courtside

Thanks for ths information. Vedad attended Roosevelt I believe for all of one year, his Senior year.

I thought Penders' comments deserved a paste job. On how SLU has changed over the past few years... "They're not playing keep away. That is the main thing. We played them two years ago, and it seemed like when we were up 20 they were holding the ball. They are attacking more now, and I think its going to help Saint Louis recruit better players and they will become more of a television-type team. That is what is going on today. When I said that 20 years ago people though I was nuts. People don't want to throw down 30 dollars to watch a keep-away contest. Their guys are so much more aggressive offensively than they were. Saint Louis is a better offensive team and a better defensive team than when we played them two years ago, no question. I think they are a legitimate NCAA type ball club. I read Sports Illustrated, they picked them in the tournament and second in the Atlantic 10. I know most of those teams in the Atlantic 10, and I wouldn't disagree with Sports Illustrated. I think they are a top-50 team. I think the Billikens have a very good basketball team. They may not be the quickest team, but they are strong and have good guards. I think Lisch is kind of a poor man's Manu Ginobili. Their point guard doesn't turn it over, they've got size and strength inside and are very solid. They are now playing 21st century basketball. I think that is good for the Billikens, good for their fans, and will put people in the seats. It's a good program.

Excellent post! Don't want to be a ***** poster..but the scoreboard at the Scott is embarrassingly bad. It isn't SLU's fault, but this needs to be changed immediately. Somewhere in the building should be individual player stats of those in the game, ...individual points, fouls etc...for both teams. I can put up with the ...there is more advertising than a Cardinal Baseball game for now. Start with the scoreboard. I was hoping someone would post that...I just can't take that problem anymore myself.

I'd be happy to settle this from my viewpoint at the game. Love Tommy Penders, true gym rat, and he is great for the game. Problem with Tommy Penders is his teams though always athletic, make poor decisions all too often,every stop he has been. Houston does not currently have the talent to overcome those poor decisions. I have no doubt that talent level will go up with Penders' recruiting ability, and he will win there, but also lose games he should win too. Houston settled for way to many early deep jumpers before settling in to take the ball to the basket more off of the wing. SLU is much more disciplined, less athletic by a lot. SLU opened strongly and ready to play, knocking down three's off of the extra pass. Where was the scouting report from UH? Guarding Lisch on three's. He had all day to shoot too often. UH got back into the game with a 2-2-1 zone press. It forces strong decisions, and break finishing, SLU did neither in the first half. UH was much quicker to every loose ball and put back. Instead of physically dominating the boards, Voyoukas was pillow soft. UH out quicked and outhustled SLU the entire first half and late in the game. In between SLU was better in the half court. UH didn't press as much in 2nd half and when they did SLU made the adjustment finishing the break. Maybe that is why Penders backed off of it more in 2nd half? I would have mixed some other traps in there because other than Lisch who played very well and makes intellignent decisions, I would pressure ANY other SLU guard all day. Polk may be quick but his decision-making is average at best under pressure. The rest below that. Shocked UH couldn't make an adjustment for Lisch even just a little to force someone else to beat them, or they win the game going away. Credit of course to Lisch and SLU for getting him the ball in various places at various times. The much more athletic team lost to a more disciplined team, a team that had just enough ability to finish breaks to hang on for a win. Certainly nothing for either team to get excited about...perhaps UH because they were missing three starters but played wire to wire on road. I really don't care what SLU's annoucners said, they are biased, period. SLU desperately needs more than Lisch and Liddell to make jump to next level. Voyoukas' play is declining, some nice and perhaps lucky tips at best, horrible FT shooting, catches ball way too far from basket for his size, needs to work much harder on positioning in the post, and using his body to his advantage, and finishing much much stronger in his play. Has potential, but after all of this time, surprised he isn't better than this. Plays way too slow, and smaller than he is. As I said, Lisch and Liddell are players, but that is all SLU has on this team, perhaps an inconsistent Voyoukas flash. They need a talent upgrade even at role player positions to go to next step in the process of getting better. Penders almost stole one on athleticism(and frankly this is one of least athletic Penders team I have seen in long time)...that just shouldn't happen anymore. Big teams will push SLU around inside, and smaller quicker teams will give them lots of trouble with athleticism. The teams in the middle that play half court, SLU will handle. One good class isn't going to get it done. Need another, one at worst every other year, to advance to another level...to get over the hump. Gotta have two classes.

