Lavin Post Article 5/21

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/college/basketball/lavin_new_lease_on_life_XUohhBwtjW5DBdmbwWRieL

“I haven’t felt this good since I’ve been at St. John’s,’’ said Lavin.

Nice piece.  Lavin hasn't had it easy since getting to SJU.  He's had a lot of setbacks and IMO has done remarkably well with what he's gone through.  The guy worked his ass off recruiting out of a hotel for that first recruiting class of ours.  The second season he recruited this 6 man class having sat out the season due to a life-threatening illness.  The guy hasn't even had a chance to settle in at SJU and he's gone through a ton, including battling an monstrous rumor mill.

To tell the truth I'm not surprised at all the rumors considering the success that Lavin has had.  After beating his cancer, he's finally settling in which is a very good sign for SJU.  I really think that Lavin had an epiphany over the last year or two.  Going through all that in a new home like NY and SJU and he has weathered the storm.  Must be a great feeling to be cleared of the cancer, almost done landing a second successful recruiting class and giving commencement addresses finally really starting his life here in NY. 

Despite the whirlwind, we'll be suiting up a team this season, half of whom are top 60 players despite all the setbacks.  Despite the rumors of Lavin uprooting to Cali, I think the real truth is that he's finally starting to settle in in NYC.  Quite the opposite of those rumors.  Scary part is that opposing teams are jut seeing the beginning of Steve Lavin at SJU methinks and just the tip of the iceberg.  Things looking real good for both Lavin and SJU right now.

Great article - and happy to hear Lav is feeling great!

The reference to establishing a perennially competitive program is all we can ask for. I believe this staff is close to that status. Considering our mediocre recent years for the most part, that is quite an achievement.

Nice piece.  Lavin hasn't had it easy since getting to SJU.  He's had a lot of setbacks and IMO has done remarkably well with what he's gone through.  The guy worked his ass off recruiting out of a hotel for that first recruiting class of ours.  The second season he recruited this 6 man class having sat out the season due to a life-threatening illness.  The guy hasn't even had a chance to settle in at SJU and he's gone through a ton, including battling an monstrous rumor mill.

To tell the truth I'm not surprised at all the rumors considering the success that Lavin has had.  After beating his cancer, he's finally settling in which is a very good sign for SJU.  I really think that Lavin had an epiphany over the last year or two.  Going through all that in a new home like NY and SJU and he has weathered the storm.  Must be a great feeling to be cleared of the cancer, almost done landing a second successful recruiting class and giving commencement addresses finally really starting his life here in NY. 

Despite the whirlwind, we'll be suiting up a team this season, half of whom are top 60 players despite all the setbacks.  Despite the rumors of Lavin uprooting to Cali, I think the real truth is that he's finally starting to settle in in NYC.  Quite the opposite of those rumors.  Scary part is that opposing teams are jut seeing the beginning of Steve Lavin at SJU methinks and just the tip of the iceberg.  Things looking real good for both Lavin and SJU right now.

Lavin is one of the few Californians in my opinion that has the personality for New York, I agree with you that he finally starting to settle in. He is already a household name in only 2 short years and if he gets us to a Final Four one of these years, he will be a NYC legend. 

Quote from: MCNPA on May 21, 2012, 10:12:19 AM

Nice piece.  Lavin hasn't had it easy since getting to SJU.  He's had a lot of setbacks and IMO has done remarkably well with what he's gone through.  The guy worked his ass off recruiting out of a hotel for that first recruiting class of ours.  The second season he recruited this 6 man class having sat out the season due to a life-threatening illness.  The guy hasn't even had a chance to settle in at SJU and he's gone through a ton, including battling an monstrous rumor mill.

To tell the truth I'm not surprised at all the rumors considering the success that Lavin has had.  After beating his cancer, he's finally settling in which is a very good sign for SJU.  I really think that Lavin had an epiphany over the last year or two.  Going through all that in a new home like NY and SJU and he has weathered the storm.  Must be a great feeling to be cleared of the cancer, almost done landing a second successful recruiting class and giving commencement addresses finally really starting his life here in NY. 

