Post by ghostofwillard on Dec 5, 2011 16:36:28 GMT -5
Yeah, I think we're all use to closer games when we're in the chat room However, there was a point towards the end of that game when Niagara got called for a flagrant, it does open the door for the risk of injury question when your so far ahead. Like Gregcrow said I'll defer to the coach on this one, up to this point he's far exceeded my expectations from when he was originally hired.
First off, TREMENDOUS performance by the team Sunday.
Second, no question we're at a nit-picking stage here when the biggest gripe we have is why we didn't use the bench more.
I get not rushing to unload the bench with 10 minutes to go. But Iona was up 40 with 5 minutes to play, and Glover was still out there. I'm sorry, but I bet me, Joebird, St Louis Gael, Oldtimer and ICHoops could play the last 5 minutes and we wouldn't blow a 40-point lead. Of course, I'd have to handle the press myself. ;-)
Hey, I get that Gomez and Trinity and to a lesser extent Diggs won't see a ton of minutes this year, but geez, Armand? And rumor has it Armand had logged some doghouse time because of a couple missed defensive assignments vs Canisius. Um, the Griffs shot 59% in the first half--I'll be Armand's not the only one who missed assignments.
If anything, on days where the regular gunners--Smyth, Momo, Jenkins--aren't hitting 3s, Armand HAS to log some minutes there, even if he is not as good defensively. And this is not just for this year, but for the future of the program. Armand is a great kid who seems to take everything in stride, but we don't want a situation where he starts to become unhappy and looks to leave after this season, as he figures to step into the starting lineup next year next to Smyth and Momo.
Guy,
I am with you on this. Why risk injury too. There is no reason why ANY starter should be on the floor when you are up over 30 well into the second half. It makes no sense. Let others get needed experience for more than a minute or two. I don't think it is nit picking either. G-D forbid a starter went down in a blow out late in the game. Would it be nit picking then?
Actually, the only mistake Fran made during his tenure at Siena is that he left NOTHING behind for Mitch. He went with his horses religiously during his last season, and you saw the result last year--the returnees played like frosh, other than Rossiter.
It makes me think Cluess is expecting to get offers after this year--but if Grasso is the heir apparent, it would be in HIS best interest to make sure the newbies get more than 2 minutes of garbage time once the slaughter has occurred.
The greatest poster in the history of the MAAC as determined by THREE separate polls.
Post by ghostofwillard on Dec 5, 2011 21:07:38 GMT -5
I could see Cluess bolting quickly, he's not a young man and I can't imagine him refusing a big $ opportunity. I do hope Grasso takes over if this happens, I don't know if he's a good x's and o's guy, but he's a hell of a recruiter!
Cluess doesn't strike me as a guy with an eye to be constantly climbing the occupational ladder. His roots are in this region and I get the feeling he'd be very comfortable continuing to make a name for himself right here. Besides, given all the recent hires locally (SJU, SHU, Rutgers, Hofstra, Fordham) I don't anticipate any potential up jobs opening in the next couple of years.
Cluess doesn't strike me as a guy with an eye to be constantly climbing the occupational ladder. His roots are in this region and I get the feeling he'd be very comfortable continuing to make a name for himself right here. Besides, given all the recent hires locally (SJU, SHU, Rutgers, Hofstra, Fordham) I don't anticipate any potential up jobs opening in the next couple of years.
This would be his chance to jump to the big time if the Gaels continue to perform at this level. Why wouldn't a man at his age take a ton of money if the opportunity presented itself?
Cluess doesn't strike me as a guy with an eye to be constantly climbing the occupational ladder. His roots are in this region and I get the feeling he'd be very comfortable continuing to make a name for himself right here. Besides, given all the recent hires locally (SJU, SHU, Rutgers, Hofstra, Fordham) I don't anticipate any potential up jobs opening in the next couple of years.
This would be his chance to jump to the big time if the Gaels continue to perform at this level. Why wouldn't a man at his age take a ton of money if the opportunity presented itself?
Cluess doesn't strike me as a guy with an eye to be constantly climbing the occupational ladder. His roots are in this region and I get the feeling he'd be very comfortable continuing to make a name for himself right here. Besides, given all the recent hires locally (SJU, SHU, Rutgers, Hofstra, Fordham) I don't anticipate any potential up jobs opening in the next couple of years.
This would be his chance to jump to the big time if the Gaels continue to perform at this level. Why wouldn't a man at his age take a ton of money if the opportunity presented itself?
A couple of reasons:
1. Timing - he may not want to uproot his family in Long Island just yet (pretty sure his kids are middle and high school aged)
2. Security - Jim Larranaga spent 14 years at George Mason as king of kings turning down offer after offer before Miami made him an offer he couldn't refuse. Iona can't compete with that type of compensation, but they could allow him to live a very comfortable life with a lot less pressure. Not sure what Cluess's preference is, but there are those wo prefer being a big fish in a small pond - especially when that pond is located in the NYC metro area - prime recruiting territory.
Of course, I could be totally off base and with no personal connection, it's just the impression I get about him - a gym rat type, competitive as hell, but doesn't come across as one who garners the limelight.
This would be his chance to jump to the big time if the Gaels continue to perform at this level. Why wouldn't a man at his age take a ton of money if the opportunity presented itself?
Agree, Money talks and coaches run to it!
See my remarks in the Eugene Marshall thread. Rip up his contract now. Give him (and some of his staff) Ruland-like $$$ and 5 years! That covers him until his youngest gets out of HS.
CJB... I hope your right! Cluess has been a godsend for this basketball program.
Not to diminish the success under his watch, but let's remember that Cluess inherited a very talented team that was on the rise.
Also, I believe the general concensus is that Grasso was the catalyst in landing Glover, Momo and Armand (who will be the next superstar on this team).
Just to give you some history about TC. Back at St. Mary's, when he was coaching in HS, he got in trouble with some other coaches because they felt he was running up the score on them. His message was, in effect, "Don't get bitter, get better". As for a starter getting hurt, when he could have been on the bench, it could happen but I don't believe you can coach scared. In both the LIU and Niagara games, Mike Glover could have scored 40 points, with more playing time. And in both games we could have scored 115+ points if we wanted to, but TC took his foot off the pedal. JMO.
Just to give you some history about TC. Back at St. Mary's, when he was coaching in HS, he got in trouble with some other coaches because they felt he was running up the score on them. His message was, in effect, "Don't get bitter, get better". As for a starter getting hurt, when he could have been on the bench, it could happen but I don't believe you can coach scared. In both the LIU and Niagara games, Mike Glover could have scored 40 points, with more playing time. And in both games we could have scored 115+ points if we wanted to, but TC took his foot off the pedal. JMO.
That's fine. But why score 40 or 115 when you can win comfortably, get players rest and play some second and third tier guys. It isn't caoching scred it may be coaching smart. JMO