I am out of town more than in town. So I have the unique experience of seeing both home and road Billiken men's soccer and men's hoops at home and road each season. It is really rewarding to take in the differences of playing at home v the road in any sport in the same season. I attend those two the most, but I have been to baseball(wish it was bigger time with bigger time facilities, ...think it could be too), women's soccer. Most of my appearances away from the two big sports at SLU are through people I know coaching or playing, etc..I wouldn't be a regular in the other sports at SLU, as I am the big two. But I always make it to something.

Tom Penders and uptempo, that is quite the understatement. Houston will want to run SLU out of the gym and SLU will want to play half court ball. Houston is not quite there yet in ability, so this would be a nice game to play uptempo for SLU and see what they can do against a similar level team. But Houston is definitely getting better and on the rise.

Class AA 1. Simeon (13) 233 2. St. Joseph 187 3. Marshall 161 4. Peoria Richwoods 148 5. Thornwood (1) 147 6. Lincoln Park 131 7. Loyola 119 8. Washington 103 9. West Aurora 101 10. Decatur Eisenhower 98 11. Crane 58 12. Homewood-Flossmoor 49 13. Warren 40 14. Bloom 33 15. (tie) Thornton 31 15. (tie) Von Steuben 31 Others receiving votes: Champaign Central, Alton, Bloomington, Rockford Boylan, East Moline United Township, Edwardsville, Schaumburg, Thornton Fractional North, Proviso East, Lincoln, Hales Franciscan, East St. Louis, Leo, Rock Falls, Whitney Young, Peoria Manual, Thornton Fractional South, Farragut, Carbondale, Bloomington, Hillcrest, Lockport, Batavia. Class A 1. Pinckneyville (9) 248 2. Maroa-Forsyth (6) 237 3. Seneca (1) 183 4. Granville Putnam County 181 5. Teutopolis 159 6. Farmington 144 7. Minonk Fieldcrest 97 8. Macomb 81 9. Bloomington Central Catholic 74 10. Mount Sterling Brown County 67 11. North Lawndale 64 12. Forreston 61 13. Riverton 59 14. Orion 51 15. St. Joseph-Ogden 50 16. Nashville 48 Others receiving at least two votes: Tolono Unity, Warsaw/Nauvoo-Colusa, St. Anne, Bismark-Henning, Winchester West Central, CICS-Longwood, Cissna Park/Crescent-Iroquois, Effingham St. Anthony, Hardin Calhoun, Savanna West Carroll, Warrensburg-Latham, Macon Meridian, Eureka, Mount Carmel, Metropolis Massac County. ....in largeschools, Jesuit Loyola Academy features quite the interesting roster including Jeff and Marcus Jordan, sons of Michael, Matt Suhey's son, and Bill Wennington's 6'8 Frosh son.

It may not ever happen, but I would like to see SLU dominate the A-10 in sports as I thought they would. Build it up a while and hopefully at right time down the road, have bigger aspirations. Much better choice than the Valley...can't even believe that is still a discussion. Media and money people, exposure. Temporarily it is VERY frustrating to come "down" in competition is a lot of sports. I am not a fan of hammering lesser foes...yawn. Play with the big boys and if you get nicked up a bit...that's okay. I was just glad to see Texas A&M on the schedule. At least you know where you stand. You don't always know where you stand against weaker foes. I wish SLU got into the Big East...but without hoops tradidition and timing of opportunity, frankly SLU wsn't an attractive option for Big East. If and I say IF...SLU can make the NCAA routine in hoops, play some attractive ball, get the superior talent and do it several years...then they will become attractive to someone. A-10 is where they are right now, and it is the best of the choices. Gives SLU more East Coast media exposure, potential for increased enrollment applications etc...so many things the Valley never would have created. A-10 for now is the answer.

