slu72

UB did get his chance to speak to Fr. Biondi, so he obviously knew he was on a very short leash. It sounds as though Spring Recruiting had little to do with the decision, as Biondi seems to have been looking long term, ie will this guy ever get it done. I think he just decided we need someone bigger, figuratively speaking that is. I also think a feeler or two may have been put out there with RM, and he indicated some interest.

No doubt the key to this being a successful hire is for RM to have an AC waiting in the wings at all times. The health thing scares me.

I'd read in SI that he and Jai would go together. This coming from Jai's dad, John. Wishful thinking on my part, but given the events of the last two week, can you imagine what Billiken Nation would do if RM pulled off that tandem? The board would go infuego.

Good question. Thought for sure he'd sound off about this hire. Whether it's positive or negative, one never knows with the all knowing all seeing TooPac. Of course, he'll tell us he knew about long before Friday. He heard it was a done deal in a sky box at the Busch.

I would like to suggest a design. Obviously Saint Louis Univeristy on the top over a grinning/winking Billike. On the back, Welcome to Rick's Cafe...You won't like it!

Rick "The King" Majerus is our coach. Enough said about UB?

In a post below people were going thru RM's friends/network. He sounds like the Kevin Bacon of Hoops, the six degrees of separation thing. Anyone know if he's real good friends with John Lucas? If he is maybe we have a shot at the last two impact HighSchooler's out there, Jai Lucas and that forward from WV. They are going as a package deal...call John Lucas today, King Rick.

Two sure things to win are PG and a slasher/banger. We need both.

A couple of years ago HBO did a special on the curse of the bambino. At the end, they asked some long time Red Sox fans what would it be like the day after if they ever won a world series? Many answered great elation and then a let down...we're no longer different than any other team that's won it. We'll have lost our uniqueness, our mystique, which is now the property of the Chicago Cubs and their goat curse. We gonna feel the same after 3 or 4 runs in the NCAA? Hmmmmmm??????? We're no longer going to be the little team that could pull an upset over Louisville or stage the Miracle in Memphis. We're gonna be the bad guys...hmmmm????? feels great, doesn't it?

Agreed, but I'd bet a plate of toasted raviolis, he looked at the USC job and said, "that's going to be a real pressure cooker, which may crush my ticker like a grape." The point is if someone said two months ago, you know I think RM would take the SLU job over USC, you'd have bet the farm that would never happen. I'm still just astounded at this move.

Not taking into consideration his mother's health. 1.) Pressure at USC would have been immense. Big media market, celeb fan base, big $$ donors wanting a piece of him. USC was a heart attack waiting to happen. He won't find that at SLU, other than Broy being a celeb (sorry Broy). 2.) Utah, prior to his takeover, was not a big time or well known program in a BCS league. Under him they dominated their conference. I think he believes he can do the same with the A-10. USC will never dominate the Pac 10 in hoops. Football maybe, but too much strength in Westwood, AZ, UW, Stanford. 3.) St. Louis has better Italian than LA. 4.) Recruiting at USC would be a tough business. He'd have to go after OJ Mayo's and other lottery picks. He'd be up against the rest of the Hoops Divas for their services. Then if he lands a few they're mostly one and done. He'd rather deal with kids who are open to his teaching and will stick around. 5.) Media exposure. He's likely to get more of it here than in LA. Lakers, Clippers, UCLA probably dominate the sports scene in the winter months. He's got the only hoops show in town. 5.) He looks better in Royal Blue and White sweaters than Maroon and Gold. Hell, would he even need a sweater in LA?

Most are very pleased we are bringing in RM. Temple board had no mention of it that I could find. Odd. Another topic(s), Bruno has to go. Can't see that breaking anyone's heart. Time to usher out the bottom feeders: SBU, LaSalle, DU.

Brian, bring this thing to fruition. Go to the ADept with it and get 'em done. It's a whole new day at SLU, and this is a really unique idea that would bring SLU even more pub next year. Can you imagine the Big Blue Crew kids, the band, and the rest of the crowd wearing Fez's next year on RM's opening night.

Let's not beat a guy when he's down. He's gone, been replaced, and we're all doing the Ricky Jig.

If the financial commit wasn't going to be made to land a guy like RM, the best we could have hoped for was lucking into a young up and coming resourceful AC who could have recruited around the obstacles. If he was successful, he eventually would have left and we'd be starting over one more time. As they say, better late than never.

David, isn't that wish a little like "I'm a big Gay Guy fan..." Happy b-day, David. We got a whole lot more than we ever wished for.

What's the status of all those other JUCO's UB was recruiting? Eberhadt, MG, Walker? First, I guess RM would have to see if they are the caliber he wants. If they were, can't he get busy on the phones on Monday? Also, I can't remember the timing but didn't UB tie up a lot of guys real late into the spring and early summer? How'd he do that, by smoke signals?

Got that turned around didn't you Vtime. We want thoroughbreds...not big lugs...

For sure....

Granted, the school lost momentum after the two consecutive bid years. A lot should/could have been done to ensure we became the Gonzaga of the midwest. Now we enter the quick fix age of King RM. Assuming RM can regenerate the momentum Spoon started is a roll of the dice. Albeit, they may be weighted in our favor. But the key to this move is the AC staff. I never knew the complete health history of RM until a few days ago. Three seasons where he had to be sidelined. One has to assume RM is going to throw himself at this project with full vigor and enthusiasm. The man's got a rep to maintain, and his ego won't allow anything else. But to maintain the hoped for success he brings, it's got to come from his staff. Maybe the biggest factor in this deal, is that he got Biondi to commit big $$ for quality AC's, and not his seven figure salary. One would also hope that in his contract is some kind of clause that if the rigors of coaching take too much out of him, he will fulfill the balance as some sort of consultant to the school and the new coach. In any event, SLU for now is a spot light program. Let's hope that light attracts some talented players and AC's.

You know, Billikan, I'm starting to like you. I think I will buy your a beer or tow at an NCAA tourney game in the near future.

at this job sounds a whole lot better than we can win a national championship.....sorry, I don't mean to bash you know who...but even though I love where I live, I envy you guys who will be in St. Louis to witness the rebirth of a program. Get good AC's Rick, one who can carry on what great things you will start for the Billikens. My God, I am astounded. This really got done. Rick Majerus is our coach. I want my Fez, Brian.....Rick's Cafe comes to St. Louis!!!!

I'd agree if these negotiations are coming down to nit picky items, RM's going to pack his bags and head back to Milwaukee. He's going to start thinking if I'm having this much trouble during the dating period, which is supposed to be flowers and candy, what's married life going to be like? That's assuming he's in St.L with his girlfriend as reported yesterday. I'm thinking there must be a lot of RM look alikes that live in St.Louis.

Can you post this picture on the board....I can't get that link to come up. Also, I'll take two....sight unseen.

I'd agree with KL at point. But the biggest problem will be who will make up the bench. Even strategy can't solve the fatigue factor. Hopefully, RM can find some talent out there to help next year. We still are woefully short.