What would help Lavin now...

F

fordham96

Well-known member
...is to hold a press conference or even just a one on one interview with a local beat writer and discuss openly the state of the program and where he thinks they are and where he thinks they are headed in the next year or two.

What I mean is a lot of programs/coaches hold end of year press conferences. Sort of state of the program type of discussions. A couple of days after losing to UK in the NCAA's Pitino held a full blown press conference back in Louisville and talked about the year they had, answered questions about what areas needed to be addressed and also about potentially losing players like Harrell early.

I think this would help. Yes coaches including Lavin are always going to put a positive spin on things. That goes without saying. But answering pointed questions and discussing openly why he is so positive would alleviate some concern among those who are still hopeful.

For those who are just dead set against him well nothing short of them going to the Final Four next year will satisfy them and that is a year away anyway.

I think it would help. I am sure he has plenty of good reasons why he is quiet, but I think getting out there would tell SJU fans that he hears their concerns and wants them to know his expectations of the program are still very high despite some setbacks and that he is committed to that goal now as he was on day one.
 
Really though who wants to hear him? It's just a script with metaphors and a bunch of fluff. The guy never says anything anyway. Honestly every interview he gave this year I tuned out. He's a salesman at the end of the day that you just get tired of hearing from.

The last public comments he made he said we were fine and we were going to play like Villanova next year. I mean really Lav?
 
...is to hold a press conference or even just a one on one interview with a local beat writer and discuss openly the state of the program and where he thinks they are and where he thinks they are headed in the next year or two.

What I mean is a lot of programs/coaches hold end of year press conferences. Sort of state of the program type of discussions. A couple of days after losing to UK in the NCAA's Pitino held a full blown press conference back in Louisville and talked about the year they had, answered questions about what areas needed to be addressed and also about potentially losing players like Harrell early.

I think this would help. Yes coaches including Lavin are always going to put a positive spin on things. That goes without saying. But answering pointed questions and discussing openly why he is so positive would alleviate some concern among those who are still hopeful.

For those who are just dead set against him well nothing short of them going to the Final Four next year will satisfy them and that is a year away anyway.

I think it would help. I am sure he has plenty of good reasons why he is quiet, but I think getting out there would tell SJU fans that he hears their concerns and wants them to know his expectations of the program are still very high despite some setbacks and that he is committed to that goal now as he was on day one.
Click to expand...

Not a bad idea, the problem I see with it is that Lavin will have to answer some tough questions from the press, and that's not something he's going to want to do.
 
cant hold a press conference until we know he is committed long term...I am not upset with Obekpa leaving...he was still raw and yes he blocked shots, but didn't rebound especially well...and his offense did improve, but who knows how he really was in the locker room
 
while fordham96's post is completely logical and makes sense to me, I think Lavin looks at it like this:

no president in place at sju and a lame duck AD, why do i even have to bother doing any damage control? the college basketball season is over next week and the heat will die down in the next month. i can milk this thing for one more year and 2 million dollars and then take a year off and go back to TV.

seemed like a great hire four years ago, and i was all for it, but this has completely backfired in our faces.
 
Listen, I'm not going to root against the guy because at the end of the day he is my alma mater's coach. Just like I rooted for Jarvis and Roberts, I'll root for Lavin just the same. IMO, the big problem right now is timing. Let's be honest for a second. With experienced players like Sampson and Obekpa leaving the program, it is going to be nearly impossible for this team to compete at a high level next season. Sure, maybe they pick up a transfer or JUCO along the way. But those guys are not going to come in and match Sampson's offense or Obekpa's defense. So pretty much, we are writing off next year as a total wash. Then, we come to the infamous 2015 recruiting class. There are some posters out there that claim we already have star players locked up (which I still find highly unlikely, but let's pretend for the moment that this is true). Ok, so essentially you are going to have to recruit an entire team, probably along the lines of 5 or 6 players. Essentially, the 2015-'16 season will be a team consisting of Jordan (which I doubt he'll be there that far down the line), whatever scraps we pick up this year, and an entire group of freshmen. Now, as we've clearly seen in the past that Lavin is not exactly a "development coach." Which basically means that the season will also be a wash because he won't be able to get these kids up to speed fast enough. So now we are looking forward to the 2016-'17 season and hope that the team finally comes together as one. The only concern is if our current group of kids all turned on a coach, how can one eliminate the possibility of that legendary '15 class doing the same thing.