I will start With SLUballs, Last year Johnny D was put up top a lot and scored goals. They were so desperate they tried it. I too think he needs many more touches per game and was invisible in many. More touches means better service to...can't expect a great service if you never touch it. I'd be fine with him in the middle and Sweetin outside, so as to protect Sweetin a little more from injury too. I do not like Dado on the outside either. Matteson has nice passes and touch in the box and near it. I do not like Matteson's fitness, and do not like his full 90. His roll on a better team would be those touches in the box. If that kid could finish better he could have played up top. Speiss got a lot of time there because he is taller, faster, and frankly works his ass off. He isn't as talented for this level offensively. Especially with first touch. On an ideal team Johnny D is playing right side mid up and down the flank. He was needed more elsewhere because as proof is in the pudding...too often the best offensive player didn't get touches. Kwyjibo...I appreciate the remarks and ask did you see SLU play Rhode Island too? I ask this because UMASS is not a strong club...against far superior teams, SLU the pace is much faster and time allowed with the ball less...simple terms, SLU can do moer things against a weaker opponent, try more things, play with more confidence and flare. I would argue that SLU couldn't keep possession against top teams, could keep it well in their league and against NU. There are "target" forwards and "Space" forwards as I like to call them. Either you are a forward who likes to receive the ball, back to goal, shielding defender, turn and play...or you prefer the pass of the ball to go into space and run onto the ball. Brian McBride is classic target forward. You will not see many if any balls played into space for him. You play it right at him. Others like it in space. A few great ones can do both. Matteson, Speiss etc...are not strong target forwards imo. Yes finishers as we call them are tough to find. One of the reasons Taylor Twellman is so good, another target forward btw...is that he has a nose for the goal. He anticipates way in advance and is always in right place at right time. It isn't luck folks. It is like how Brett Hull used to play hockey 1-2 plays ahead of the opponent. He slides into correct spot sometimes. And he can finish. Vedad Ibisevic was exceptional at this, Will John was good at this, they went pro early. In the NU game when you are down 1-0 late, you put the ball in the box and see what happens. SLU worked some nice things on the outside...but SLU's problem is their finishers his year lack size, lacked a good first touch etc....some wasted pretty plays at times. I personally am not a fan of the long ball England game. SLU didn't have the big strong aerial players for this anyway. When SLU lost 3-0 to SMU I don't think SMU played one long ball all game. When you are losing and desperate like v NU...all bets are off and it is a quicker way to advance the ball to the box. That is different and not ideal. Just because a kid doesn't play a lot Frosh year, or especially in playoffs or late in year...doesn't mean they won't be good next year...Aranda, Holmes have a lot of upside. Some players throughout the years in the past, a Shane Batelle,or Matt McKeon OWNED the back line, very skilled athletic kids, beasts...SLU has had solid back line, but not a guy you can say, okay breakdown in d and he needs to save us. Perhaps Viviano could turn into that. He isn't there yet. Guffey, worked hard, leader etc..but isn't skilled enough for what I like to see in back. Only aerial option for SLU and really improved this season. Guys like Dado bug me, because I question their game intelligence...sure you always need a couple of guys who can beat guys of dribble, always. But he has no purpose with the ball after he does this. He like many others were tried up top and din't finsish. If you keep recruiting talented kids, upgrades,..you have options to move people around. ZERO offense to Guffey, Matteson etc...but these are big time high school kids who at SLU really only had the maturity and leadership senior year, and skills were solid. I am seeking guys who can come in and get experience early, more versatile players too. Tim Ream. And all that is , is getting high level recruits. I liked this class of Frosh. We shall see if another one is coming. And I should make a billboard for Will Bruin fan club, the beast forward from scott Gallagher/DeSmet who will be senior next year. Two straight years, the best shut down defender in the state said Bruin is toughest player they have played against past few years. He is big, very strong, skilled, and can finish, and in High School ball has little help, but comes from the solid discipline and coaching of DeSmet. These are once every few years players. How about a Mark Filla etc...from yesteryear... I would have had most faith in John D up top this year for SLU, not where I'd like him, but he is best they had.

I think questioning DD use of players and style of pay can be, an should be more the foucs here with player development. Recruiting is going okay for now. I am curious what this person said to you regarding utilizing players. I am always open to explore that side further. It is obvious that SLU had a lot more talent than NU sure. Would be interested to hear other takes. I have my own too.

Perhaps she will go to...insert your ACC school here....and win back to back field hockey national titles this year, be defending men's soccer national champs, win national titles in men's and womens hoops, and strongly upgrade that weak football program....oh wait that is Debbie Yow...adding yet more hardware this week. I will have to check but I believe as I type Maryland is winning the national title in full contact underwater basket weaving.;-)

I haven't been over to Bigsoccer.com in a long time ...what are they saying over there?

