AD Search

Reported via Twitter that AD candidate (not named) final interview is today. 

David Wright

According to Rothstein it's Mike Cragg from Duke

Cragg would be a great hire.  Sort of surprised that Duke would let him go, as their current AD, Kevin White, is 67 and will probably retire over the next few years.

With his credentials, it is surprising that no one has made him an AD prior to now.  He knows how to get along with a coach who runs a BB program in Coach K.  He must be being paid a fortune if he is bringing in the money he is and, I agree, he surely seems to be be the AD in waiting at Duke.  I would be surprised (delightfully) if this happens.

Sense you will be surprised then.

Cragg would be a great hire.  Sort of surprised that Duke would let him go, as their current AD, Kevin White, is 67 and will probably retire over the next few years.

They may prefer he get some experience as an actual AD somewhere else for a few years before hiring him back.  Unlike most schools, they probably fairly assume they can get someone back later if they leave...(or don't plan on making him AD)

Quote from: wpc77 on September 24, 2018, 10:42:44 AM

Cragg would be a great hire.  Sort of surprised that Duke would let him go, as their current AD, Kevin White, is 67 and will probably retire over the next few years.

They may prefer he get some experience as an actual AD somewhere else for a few years before hiring him back.  Unlike most schools, they probably fairly assume they can get someone back later if they leave...(or don't plan on making him AD)

We always looking on the bright side of things. Ah, the life of a St. John's fan. 

https://twitter.com/jonrothstein/status/1044670951550521345?s=21
Duke candidate chosen

That's a great choice.  Good sign (finally) of the school being willing to build a stable program.  Haven't had a good AD since the mid 90s.

Let's hope this isn't another John Idzik type hire. Get a guy from a good program who had very little to do with the player personnel side of the business and just hope people fall for the name of the program. Not sure why else this guy would leave a blue blood like Duke for a mid major like SJU.

I liked the last guy as a person. He was nice. Spoke to him a few times at games. He seemed happy to be here. And was a big fan of the team and coach. I hope this new guy comes in acts like the BOSS of of everyone's hero.

Let's hope this isn't another John Idzik type hire. Get a guy from a good program who had very little to do with the player personnel side of the business and just hope people fall for the name of the program. Not sure why else this guy would leave a blue blood like Duke for a mid major like SJU.

He'd leave because it's a promotion. The AD at Duke might be there for another 5-10 years so this guy can be AD here in the meantime and then potentially return there to be AD when that dude retires.

Anyway, I know Zach reported that he'll have full rein over the basketball program, but I'll believe it when I see it.

I have no doubt he'll do a fine job, however, should the St. John's Men's Basketball program have a vacancy at their head coaching position in the near future for whatever reason, Cragg doesn't really have extensive experience in that aspect of the position. Obviously Duke has not made a men's basketball head coaching hire in forever and they have only made one football HC hire since Cragg became Associate AD there (10 years ago). Just pointing this out should he have to make the decision on the next head coach here.

Quote from: Johnny23 on September 25, 2018, 04:35:18 PM

Let's hope this isn't another John Idzik type hire. Get a guy from a good program who had very little to do with the player personnel side of the business and just hope people fall for the name of the program. Not sure why else this guy would leave a blue blood like Duke for a mid major like SJU.

He'd leave because it's a promotion. The AD at Duke might be there for another 5-10 years so this guy can be AD here in the meantime and then potentially return there to be AD when that dude retires.

Anyway, I know Zach reported that he'll have full rein over the basketball program, but I'll believe it when I see it.

I have no doubt he'll do a fine job, however, should the St. John's Men's Basketball program have a vacancy at their head coaching position in the near future for whatever reason, Cragg doesn't really have extensive experience in that aspect of the position. Obviously Duke has not made a men's basketball head coaching hire in forever and they have only made one football HC hire since Cragg became Associate AD there (10 years ago). Just pointing this out should he have to make the decision on the next head coach here.

The Women's Basketball coach has been there awhile too, as has the coach of their very successful Women's Soccer team (I think he's going on 30 years).  The Baseball team has had their best success ever with a semi-recently hired coach (7 years).

No, he has not hired a lot of coaches, but he's been around many successful ones.  Should the need for a change arise, I am confident in this guy finding the right attributes to make that hire a good one.  Yes, I know all sports are different, I believe that there has to be at least some similar qualities in all successful coaches, regardless of sport.

Five to 10 years a lot can happen and things can change. Maybe Duke will call him for an opening, but he in love with the Big City and City life.
There is a different kind of buzz when there is great basketball being played in NYC than at a college.

If he leaves he basketball program and facilities better than he arrived, SJU will be the better for it.

 This seems like a great opportunity for him and a aggressive move by SJU. Let’s hope they really do give him full autonomy, and Mullin has a great year, where difficult decisions do not have to be made.

Based on his credentials I would expect he is a coach's AD.  Can't see him dominating Coach K who has been at Duke longer than he has been.  Heck he might work more as a partner with the coach, albeit a junior one.  Like the fund raising but getting SJU fans to open the wallet may be harder than at Duke.  Hopefully he has corporate ties that he can access.  Also would think he has the compliance credentials that the school will need going forward.

Based on his credentials I would expect he is a coach's AD.  Can't see him dominating Coach K who has been at Duke longer than he has been.  Heck he might work more as a partner with the coach, albeit a junior one.  Like the fund raising but getting SJU fans to open the wallet may be harder than at Duke.  Hopefully he has corporate ties that he can access.  Also would think he has the compliance credentials that the school will need going forward.

You bring up a great point Slope.  I was excited by the hire due to how closely it appears he worked with the bball program at Duke.  However, I certainly don't want the new ad to be kowtowing to Mullin.

Quote from: Johnny23 on September 25, 2018, 04:35:18 PM

Let's hope this isn't another John Idzik type hire. Get a guy from a good program who had very little to do with the player personnel side of the business and just hope people fall for the name of the program. Not sure why else this guy would leave a blue blood like Duke for a mid major like SJU.

He'd leave because it's a promotion. The AD at Duke might be there for another 5-10 years so this guy can be AD here in the meantime and then potentially return there to be AD when that dude retires.

Anyway, I know Zach reported that he'll have full rein over the basketball program, but I'll believe it when I see it.

I have no doubt he'll do a fine job, however, should the St. John's Men's Basketball program have a vacancy at their head coaching position in the near future for whatever reason, Cragg doesn't really have extensive experience in that aspect of the position. Obviously Duke has not made a men's basketball head coaching hire in forever and they have only made one football HC hire since Cragg became Associate AD there (10 years ago). Just pointing this out should he have to make the decision on the next head coach here.

Hiring a new HC is an integral part of being an AD. As far as how he'll do and how he'll impact the program on the court, remains to be seen.

You bring up a great point Slope.

Pretty sure they prefer to be called oriental.