This is the way it's supposed to be if you want to build a top tier program. If you're a top HS player in LA, you better believe that it's automatic for you to have a scholly from UCLA. Same thing if you're a top player in Michigan and want an offer from UM or MSU. And on and on.
Mullin's setting a precedent that if you're a top player in NYC that at the very least SJU should be under consideration. This breeds familiarity and creates buzz for the SJU brand. Love the early returns from this new regime.
I agree that every local should be offered, but following that, I don't want to see Mullin kissing their asses. Mother F'kers like Telfair, Landesberg and Stephenson abused Norm Roberts, when they knew there was no chance for St.John's. There's a fine line between being welcome, and being a joke.
+1 You forgot Pinkston. I would love to have NY players also. Their may have been a reason besides laziness that Lavin didn't go after more of them.
Heck! I agree with Poison on this one. I don't want to see Mullin bow down to those dudes. Norm did it, and it did him a lot of good, huh? Right! I know Mullin's name will hold more weight than Norm, but the premise of my argument still holds. Occasionally, talk with coaches in the area. Show his face and attend games. Basically, just do his job.
Actually, Lavin did go after the top NYC players. You're correct, there are more reasons why he may have not aggressively pursued some kids. But for the most part, Lavin and his staff went after the top NYC area players. He got the second best player a year ago in ADR. He was a finalist for the best player (Whitehead), but we all know how that went down.