NEWS FLASH!!!!!!! NEWS FLASH!!!!!!! Just added
Just heard from two very reliable sources that this Bobby Gonzalez thing has legs to it. They informed me it was more that people know and understand. They also said info leaked to paper and other stff has happened all year and alot involved certain people going after the ADs job all year. Not sure about all of this but I wanted to mention it. One person went as far as saying Tim Welch would be considered for the position if Bobby is let go! All I can say is WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I HOPE THIS IS WRONG and MY SOURCES ARE NOT GETTING THE STORY RIGHT. I just cannot imagine this happening.
AAU Basketball
This is such a hard thing to write about because of the various types of people associated with AAU and Rec basketball. I really should not say AAU because most of the good teams are really just grassroots travel teams playing in 6 to 10 travel tournaments between April and August. So from this point on I will refer to these teams as Travel Teams. Before talking about the Playez Spring Fling, I need to address the different types of travel teams.
Local Teams with Local Players
These travel teams usually have a few Dads or Moms (yes Moms and they do GREAT JOBS)coaching. Each kids family has to pay a certain amount of money for the season and the kids do fund raisers to earn the rest of the money needed. These teams often play hard but have difficulty competing. And little do they know, they are often put in tournament brackets on courts no one is really watching. But it is a great experience for the kids that participate.
Regional Travel Teams
Team's from areas like Rockland County, Parts of Connecticut, Suburban NJ, and even NYC compete hard with out the players or funding that many others have, These teams seek sponsors and sometimes wealthy individuals will cover expenses for the various local and regional events they participate in. But again it is usually parents paying for the hotel and the kids pay for their own food.
Travel Teams That Charge
Big business for some teams. They get wealthy or middle class kids to play and charge a nice fee for participation. They often have a few true players on these teams but those kids do not pay to participate. It could be 12 kids and 10 are paying $2500 for the season to cover expenses for a few local events and maybe two tournaments. These programs also have 5 different teams in various age groups.
National Travel Teams
At any tournament you can tell who the national travel teams are. They are the teams with all the nice gear and matching sneakers on players and even in some cases on all the parents. It could be a wealthy ex player funding the program, or a sneaker company. But they are funded well. These teams even now have meal money for the kids that are recruited to these teams via home visits etc. In fact, some teams from California, NY, NJ, Chicago, and DC/VA have kids on the roster from a considerable distance. It is better now since a rule went into effect stating kids had to live within so many miles of where the team was headquartered. Prior to that teams had players flying in from the west coast, east coast, and in a few cases I hear kids came from other countries.
Elite National Travel Teams.
About 5 to 8 of these teams across the country. They get the best of the best and usually win in front of hundreds of college coaches during tournaments held during open recruitment periods. They have all that is mentioned above plus great travel and hotel accommodations. Money seems to just flow from these teams based on corporate sponsorships. A few local teams in this category would be: Metro Hawks (though the talent is down thus far this season), NY Gaucho's, DC Assault, DC Blue Devils, NJ Playez, Va. Squires, Boo Williams from Virginia, and Baltimore Select. I could have the NY Panthers and New heights from NYC on this list as well. Just not sure of talent this season. But New Heights is definitely a first class operation and the NY Panthers are run by a good guy ( I KNOW!!) but do not seem to have the number of teams others do.
So now that I have provided an overview, allow me to give additional information.
Travel Team Coaching and Player Development
People might disagree but the teaching and coaching by travel team coaches in many cases is better than what kids get at the high schools they attend. In fact, many of the coaches are also HS coaches. I have seen some horrible HS coaches just doing it for the pay. Especially In NYC public schools! But I have seen travel team coaches super organized. And in most cases it is no money to be made. It is really just about assisting kids with just a dash of ego attached. It was different years ago, but now players get better during summer months if they are not with an elite or hard working coach similar to those at St. Anthony, St. Benedicts, Rice, Mt. Vernon, Lincoln, Kennedy in NYC and NJ, St. Patrick's, Cardoza, Boys and Girls, and many of the Philly Schools.
I will say some of the guys coaching Travel Teams are developing even greater egos than ever before. And that is unfortunate. One coach from the NY Gauchos walked past me as I spoke with a NY Panther Coach at the Playez Spring Fling. As I tried to get his attention he walked right by us looked in our eyes and refused to even say hello. He was so caught up in coaching his travel team. I always liked this guy going back 12 years when I watched him coach young kids. Now he acts as if he is the man based on coaching at Rice HS as an Assistant and with The Gauchos. Sad guy if he thinks its about him now. Little does he know that many D1 coaches are paid to treat you like you are really important. I bring this up because this guy and others are VERY GOOD COACHES but now seem caught up in the hype! They will learn when it is way too late.
The Playez Spring Fling
A few people do not like the organizer of this event. And by few it could only be 1-3 people. Why? Only they know! Because Stevie Wonder again has spoken to me about what he has seen while observing this guy. I for one think the organizer has done more for kids in NJ than 50 HS Coaches combined. Is he a friend of mine? Yes he is but we do not socialize. All I know is the facts and nothing but the facts. This guy cares about all the kids that come through the Playez basketball program and even more who do not. He is not attempting to get a coaching job out of the deal, nor is he trying to get rich. He is one of the guys who goes out and raises money for his programs through dinners, tournaments, and even selling hotdog's at Hoop Group Events years ago. I love going to his events and PAYING MY $10 because I know it is a great cause. I also will always be in his corner because I have personally had him in my corner during rough mental times. There is so much more to him than what meets the eye. He should be getting special awards from the Gov. of NJ for his work with youth. I think he and his entire staff should be commended for the work they do with kids in NJ, Delaware, and Pa.
My Thoughts on the Tournament
I traveled to Rutgers Saturday morning, paid my $10, and watched very little basketball because it was not set up for watching as much as it was set up for playing. No programs (I have spoken to the organizer about this) made it difficult to know who was who. Luckily I knew some of the kids.
games were all over the place and the teams seemed balanced. I was really impressed with the DC Assault program that had strong teams from the 15's on up. They were uniformed and sneakered down from the players to the coaches. And they ran stuff! The Playez have a similar type program and looked equally impressive.
I only stayed for a few hours and even left late because I needed to see a buddies 6 ft 9 Freshmen son play for DC Assault. And yes he can ball!!! A future top 20 kid at the least with development. But before leaving here are a few observations:
New York City teams are very weak for national type programs. Metro hawks (ex Riverside) has really feel off from what I saw. NY Panthers had nice players but no one that special like years ago. Did not see new Heights play but hey looked impressive standing around as did a young Dingle Lightening team. What I think is happening, and Robert White who does NYCNJHOOPS and more pointed this out to me, is there are so many teams in NYC the talent per team is watered down. This could be good and bad. Good because more kids get to play. But bad because they are less competitive.
NJ Playez also seem to have a team in New England called the New England Playez. same uniforms, etc.