I'll get ripped for saying this on this board Brian, but as Skip and some others know, I get around to a lot of other venues and I have some favorites...I also like to look at comparable schools to SLU. What you described is a Marquette University hoops game every night under their current regime.(People on here have Marquette envy exclusively based on jealousy so I am ready for the bashing)...there are other good examples too, but I like that SLU can use most) I am told Tom Crean is very dictatorial in how it is run. I have been there, and let me tell ya...a game I went to, a Marquette v Pitt game last year, and their crowd and students willed them to victory play by play. I couldn't hear the person next to me and had to stand most of the game in a nonstudent section upstairs to see. It has in fact become one of those ESPN Game Day things this year and National Marquette Day, whatever that means. Wake Forest, comparable size(smaller actually) at least and comparable if not better academics, has a similar thing going too asking Marquette how they did theirs, and I have seen their vastly improved envornment. Anyway..they open apparently with personal message from Tom Crean every game on jumbotron thanking them and asking for for help...it is different each game and live. Pre-game he heads to student section every night and high fives many. Then lights go down and the beginning of U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name" rises in sound in the dark building, and it is eerily silent...up on jumbo tron is extremely well choreogrphed images of Marquette hoops, beginning with the distant past, ....music is loud, and everyone claps in unison in the dark and all they see are images throughout their history, helps tohave good ones and players. The Al Maguires and Dwyane Wade highlights get some roars. The song never has vocals from U2...just the song without vocals...and fades into present players one by one which get the most applause. A light show accompanies it too. I felt like checking in to start the game after that. They do it every game, even vs cupcake st. Then all the timeouts have excellent music choices mixed in with upbeat fightsong...etc...nothing slow..no dead time.(the band get their time to mixed in with a lot of great music on the sound system) They save half-time for marketing giveaways...along with always honoring somebody...last year it was retiring Doc Rivers I believe when I was there or someone else at half. I was told there is a Steve Novak bobblehead night and Dwyane Wade jersey retire night this year among others...Chicago's Jesse White Tumblers etc...always constant flurry of activity. Students wear all gold/yellow t's becaue it looks best on tv and in arena. Pom pons and player cards given away EVERY game to every one. Students camp out and line up every game, some as early as 5 am for general admission seats. 4000 season tix. Crean brings donuts to them. I have lived in the upper Midwest, trust me it is cold. They have these HUGE larger than life "heads"...of Wilbon, Bilas, Kornheiser, etc...that they breakout during timeouts in the student section...I even saw one of Gary Coleman from Different Strokes, hysterical.(Smart enough to make them of big time tv people who will talk about them, and yet funny enough to have a hot current event people too like Borat or something, old nostalgia like Coleman) And they just dance away. The thing to point out, is this was not the case before Crean arrived. And they STILL lined up and followed Crean's lead BEFORE making the Final Four and believed. He sells, and THEN won after. Takes someone with vision, and Athletic Dept cooperation. Now they are top 15 club in big time conference, recruiting nationally. This is a school with all of the morals and values and standards of SLU. I am extremely impressed with their attention to detail, no stone unturned, etc...SLU could learn from some of these schools. Send someone there to see it, meet with folks. You always say if other schools can do it, why not SLU. Why not scout out some schools if you have no clue what you are doing and get some tips. Yes yes winning is first and most important, I know. And I agree. But I don't think a casual observer would find most SLU games all that exciting, hoops or sports geeks like us wouldn't care, and the attitude shuld not be ...well screw them...it should be what can we do to improve your experience and get you excited and interested in our team, and maintain that enthusiasm amd improve it over time.

Fair Enough. I also would like to see the Athletic Dept do a lot more marketing to students for soccer and hoops to attend games. Obviously winning helps too. Applaud Legion 1818 grass roots efforts. But school has to provide some effort to all the way around.

