Only old people listen to radio, like parents of talented kids listening how Mike is positively talking about the team....Maybe, just maybe admit that he proudly went to SJU. It is a trickle down affect. Lavin can quote media outlets about the te, newspapers talk about what Mike says, even if they do hate him.
The other legendary coaches never had to do this because when was SJU ever I'm a 20yr lull to put it nicely. The key factor is SJU has to win constantly for a long period of time.