Saw Lloyd Daniel's, ex playground, HS, and College legend had a team in the tournament. This guy is a genius when it comes to basketball. Just watching him was great and it made me wonder why more folks do not get involved after their playing days are done.
Tom Konchalski was in the house with a briefcase. Never saw him with one in the past. I thought it was a laptop but he informed me it was not. Tom still does it by hand.
Still love the guys who never played a game of basketball running around as talent evaluators. One said to me in the bathroom he was running the event with the organizer and doing player evaluations for ESPN. Go figure lolol!
John Carroll, ex SHU Asst. was also there. same great guy with a great personality.
Saw alot of NJ players during my short stay. Some are a bit overrated but have time to develop. One kid in particular I could not wait to see. . But again the guys evaluating need to have a better understanding. Where are the ex coaches and players when it comes to this?
In a few days I will post my AAU article again. It questions if AAU is good or bad. I heard a rumor on Saturday that the NCAA and NBA would be taking this over. Stay tuned!
Monday, April 7, 2008
Sunday, April 6, 2008
SHU and More!!!!!
I am stunned to see an article written in the NY Post by Len Robbins saying Bobby Gonzalez could be fired. This has come from way out in left field. Now if the article had said the AD could be fired this week, it would have been way more believable. In fact, when I saw this on a few message boards, I thought it was another April Fools jokes done a few days late.
I am so shocked that Seton Hall would even consider such a move. What really happened? There must be something going on we do not know about. Was Bobby Gonzalez robbing banks in South Orange NJ? Did he run out of the Chinese Buffet (It really is good) on the SO boarder without paying? Is he smoking drugs and needs rehab? Did he punch a player? Did he slap the AD? Come on something else had to happen for SHU to consider terminating him. Has to be more that his game behavior, and the article in the newspaper about the NCAA tournament. What gives?
Let me use my imagination and attempt to figure this out.
SHU has identified another coach that they can get if they move fast. They like Bobby G but this is a great opportunity for them. They feel Bobby has done just enough to get rid of him For Cause, which means they have a good case not to have to pay him all his money due.
Maybe the AD really is not the bad guy everyone thinks he is. Maybe he is the one really fighting for Bobby but cannot say anything public. I know often decisions are made by the top brass and mid managers have to execute the decisions made. So maybe the SHU higher ups have had it out for Bobby and was just telling JQ what to do all along.
Maybe they heard Bobby was seriously considering going to Providence College and even had secrete talks with them. SHU, not wanting the negative fallout from those meetings and the possibility of Bobby leaving, decides to beat him to the punch.
But here is what might be the real reason for the story. They are attempting to scare Bobby Gonzalez straight! They want him to know they mean business in regards for the demand they have made regarding his bench behavior and other issues. This is silly to me but highly probable!
One thing for certain is if this happens it could take SHU 3 years to recover. And if there is not a secrete deal already done with a Super Coaching replacement, getting someone good could be extremely difficulty if not impossible. But than again I am sure the Rutgers AD could assist in finding a good replacement. maybe one of the Rutgers Assistant Coaches.
Two interesting games on TV last night.
The final four is a great day for college basketball. Much better than championship Monday. In fact the airports are packed with people returning home. Tickets, many from current D1, D2, D3, HS, and AAU coaches went on sale yesterday at the local ticket scalpers windows on a corner near where the game tonight will take place.
We all know the scores and the side stories. But I am sure it was a huge win for Kansas beating the Coach who left for a better opportunity. They are smiling in Lawrence Kansas today! Memphis has to be excited. They will be in the National Championship game again. Shades of Larry Finch!! People do not remember that they were such a super power years ago under Dana Kirk ( I think that was the coaches name), that Isaac Hayes played the organ at home games which were always sold out.
The big question is where will John Calipari (sp) be next season? Who will draft Derrick Rose because he is definitely going to the NBA? Where will Psycho T (I love the name) Tyler Hansborough (sp) be next season? How about Kevin Love? By the way I like Love alot, Don't love him, or should I say don't love Love lolol. But I do thing he has great promise despite being somewhat heavy footed and athletically challenged for the NBA at this time. But again, HE GETS THE JOB DONE!
My Basketball Involvement
Someone on the RU message board asked who I am? I am just a guy who loves to watch and talk HS and College basketball. That's it!!! I do have alot of experience but that is not important. I would like to thank Jellyman from the RU board for his ACCURATE description of me. Except 2 things. I have never charged a dime to assist a kid. NEVER!! And the number of kids I have helped is alot more than a few. Try hundreds. In fact I will be doing a mental toughness workout program for basketball players in the NY/NJ area in the very near future. It involves playing and thinking the game drills. The program has worked and is designed to teach kids how to COMPETE on every play while playing smart and hard. It is a true boot camp! It will be open to no more than 15 kids including HS and College players. 6 have contacted me already. Unfortunately this time there will be a cost. And that cost will be gas money and a sandwich. This should workout to around 2-3 dollars a person lol. Hey, gas is expensive now lol. I can be contacted at LFBall@aol.com.
Playez Spring Fling
Lots to say about this in my next blog post. Stay tuned!
I am so shocked that Seton Hall would even consider such a move. What really happened? There must be something going on we do not know about. Was Bobby Gonzalez robbing banks in South Orange NJ? Did he run out of the Chinese Buffet (It really is good) on the SO boarder without paying? Is he smoking drugs and needs rehab? Did he punch a player? Did he slap the AD? Come on something else had to happen for SHU to consider terminating him. Has to be more that his game behavior, and the article in the newspaper about the NCAA tournament. What gives?
Let me use my imagination and attempt to figure this out.
SHU has identified another coach that they can get if they move fast. They like Bobby G but this is a great opportunity for them. They feel Bobby has done just enough to get rid of him For Cause, which means they have a good case not to have to pay him all his money due.
Maybe the AD really is not the bad guy everyone thinks he is. Maybe he is the one really fighting for Bobby but cannot say anything public. I know often decisions are made by the top brass and mid managers have to execute the decisions made. So maybe the SHU higher ups have had it out for Bobby and was just telling JQ what to do all along.
Maybe they heard Bobby was seriously considering going to Providence College and even had secrete talks with them. SHU, not wanting the negative fallout from those meetings and the possibility of Bobby leaving, decides to beat him to the punch.
But here is what might be the real reason for the story. They are attempting to scare Bobby Gonzalez straight! They want him to know they mean business in regards for the demand they have made regarding his bench behavior and other issues. This is silly to me but highly probable!
One thing for certain is if this happens it could take SHU 3 years to recover. And if there is not a secrete deal already done with a Super Coaching replacement, getting someone good could be extremely difficulty if not impossible. But than again I am sure the Rutgers AD could assist in finding a good replacement. maybe one of the Rutgers Assistant Coaches.
Two interesting games on TV last night.
The final four is a great day for college basketball. Much better than championship Monday. In fact the airports are packed with people returning home. Tickets, many from current D1, D2, D3, HS, and AAU coaches went on sale yesterday at the local ticket scalpers windows on a corner near where the game tonight will take place.