Okay, Tim Lenahan....for those reading and not knowing...he is Northwestern's head coach, came from out East, originally a Jersey guy...surpsised you aren't clammoring for a local ties guy. Coached at Lafayette a while, places prior...in I believe his 6th season at Northwestern which was nothing prior to his arrival. Has a turn around history of programs. He is the guy who takes nothing programs and turns them around. Did it at Lafayette too. He has zero higher level winning success which may or may not be important to some. Meaning..until this year has never gotten past NCAA 2nd round. Obviously he admitted after the game that SLU dominated his team and should have won but NU was "fortunate" in his words. He is in his mid to late 50's age-wise. In 6 seasons, made NCAA's twice including this year's run. Made 2nd round in 2004. Plays a very defensive style. His kids virtually packed it in 8 min behind ball and were content to for more than 45 min to try to hang on v SLU. I was even a little surprised by that. One of his highly thought of young assistants moved on to be head coach at Colgate(his alma mater) last year and took DePaul assistant, DeSmet's Joe Ahearn with him. Okay well at least you have put forth your man for the job. Now you are talking about recruiting connections on East Coast and in Chicago when before you were talking of fielding all or almost all St. Louis players. Perhaps you do after all understand that you have to recruit nationally, preferably inside out method, but nationally to win consistently. What do I think of local prep players? I think it depends on the year. Some years, lots of or multiple players good enough for SLU. Some years not. This year is one that is in between. Grossman to Duke, Clendenny to SMU, Roach to IU. I do not like Roach's character, but admittedly prefer winning as long as his grades are up, and he follows rules. Clendenny is shut down defender, and Grossman a defensive mid. So please tell me who locally is top flight forward or offensive mid in STL besides Roach past two seasons. I am sure you enlighten me with long list of guys good enough for top flight D-1 programs. Seriously I am asking. Maybe I missed some people. Two years in a row. Perhaps, perhaps could argue Thiago, but even he came off of bench for bad under .500 team. And overall, last year, as I sid Zach Tierney is only player good enough for me. He started and played well as defender fow New Mexico this year. There was a top flight forward out of DeSmet, Will Bruin who I have openly campaigned for, a beast at forward, will be senior next year...haven't seen a top flight forward out of STL since Joe Germanese who is even more a mid, but I will accept that as last I have seen, that was a few years back. A lot of the kids the past few years that were the best local players..for one reason or another are not playing High D-1. Name me anyone from the great CBC teams past few years playing somewhere great...or Chaminade...David Roth is only one, the other went to SLU or weren't good enough. Timmy Walters etc..can't get time at Kentucky and Creighton. etc...bench. Some years in past sure...Warming couldn't get Klein or Noonan or Twellman. Clarke couldn't get guys, DD has missed on some...but if you look at local players...the top ones...list me all the great ones who got away. There will be a few, always is...but not many. Am I pleased with results past 3 years no. Was I pleased with results previous 3 years yes. Do I think very few programs make it past 2nd round every year of NCAA yes. Do I think SLU can do it yes. Do I think DD saved his job this year, yes. Do I think it needs to be watched yearly until he makes sure he doesn't miss any again, and routinely makes 2nd round throwing in deeper runs some years, yes. I am actually very tough on coaches. If SLU is horrible next year, I will have no hesitation. DD has had his best class in years, Viviano, Ream, etc...Aranda and Holmes will be solid future contributors I guarantee it. Those are you local kids. Except Viviano. So I look at past record, current record, and where is recruiting going. Recruiting was lights out great when he started as head coach first two years, after strong recruiting as assistant...then a couple of not so great, now a very encouraging class...so the 2nd round result is encouraging...the recruiting class is encouraging...and I will wait and see this upcoming class...needs another strong one. I, like Skip would argue more about player development and style than is he getting the St. Louis kids. Those are more discussion pieces for me. Obviously on entirely seperate note, non-revenue sports are not as urgent to the school as say hoops at SLU. It took Pizzotti a long time to lose her job. DD will need to fail imo more than he has so to speak top lose his. I have first hand knowledge of playing with and coaching with many people affiliated with SLU. As for facility, SLU's facility is fine. I would like to see minor upgrades as it gets taken for granted imo at times. I merely wanted to point out to you that many other programs have been undertaking multi-million dollar stadium improvements. There are a lot of facilities out there similar to SLU in ovrall quality. SLU is up there as a very good one, but they are NOT head and shoulders above the rest as you insinuated. I get around. SLU is top ten most years in avg attendance. I think SLU can and should be a top flight program. I think the school has to commit to one more, not just the coach. Not sure I would have hired DD without hc experience myself, but he is in there, and after 6 years I judge his whole resume overall, I also judge the direction SLU is headed. I think this year's recruitng class has a great deal of importance, sure. Academics, mildly want to touch on it. SLU's academic standards for Athletes is simiar to NU. Why do I know? I know in hoops, football, and baseball people personally who played those sports there and were no way shape or form qualified to attend NU otherwise and they freely admit it. If you want their phone #s, pm me. They will talk with you. Duke even has the sociology degree for many years...Laettner, Williams etc..all took it, Sociology of hoops, it is common knowledge, so it isn't as if they were the first. Family memeber of mine was recruited to play football at Vandy last year, close to a 3.0 student in high school, not quite. Not bad compared to others I know though. Maybe NU soccer has higher standards than other NU sports. Don't know. If their standrds are higher than SLU's ...it is minimal at best. I think it is comparable based on my personal experience.