And I can't ignore the problem standing in the way of all this is pretty much the '15 class is dependent on him getting a contract extension, which the university would be absolutely insane to do at this point in time due to unfolding events. When I add all of these things together, I've got to be honest with you. It's time to move on. Even an optimist would say we are 2-3 years away now. And after 3 years of missing the NCAA Tournament, is it really fair to be paying someone in excess of two million dollars a season for mediocrity? If that's all the school is looking for, they should save their money and go hire a mid major coach who will make a run every 4-5 years or so but will also command a salary of about half of Lavin's.
 
Listen, I'm not going to root against the guy because at the end of the day he is my alma mater's coach. Just like I rooted for Jarvis and Roberts, I'll root for Lavin just the same. IMO, the big problem right now is timing. Let's be honest for a second. With experienced players like Sampson and Obekpa leaving the program, it is going to be nearly impossible for this team to compete at a high level next season. Sure, maybe they pick up a transfer or JUCO along the way. But those guys are not going to come in and match Sampson's offense or Obekpa's defense. So pretty much, we are writing off next year as a total wash. Then, we come to the infamous 2015 recruiting class. There are some posters out there that claim we already have star players locked up (which I still find highly unlikely, but let's pretend for the moment that this is true). Ok, so essentially you are going to have to recruit an entire team, probably along the lines of 5 or 6 players. Essentially, the 2015-'16 season will be a team consisting of Jordan (which I doubt he'll be there that far down the line), whatever scraps we pick up this year, and an entire group of freshmen. Now, as we've clearly seen in the past that Lavin is not exactly a "development coach." Which basically means that the season will also be a wash because he won't be able to get these kids up to speed fast enough. So now we are looking forward to the 2016-'17 season and hope that the team finally comes together as one. The only concern is if our current group of kids all turned on a coach, how can one eliminate the possibility of that legendary '15 class doing the same thing.

And I can't ignore the problem standing in the way of all this is pretty much the '15 class is dependent on him getting a contract extension, which the university would be absolutely insane to do at this point in time due to unfolding events. When I add all of these things together, I've got to be honest with you. It's time to move on. Even an optimist would say we are 2-3 years away now. And after 3 years of missing the NCAA Tournament, is it really fair to be paying someone in excess of two million dollars a season for mediocrity? If that's all the school is looking for, they should save their money and go hire a mid major coach who will make a run every 4-5 years or so but will also command a salary of about half of Lavin's.
Click to expand...

I have to agree with this. As of now, we have seen a loaded team that Lavin built, totally wrecked. Anybody who's any good on our roster are all seniors entering next season. There's no fathomable reason that I can figure out as to why Lavin ignored the 2014' recruiting class which IMHO was crucial to building "sustainable success" which is a term Lavin himself has used. As of now, Lavin has really left us nothing AT ALL to work with, to bridge into that 2015' class. And regardless of how good that 2015' class could potentially be, they'll be all freshmen and we'll be waiting 5 years to have an experienced roster again.

This scenario is entirely unacceptable, and should be considered so to both fans and the administration. I'm not sure what Lavin could do to put a positive spin on this, which is why I don't think any sort of press conference will happen. As of now, we are sunk for next year with no recruits outside of a Westchester cc player on the radar, and that effectively sinks us for the next few years with no upperclassmen on the roster, and a coach that couldn't win even when we were a loaded roster. We're cooked...
 
Can anyone confirm that Lavin has even been in NYCity over the past several days or had any team meeting(s)?
 
Listen, I'm not going to root against the guy because at the end of the day he is my alma mater's coach. Just like I rooted for Jarvis and Roberts, I'll root for Lavin just the same. IMO, the big problem right now is timing. Let's be honest for a second. With experienced players like Sampson and Obekpa leaving the program, it is going to be nearly impossible for this team to compete at a high level next season. Sure, maybe they pick up a transfer or JUCO along the way. But those guys are not going to come in and match Sampson's offense or Obekpa's defense. So pretty much, we are writing off next year as a total wash. Then, we come to the infamous 2015 recruiting class. There are some posters out there that claim we already have star players locked up (which I still find highly unlikely, but let's pretend for the moment that this is true). Ok, so essentially you are going to have to recruit an entire team, probably along the lines of 5 or 6 players. Essentially, the 2015-'16 season will be a team consisting of Jordan (which I doubt he'll be there that far down the line), whatever scraps we pick up this year, and an entire group of freshmen. Now, as we've clearly seen in the past that Lavin is not exactly a "development coach." Which basically means that the season will also be a wash because he won't be able to get these kids up to speed fast enough. So now we are looking forward to the 2016-'17 season and hope that the team finally comes together as one. The only concern is if our current group of kids all turned on a coach, how can one eliminate the possibility of that legendary '15 class doing the same thing.

