I very rarely post, but always enjoy reading both the gossip, banter and information that all of you so generously provide. I believe this to be a pretty serious crossroads for our beloved program. It is not the Lindsey defection itself, but the series of events over the last bunch of incidents.
To think there is nothing wrong with the program right now is purely rose colored glasses. Either Lavin recruited the wrong type of person as a risk/reward play, or the coaching staff is not reaching the kids correctly is probably all speculation unless you are involved in the program and team in a more direct manner than most all of us on these boards. But, make no mistake, something is wrong. We must hope Lavin figures this out.
Now is not the time to jump off the bandwagon we were all so excited about when Lavin was signing top high school athletes like I eat non-pareil chocolates. Now is the time to endear ourselves to the players who are in the program and elicit the values of St. Johns, like Mo Harkless.
From a selfish perspective, I would like to see us recruit kids that can represent our University with pride as well as be great basketball players. I do not care if they are from inner cities or rural backroads, but I do care if they show self esteem and pride in themselves and treat others with respect. Lavin cannot just recruit any kid that is a great high school or prep player and hope they turn into great players/great citizens. That does not mean that they all have to be choir boys, just not thugs...we have been there and done that and it nearly destroyed the program.
Lindsey leaving at this juncture is him running away from something. It may be impetuous, it may be the wrong thing to do on many levels. But given the circumstances surrounding so many players in the last year, it is indicative of a general problem that we must hope is fixed for our long term success.