Again, no solutions...typical billikens.com bitchfest without solutions. I really need to re-think my participation on this board. You are kidding me right. You said SLU had significant facility advantages over other programs. I said SLU has a comparable top 25 facility...they are in the game, nothing more. EVERYBODY here knows that the St. Louis Sports Commission is excellent at lobbying for and hosting events college and pro. Are the Dome and Savvis the best venues in the country? Must be all that NCAA wrestling tradition in STL and NCAA Hockey tradition that has those folks coming to town for their Championships. I know the Final Four was here in men's and women's hoops because of the tradition of SLU men's and womens hoops? right? Chris Roseman, Frank V will probably host the hot dog eating contest next. They are simply very good at what they do. Having a lot of seats doesn't make a venue the best...just an fyi...and to my knowledge ALU and the NCAA are not playing nice hosting this event either. SLU's faciltiies in some areas are advantageous, some areas similar, and some areas belwow par with the top schools. But I am sure you have been to those schools lately. SLU won their conference this year, and hosted and dominated and NCAA 2nd round game. Apparently that is unacceptable to you. Should formerly #1 SMU fire their for same result? How about New Mexico, last year's runner up? Same result. How about UNC or perhaps Bob Warming at Creighton who both couldn't escape the first round? Should they all be gone too? You said it was part of an unacceptable 3 year run. You didn't mention the 3 kids who turned pro early, one being the National Frosh of the Year. I hate to break it to ya, but St. Louis, which does have a lot of soccer talent and history, does not have the market cornered on great soccer. Why are teams gasp, winning without players from St. Louis. Unbelievable. How dare they? Who did they pay off? Solutions. You have none to provide. People called for Donigan's head last year. Where were you? Last year, I would have taken ONLY Zach Tierney out of the St. Louis area that Donigan didn't get. No one else. This year Roach is the only possible needed offensive player I would have taken, only one. And he has a lot of character issues. Would have taken Clendenny and a couple of future SLUH commits. I definitely would like to see Bruin in two years. Donigan has let a few good ones escape, Germanese, etc...but not a ton...Warming and Clarke missed some too. One would argue will John and Eric Sweeting were scooped up put of Warming's back yard in KC, short trek to Omaha. STL high school area has a lot of solid depth especially for the area's small size...but few superstars like anywhere else, some years more than others.

First, I did accidentally omit the 84 team that lost in round of 16. That is my bad my mistake. As people on here know I am far fro a Donigan Kool-Aid drinker. I merely said he should keep his job another year. What bothers me on these boards are people like you that don't provide a solution or solution suggestion to their misgivings with something. So who do you recommend? I never have lambasted Bob Warming. His success speaks for itself. But he didn't want to stay and coach SLU. He came and left going back to same school he came from. I merely pointed out to those who love Warming, his first season was a Final Four season, and unlike DD he didn't recruit those returning players. Can't have it both ways. I would even add that twiuce under Donigan SLU should have been given better quarterfinal draws or he would easily be in the College Cup from quartefinals. DD was Warming's assistant, recruiter, and recommended highly by Warming for the job. In fairness to DD, he wasn't a prior HC, and has had to learn on the job. That certainly goes into my objective evaluation of any coach. I will freely and readily admit that DD was ill-prepared for the early defection to the pros of some of his players, and that some more recent recruits have not developed well enough over four years. SLU was very strong his first 3 years. This season was a 2nd round club, and ANY top team has that kind ofr year in their resume, or worse. I do believe he needs to make the NCAA every year and be a sweet 16 caliber team, mixing in deeper runs. That is what I expect. And, I do expect dominateion of the A-10 reg season. Note, in the old days that you like to recall so much, the competition was far less, hundreds of teams now play D-1 soccer, and the tourney field has expanded. It isn't apples to apples. As for your other comments, maybe they were exaggertaed or in jest, but non-soccer people wouln't know, because you led them to believe to be fact. The womens soccer team never could win the old conference and I believe they wtill wouldn't today. The A-10 is cupcake city for them. They also pad their record with easy non-sonference foes. They are finally playing a couple of tough non-conference foes a year. I wish them well, and hope they can comntinue their slow, methodial improvement, and think they will. They have never made it past the 2nd round of NCAA's, so no they are not better than the men. And, they didn't win the reg season A-10, so no again , not better than the men. Also you mentioned the great facility advantage for SLU. Not vs top 25 teams in NCAA. Not sure the last time you headed to the ACC schools, IU, UConn and the like and so on, I don't see an advantage for SLU. I would argue also that SLU has ZERO student support until a very small but spunky Legion 1818 began this year. Try going to a few tough environment road games. As I stated, outdated scoreboard, prac field upgrade needed, locker rooms aren't the best. You also mentioned that SLU men's hoops were getting more of the top local talent than SLU men's soccer. Vedad Ibisevic, John DiRaimondo, Brian Grazier, Dipsy Selouwane, Brad Davis, Tim Ream, Josh Aranda, Dado Hemzagic, and so on, not to mention other parts of MO, Sweetin, Jewsbury and so on...all recruited by DD...not every kid pans out of cousre...I would argue this past season, ONLY Zach Tierney started as a Frosh at New Mexico. Thiago did come off bench for Stanford. No one else good enough to play at SLU. There have been some to get away as well, but that was same case under Warming and Clarke too. Klein, Noonan, Twellman and many others. I would argue that partly due to the huge uncreases in top quality national programs, kids have many many more options and choices to go to school to play soccer than in the past, especially the 1970's and 60's. It is entirely ignorant and incomplete to blanket statement compare 1960's and 1970's to now. Can SLU become a soccer power again, sure, if the University wants to commit to that. I see no reason why not. Again I would gladly hear your solutions in all of these areas. You do a lot of complaining but offer little in way of solutions. Difficult to respect that.

