What would help Lavin now...

[fordham96]

Remember guys there are no games left. So the only thing we have is talk time now.

So when there are no games and the coach does not talk what does that lead to? A lot of speculation and some of it quite wild while others have been more reasonable.

Lavin could help by at least addressing some of those concerns, perhaps not all.

And may I add, too much is being made of the extension. As most know Coaching contracts are not guaranteed in terms of length and money like Major League Baseball contracts. The key is always the buyout. As long as that is reasonable that is what really matters.

In other words if Lavin gets a 2 year extension but the buyout is something SJU could handle then that will not preclude SJU from making a change say after next year if things go south quickly.

Mike Vaccaro’s piece is a bit flawed because he says Lavin has 2 more years and should get two more years and prove himself. But you can’t do that, a coach should never be allowed to be a lame duck. That is a waste of time. He will get killed in recruiting.

Let me be clear on something I have given up just flat defending him. I am in the boat of simply saying that at this point he is going to be the coach for at least the foreseeable future. Let’s see how he puts together the roster for next year (I still think they can be good next year but that is becoming more problematic) and then let’s see how the 2015 recruiting comes thru during the summer.

Then let’s talk again in the winter to see if things have gotten better.

 

[SJU85]

...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.

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.

News Flash, this just in, St. Johns actually decides to run a system!!
:huh: :dry:

 

[Avon Barksdale]

Can anyone confirm that Lavin has even been in NYCity over the past several days or had any team meeting(s)?

campus officials called him to come back on Wednesday night.

 

[1and1sju]

Remember guys there are no games left. So the only thing we have is talk time now.

So when there are no games and the coach does not talk what does that lead to? A lot of speculation and some of it quite wild while others have been more reasonable.

Lavin could help by at least addressing some of those concerns, perhaps not all.

And may I add, too much is being made of the extension. As most know Coaching contracts are not guaranteed in terms of length and money like Major League Baseball contracts. The key is always the buyout. As long as that is reasonable that is what really matters.

In other words if Lavin gets a 2 year extension but the buyout is something SJU could handle then that will not preclude SJU from making a change say after next year if things go south quickly.

Mike Vaccaro’s piece is a bit flawed because he says Lavin has 2 more years and should get two more years and prove himself. But you can’t do that, a coach should never be allowed to be a lame duck. That is a waste of time. He will get killed in recruiting.

Let me be clear on something I have given up just flat defending him. I am in the boat of simply saying that at this point he is going to be the coach for at least the foreseeable future. Let’s see how he puts together the roster for next year (I still think they can be good next year but that is becoming more problematic) and then let’s see how the 2015 recruiting comes thru during the summer.

Then let’s talk again in the winter to see if things have gotten better.

What you are saying makes sense. Both in terms of how he needs to address the media, and about the inability of a lame duck coach to recruit.
But they're not going to give him an extension at this point. There's no will for that on SJU's part, and it is questionable if there ever really was.
It's beginning to look like neither party is happy with this marriage, and I suspect he'll resign or be bought out at some point before June 1.

 

[mkras99]

Can anyone confirm that Lavin has even been in NYCity over the past several days or had any team meeting(s)?

campus officials called him to come back on Wednesday night.

Huh?

 

[ccnobz]

Losing CO is a dagger, but I'm sure Lavin has a few kids lined up to sign in 2 weeks.

 

[Avon Barksdale]

Can anyone confirm that Lavin has even been in NYCity over the past several days or had any team meeting(s)?

campus officials called him to come back on Wednesday night.

Huh?

he was called back to NY on wednesday night by campus officials

 

[room112]

Can anyone confirm that Lavin has even been in NYCity over the past several days or had any team meeting(s)?

campus officials called him to come back on Wednesday night.

Huh?

he was called back to NY on wednesday night by campus officials

Why would that happen? And who are "campus officials"?

 

[TonyinFairfield]

Can anyone confirm that Lavin has even been in NYCity over the past several days or had any team meeting(s)?

campus officials called him to come back on Wednesday night.

Huh?

he was called back to NY on wednesday night by campus officials

Rumor? Or factual? If factual, who are the "campus officials?"

 

[rcatalano]

Remember guys there are no games left. So the only thing we have is talk time now.

So when there are no games and the coach does not talk what does that lead to? A lot of speculation and some of it quite wild while others have been more reasonable.

Lavin could help by at least addressing some of those concerns, perhaps not all.

And may I add, too much is being made of the extension. As most know Coaching contracts are not guaranteed in terms of length and money like Major League Baseball contracts. The key is always the buyout. As long as that is reasonable that is what really matters.