We all know the scores and the side stories. But I am sure it was a huge win for Kansas beating the Coach who left for a better opportunity. They are smiling in Lawrence Kansas today! Memphis has to be excited. They will be in the National Championship game again. Shades of Larry Finch!! People do not remember that they were such a super power years ago under Dana Kirk ( I think that was the coaches name), that Isaac Hayes played the organ at home games which were always sold out.
The big question is where will John Calipari (sp) be next season? Who will draft Derrick Rose because he is definitely going to the NBA? Where will Psycho T (I love the name) Tyler Hansborough (sp) be next season? How about Kevin Love? By the way I like Love alot, Don't love him, or should I say don't love Love lolol. But I do thing he has great promise despite being somewhat heavy footed and athletically challenged for the NBA at this time. But again, HE GETS THE JOB DONE!
My Basketball Involvement
Someone on the RU message board asked who I am? I am just a guy who loves to watch and talk HS and College basketball. That's it!!! I do have alot of experience but that is not important. I would like to thank Jellyman from the RU board for his ACCURATE description of me. Except 2 things. I have never charged a dime to assist a kid. NEVER!! And the number of kids I have helped is alot more than a few. Try hundreds. In fact I will be doing a mental toughness workout program for basketball players in the NY/NJ area in the very near future. It involves playing and thinking the game drills. The program has worked and is designed to teach kids how to COMPETE on every play while playing smart and hard. It is a true boot camp! It will be open to no more than 15 kids including HS and College players. 6 have contacted me already. Unfortunately this time there will be a cost. And that cost will be gas money and a sandwich. This should workout to around 2-3 dollars a person lol. Hey, gas is expensive now lol. I can be contacted at LFBall@aol.com.
Playez Spring Fling
Lots to say about this in my next blog post. Stay tuned!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Coming and Going
All of this transfer stuff is getting huge press and board mentions. What are the implications? As a dad of a kid who transferred, I regret and applaud the move he/we made. Was the transfer worth it? Did it put him at an advantage? Did he have pro potential? Was he going to get better opportunities at another school? In the case of my son I know he would not have the great career he has in the movie industry if he did not transfer. But I often think getting a degree from the school he was at would have been a great thing as well.
Transferring is always on the mind of kids and parents who feel playing time is not what it should be. But should that be the main reason? Again I went through this as a parent of a player. It was sad to me watching my son sit on a bench in the Big Ten. But honestly he did not prepare himself physically the summer before he enrolled. And his team was an NCAA team during his freshmen year. So his lack of playing was not all the coaches fault, he shared the blame. In fact he should claim 80% of the blame lol.
But what made his transfer the right thing to do was the treatment he and even his star teammates received from the head coach, who many looked at as sort of a great coach! That coach had little to do with any of his players. During Thanksgiving, the school and the coach did nothing for the kids but give them alot of stipend money to eat on their own! 18 year old kid in the Midwest eating a grilled cheese sandwich on Thanksgiving. All the kids on their own.
During the season the kids only saw this great coach in practice. He rarely had meetings with them. It was horrible. For those reasons I am so happy he left to be close to home. He did miss the special tutors, private jets to games, unlimited gear, sell out crowds, etc. But the peace of mind he got being close to home with a great person as his coach (now the ND Coach) who cared about all his players 1-13. It might have been the best place for him coming out of HS but the glamour of big time basketball got in the way.
Now as a person who has first hand knowledge I do not knock anyone who transfers. They have to do what's right for them. What gets me upset is when they get false promises during the recruitment process. I also get upset when they are not even given an opportunity to develop. If you have never seen or heard a recruitment pitch allow me to share how it goes.
Many coaches bring a high light video and some even have it in presentation mode on a laptop. They show the fans cheering, the game being won, and the best part of the campus, etc. I have even seen some coaches super impose the player they are recruiting picture on a body actually playing the game which they make look like it is being played the following year. After the video presentation which is usually done by the Assistant Coach, the Head Coach does his presentation on where the recruited player fits in on the team. He will say here are the guards, forwards, and centers. He than will show why the player he is talking to is so important and why he should attend his school. He will undersell his current kids to make sure the recruited kid sees a role for himself. He will say what it will mean to the school and the Player. In many cases involving schools outside the tri-state area, they will talk about other incentives if you know what I mean. If not at that meeting, it would be discussed with the AAU/Rec coach or outside adviser who will work those other details out. They will also talk about academic support, dorm living, and alumni support after college! They get the player fired up to attend. They make it sound as if this player is the missing ingredient. They than say they have x scholarships available for x amount of recruited players. They than talk about a campus visit if the player has not been there.
Not really knocking it because Coaches are salesmen. They do what is necessary to seal the deal. A good example is when a coach has good guards who feel they will start next season. They come from great HS programs and now it is finally their turn. Than the coach goes out and says to a promising HS guard how he could help. The promising HS guard says "Coach told me how I'd fit to their system," and "They made the Sweet 16 this year. Coach said if I was there, and in that system, they could be a Final Four team, maybe able to win the national championship." Now I wonder what the kids in the program at this school thinks? Who will sit if this kid attends? The coach in question is a GREAT GUY and VERY GOOD COACH who I really like and admire. But he is selling just like everyone else. Sadly, the kids transferring heard similar stories.
At the visit which the family can attend (they have to pay own transportation costs), the full court press is on if they really want the player. This is where they do the PA intros in the arena, you have dinner with entire team, meet faculty, go out on the town with the team to places you will not even be allowed to go when you enroll, etc.
Now I say all this because when kids choose, they should look beyond all I have mentioned. Look at pass players. Look at transfer history under current coaches. Look realistically at depth charts. And lastly, Kids Should GO WHERE THEY ARE GENUINLY LOVED, NOT WHERE THEY ARE ONLY WANTED! And understand when a kid calls to say he is coming and everyone is jumping up and down in the coaches office with happiness, it often is pure BS. Its just the closing pitch until they sign the LOI. If you have ever been to a time share presentation and heard what happens when someone buys a week and they do that huge announcement, you know what I am talking about.
That wonderful day for alot of kids turns sad because they now are leaving the school they thought they would star at. This time last year was great! Coaches smiling, kids smiling, parents proud, etc. But guess what, the new schools can work out just fine. Those transfer kids need to take their time and really pick the right school. Forget about the same level, or huge arenas. Pick a school that will give you what is needed in coaching, development, campus life, after college opportunities, and convenience to home if that is important to you. Transferring can be a great thing for an unhappy kid, if it is done for the right reason.
Who does the transferring hurt? Not the kids as much as the programs they are leaving. Smart kids look at transfer numbers as does their coaches, parents, and advisers. Especially the kids who are very good. Great 5 star players just want that 1 year and feel they are so good this will not happen to them. But the kids that really help long term will always look at transfer statistics. It looks bad when kids continue to leave. especially good kids who many will assume was run off. Trust me people notice and use it when picking schools. Other schools use it against the schools the kids are leaving. Think about the top tier programs and transfers. Some, but not many!