SLU has nice timing playing on a Sunday. All Rams for next few days and Alfonso Soriano going to Cubs. It will likely get lost in the shuffle for the paper, and possibly radio too. Pinkel's extension at Mizzou is a hot topic. Too old to be a "bit" for next Sat too. I don't think it will get much coverage from Bernie. Cusamano sure.

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>The basketball team does not have same history and tradition >of the soccer program. The basketball team currently does >not have the facility advantage that the soccer team has. I would also like to add how often you get to opposing venues? It is a serious question. SLU's facility is fine. Lots of other comparable facilities out there. You are however aware that SLU's scoreboard, Pressbox, concessions, practice field, locker rooms, are below par with some of these same schools. I am willing to bet you don't get to a lot or even some of these opposing venues, or your post would have been different.

The anonymous donor is rumored to be the guy who founded and owns "Public Storage" across America. So now you can think of this story when you drive by a Public Storage.

Bump

I really am not locked in to what DD makes, and wouldn't want to guess wrong. It is obviously low six figures. Where? Not sure. I know of some other coaches coaching in very similar school environments to SLU, size type of school etc...making right at $100k, before bonuses or perks. And those schools do NOT, repeat not have SLU's level of team, not close. I know some coaches at tiny budget but traditionally good soccer schools...would be like a UNC Greensboro, but not them...don't wanna name the school or coach...making $60k before perks. Big ACC and Big Ten program coaches I would imagine do the best. much higher than these. It certainly can be done. John Trask at UIC...almost 10 year IU assistant, in his what 2nd or 3rd season, had good year. He did it in Chicago, big city with mostly local kids. SLU could field an NCAA team with mostly local kids, but I get concerned how many top quality kids want to stay home, because STL isn't that big of market. Chicago has so many solid players, no more solid than STL, they just have more of them. Soccer as you know is good everywhere now. If SLU ever did make a change, I would like to see a hungry coach that is doing what Trask is doing, assistant at top program, then does extremely well with previously nothing program, then gets a SLU gig. Or someone with local ties, who can bring in the local top players. Santa Clara, San Francisco, easier to recruit in big NoCal or Cal altogether...similar schools, smaller schools. BC should be better as should Georgetown based on location. SLU should be getting top local kids, top KC kids, and rest of state, AND dip into the region...then get natinal and international...should be a National Recruiting base, built from inside out. It isn't right now....well...yes and no...I want the out of towners to be top quality. They have never really recruited Chicago much except McBride. Some good players there too. Top local Chicago player picked a bad Marquette program(but they do have a new dynamic coach). DD isn't getting a free pass. The school and AD need to commit to the program. Then he needs to win on the field. There needs to be a total commitment to be a top program. I see no reason SLU as a program, can't be a sweet 16 program or better most years, no.