In other words if Lavin gets a 2 year extension but the buyout is something SJU could handle then that will not preclude SJU from making a change say after next year if things go south quickly.

Mike Vaccaro’s piece is a bit flawed because he says Lavin has 2 more years and should get two more years and prove himself. But you can’t do that, a coach should never be allowed to be a lame duck. That is a waste of time. He will get killed in recruiting.

Let me be clear on something I have given up just flat defending him. I am in the boat of simply saying that at this point he is going to be the coach for at least the foreseeable future. Let’s see how he puts together the roster for next year (I still think they can be good next year but that is becoming more problematic) and then let’s see how the 2015 recruiting comes thru during the summer.

Then let’s talk again in the winter to see if things have gotten better.

What you are saying makes sense. Both in terms of how he needs to address the media, and about the inability of a lame duck coach to recruit.
But they're not going to give him an extension at this point. There's no will for that on SJU's part, and it is questionable if there ever really was.
It's beginning to look like neither party is happy with this marriage, and I suspect he'll resign or be bought out at some point before June 1.

do you know something that we don't????

 

[paultzman]

Can anyone confirm that Lavin has even been in NYCity over the past several days or had any team meeting(s)?

campus officials called him to come back on Wednesday night.

Huh?

he was called back to NY on wednesday night by campus officials

Rumor? Or factual? If factual, who are the "campus officials?"

Luca Brasi & Whitey Bulger :evil:

 

[1and1sju]

Remember guys there are no games left. So the only thing we have is talk time now.

So when there are no games and the coach does not talk what does that lead to? A lot of speculation and some of it quite wild while others have been more reasonable.

Lavin could help by at least addressing some of those concerns, perhaps not all.

And may I add, too much is being made of the extension. As most know Coaching contracts are not guaranteed in terms of length and money like Major League Baseball contracts. The key is always the buyout. As long as that is reasonable that is what really matters.

In other words if Lavin gets a 2 year extension but the buyout is something SJU could handle then that will not preclude SJU from making a change say after next year if things go south quickly.

Mike Vaccaro’s piece is a bit flawed because he says Lavin has 2 more years and should get two more years and prove himself. But you can’t do that, a coach should never be allowed to be a lame duck. That is a waste of time. He will get killed in recruiting.

Let me be clear on something I have given up just flat defending him. I am in the boat of simply saying that at this point he is going to be the coach for at least the foreseeable future. Let’s see how he puts together the roster for next year (I still think they can be good next year but that is becoming more problematic) and then let’s see how the 2015 recruiting comes thru during the summer.

Then let’s talk again in the winter to see if things have gotten better.

What you are saying makes sense. Both in terms of how he needs to address the media, and about the inability of a lame duck coach to recruit.
But they're not going to give him an extension at this point. There's no will for that on SJU's part, and it is questionable if there ever really was.
It's beginning to look like neither party is happy with this marriage, and I suspect he'll resign or be bought out at some point before June 1.

do you know something that we don't????

The part about him leaving is just my speculation.

 

[TobinGrad]

What would help now is if the admin proved to the fans that they had at least some brains and get rid of Lavin now.

The longer they wait, the more difficult it will be to secure a quality coach and give that coach time to nab recruits for both 14 and 15.

This is really a no brainer. SJU admin is a disgrace on multiple levels.

 

[Red.Fans]

What would help now is if the admin proved to the fans that they had at least some brains and get rid of Lavin now.
The longer they wait, the more difficult it will be to secure a quality coach and give that coach time to nab recruits for both 14 and 15.
This is really a no brainer.

While I might phrase it differently and I don't like to attack the school, players or staff but the way this has played out EVERY time since LC, there really is no other conclusion. The longer this drags out, the worse for everyone. Act quickly and decisively and move on to better things. A good coach has something to work with in the cast remaining, and might even consider the scholarships a luxury while there is still a spring signing period available. Lavin could move on without having to get roasted in the media which he surely will the longer this drags out. If it drags out on the other hand we very likely will have more defections. Anyone who has paid attention on redmen.com the past 15+ years knows that I have never tried to come off as "in the know" but I do know this: There is other stuff that has happened that has not been made public that no fan would be happy with, and there are other key players definitely exploring options. Act quickly and they do have reason to stay.

 

[paultzman]

What would help now is if the admin proved to the fans that they had at least some brains and get rid of Lavin now.
The longer they wait, the more difficult it will be to secure a quality coach and give that coach time to nab recruits for both 14 and 15.
This is really a no brainer.

