player take on a serious challenge to bring us back to prominence, hire a world class staff that works their butts off to recruit and develop and all they get from the "fans" is criticism about shoes and scorer's tables. Personally, I don't care what Mullin wears or where he sits. And all because a team thrown together in a matter of months from slim pickings isn't playing well. Many of the "fans" will even, free of charge, let the staff and players know what they are doing wrong, including telling the coaches who should play. Of course none of these "fans" are at a practice or meeting but they know best!! The "wah wah crybaby" culture strikes again. ANYONE who knows basketball knew we were going to monumentally struggle this year but now that it's here, whining and cheap shots rule the day!!

I say this respectfully to you because you are one of my favorite posters back to the littlemin days but sitting on a scorers table on tv is a very big deal and gives the impression of not caring.

That's the equivalent of me having a client in my office and leaning back in my chair with my arms crossed or having my feet up on the desk while conducting the meeting. Hell no. No matter who the client is or what meeting you are in you sit forward and listen no matter how mundane the things the other person is talking about and you pay attention.

When I see him sitting on the scorers table it's ridiculous and while I have no doubt he cares about what's happening on the court he isn't giving off that impression especially when we are losing and if I notice I guarantee others notice.

Body language is noticeable to people

First, thanks for the kind words, appreciate it. Now, to your post - I agree with your business analogy from a very narrow point of view; if your job entails ALWAYS making the client think you are interested then I agree 100%. BUT, what if you wanted the person to think you are not interested? In my line of work that is not uncommon because a significant part of my job entails negotiations; wouldn't " leaning back in my chair with my arms crossed or having my feet up on the desk" then be quite appropriate? The idea of interpreting body language and voice inflection is predicated to some degree on understanding the subject's motivation or desired outcome and IMO is an extremely inexact "science." Maybe Mullin wanted to GIVE the impression you got, kind of a "if you don't care enough to listen, I don't care either" kind of message to the team; wouldn't be the first coach to use that tactic. Also, remember he is figuring out coaching on the fly so he has no "rules" for himself yet. I am an incredible pacer and talker and when I coached would pace and talk to anyone, even fans or referees, and sit wherever I happened to be when I decided to sit; that was before the rules restricting coaches to an area. That behavior was very rarely thought threw strategically but was merely for my stress relief. John Wooden almost never called times out; now the Wooden everyone remembers could get away with it but Wooden coached for years before he had the overwhelming success that made him a legend and his philosophy of doing his work during practice and being somewhat "hands off" (somewhat) during games would have fans and media going nuts today. Al McGuire frequently would not even attend practice (Hank Raymond would run it) and almost never even met a recruit until or unless he was needed to close the deal. There is no in my mind that Al McGuire, one of the greatest college coaches in history, could not coach in the same style today because of the kind of scrutiny coaches get now. My point is different strokes....

 

[paultzman]

Ellison will be fine, he looked decent pre-injury. He's rusty and is almost always the most inexperienced guy in the court. Didn't he have an injury in high school too? Only way to learn is to be on the floor.

Ellison is stiff arming all his shots. He needs to go back to learn to shoot 101. He was also seen after the game in Johnny rockets laughing with some coeds. To me it was a phil linz moment if you are old enough to remember. Yogi berra where are you? Help!!
Plus they don't charge the basket after they shoot which leaves maybe one player in any position to rebound. We need to rebound better

Unless Ellison was violating curfew, the only thing we should feel about him laughing with co-eds in Johnny Rockets is jealousy. He is an 18 year old kid enjoying college. Doesn't he have a reputation already as a gym rat? That should be good enough for us. And I remember the harmonica on the bus.