And I can't ignore the problem standing in the way of all this is pretty much the '15 class is dependent on him getting a contract extension, which the university would be absolutely insane to do at this point in time due to unfolding events. When I add all of these things together, I've got to be honest with you. It's time to move on. Even an optimist would say we are 2-3 years away now. And after 3 years of missing the NCAA Tournament, is it really fair to be paying someone in excess of two million dollars a season for mediocrity? If that's all the school is looking for, they should save their money and go hire a mid major coach who will make a run every 4-5 years or so but will also command a salary of about half of Lavin's.
Click to expand...

I have to agree with this. As of now, we have seen a loaded team that Lavin built, totally wrecked. Anybody who's any good on our roster are all seniors entering next season. There's no fathomable reason that I can figure out as to why Lavin ignored the 2014' recruiting class which IMHO was crucial to building "sustainable success" which is a term Lavin himself has used. As of now, Lavin has really left us nothing AT ALL to work with, to bridge into that 2015' class. And regardless of how good that 2015' class could potentially be, they'll be all freshmen and we'll be waiting 5 years to have an experienced roster again.

This scenario is entirely unacceptable, and should be considered so to both fans and the administration. I'm not sure what Lavin could do to put a positive spin on this, which is why I don't think any sort of press conference will happen. As of now, we are sunk for next year with no recruits outside of a Westchester cc player on the radar, and that effectively sinks us for the next few years with no upperclassmen on the roster, and a coach that couldn't win even when we were a loaded roster. We're cooked...
Click to expand...

I agree 100%
 
In simpler (and less) words, we are in store for another complete rebuilding project
It will be several years before we have an opportunity to be "relevant" again
Different circumstances than in the past, but not much different forecast than the end of the Jarvi$ and Roberts eras
Essentially, we'll be turning over our complete roster in the next two years
One of Lavin's goals was to create balance between the classes - another goal down the proverbial "terlet"
 
Can anyone confirm that Lavin has even been in NYCity over the past several days or had any team meeting(s)?
Click to expand...

I think you know the answer.
 
...is to hold a press conference or even just a one on one interview with a local beat writer and discuss openly the state of the program and where he thinks they are and where he thinks they are headed in the next year or two.

What I mean is a lot of programs/coaches hold end of year press conferences. Sort of state of the program type of discussions. A couple of days after losing to UK in the NCAA's Pitino held a full blown press conference back in Louisville and talked about the year they had, answered questions about what areas needed to be addressed and also about potentially losing players like Harrell early.

I think this would help. Yes coaches including Lavin are always going to put a positive spin on things. That goes without saying. But answering pointed questions and discussing openly why he is so positive would alleviate some concern among those who are still hopeful.

For those who are just dead set against him well nothing short of them going to the Final Four next year will satisfy them and that is a year away anyway.

I think it would help. I am sure he has plenty of good reasons why he is quiet, but I think getting out there would tell SJU fans that he hears their concerns and wants them to know his expectations of the program are still very high despite some setbacks and that he is committed to that goal now as he was on day one.
Click to expand...

Fordham, useful or not, I think what you are saying is appropriate. Different circumstances, but I recently saw Rick Pitino's end of season discussion & appreciated his candor and specificity. In the spirit of accountability, let Lavin meet with the press and field substantive questions. If he chooses to duck them or spin them to Pluto, so be it. Such a response will be to his detriment.
 
...is to hold a press conference or even just a one on one interview with a local beat writer and discuss openly the state of the program and where he thinks they are and where he thinks they are headed in the next year or two.

What I mean is a lot of programs/coaches hold end of year press conferences. Sort of state of the program type of discussions. A couple of days after losing to UK in the NCAA's Pitino held a full blown press conference back in Louisville and talked about the year they had, answered questions about what areas needed to be addressed and also about potentially losing players like Harrell early.

I think this would help. Yes coaches including Lavin are always going to put a positive spin on things. That goes without saying. But answering pointed questions and discussing openly why he is so positive would alleviate some concern among those who are still hopeful.

For those who are just dead set against him well nothing short of them going to the Final Four next year will satisfy them and that is a year away anyway.

I think it would help. I am sure he has plenty of good reasons why he is quiet, but I think getting out there would tell SJU fans that he hears their concerns and wants them to know his expectations of the program are still very high despite some setbacks and that he is committed to that goal now as he was on day one.
Click to expand...

Fordham, useful or not, I think what you are saying is appropriate. Different circumstances, but I recently saw Rick Pitino's end of season discussion & appreciated his candor and specificity. In the spirit of accountability, let Lavin meet with the press and field substantive questions. If he chooses to duck them or spin them to Pluto, so be it. Such a response will be to his detriment.
Click to expand...