As we look forward to today's NCAA Final Four, we can look at a kid like Russell Robinson from NYC. Russell wanted out of Kansas very much after his freshmen year. He barely played and stayed in the doghouse of the Head Coach. Russell wanted to shoot, the Coach wanted him to make plays. The Coach won and so did Russell who will experience playing in a final four. Something he will remember the rest of his life. I just wonder what would have happened if he left and transferred to a place like St. Johns or SHU 3 years ago?
Transferring is always on the mind of kids and parents who feel playing time is not what it should be. But should that be the main reason? Again I went through this as a parent of a player. It was sad to me watching my son sit on a bench in the Big Ten. But honestly he did not prepare himself physically the summer before he enrolled. And his team was an NCAA team during his freshmen year. So his lack of playing was not all the coaches fault, he shared the blame. In fact he should claim 80% of the blame lol.
But what made his transfer the right thing to do was the treatment he and even his star teammates received from the head coach, who many looked at as sort of a great coach! That coach had little to do with any of his players. During Thanksgiving, the school and the coach did nothing for the kids but give them alot of stipend money to eat on their own! 18 year old kid in the Midwest eating a grilled cheese sandwich on Thanksgiving. All the kids on their own.
During the season the kids only saw this great coach in practice. He rarely had meetings with them. It was horrible. For those reasons I am so happy he left to be close to home. He did miss the special tutors, private jets to games, unlimited gear, sell out crowds, etc. But the peace of mind he got being close to home with a great person as his coach (now the ND Coach) who cared about all his players 1-13. It might have been the best place for him coming out of HS but the glamour of big time basketball got in the way.
Now as a person who has first hand knowledge I do not knock anyone who transfers. They have to do what's right for them. What gets me upset is when they get false promises during the recruitment process. I also get upset when they are not even given an opportunity to develop. If you have never seen or heard a recruitment pitch allow me to share how it goes.
Many coaches bring a high light video and some even have it in presentation mode on a laptop. They show the fans cheering, the game being won, and the best part of the campus, etc. I have even seen some coaches super impose the player they are recruiting picture on a body actually playing the game which they make look like it is being played the following year. After the video presentation which is usually done by the Assistant Coach, the Head Coach does his presentation on where the recruited player fits in on the team. He will say here are the guards, forwards, and centers. He than will show why the player he is talking to is so important and why he should attend his school. He will undersell his current kids to make sure the recruited kid sees a role for himself. He will say what it will mean to the school and the Player. In many cases involving schools outside the tri-state area, they will talk about other incentives if you know what I mean. If not at that meeting, it would be discussed with the AAU/Rec coach or outside adviser who will work those other details out. They will also talk about academic support, dorm living, and alumni support after college! They get the player fired up to attend. They make it sound as if this player is the missing ingredient. They than say they have x scholarships available for x amount of recruited players. They than talk about a campus visit if the player has not been there.
Not really knocking it because Coaches are salesmen. They do what is necessary to seal the deal. A good example is when a coach has good guards who feel they will start next season. They come from great HS programs and now it is finally their turn. Than the coach goes out and says to a promising HS guard how he could help. The promising HS guard says "Coach told me how I'd fit to their system," and "They made the Sweet 16 this year. Coach said if I was there, and in that system, they could be a Final Four team, maybe able to win the national championship." Now I wonder what the kids in the program at this school thinks? Who will sit if this kid attends? The coach in question is a GREAT GUY and VERY GOOD COACH who I really like and admire. But he is selling just like everyone else. Sadly, the kids transferring heard similar stories.
At the visit which the family can attend (they have to pay own transportation costs), the full court press is on if they really want the player. This is where they do the PA intros in the arena, you have dinner with entire team, meet faculty, go out on the town with the team to places you will not even be allowed to go when you enroll, etc.
Now I say all this because when kids choose, they should look beyond all I have mentioned. Look at pass players. Look at transfer history under current coaches. Look realistically at depth charts. And lastly, Kids Should GO WHERE THEY ARE GENUINLY LOVED, NOT WHERE THEY ARE ONLY WANTED! And understand when a kid calls to say he is coming and everyone is jumping up and down in the coaches office with happiness, it often is pure BS. Its just the closing pitch until they sign the LOI. If you have ever been to a time share presentation and heard what happens when someone buys a week and they do that huge announcement, you know what I am talking about.
That wonderful day for alot of kids turns sad because they now are leaving the school they thought they would star at. This time last year was great! Coaches smiling, kids smiling, parents proud, etc. But guess what, the new schools can work out just fine. Those transfer kids need to take their time and really pick the right school. Forget about the same level, or huge arenas. Pick a school that will give you what is needed in coaching, development, campus life, after college opportunities, and convenience to home if that is important to you. Transferring can be a great thing for an unhappy kid, if it is done for the right reason.
Who does the transferring hurt? Not the kids as much as the programs they are leaving. Smart kids look at transfer numbers as does their coaches, parents, and advisers. Especially the kids who are very good. Great 5 star players just want that 1 year and feel they are so good this will not happen to them. But the kids that really help long term will always look at transfer statistics. It looks bad when kids continue to leave. especially good kids who many will assume was run off. Trust me people notice and use it when picking schools. Other schools use it against the schools the kids are leaving. Think about the top tier programs and transfers. Some, but not many!
As we look forward to today's NCAA Final Four, we can look at a kid like Russell Robinson from NYC. Russell wanted out of Kansas very much after his freshmen year. He barely played and stayed in the doghouse of the Head Coach. Russell wanted to shoot, the Coach wanted him to make plays. The Coach won and so did Russell who will experience playing in a final four. Something he will remember the rest of his life. I just wonder what would have happened if he left and transferred to a place like St. Johns or SHU 3 years ago?
Friday, April 4, 2008
Another Day
Thank God for another day!!!!! Let me start by saying Rutgers Al still has not contacted me at LFBall@aol.com. He said on the RU Board that I have mail. But nothing that says Rutgers Al unfortunately. So Al I give up. Not sure who he contacted but it was not me. Maybe he should put from Rutgers Al!
Yesterday I received a comment about prep schools which I answered on the road via my laptop between meetings. Let me just say briefly again that the Prep School situation is out of control!!
There are various types of "Prep Schools." The traditional New England types such as Choate, Solebury, Ms. Porter, Berkshire, etc. There are similar ones to these in NJ and Pa. Some are Lawrenceville, Hun, and Blair. A good one in Pennsylvania is The Hill School. These schools and others like them survive through huge endowments and very high tuition paid by families who can afford to pay. In alot of cases financial aid is available. These schools are not factories because they make students earn grades regardless of how much they average point wise on the court. Player wise, they could have 1-3 D1 players, but rarely would they have 12 like some schools have had. And yes they also have beautiful campuses and facilities. Anyone ever seen Blair? OUTSTANDING!!