Apparently nothing is good enough for an SJU fan; people can rationalize their criticism all they want but we had a HOF player take on a serious challenge to bring us back to prominence, hire a world class staff that works their butts off to recruit and develop and all they get from the "fans" is criticism about shoes and scorer's tables. Personally, I don't care what Mullin wears or where he sits. And all because a team thrown together in a matter of months from slim pickings isn't playing well. Many of the "fans" will even, free of charge, let the staff and players know what they are doing wrong, including telling the coaches who should play. Of course none of these "fans" are at a practice or meeting but they know best!! The "wah wah crybaby" culture strikes again. ANYONE who knows basketball knew we were going to monumentally struggle this year but now that it's here, whining and cheap shots rule the day!!

I say this respectfully to you because you are one of my favorite posters back to the littlemin days but sitting on a scorers table on tv is a very big deal and gives the impression of not caring.

That's the equivalent of me having a client in my office and leaning back in my chair with my arms crossed or having my feet up on the desk while conducting the meeting. Hell no. No matter who the client is or what meeting you are in you sit forward and listen no matter how mundane the things the other person is talking about and you pay attention.

When I see him sitting on the scorers table it's ridiculous and while I have no doubt he cares about what's happening on the court he isn't giving off that impression especially when we are losing and if I notice I guarantee others notice.

Body language is noticeable to people

First, thanks for the kind words, appreciate it. Now, to your post - I agree with your business analogy from a very narrow point of view; if your job entails ALWAYS making the client think you are interested then I agree 100%. BUT, what if you wanted the person to think you are not interested? In my line of work that is not uncommon because a significant part of my job entails negotiations; wouldn't " leaning back in my chair with my arms crossed or having my feet up on the desk" then be quite appropriate? The idea of interpreting body language and voice inflection is predicated to some degree on understanding the subject's motivation or desired outcome and IMO is an extremely inexact "science." Maybe Mullin wanted to GIVE the impression you got, kind of a "if you don't care enough to listen, I don't care either" kind of message to the team; wouldn't be the first coach to use that tactic. Also, remember he is figuring out coaching on the fly so he has no "rules" for himself yet. I am an incredible pacer and talker and when I coached would pace and talk to anyone, even fans or referees, and sit wherever I happened to be when I decided to sit; that was before the rules restricting coaches to an area. That behavior was very rarely thought threw strategically but was merely for my stress relief. John Wooden almost never called times out; now the Wooden everyone remembers could get away with it but Wooden coached for years before he had the overwhelming success that made him a legend and his philosophy of doing his work during practice and being somewhat "hands off" (somewhat) during games would have fans and media going nuts today. Al McGuire frequently would not even attend practice (Hank Raymond would run it) and almost never even met a recruit until or unless he was needed to close the deal. There is no in my mind that Al McGuire, one of the greatest college coaches in history, could not coach in the same style today because of the kind of scrutiny coaches get now. My point is different strokes....

And different fan reactions. Is your approach the only acceptable one? I agree with a lot of what you say. Where I differ, however is I don't feel compelled to make a fuss about criticism. It is what it is and most of us want SJU to be successful. It also easy to tell who trolls & who doesn't.

 

[NYCRedmen]

Some shots from the game

NYCRedmen, you were the best redmen on the court last night. You made your shots and more importantly positioned yourself well under the hoop and dressed like a camera man.

Thanks OLV, I just try my best to look the part lol. Now if some of our guys can make their "shots" we'd all be much happier. We should all move on from "Scorer's Tablegate" & this loss so we can focus on starting Big East play 1-0. Would be funny if we win our first conference game given how we have started in the past few seasons. Speaking of shots, thought is was great that Looie made the trip last night.

 

[Section9]

He's sat on a table before, and he'll probably do it again. He's walked off the floor at half time, made eye contact with somebody in the stands and shrugged his shoulders, he'll probably do that again. He's worn those shoes without socks before and he'll probably do it again. He lets an assistant coach do most of the talking in a time out before and he'll probably do it again. He's been candid in interviews before and he probably will be again.

What's the big deal? He's just being himself and it's refreshing to see. This isn't a business meeting he's conducting and if his body language was sending a message it's probably no different from what he said in the huddle late in the game. IMO, this is a big deal over nothing. Take a deep breath, sit back, relax, enjoy Christmas and New Years and get ready for the rest of the season.

