Trip to UK

J

jerseyshorejohnny

Well-known member
 Had the great good fortune to travel with the team to UK. An unbelievable experience. Great hotel. Weather was excellent. On Wed. was able to see the team practice at Rupp. Also we were allowed to to take some shots on the court after the team finished up, which was great fun. Had a incredible dinner at Malone's steak house. Just being at the same table with Coach Keady and listening to him "hold court" was worth the trip. Gene is a lot of laughs and could not be a nicer person.

Yesterday we had breakfast with the team and watched their pre-game chalk talk. later went to UK's practice facility, the Hale Center. Opened a couple of years ago, it cost $30 million to build and is about 100,000 sq. ft. Try building that in NYC for $30 million. D'Angelo is 80,000 sq. ft. and cost over twice that amount!

In the afternoon we went to Ashford Farms, a 2,000 acre horse farm where Uncle Mo currently resides. The place was unreal. It was immaculate. Can't begin to think how much money was spent on the facility. Everything was beyond "top-shelf". Had our picture taken with Mike's pride and joy. Surreal experience.

At the pre-game reception "ran" into Ted (who flew in from California with his wife) and Mike Maher. I would guess we had about 30 plus attend. Also met a fellow from Garden City , a grad from Hoboken and an alumnus from Seaford, Long Island.

Sat right behind the bench. UK fans could not have been nicer. They all commented on how well St. John's draws on the road (LOL !!) Kentucky students had more than a few signs wishing Coach Lavin well. Realize this is hard to believe but prior to the game it was like a Final 4 atmosphere (and I was there in 1985).

Heard that we are trying to schedule Illinois and that Maui is a good possibility down the proverbial road.

Also heard from a non-team source that we are in good shape with Gathers, and that we are going to get a good shooting transfer for next semester, in addition to Amir. Take it for what it's worth and again this is from a non-team but yet a reliable source.

Thanks to everyone at St. John's who had a part in putting the trip together. Best trip I have ever been on, far and away in any sport for any team. Realize it was not inexpensive but it was worth every penny and then some. St. John's always crosses their "T's" and dot their "I's". Simply amazing. A once in a life time experience. Appreciate all that was done by one and all. We all had an off-the-charts time. Proud to be an alumnus !
 
 Had the great good fortune to travel with the team to UK. An unbelievable experience. Great hotel. Weather was excellent. On Wed. was able to see the team practice at Rupp. Also we were allowed to to take some shots on the court after the team finished up, which was great fun. Had a incredible dinner at Malone's steak house. Just being at the same table with Coach Keady and listening to him "hold court" was worth the trip. Gene is a lot of laughs and could not be a nicer person.

Yesterday we had breakfast with the team and watched their pre-game chalk talk. later went to UK's practice facility, the Hale Center. Opened a couple of years ago, it cost $30 million to build and is about 100,000 sq. ft. Try building that in NYC for $30 million. D'Angelo is 80,000 sq. ft. and cost over twice that amount!

In the afternoon we went to Ashford Farms, a 2,000 acre horse farm where Uncle Mo currently resides. The place was unreal. It was immaculate. Can't begin to think how much money was spent on the facility. Everything was beyond "top-shelf". Had our picture taken with Mike's pride and joy. Surreal experience.

At the pre-game reception "ran" into Ted (who flew in from California with his wife) and Mike Maher. I would guess we had about 30 plus attend. Also met a fellow from Garden City , a grad from Hoboken and an alumnus from Seaford, Long Island.

Sat right behind the bench. UK fans could not have been nicer. They all commented on how well St. John's draws on the road (LOL !!) Kentucky students had more than a few signs wishing Coach Lavin well. Realize this is hard to believe but prior to the game it was like a Final 4 atmosphere (and I was there in 1985).

Heard that we are trying to schedule Illinois and that Maui is a good possibility down the proverbial road.

Also heard from a non-team source that we are in good shape with Gathers, and that we are going to get a good shooting transfer for next semester, in addition to Amir. Take it for what it's worth and again this is from a non-team but yet a reliable source.

Thanks to everyone at St. John's who had a part in putting the trip together. Best trip I have ever been on, far and away in any sport for any team. Realize it was not inexpensive but it was worth every penny and then some. St. John's always crosses their "T's" and dot their "I's". Simply amazing. A once in a life time experience. Appreciate all that was done by one and all. We all had an off-the-charts time. Proud to be an alumnus !
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Great seeing you again as well JSJ. I didn't know someone from Garden City was there. Too bad because I work in Garden City
 
I wonder if that is the guy Cummins that is a Juco transfer from Garden City. I think he had decent size so not sure if he's a shooter. 
 