Than there are schools with nice campuses that seem to be in the sports business even though they have strong academics. St. Thomas Moore, Winchendon, etc. Nice places with good teachers but low enrollment that makes it necessary to recruit in Asia alot. Those places are reputable and do a good job. But the basketball teams are really what it is about when kids attend there. Although both teams I mentioned have OUTSTANDING basketball Coaches and do a good job preparing kids for college and college basketball.
Than there are the Redemption Christian Academy type schools, store front places in Philly, one building schools in the Boston area, schools in North Carolina that in the past often ran out of food for the students, and even schools in Connecticut with no facilities. These places are about sports and getting kids eligible. If you look at the news articles, some schools had low enrollments with the school made up mostly of athletes. The odd thing is some have 7-12 D1 players.
There was almost a prep team started at a school in NYC that is known to help kids get grades in order through night courses and summer courses with grades almost purchased according to reports given. The prep business was getting so large folks were starting prep schools in community centers and sub contracting the academic portion out to local educational centers and programs.
Prep schools really are meant to be just High Schools that often have post grad opportunities that allow kids additional opportunities to mature in the classroom, or obtain additional knowledge to get accepted into that special college. They were meant to Prepare Kids For College and Life. In most cases they do just that. They were sending schools for the Ivy Universities, and schools like Bucknel, Holy Cross, Vermont, etc. Years ago the rich and famous used these types of schools as 24/7 baby sitters while they traveled the world. Very young kids were almost on their own away from home in dorms. I still remember the young kids at my son's prep school, where he did a pg year to gain maturity and re-open his recruitment.
Now every kid around thinks prep schools can make them NCAA ready in 1 year despite them not doing well or getting great grades for 4 straight years. Some of the kids are so behind they have to do 2 years in prep schools. many at the factory type schools, some with great campuses, finish at 20 and a half years old. Not mad at that, because everyone deserves an opportunity. Just know this would not be the case at the first type school I mentioned.
Let me end by saying I am not anti prep school? In fact even though I called certain type schools factories, it was a term based on them turning out NCAA D1 players. I guess they are needed as well. But the one thing that bothers me is when kids attend a so called prep school or any school where grades are barely earned!! The last thing I think of when the term "Prep School" is mentioned is a store front or two rooms in a community center in Philly.
Yesterday I received a comment about prep schools which I answered on the road via my laptop between meetings. Let me just say briefly again that the Prep School situation is out of control!!
There are various types of "Prep Schools." The traditional New England types such as Choate, Solebury, Ms. Porter, Berkshire, etc. There are similar ones to these in NJ and Pa. Some are Lawrenceville, Hun, and Blair. A good one in Pennsylvania is The Hill School. These schools and others like them survive through huge endowments and very high tuition paid by families who can afford to pay. In alot of cases financial aid is available. These schools are not factories because they make students earn grades regardless of how much they average point wise on the court. Player wise, they could have 1-3 D1 players, but rarely would they have 12 like some schools have had. And yes they also have beautiful campuses and facilities. Anyone ever seen Blair? OUTSTANDING!!
Than there are schools with nice campuses that seem to be in the sports business even though they have strong academics. St. Thomas Moore, Winchendon, etc. Nice places with good teachers but low enrollment that makes it necessary to recruit in Asia alot. Those places are reputable and do a good job. But the basketball teams are really what it is about when kids attend there. Although both teams I mentioned have OUTSTANDING basketball Coaches and do a good job preparing kids for college and college basketball.
Than there are the Redemption Christian Academy type schools, store front places in Philly, one building schools in the Boston area, schools in North Carolina that in the past often ran out of food for the students, and even schools in Connecticut with no facilities. These places are about sports and getting kids eligible. If you look at the news articles, some schools had low enrollments with the school made up mostly of athletes. The odd thing is some have 7-12 D1 players.
There was almost a prep team started at a school in NYC that is known to help kids get grades in order through night courses and summer courses with grades almost purchased according to reports given. The prep business was getting so large folks were starting prep schools in community centers and sub contracting the academic portion out to local educational centers and programs.
Prep schools really are meant to be just High Schools that often have post grad opportunities that allow kids additional opportunities to mature in the classroom, or obtain additional knowledge to get accepted into that special college. They were meant to Prepare Kids For College and Life. In most cases they do just that. They were sending schools for the Ivy Universities, and schools like Bucknel, Holy Cross, Vermont, etc. Years ago the rich and famous used these types of schools as 24/7 baby sitters while they traveled the world. Very young kids were almost on their own away from home in dorms. I still remember the young kids at my son's prep school, where he did a pg year to gain maturity and re-open his recruitment.
Now every kid around thinks prep schools can make them NCAA ready in 1 year despite them not doing well or getting great grades for 4 straight years. Some of the kids are so behind they have to do 2 years in prep schools. many at the factory type schools, some with great campuses, finish at 20 and a half years old. Not mad at that, because everyone deserves an opportunity. Just know this would not be the case at the first type school I mentioned.
Let me end by saying I am not anti prep school? In fact even though I called certain type schools factories, it was a term based on them turning out NCAA D1 players. I guess they are needed as well. But the one thing that bothers me is when kids attend a so called prep school or any school where grades are barely earned!! The last thing I think of when the term "Prep School" is mentioned is a store front or two rooms in a community center in Philly.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Thursday Tidbits
Derrick Character
I cannot believe that Rick Pitino would allow a player to stop attending classes and play on the Louisville basketball team. That is wrong and deserving of an NCAA investigation. It shows a coaches priorities are wrong when this type of thing happens. It became all about the win. It became about the NCAA tournament!!
If this does not show the difference between a basketball factory and a solid basketball program I do not know what will. At the least Rick should have had him attending courses so that IF, and that is a huge if unfortunately, he wished to continue his education later in life he would be further along.
I also think his transcripts at Louisville should be examined to see what courses he has taken to date. That would be interesting to see. In fact, I would love to get a glimpse of all the Louisville players transcripts for the same reason. What is going on with the graduation rate there? No one has talked about it in the past. I wonder...........?
Rick would have looked solid if he threw Derrick off the team after realizing he stopped attending classes. He would have been applauded and even earned more lecture money from people who would have new respect for him. And please none of that he did not know. Because if that is the case no one should send a kid to Louisville because they do not keep track of players academic progress.
Now about Mr. Character turning Professional.
I am stunned that this kid decided to do this after the season he just had. Talk about poor advice!! I wonder who his agent is? Ummmmmmmmmmmm! Could it be a person who at one time I thought was the best out there for future NBA Players. A person even my son wanted to work for after college? A person who grew up in the town I lived in for many years? If so he again is doing a disservice to a young man in need of maturity and even more important, mental toughness and refined skills.