Despite the whirlwind, we'll be suiting up a team this season, half of whom are top 60 players despite all the setbacks.  Despite the rumors of Lavin uprooting to Cali, I think the real truth is that he's finally starting to settle in in NYC.  Quite the opposite of those rumors.  Scary part is that opposing teams are jut seeing the beginning of Steve Lavin at SJU methinks and just the tip of the iceberg.  Things looking real good for both Lavin and SJU right now.

Lavin is one of the few Californians in my opinion that has the personality for New York, I agree with you that he finally starting to settle in. He is already a household name in only 2 short years and if he gets us to a Final Four one of these years, he will be a NYC legend.

More than that, I think Lavin has a great appreciation for nostalgia, history and the deep roots our program has.  As I have said before, Lavin won't find any administration out there that is less about results and cares more about the person running the program.  Sometimes, but not always, mom and pop is a good thing.  Our administration is one that will support Lavin wholeheartedly even with moderate success.  Lots of positives here for the right coach who realizes the loyalty that SJU has for people that respect the program.  Unfortunately for us we had guys like Franny and Jarvis who pissed on the program, and then Norm who was a really upstanding guy without the skills to compete.  Maybe now we have both.

Quote from: MCNPA on May 21, 2012, 10:12:19 AM

Nice piece.  Lavin hasn't had it easy since getting to SJU.  He's had a lot of setbacks and IMO has done remarkably well with what he's gone through.  The guy worked his ass off recruiting out of a hotel for that first recruiting class of ours.  The second season he recruited this 6 man class having sat out the season due to a life-threatening illness.  The guy hasn't even had a chance to settle in at SJU and he's gone through a ton, including battling an monstrous rumor mill.

To tell the truth I'm not surprised at all the rumors considering the success that Lavin has had.  After beating his cancer, he's finally settling in which is a very good sign for SJU.  I really think that Lavin had an epiphany over the last year or two.  Going through all that in a new home like NY and SJU and he has weathered the storm.  Must be a great feeling to be cleared of the cancer, almost done landing a second successful recruiting class and giving commencement addresses finally really starting his life here in NY. 

Despite the whirlwind, we'll be suiting up a team this season, half of whom are top 60 players despite all the setbacks.  Despite the rumors of Lavin uprooting to Cali, I think the real truth is that he's finally starting to settle in in NYC.  Quite the opposite of those rumors.  Scary part is that opposing teams are jut seeing the beginning of Steve Lavin at SJU methinks and just the tip of the iceberg.  Things looking real good for both Lavin and SJU right now.

Lavin is one of the few Californians in my opinion that has the personality for New York, I agree with you that he finally starting to settle in. He is already a household name in only 2 short years and if he gets us to a Final Four one of these years, he will be a NYC legend.

Agree with everything except being a NYC legend if he gets us to a final four.  With all respect to Louie, I think the bar has been raised to national championship since schools like, George Mason, VCU and Butler have made the final 4 the last 6 years, plus Lavin's pedigree of making deep runs in the tourney has already been established with his time at UCLA. 

Really good news

Let's really cement the coach and NYC--get Mary a job on Broadway or a TV/film role that is shot in NYC.

Let's really cement the coach and NYC--get Mary a job on Broadway or a TV/film role that is shot in NYC.

How has she not been on Law and Order SVU yet.  Get her a recurring role on that!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1706025/

Quote from: sju89tr on May 21, 2012, 11:16:53 AM

Quote from: MCNPA on May 21, 2012, 10:12:19 AM

Nice piece.  Lavin hasn't had it easy since getting to SJU.  He's had a lot of setbacks and IMO has done remarkably well with what he's gone through.  The guy worked his ass off recruiting out of a hotel for that first recruiting class of ours.  The second season he recruited this 6 man class having sat out the season due to a life-threatening illness.  The guy hasn't even had a chance to settle in at SJU and he's gone through a ton, including battling an monstrous rumor mill.

To tell the truth I'm not surprised at all the rumors considering the success that Lavin has had.  After beating his cancer, he's finally settling in which is a very good sign for SJU.  I really think that Lavin had an epiphany over the last year or two.  Going through all that in a new home like NY and SJU and he has weathered the storm.  Must be a great feeling to be cleared of the cancer, almost done landing a second successful recruiting class and giving commencement addresses finally really starting his life here in NY. 