Yes it is the same green space, but it is rather inadequate for a top 5 program don't you think? Or a top 16 as Skip suggests annual program? Is a regulation size full length practice field too much to ask? I know "bad" programs with at least that. The reason I mentioned it was to point out SLU doesn't have the market corned on best soccer facilities. I at least can say with informed opinion what other programs are doing. I don't like posters, not Skip of couse but the random SLU has the best facilities in the country. Or the at SLU we should be top 5 program every year, with nothing to back it up. For Skip, what do I think? Well my answer would be I don't know. I would think NCAA would go to 64 teams soon, from 48, no more byes. Gotta win 2 in post-season every year is tough if that happens. Not a one word answer. I would be more comfortable had DD been a HC, but DD has 6 years in of learning. And he has Sorbs with him too. Sorbs' dad sure knows how to coach. I am hopeful, not 100% sold of yes definite he can and will, no. But I believe right now, only a superstar proven head coach could come in and make want to give the job to someone other than DD. DD would have to fail more for me. If he misses NCAA's next year I would relent. If SLU has one and done's next two years, I would relent. He is not getting free ride with me, and I have been very critical of him at times. If he fails I want a quicker hook, no question. But if next year and year after produces Viviano's and Ream's etc...I am hopeful. Best answer I got. Not many teams make sweet 16 most years. Even the great ones mix in shorter runs. Do I think DD can lead SLU to National title or Final Four, yes I do. Or I would want him gone. But, but, he could slide next year and be done. And I would be fine with that if warranted. The next 1-2 years will define him as a continuing a long time, or being done at SLU. He knows he's gotta get two deeper NCAA runs next two years to last. If he does it, fine, if not he is out, fine. But Skip, I do understand the want and desire to be an elite beast year in and year out. I would like that too. SLU needs to do their part for him too. This is the same school that finally allowed the first ever full time assistant coach not too long ago in DD for Warming. If the school steps it up too, then I am on board. I have heard from sports mkting friends that realtions between SLU and NCAA for College Cup have been icy to bad. I will try to find out more specifics and report, but a trusted friend told me that SLU is not putting itself in position from school AD Dept standpoint to host any time soon again. Do not have or know any more specifics and this may very well be nothing...but I trust my source, and I will seek specifics, as I know nothing. Unless I hear something more, I won't have anything to say about it. These are high dollar NCAA sports marketing guys. Hope it is nothing. Sorry for the long answer, which in short is cautiously yes reserving right to admit being wrong next year or year after. But gotta believe in something. I have no ties to Dan. I freakin know Brad S. But no ties to DD, other than club ball stuff and common friends, but don't know why but I have a feeling about DD. Goin with the gut.

Let me take the last thing first because I disagree. Plenty of times I would agree with you the past couple of seasons, but not yesterday. Speiss was in alone naked with the keeper. Johnny D was robbed on a sprawling save in first half. His reaction of frustration priceless. Matteson had two decent opportunities with the keeper. Many others weren't seriously challeneged...but those are a lot I mentioned in one game. I understand and agree with your frustrations. Problem is SLU doesn't have the personnel for one particular style in general. I do not mind playing the ball wide with overlap runs....problem is TARGET forward. SLU has none who can play with his back to the goal 18 yards out. First touches are not good enough at this level up front. Casey Speiss won head ball after head ball after head ball yesterday. But he is alone up there for that. SLU does not possess enough hold the ball midfielders moving forward offensively to play yet another intrical hybrid interior passing game, and obviously no high skilled dribblers with speed and precision, a few...for a more Brazilian style etc... There is a reason I pointed out SLU's record when falling behind. Sure SLU came back against St. Bonnies or Xavier both home games etc...but when they got down against SMU..they panicked it blew open on mistakes. SLU didn't panic yesterday...but did you notice how right before and right after NU's goal SLU had a barrage of high quality near misses...but late first half...you could feel them think about it...uh oh here we go again...the pressed hard in 2nd half, but many long balls were forced, as SLU under the pressure of a big game changed their style of play. Skip, I went to the SLUH Chaminde playoff game this year, two best teams in state...terrific first half...but both teams got tight in 2nd half, nerves, tired, etc...and it became long ball fest. It takes a team with superior finishers, guys who can hold the ball up top with no fear. Guys who get shots on goal, etc...SLU just needs a couple. SLU plays so much different when they score first, even against elite teams, knocking the ball around with confidence, flare, etc...this year's team struggled mightily in big games when playing from behind. Got away from their game, when chances don't go in due to inferior finishing of great plays. It gets into your head. If that game stays 0-0 til 2nd half or ot, 100% confidence SLU would win. They simply need a stud scorer who even if doesn't finish, eludes confidence in the team, makes the backline play more comfortably thinking, hey we don't have to be perfect, we can relax, take chances etc...and not play defensive. That is what I think.