Derrick Character could easily become a Shawn Kemp type without the NBA years Shawn got in. He could also easily become a low 2nd round pick if he is picked at all. This is almost a bigger version of Omar Cooke all over again. This kid should not be looking towards the NBA, he should be looking towards transferring to another school to get his act together. Sit a year and work on stuff before playing the following year exceptionally well.
This all makes DC look like such a horrible person. But believe it or not he is NOT!! This kid is one of the nicest, most engaging, and communicative people you will ever meet. He is far from being a bad person. What has happened is he has gotten bad advice. He needs to step back and get some advice from a few folks not looking at him as a commodity.
When Did It All begin
It began when Derrick was in JHS and receiving raves from all over the country. he was a huge kid who could actually play at a young age. He had legit talent at 13 years old! Because he did the Sneaker companies, well at least one in particular, became very involved. They became his PR firm and even told him where he should be playing summer and AAU basketball. The spoiling process had begun. But despite all the fanfare, he remained A GREAT KID! And he still is. Just confused.
When it was time for HS, he chose a high profile place with a great coach and better person. Just happened to be a sneaker school unlike his town HS at that time. The coach at the HS was not about to allow him to get away with stuff. So his advisors and family had him transfer to the town HS after 1 season. Now because he was playing with buddy Lance Thomas at the local HS, they became a sneaker school.
He leaves the town school to go back to the nationally known HS. After a season back it is on to a NE Prep school that is really a basketball factory.
I could go on and on but I just want folks to see how this kid has been pulled at for many years. And trust me, I have not talked about alot of stuff. This kid could go down as a real example of what happens when too many people get involved in a kids life based on basketball potential. sadly, when all is said and done and he is playing If this does not show the difference between a basketball factory and a solid basketball program I do not know what will.
Sofman To Transfer From Rutgers
Good for this kid. He will have a very good career at another school. I hope he considers a few Colonial AA schools as well. NC Wilmington has a great program with sell out crowds every home game. University of Delaware is back and has a GREAT CAMPUS and following. Those are places that he could go and not feel he has stepped too far down. The last thing he needs to do is leave Rutgers and attend a school that averages 246 fans at home games and zero campus life. He would be better off at a place like Gannon in Erie Pa. A D2 school that has a D1 type basketball program He would enjoy that better than some D1 places with no support. Enjoy the experience I always say!
Impact on Ebanks
Will this impact Ebanks attending Rutgers? Were they REALLY friends? I honestly have a gut feeling Ebanks is looking for something more and different than what Rutgers is offering. It is unfortunate that he cannot see what RU has to offer in terms of instant Stardom and playing next to a few talented perimeter players. He could be the next Phil Sellers to go along with Rosario (Dabney), and Chandler (Jordan). I know I am stretching on the Jordan comparison lol. But I am talking about Eddie and not Michael.
I cannot believe that Rick Pitino would allow a player to stop attending classes and play on the Louisville basketball team. That is wrong and deserving of an NCAA investigation. It shows a coaches priorities are wrong when this type of thing happens. It became all about the win. It became about the NCAA tournament!!
If this does not show the difference between a basketball factory and a solid basketball program I do not know what will. At the least Rick should have had him attending courses so that IF, and that is a huge if unfortunately, he wished to continue his education later in life he would be further along.
I also think his transcripts at Louisville should be examined to see what courses he has taken to date. That would be interesting to see. In fact, I would love to get a glimpse of all the Louisville players transcripts for the same reason. What is going on with the graduation rate there? No one has talked about it in the past. I wonder...........?
Rick would have looked solid if he threw Derrick off the team after realizing he stopped attending classes. He would have been applauded and even earned more lecture money from people who would have new respect for him. And please none of that he did not know. Because if that is the case no one should send a kid to Louisville because they do not keep track of players academic progress.
Now about Mr. Character turning Professional.
I am stunned that this kid decided to do this after the season he just had. Talk about poor advice!! I wonder who his agent is? Ummmmmmmmmmmm! Could it be a person who at one time I thought was the best out there for future NBA Players. A person even my son wanted to work for after college? A person who grew up in the town I lived in for many years? If so he again is doing a disservice to a young man in need of maturity and even more important, mental toughness and refined skills.
Derrick Character could easily become a Shawn Kemp type without the NBA years Shawn got in. He could also easily become a low 2nd round pick if he is picked at all. This is almost a bigger version of Omar Cooke all over again. This kid should not be looking towards the NBA, he should be looking towards transferring to another school to get his act together. Sit a year and work on stuff before playing the following year exceptionally well.
This all makes DC look like such a horrible person. But believe it or not he is NOT!! This kid is one of the nicest, most engaging, and communicative people you will ever meet. He is far from being a bad person. What has happened is he has gotten bad advice. He needs to step back and get some advice from a few folks not looking at him as a commodity.
When Did It All begin
It began when Derrick was in JHS and receiving raves from all over the country. he was a huge kid who could actually play at a young age. He had legit talent at 13 years old! Because he did the Sneaker companies, well at least one in particular, became very involved. They became his PR firm and even told him where he should be playing summer and AAU basketball. The spoiling process had begun. But despite all the fanfare, he remained A GREAT KID! And he still is. Just confused.
When it was time for HS, he chose a high profile place with a great coach and better person. Just happened to be a sneaker school unlike his town HS at that time. The coach at the HS was not about to allow him to get away with stuff. So his advisors and family had him transfer to the town HS after 1 season. Now because he was playing with buddy Lance Thomas at the local HS, they became a sneaker school.
He leaves the town school to go back to the nationally known HS. After a season back it is on to a NE Prep school that is really a basketball factory.
I could go on and on but I just want folks to see how this kid has been pulled at for many years. And trust me, I have not talked about alot of stuff. This kid could go down as a real example of what happens when too many people get involved in a kids life based on basketball potential. sadly, when all is said and done and he is playing If this does not show the difference between a basketball factory and a solid basketball program I do not know what will.
Sofman To Transfer From Rutgers
Good for this kid. He will have a very good career at another school. I hope he considers a few Colonial AA schools as well. NC Wilmington has a great program with sell out crowds every home game. University of Delaware is back and has a GREAT CAMPUS and following. Those are places that he could go and not feel he has stepped too far down. The last thing he needs to do is leave Rutgers and attend a school that averages 246 fans at home games and zero campus life. He would be better off at a place like Gannon in Erie Pa. A D2 school that has a D1 type basketball program He would enjoy that better than some D1 places with no support. Enjoy the experience I always say!
Impact on Ebanks
Will this impact Ebanks attending Rutgers? Were they REALLY friends? I honestly have a gut feeling Ebanks is looking for something more and different than what Rutgers is offering. It is unfortunate that he cannot see what RU has to offer in terms of instant Stardom and playing next to a few talented perimeter players. He could be the next Phil Sellers to go along with Rosario (Dabney), and Chandler (Jordan). I know I am stretching on the Jordan comparison lol. But I am talking about Eddie and not Michael.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
College Happenings At The Final Four
Lots going on this week. And if you ever have an opportunity to attend a final four please do so. Not just for the games, but for the networking and information that is shared. Let me give you a run down on what really happens at a final four.