Despite the whirlwind, we'll be suiting up a team this season, half of whom are top 60 players despite all the setbacks.  Despite the rumors of Lavin uprooting to Cali, I think the real truth is that he's finally starting to settle in in NYC.  Quite the opposite of those rumors.  Scary part is that opposing teams are jut seeing the beginning of Steve Lavin at SJU methinks and just the tip of the iceberg.  Things looking real good for both Lavin and SJU right now.

Lavin is one of the few Californians in my opinion that has the personality for New York, I agree with you that he finally starting to settle in. He is already a household name in only 2 short years and if he gets us to a Final Four one of these years, he will be a NYC legend.

Agree with everything except being a NYC legend if he gets us to a final four.  With all respect to Louie, I think the bar has been raised to national championship since schools like, George Mason, VCU and Butler have made the final 4 the last 6 years, plus Lavin's pedigree of making deep runs in the tourney has already been established with his time at UCLA.

I tend to agree with you but its been 27 years since our last Final Four, most fans don't remember that and some only remember the Elite Eight Run by Artest and Barkley 

Do you all think its more difficult to make a FF now as opposed to mid 80's when we were last there?

Ever the optimist! Can't say I agree, but hope he is right.

“@STJCoachLavin: Aquistitions of new Big East Conference members enhances ability of our league to reach new markets for recruiting, TV and branding purposes”

Agree with everything except being a NYC legend if he gets us to a final four.  With all respect to Louie, I think the bar has been raised to national championship since schools like, George Mason, VCU and Butler have made the final 4 the last 6 years, plus Lavin's pedigree of making deep runs in the tourney has already been established with his time at UCLA. 

I am a fan but coach has never made a final four and we have not been to one in almost 30 years. Some of you guys are so unrealistic it is pretty funny. I think the program needs baby steps considering how awful it has been for the last decade. A couple tourney appearances in a row followed by a sweet 16 would be a nice start. Get to that point first then you can raise the bar.

Agree with everything except being a NYC legend if he gets us to a final four.  With all respect to Louie, I think the bar has been raised to national championship since schools like, George Mason, VCU and Butler have made the final 4 the last 6 years, plus Lavin's pedigree of making deep runs in the tourney has already been established with his time at UCLA. 

I am a fan but coach has never made a final four and we have not been to one in almost 30 years. Some of you guys are so unrealistic it is pretty funny. I think the program needs baby steps considering how awful it has been for the last decade. A couple tourney appearances in a row followed by a sweet 16 would be a nice start. Get to that point first then you can raise the bar.

Don't disagree with your baby steps view of the program's progress. My response was only intended to address whether one appearance in the Final Four in Lavin's tenure would be enough to cement him as a NYC legend.

Don't disagree with your baby steps view of the program's progress. My response was only intended to address whether one appearance in the Final Four in Lavin's tenure would be enough to cement him as a NYC legend.

At this point it might

Agree with everything except being a NYC legend if he gets us to a final four.  With all respect to Louie, I think the bar has been raised to national championship since schools like, George Mason, VCU and Butler have made the final 4 the last 6 years, plus Lavin's pedigree of making deep runs in the tourney has already been established with his time at UCLA. 

I am a fan but coach has never made a final four and we have not been to one in almost 30 years. Some of you guys are so unrealistic it is pretty funny. I think the program needs baby steps considering how awful it has been for the last decade. A couple tourney appearances in a row followed by a sweet 16 would be a nice start. Get to that point first then you can raise the bar.

Fair assessment of where we are.

 

Do you all think its more difficult to make a FF now as opposed to mid 80's when we were last there?

I think it's more difficult to recruit than it was in 1985. Because Harrington did so much damage to our program schools like Uconn, WV and Pitt were allowed to easily step in and take our talent. We were left with 2nd and 3rd tier talent. That more than anything has made it harder.

When I think about programs that I hate, those three come up first.

Quote from: redslope on May 21, 2012, 01:27:47 PM

Let's really cement the coach and NYC--get Mary a job on Broadway or a TV/film role that is shot in NYC.

How has she not been on Law and Order SVU yet.  Get her a recurring role on that!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1706025/

Get her on Sesame Street. That's a lifetime gig.

A Final Four would be great, but why stop there.  I doubt Lavin has that as his final goal.  Win baby... thats it.