 

[we are sju]

Louie danced around like coco the monkey on the sidelines, wore ugly sweaters and sometimes played Seniors over much more talented underclassmen. Good thing no fan forums back then.

 

[OLV72]

I was thinking that Slice farted and Mullin needed a little air.

 

[fuchsia]

Ron M a spirited kid, but sure misses a lot of shots. Thought he had a better stroke.

He needs to be wide open with lot of time to gather himself...

He may have a better stroke but playing w/o point guard and no pass being reliable makes locking in shooting form a lot harder

 

[beast of the east]

The thing about crappy seasons is we spend a lot of time talking about what doesn't warrant discussion.

But I do remember back in 1928, Buck Freeman fell asleep in his Model T during a game.

What I do find exhausting is all of our historical references from 40-50 years ago.

 

[dee]

Sitting on the scorer's table not only gives off the impression that you don't care, it is disrespectful to the people sitting at that table. Especially the guy that was right behind him. I would have taken a cup of water and spilled it on the table if I had been that guy.

Really? If Mullin was blocking someone's view I honestly believe if a fan right behind him politely said, "Hey coach, I can't see over you!", Mullin would have moved. When we sat behind Looie a million years ago, we'd banter with him all the time... He'd listen and often respond, "You don't know what you're talking about", or some other playful response.

Look the point is that I dont think you would see any other coach do that and it just doesnt look right. Can you name another coach who you think would even sit on the scorers table during a tv game no less? I dont have a problem with the sneakers, I like them. I understand that the team was put together over night and the ncaa wants to not only stick the knife in us but wants to twist it before they pull it out over the Lovett ban. But sitting on the table? Sometimes we all make mistakes, I think he made it by doing that and I hope he doesnt do it again. BTW- here is an amusing footnote which I add tongue in cheek for a laugh only- I happened to notice that the school president and his wife were at the game and sitting right around that area. Maybe it is best that he blocked their view lol

 

[beast of the east]

Sitting on the scorer's table not only gives off the impression that you don't care, it is disrespectful to the people sitting at that table. Especially the guy that was right behind him. I would have taken a cup of water and spilled it on the table if I had been that guy.

Really? If Mullin was blocking someone's view I honestly believe if a fan right behind him politely said, "Hey coach, I can't see over you!", Mullin would have moved. When we sat behind Looie a million years ago, we'd banter with him all the time... He'd listen and often respond, "You don't know what you're talking about", or some other playful response.

Look the point is that I dont think you would see any other coach do that and it just doesnt look right. Can you name another coach who you think would even sit on the scorers table during a tv game no less? I dont have a problem with the sneakers, I like them. I understand that the team was put together over night and the ncaa wants to not only stick the knife in us but wants to twist it before they pull it out over the Lovett ban. But sitting on the table? Sometimes we all make mistakes, I think he made it by doing that and I hope he doesnt do it again. BTW- here is an amusing footnote which I add tongue in cheek for a laugh only- I happened to notice that the school president and his wife were at the game and sitting right around that area. Maybe it is best that he blocked their view lol

Nice to see Bobby G. make the trip. FH rarely made trips, and didn't appear to have much of an interest in hoops.

For my two cents I appreciate when coaches say they coach hard the entire 40 minutes because even after they clear the bench those kids deserve to be coached as well as the starters even if the outcome is no longer in doubt. I'm not big on sitting on tables, but if he stopped coaching that's a bigger offense.

 

[we are sju]

If we start winning 25 games and making Sweet 16's no one will care if he sits like Robin Williams did on Mork and Mindy

 

[Ray Morgan]

Are we going to name this "Tablegate"? I much preferred Looie's coaching style of mouthing a barrage of curse words whenever the camera was on him.

 

[Knight]

Are we going to name this "Tablegate"? I much preferred Looie's coaching style of mouthing a barrage of curse words whenever the camera was on him.

Doubt that Looie ever cursed. He may have been practicing his French, however.