Jobs
Many young HS coaches and even HS JV coaches attend to participate in workshops and hang around hotel lobby's to network and find out about open college assistant positions. It is one of the best ways to break into college coaching because coaches and AD's from all over the country attend the final four. It's like the annual convention for college basketball.
Now while those younger, and sometimes older, HS coaching types are trying to obtain basketball operations and lower D1 3rd assistant, D2, and even D3 positions, there are the guys already in D1 trying to move up to a better position. All the local assistants from the MAAC, NEC, CAA, will be on hand trying to find out what's available on the A10, BE, ACC, SEC, and even Big 10 level. Those coaches will be bumping High D1 Head Coaches in restaurants, hotel lobby's, the airport, and right on the street.
Now there are the high D1 Assistant Coaches. They will be seeking head jobs at lower D1 schools in the MAAC, CAA, and NEC conferences. Many of the better ones will also be seeking to change from staff assistant, and Director of Basketball Operation positions to On The Road or recruiting positions at high D1 schools. A select few will be considered for A10 and even high D1 head coaching positions.
Than there are the head coaches in attendance. Many use this time to interview potential staff members in hotel lobby's or at dinner. But for others it is an opportunity to be approached about changing jobs for better compensation and opportunities. That allows them options and at the least salary increases where they are based on a better offer elsewhere.
As you can see the final 4 is quite a basketball career day or weekend. Yes there are great activities. Yes some folks talk about potential recruits. Yes there are some parties. And yes there are 2 games on Saturday and one on Monday. But honestly, many people leave on Sunday after the semi final games. In the past a great practice for many Assistant Coaches and others who recieved final four tickets, was to sell them through ticket brokers. This by the way included a few AAU types who are able to secure tickets from a few sources based on having strong teams with very talented players on a regular basis.
Unfortunately very few in the actual basketball community really care about the games if they are not participating or have former players participating. They are there for the festivities, networking, and fun. And as you can understand from what I have outlined. It is a great event to make deals. And I must also let you know that the sneaker companies are huge at this event as are the corporate sponsors. This is where you grab a sneaker guy and tell him about your 6 ft 10 freshmen who averaged 23 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocked shots as a 8th grader playing varsity on your team in a tough conference. Most likely after checking, your shipment of sneakers and gear from the sneaker company will be on the way. Remember the best teams in HS have nice gear that they did not have to pay for. It is just alot of fun, with great networking opportunities!
Interesting Story
Speaking of jobs. Here is a story I heard and I cannot confirm if it is true, but it is very interesting. Let me start by saying that a person has little chance of getting hired as a college coach on the D1 level by submitting a resume to an address on an ad. It almost never happens. But some Federal and school regulations say positions must be advertised. So positions are regularly advertised and people apply hoping for an interview. This brings me to what I heard. Norm Roberts was finished at Queens College and decided to write Bill Self a letter when he was appointed Head Coach at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa Oklahoma. Not sure if he had met Self, but Self loved what he read. Invited Roberts down for an interview and the rest is history! IT RARELY HAPPENS that way. Coaches hire based on recommendations from folks they worked for (that coaching tree/family thing), via relationships, friendships developed as younger coaches, and the necessity to get players from a particular area through AAU type programs
Playez Spring Fling Phase II
Looking forward to this great event. I hope they allow me in the door at Rutgers University lol. Alarms might just go off after I enter the building. Lots of great teams and an opportunity to see many of the great young players from around the country. By the way, you can almost just sit and listen to obtain great information. But you better know who you are listening to.
Jobs
Many young HS coaches and even HS JV coaches attend to participate in workshops and hang around hotel lobby's to network and find out about open college assistant positions. It is one of the best ways to break into college coaching because coaches and AD's from all over the country attend the final four. It's like the annual convention for college basketball.
Now while those younger, and sometimes older, HS coaching types are trying to obtain basketball operations and lower D1 3rd assistant, D2, and even D3 positions, there are the guys already in D1 trying to move up to a better position. All the local assistants from the MAAC, NEC, CAA, will be on hand trying to find out what's available on the A10, BE, ACC, SEC, and even Big 10 level. Those coaches will be bumping High D1 Head Coaches in restaurants, hotel lobby's, the airport, and right on the street.
Now there are the high D1 Assistant Coaches. They will be seeking head jobs at lower D1 schools in the MAAC, CAA, and NEC conferences. Many of the better ones will also be seeking to change from staff assistant, and Director of Basketball Operation positions to On The Road or recruiting positions at high D1 schools. A select few will be considered for A10 and even high D1 head coaching positions.
Than there are the head coaches in attendance. Many use this time to interview potential staff members in hotel lobby's or at dinner. But for others it is an opportunity to be approached about changing jobs for better compensation and opportunities. That allows them options and at the least salary increases where they are based on a better offer elsewhere.
As you can see the final 4 is quite a basketball career day or weekend. Yes there are great activities. Yes some folks talk about potential recruits. Yes there are some parties. And yes there are 2 games on Saturday and one on Monday. But honestly, many people leave on Sunday after the semi final games. In the past a great practice for many Assistant Coaches and others who recieved final four tickets, was to sell them through ticket brokers. This by the way included a few AAU types who are able to secure tickets from a few sources based on having strong teams with very talented players on a regular basis.
Unfortunately very few in the actual basketball community really care about the games if they are not participating or have former players participating. They are there for the festivities, networking, and fun. And as you can understand from what I have outlined. It is a great event to make deals. And I must also let you know that the sneaker companies are huge at this event as are the corporate sponsors. This is where you grab a sneaker guy and tell him about your 6 ft 10 freshmen who averaged 23 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocked shots as a 8th grader playing varsity on your team in a tough conference. Most likely after checking, your shipment of sneakers and gear from the sneaker company will be on the way. Remember the best teams in HS have nice gear that they did not have to pay for. It is just alot of fun, with great networking opportunities!
Interesting Story
Speaking of jobs. Here is a story I heard and I cannot confirm if it is true, but it is very interesting. Let me start by saying that a person has little chance of getting hired as a college coach on the D1 level by submitting a resume to an address on an ad. It almost never happens. But some Federal and school regulations say positions must be advertised. So positions are regularly advertised and people apply hoping for an interview. This brings me to what I heard. Norm Roberts was finished at Queens College and decided to write Bill Self a letter when he was appointed Head Coach at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa Oklahoma. Not sure if he had met Self, but Self loved what he read. Invited Roberts down for an interview and the rest is history! IT RARELY HAPPENS that way. Coaches hire based on recommendations from folks they worked for (that coaching tree/family thing), via relationships, friendships developed as younger coaches, and the necessity to get players from a particular area through AAU type programs
Playez Spring Fling Phase II
Looking forward to this great event. I hope they allow me in the door at Rutgers University lol. Alarms might just go off after I enter the building. Lots of great teams and an opportunity to see many of the great young players from around the country. By the way, you can almost just sit and listen to obtain great information. But you better know who you are listening to.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Rutgers Al and More!!!!!!!