 Had the great good fortune to travel with the team to UK. An unbelievable experience. Great hotel. Weather was excellent. On Wed. was able to see the team practice at Rupp. Also we were allowed to to take some shots on the court after the team finished up, which was great fun. Had a incredible dinner at Malone's steak house. Just being at the same table with Coach Keady and listening to him "hold court" was worth the trip. Gene is a lot of laughs and could not be a nicer person.

Yesterday we had breakfast with the team and watched their pre-game chalk talk. later went to UK's practice facility, the Hale Center. Opened a couple of years ago, it cost $30 million to build and is about 100,000 sq. ft. Try building that in NYC for $30 million. D'Angelo is 80,000 sq. ft. and cost over twice that amount!

In the afternoon we went to Ashford Farms, a 2,000 acre horse farm where Uncle Mo currently resides. The place was unreal. It was immaculate. Can't begin to think how much money was spent on the facility. Everything was beyond "top-shelf". Had our picture taken with Mike's pride and joy. Surreal experience.

At the pre-game reception "ran" into Ted (who flew in from California with his wife) and Mike Maher. I would guess we had about 30 plus attend. Also met a fellow from Garden City , a grad from Hoboken and an alumnus from Seaford, Long Island.

Sat right behind the bench. UK fans could not have been nicer. They all commented on how well St. John's draws on the road (LOL !!) Kentucky students had more than a few signs wishing Coach Lavin well. Realize this is hard to believe but prior to the game it was like a Final 4 atmosphere (and I was there in 1985).

Heard that we are trying to schedule Illinois and that Maui is a good possibility down the proverbial road.

Also heard from a non-team source that we are in good shape with Gathers, and that we are going to get a good shooting transfer for next semester, in addition to Amir. Take it for what it's worth and again this is from a non-team but yet a reliable source.

Thanks to everyone at St. John's who had a part in putting the trip together. Best trip I have ever been on, far and away in any sport for any team. Realize it was not inexpensive but it was worth every penny and then some. St. John's always crosses their "T's" and dot their "I's". Simply amazing. A once in a life time experience. Appreciate all that was done by one and all. We all had an off-the-charts time. Proud to be an alumnus !
Click to expand...
 


Good stuff. Was Repole there ?
 
 Had the great good fortune to travel with the team to UK. An unbelievable experience. Great hotel. Weather was excellent. On Wed. was able to see the team practice at Rupp. Also we were allowed to to take some shots on the court after the team finished up, which was great fun. Had a incredible dinner at Malone's steak house. Just being at the same table with Coach Keady and listening to him "hold court" was worth the trip. Gene is a lot of laughs and could not be a nicer person.

Yesterday we had breakfast with the team and watched their pre-game chalk talk. later went to UK's practice facility, the Hale Center. Opened a couple of years ago, it cost $30 million to build and is about 100,000 sq. ft. Try building that in NYC for $30 million. D'Angelo is 80,000 sq. ft. and cost over twice that amount!

In the afternoon we went to Ashford Farms, a 2,000 acre horse farm where Uncle Mo currently resides. The place was unreal. It was immaculate. Can't begin to think how much money was spent on the facility. Everything was beyond "top-shelf". Had our picture taken with Mike's pride and joy. Surreal experience.

At the pre-game reception "ran" into Ted (who flew in from California with his wife) and Mike Maher. I would guess we had about 30 plus attend. Also met a fellow from Garden City , a grad from Hoboken and an alumnus from Seaford, Long Island.

Sat right behind the bench. UK fans could not have been nicer. They all commented on how well St. John's draws on the road (LOL !!) Kentucky students had more than a few signs wishing Coach Lavin well. Realize this is hard to believe but prior to the game it was like a Final 4 atmosphere (and I was there in 1985).

Heard that we are trying to schedule Illinois and that Maui is a good possibility down the proverbial road.

Also heard from a non-team source that we are in good shape with Gathers, and that we are going to get a good shooting transfer for next semester, in addition to Amir. Take it for what it's worth and again this is from a non-team but yet a reliable source.