Good points from you both. He should address what's going on publicly, but only if he's going to do so directly and without all of the hyperbole and platitudes. No pondering this being part of the "journey" which seems to have become the default word from him everytime things go sideways. There's a reasonable level of coach-speak spin that is always going to be expected (even in a situation like this, where there isn't much to spin), and then there's Lavin-speak spin which has become almost insulting.

And you're right, Paultz. If he opts for the latter route that will be telling in and of itself.
 
Listen, I'm not going to root against the guy because at the end of the day he is my alma mater's coach. Just like I rooted for Jarvis and Roberts, I'll root for Lavin just the same. IMO, the big problem right now is timing. Let's be honest for a second. With experienced players like Sampson and Obekpa leaving the program, it is going to be nearly impossible for this team to compete at a high level next season. Sure, maybe they pick up a transfer or JUCO along the way. But those guys are not going to come in and match Sampson's offense or Obekpa's defense. So pretty much, we are writing off next year as a total wash. Then, we come to the infamous 2015 recruiting class. There are some posters out there that claim we already have star players locked up (which I still find highly unlikely, but let's pretend for the moment that this is true). Ok, so essentially you are going to have to recruit an entire team, probably along the lines of 5 or 6 players. Essentially, the 2015-'16 season will be a team consisting of Jordan (which I doubt he'll be there that far down the line), whatever scraps we pick up this year, and an entire group of freshmen. Now, as we've clearly seen in the past that Lavin is not exactly a "development coach." Which basically means that the season will also be a wash because he won't be able to get these kids up to speed fast enough. So now we are looking forward to the 2016-'17 season and hope that the team finally comes together as one. The only concern is if our current group of kids all turned on a coach, how can one eliminate the possibility of that legendary '15 class doing the same thing.

And I can't ignore the problem standing in the way of all this is pretty much the '15 class is dependent on him getting a contract extension, which the university would be absolutely insane to do at this point in time due to unfolding events. When I add all of these things together, I've got to be honest with you. It's time to move on. Even an optimist would say we are 2-3 years away now. And after 3 years of missing the NCAA Tournament, is it really fair to be paying someone in excess of two million dollars a season for mediocrity? If that's all the school is looking for, they should save their money and go hire a mid major coach who will make a run every 4-5 years or so but will also command a salary of about half of Lavin's.
Click to expand...

I have to agree with this. As of now, we have seen a loaded team that Lavin built, totally wrecked. Anybody who's any good on our roster are all seniors entering next season. There's no fathomable reason that I can figure out as to why Lavin ignored the 2014' recruiting class which IMHO was crucial to building "sustainable success" which is a term Lavin himself has used. As of now, Lavin has really left us nothing AT ALL to work with, to bridge into that 2015' class. And regardless of how good that 2015' class could potentially be, they'll be all freshmen and we'll be waiting 5 years to have an experienced roster again.

This scenario is entirely unacceptable, and should be considered so to both fans and the administration. I'm not sure what Lavin could do to put a positive spin on this, which is why I don't think any sort of press conference will happen. As of now, we are sunk for next year with no recruits outside of a Westchester cc player on the radar, and that effectively sinks us for the next few years with no upperclassmen on the roster, and a coach that couldn't win even when we were a loaded roster. We're cooked...
Click to expand...

Very well-reasoned and well-said by both of you.
 
...is to hold a press conference or even just a one on one interview with a local beat writer and discuss openly the state of the program and where he thinks they are and where he thinks they are headed in the next year or two.

What I mean is a lot of programs/coaches hold end of year press conferences. Sort of state of the program type of discussions. A couple of days after losing to UK in the NCAA's Pitino held a full blown press conference back in Louisville and talked about the year they had, answered questions about what areas needed to be addressed and also about potentially losing players like Harrell early.

I think this would help. Yes coaches including Lavin are always going to put a positive spin on things. That goes without saying. But answering pointed questions and discussing openly why he is so positive would alleviate some concern among those who are still hopeful.

For those who are just dead set against him well nothing short of them going to the Final Four next year will satisfy them and that is a year away anyway.

I think it would help. I am sure he has plenty of good reasons why he is quiet, but I think getting out there would tell SJU fans that he hears their concerns and wants them to know his expectations of the program are still very high despite some setbacks and that he is committed to that goal now as he was on day one.
Click to expand...

I know you're one of the last remaining Lavin supporters, but I have to disagree. Lavin has never been open and honest with his answers, and his gives fluff answers and coach speak which makes him seem in denial. The fact that he came out and said Sampson leaving was ok because we could now run a Villanova type system is all you need to know about where his head is at.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top