Still no word from Rutgers Al! I really want to do a small piece on him for this blog. Many might disagree. but I feel he is extremely interesting and comical at the same time. I love reading his posts. Does anyone actually know him? Has anyone actually met him? Is he an adult? Is he a kid posting from school? I am so confused by him that I need to hear his thoughts so we all can know how to take him. So please Al, email me at LFBall@aol.com. This will be a great forum for you. Lets have some fun!!
Seton Hall
I need to be clear about my thoughts on the SHU situation. I honestly feel it is nothing wrong with the AD spending time at a RU Football game. That is as long as there are not SHU athletic events taking place at the same time! He also has a right to have a Mentor and friends at Rutgers. But it is one thing to have a Mentor and friends and another thing to talk SHU business with them considering they are and always will be rivals.
I am pleased that Bobby and the AD will come to the table together. But what will that accomplish if someone MAKES THEM MEET? The meeting will just be a formality. We all know Bobby has a strong personality and can be overwhelming. But in alot of cases that's what's needed for success. Years from now he could be the face of SHU nationally as he leads the team to national prominence. And trust me he will. Even if he has assistants he can bully lol. But he is a tireless worker who has always been loyal to folks he met on the way up including yours truly.
The RU and SHU Rivalry
There could not be two better Head Coaches for this than FHJ and BG!! This could not happen with a Norm Roberts because he is too nice and smooth. These two guys are true barracudas and will get it done by any means necessary. And this is not a bad thing. It's a GREAT THING! I even see a great charity event in the next few years with a boxing match at a location to be determined involving the two of them. The teams will be the same way. It could be the same rivalry that Duke and Carolina has. Do any of you even think Roy and Coach K really like each other? They respect each other but will never be on the golf course together in Myrtle Beach.
This rivalry will be the thing that will help keep kids home. If it is promoted right both games next season will be sold out. Enrollment wise each school will see more applications from in state students based on what happens. Of course RU gets much more now based on the football success.
Recruiting
Folks please do not get carried away by commitments based on rankings. Of course rankings do mean kids have talent. But remember the college game is about strength, explosiveness, skills, and heart. Not to mention coachability, which is a new word meaning they can learn and be coached. Both SHU and RU are going to get solid players now and in the future. But the name of the game remains OFFENSIVE EXECUTION and DEFENSE. Now SJU? Not sure what's happening there. Norm is the Gentleman Coach so not much is ever released. Even informed guys like John Salvo are not prevy to info from the SJU camp. But Norm better win next season!
NJIT
Will they name a coach this year? Jeeeeeeeeeeez!!!!! I cannot believe they are not considering Steve Demeo (sp) the ex Providence Assistant. How about Ron Brown from FDU? Honestly, why not Jim Carr from RU? Long shot but sure fire winner: Ray Haskins ex LIU HC. I still like Jose R and Bruce H as a staff.
****** Hot news flash. I hear that Jean Prelough, ex Fordham and Teaneck Star, and Jimmy Ingles (sp) ex Assistant at Rider are being strongly considered for NJIT job!!!
Marist College
A great job and great stepping stone to bigger future positions. They seem to have some great candidates for the position. Not sure who will get it but by the look of the applicant pool, they will be on great shape. Not so sure the James Madison job is better than Marist. But maybe the conference is more competitive.
Providence
They would be fools NOT TO TAKE Jim O' Brian!!!! He is by far the best choice. But watch them take the guy from Siena lol. PC needs a guy who understands winning at the highest level. Plus Jim is a fine coach and better person. He was treated unfairly and Ohio State had to pay. OS loss should be Providence College's gain.
Seton Hall
I need to be clear about my thoughts on the SHU situation. I honestly feel it is nothing wrong with the AD spending time at a RU Football game. That is as long as there are not SHU athletic events taking place at the same time! He also has a right to have a Mentor and friends at Rutgers. But it is one thing to have a Mentor and friends and another thing to talk SHU business with them considering they are and always will be rivals.
I am pleased that Bobby and the AD will come to the table together. But what will that accomplish if someone MAKES THEM MEET? The meeting will just be a formality. We all know Bobby has a strong personality and can be overwhelming. But in alot of cases that's what's needed for success. Years from now he could be the face of SHU nationally as he leads the team to national prominence. And trust me he will. Even if he has assistants he can bully lol. But he is a tireless worker who has always been loyal to folks he met on the way up including yours truly.
The RU and SHU Rivalry
There could not be two better Head Coaches for this than FHJ and BG!! This could not happen with a Norm Roberts because he is too nice and smooth. These two guys are true barracudas and will get it done by any means necessary. And this is not a bad thing. It's a GREAT THING! I even see a great charity event in the next few years with a boxing match at a location to be determined involving the two of them. The teams will be the same way. It could be the same rivalry that Duke and Carolina has. Do any of you even think Roy and Coach K really like each other? They respect each other but will never be on the golf course together in Myrtle Beach.
This rivalry will be the thing that will help keep kids home. If it is promoted right both games next season will be sold out. Enrollment wise each school will see more applications from in state students based on what happens. Of course RU gets much more now based on the football success.
Recruiting
Folks please do not get carried away by commitments based on rankings. Of course rankings do mean kids have talent. But remember the college game is about strength, explosiveness, skills, and heart. Not to mention coachability, which is a new word meaning they can learn and be coached. Both SHU and RU are going to get solid players now and in the future. But the name of the game remains OFFENSIVE EXECUTION and DEFENSE. Now SJU? Not sure what's happening there. Norm is the Gentleman Coach so not much is ever released. Even informed guys like John Salvo are not prevy to info from the SJU camp. But Norm better win next season!
NJIT
Will they name a coach this year? Jeeeeeeeeeeez!!!!! I cannot believe they are not considering Steve Demeo (sp) the ex Providence Assistant. How about Ron Brown from FDU? Honestly, why not Jim Carr from RU? Long shot but sure fire winner: Ray Haskins ex LIU HC. I still like Jose R and Bruce H as a staff.
****** Hot news flash. I hear that Jean Prelough, ex Fordham and Teaneck Star, and Jimmy Ingles (sp) ex Assistant at Rider are being strongly considered for NJIT job!!!
Marist College
A great job and great stepping stone to bigger future positions. They seem to have some great candidates for the position. Not sure who will get it but by the look of the applicant pool, they will be on great shape. Not so sure the James Madison job is better than Marist. But maybe the conference is more competitive.
Providence
They would be fools NOT TO TAKE Jim O' Brian!!!! He is by far the best choice. But watch them take the guy from Siena lol. PC needs a guy who understands winning at the highest level. Plus Jim is a fine coach and better person. He was treated unfairly and Ohio State had to pay. OS loss should be Providence College's gain.
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