Thanks to everyone at St. John's who had a part in putting the trip together. Best trip I have ever been on, far and away in any sport for any team. Realize it was not inexpensive but it was worth every penny and then some. St. John's always crosses their "T's" and dot their "I's". Simply amazing. A once in a life time experience. Appreciate all that was done by one and all. We all had an off-the-charts time. Proud to be an alumnus !
Click to expand...
 


Good stuff. Was Repole there ?
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  I wasn't sure which one he was but yes. JSJ was sitting at his table at the pre game reception
 
Actually Mike wasn't there. I believe Mike is in the Caribbean at some island. There was a fellow on the trip from South Jersey who had looked like Mike. 
 
Thanks for the update JSJ, sounds like a great trip.

Great to hear about Gathers and Amir. Does anyone know who this potential shooter might be? Who can be out there that is eligible for the next semester that nobody is talking about? 
 
Just saw that Dwight Meikle is not on the Hampton roster, and he had signed an LOI of us before decommitting and signing with Hampton. He is 6'6 and if I recall is supposed to be a good shooter. Anyone think he could be the person? He is ranked as an 87 on ESPN which means a low BCS, high mid major, but hes 6'6 so if he can shoot, I say why not. We need depth, size although hes a perimiter player and a shooter. If this kid can shoot and learn the match up zone at 6'6 thats very important. I think while we lack size, if Dangelo can get his stroke going, we get another shooter and Amir is as good as he is, we can play at our size in the matchup zone and get scoring from outside.
 
Just saw that Dwight Meikle is not on the Hampton roster, and he had signed an LOI of us before decommitting and signing with Hampton. He is 6'6 and if I recall is supposed to be a good shooter. Anyone think he could be the person? He is ranked as an 87 on ESPN which means a low BCS, high mid major, but hes 6'6 so if he can shoot, I say why not. We need depth, size although hes a perimiter player and a shooter. If this kid can shoot and learn the match up zone at 6'6 thats very important. I think while we lack size, if Dangelo can get his stroke going, we get another shooter and Amir is as good as he is, we can play at our size in the matchup zone and get scoring from outside.
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Wow good catch, I wonder what happened at Hampton to him. If it is him as a walk-on that'd be cool. Not sure he is worth a scholarship though.
 
 Lavin considered him worth a scholarship until Greene came on board, and maybe one other commit. With Sampson and Pelle most likely not coming here, he probably warrants one at this point. an 87 is higher than Kennedy, Horne or anyone we have had in the past decade before this class was ranked, so to be a depth/shooter guy on this current team, and eventually on teams with some more size, I think he might be worthy of a scholarship or why else would he come? Lets be honest, before Lavin, an 87 would be our best recruit, and with the hardships we have had lately on the recruiting trail and the fact we are not Kentucky, 87's are still very good role/bench players for a BE team. Even if he is eventually our 10th guy, thats pretty good.
 
Actually Mike wasn't there. I believe Mike is in the Caribbean at some island. There was a fellow on the trip from South Jersey who had looked like Mike. 
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oops. Like I said I don't know him but I guess that wasn't him with the entourage 
 
Miekle can't walk on since we actively recruited him. Plus he is nowhere near a BE player. I'm frankly not surprised he never made it to Hampton.
 
I mentioned this earlier, but could it be Cummins, the Juco walk on transfer from Garden City CC? I am not sure if he is considered a shooter or not, but we know that he is supposed to be here in December.
 
I mentioned this earlier, but could it be Cummins, the Juco walk on transfer from Garden City CC? I am not sure if he is considered a shooter or not, but we know that he is supposed to be here in December.
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He's not a shooter but who knows what gets lost in translation when people hear things.
 
 Met you last night at the reception. Could not believe the atmosphere in Rupp. Fireworks during the player announcements. Made the game at Pauley Pavillion last year look like a CYO contest. Was told to beware the KY fans before the game, but found everyone to be incredibly nice and hospitable. A game at Rupp is a must for every college hoops fan.
 
 Had the opportunity to be at Rupp for the Final Four. in 85 . The place is incredible and the event was a once in a life time ( i hope not ) experience . During the final four weekend we got the chance to get to the Jim Beam Stakes race and had a few mint julips .
 
