Will all of the issues going on with the team at this time, my concern are the many negative ramifications a disastrous season can create. Aside from the most obvious, not making the NCAA tourney, there are some other issues looming that even the oat die hard fans and Lavin supporters just can't ignore. All of the Koolade drinkers on this and other sites seem to want to ignore the down trend in recruiting. The often idiotic comment of "if there is one thing you can't say about Lavin, its that he can't recruit" well wake up everyone thats exactly what could happen if the season continues in a downward direction. The real reason that Lavin has been able to bring in one player in the last TWO recruiting seasons is that many kids have taken on a wait and see approach with regards to Lavins coaching ability and ability to get them to the next level. While everyone likes to credit the signing of some players to the Hall with regards to their high school coaches, the reality is that word on the street is that Willard is doing a much better job of coaching and developing talent then Mr. Lavin and that just is not a good thing.
Lavin has got to turn this season around and quickly. If he proceeds to lose to the likes of a Seton Hall, Providence or Depaul, it could be disastrous for the program. High school players are well aware of what the Johnnies were supposed to accomplish this year and are even more aware that they are underachieving. If recruits stop coming, then what? We have already seen that coach needs NBA level talent to have any success at all. And don't think that Lavins "coach speak" which is a nice way of describing his BS, is fooling anyone especially potential recruits. I was just talking with a friend of my son who plays for a big time AAU team who asked me what the problem was with St. John's this year as he thought they were supposed to be good. I even said to him that they have had a tough schedule etc. just to see his reaction and he stated, "maybe, but they are the ones who were supposed to be good".
The next few games are most important to the future of this program. If this team falls short against the weaker teams it could signify the demise of the program. I also happen to believe that if this should happen that Lavin will bolt as I believe that his ego is too big to deal with much losing. That may come in the form of an excuse to get back to California of have to do with health issues.
I had high hopes with his hiring as his first recruiting class was phenomenal, but in his 4th year at the helm, I have come to the realization that things may just not get better under his regime. I really hope I am wrong on this as I would love to see the Johnnies back in contention for a Big East championship but it would almost take a miraculous turn around to make it happen.