I don't like to attack the school, players or staff but the way this has played out EVERY time since LC, there really is no other conclusion. The longer this drags out, the worse for everyone. Act quickly and decisively and move on to better things. A good coach has something to work with in the cast remaining, and might even consider the scholarships a luxury while there is still a spring signing period available. Lavin could move on without having to get roasted in the media which he surely will the longer this drags out. If it drags out on the other hand we very likely will have more defections. Anyone who has paid attention on redmen.com the past 15+ years knows that I have never tried to come off as "in the know" but I do know this: There is other stuff that has happened that has not been made public that no fan would be happy with, and there are other key players definitely exploring options. Act quickly and they do have reason to stay.

Sensible post Paul. Well done!

 

[basketballjones]

this pretty much seals it for me. I just can't believe what a disaster this has become compared to what it could have been.

 

[SJU1512]

What would help now is if the admin proved to the fans that they had at least some brains and get rid of Lavin now.
The longer they wait, the more difficult it will be to secure a quality coach and give that coach time to nab recruits for both 14 and 15.
This is really a no brainer.

While I might phrase it differently and I don't like to attack the school, players or staff but the way this has played out EVERY time since LC, there really is no other conclusion. The longer this drags out, the worse for everyone. Act quickly and decisively and move on to better things. A good coach has something to work with in the cast remaining, and might even consider the scholarships a luxury while there is still a spring signing period available. Lavin could move on without having to get roasted in the media which he surely will the longer this drags out. If it drags out on the other hand we very likely will have more defections. Anyone who has paid attention on redmen.com the past 15+ years knows that I have never tried to come off as "in the know" but I do know this: There is other stuff that has happened that has not been made public that no fan would be happy with, and there are other key players definitely exploring options. Act quickly and they do have reason to stay.

That is troubling to hear. Thanks for passing it along Paul. If that is indeed the case, your post makes a tremendous amount of sense.

 

[TonyinFairfield]

What would help now is if the admin proved to the fans that they had at least some brains and get rid of Lavin now.
The longer they wait, the more difficult it will be to secure a quality coach and give that coach time to nab recruits for both 14 and 15.
This is really a no brainer.

While I might phrase it differently and I don't like to attack the school, players or staff but the way this has played out EVERY time since LC, there really is no other conclusion. The longer this drags out, the worse for everyone. Act quickly and decisively and move on to better things. A good coach has something to work with in the cast remaining, and might even consider the scholarships a luxury while there is still a spring signing period available. Lavin could move on without having to get roasted in the media which he surely will the longer this drags out. If it drags out on the other hand we very likely will have more defections. Anyone who has paid attention on redmen.com the past 15+ years knows that I have never tried to come off as "in the know" but I do know this: There is other stuff that has happened that has not been made public that no fan would be happy with, and there are other key players definitely exploring options. Act quickly and they do have reason to stay.

Paul, thanks for your insight and perspective.

I think another factor that will weigh heavily on the administration's mind is the reality that college enrollment is going down. St. John's, like just about every other university and college in the country, will have a difficult time meeting it's enrollment targets over the next few years. I'm sure this will be considered if the administration decides to pull the plug on Lavin and hire a new coach. I'm not implying that lower enrollment will affect the basketball program, but it will cause St. John's to look hard a all of it's expenses in light of declining income.

 

[Class of 72]

Can anyone confirm that Lavin has even been in NYCity over the past several days or had any team meeting(s)?

campus officials called him to come back on Wednesday night.

Huh?

he was called back to NY on wednesday night by campus officials

Rumor? Or factual? If factual, who are the "campus officials?"

Luca Brasi & Whitey Bulger :evil:

LOL! I think Hit and the Maven have better inside info than most here so I doubt it is rumor.

 

[monte]

What would help now is if the admin proved to the fans that they had at least some brains and get rid of Lavin now.
The longer they wait, the more difficult it will be to secure a quality coach and give that coach time to nab recruits for both 14 and 15.
This is really a no brainer.

While I might phrase it differently and I don't like to attack the school, players or staff but the way this has played out EVERY time since LC, there really is no other conclusion. The longer this drags out, the worse for everyone. Act quickly and decisively and move on to better things. A good coach has something to work with in the cast remaining, and might even consider the scholarships a luxury while there is still a spring signing period available. Lavin could move on without having to get roasted in the media which he surely will the longer this drags out. If it drags out on the other hand we very likely will have more defections. Anyone who has paid attention on redmen.com the past 15+ years knows that I have never tried to come off as "in the know" but I do know this: There is other stuff that has happened that has not been made public that no fan would be happy with, and there are other key players definitely exploring options. Act quickly and they do have reason to stay.

How likely do you think it is that the administration is waiting for a new pres to be named before making the call on this?