JSJ - Had the pleasure of meeting you in Denver, and perhaps at the NYAC for selection Sunday. You're aclass guy. Thanks for the report, and I'm glad you had such a good trip. I was also in Lexington in 1985, and without going into too much detail, it was the best and worst experience in all my years of following SJU. Unfortunately the best part of the experience then was before tip off, leading up to the game, and the worst part was the game and the horrible feeling when we realized the incredible run was over, and we had come up way short.

Back then of course, the Final Four fans were evenly divided among the 4 schools (three Big East participants and Memphis State) so I can't comment on the behavior of UK fans. I do recall that everywhere we went back then, EVERYONE is Lexington knew who Saint John's was, and knew the college basketball inside and out. We were treated kindly then everywhere we went.

I have returned to Lexington a few times over the past 15 years, with a few clients in the immediate area. ON a couple of trips I stayed at the hotel attached to Rupp Arena, which I believe is a Hyatt. On one trip I wandered through the mall attached directly to the Arena. Without the team playing, it was mostly a ghost town, with most of the shops and fast food places closed. Even 15 years later, I had a sinking feeling being in the building.

Glad you had such a great trip. Brighter days are ahead, and the investment the athletic department is making with these receptions on the road for SJU alumni and season ticket holders, is impressive. I don't know if all the people here know you opted for the premium package trip that the athletic department put together. It was epxensive, but appears to be first rate all the way.


 Had the great good fortune to travel with the team to UK. An unbelievable experience. Great hotel. Weather was excellent. On Wed. was able to see the team practice at Rupp. Also we were allowed to to take some shots on the court after the team finished up, which was great fun. Had a incredible dinner at Malone's steak house. Just being at the same table with Coach Keady and listening to him "hold court" was worth the trip. Gene is a lot of laughs and could not be a nicer person.

Yesterday we had breakfast with the team and watched their pre-game chalk talk. later went to UK's practice facility, the Hale Center. Opened a couple of years ago, it cost $30 million to build and is about 100,000 sq. ft. Try building that in NYC for $30 million. D'Angelo is 80,000 sq. ft. and cost over twice that amount!

In the afternoon we went to Ashford Farms, a 2,000 acre horse farm where Uncle Mo currently resides. The place was unreal. It was immaculate. Can't begin to think how much money was spent on the facility. Everything was beyond "top-shelf". Had our picture taken with Mike's pride and joy. Surreal experience.

At the pre-game reception "ran" into Ted (who flew in from California with his wife) and Mike Maher. I would guess we had about 30 plus attend. Also met a fellow from Garden City , a grad from Hoboken and an alumnus from Seaford, Long Island.

Sat right behind the bench. UK fans could not have been nicer. They all commented on how well St. John's draws on the road (LOL !!) Kentucky students had more than a few signs wishing Coach Lavin well. Realize this is hard to believe but prior to the game it was like a Final 4 atmosphere (and I was there in 1985).

Heard that we are trying to schedule Illinois and that Maui is a good possibility down the proverbial road.

Also heard from a non-team source that we are in good shape with Gathers, and that we are going to get a good shooting transfer for next semester, in addition to Amir. Take it for what it's worth and again this is from a non-team but yet a reliable source.

Thanks to everyone at St. John's who had a part in putting the trip together. Best trip I have ever been on, far and away in any sport for any team. Realize it was not inexpensive but it was worth every penny and then some. St. John's always crosses their "T's" and dot their "I's". Simply amazing. A once in a life time experience. Appreciate all that was done by one and all. We all had an off-the-charts time. Proud to be an alumnus !
Click to expand...
 
 
 Cummings is probably the decent shooter they are talking about. He had a few decent shooting games befor and seems a "solid" shooter. Was 4-6 from three in his last game as a jc last season, but it was one of his best games. He's supposedly a very good athlete as well. I'm not expecting a star but maybe an 8th-man that can contribute some minutes.
 
Further proof about how the people here in Kentucky could be the nicest I've ever met.

We took a cab last night from our hotel to meet up with Ted Raczok his wife and another couple we met as the St Johns reception for drinks then dinner.

Cab picks us up and the distance was kind of far so the cab ride was $20. No big deal and the cab driver was real nice.

Just now the cab driver stops by my hotel and drops off lexington tourism book and an envelope with $5 in it and a whole long letter apologizing because he didn't realize he didn't take the most direct route that he could have and he felt bad and wanted to refund the extra fare.

We wouldn't have even known. Then he calls my cell to apologize. This certainly isn't new york. lol 
 
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