courtside

I am sure a few hundred schools are saying the same thing. EVERY college team fights for "Bigs" .....tough to find.

Today's NY Times has a piece on Ryan Hollins. If I can find the link I will post it.

Ideas. Soccer. Need to have input, support, and action of the coaching staff and Athletic Dept. Research the successful schools....IU, UCONN etc...call them speak to people....have Athletic Dept people go to a game somewhere with successful atmosphere of college students. ...to get some ideas. Sam's Army is very organized and successful for the U.S. men's team. Because it isn't hoops, need to have promotions for students at EVERY home game. Giving stuff away, co-promoting with other events....lotsof signage, sponsors, etc... Take advantage of the weather when nice early in season for BBQ's...etc... Hype the very big games relentlessly. IU, any ACC, Pac 10 team etc...there will be big crowd oif people anyway...but hype it to students....the goal is to get students to go to soccer games, so if you spent a great deal of time marketing the big non-conference games, which are usually early in the season....the casual observer will see the high quality of play, and would come back to see more games. Start with the most socially active groups on campus....and people who stick around campus on weekends. Games are over well before the typical college kid even thinks of going out. ....start early get in some tailgating near campus.... The coaching staff must be very actively involved and aggressively recruiting kids to come to games....need to be very visible on campus, eat with students ....sell them on going to games....Donigan needs to be heavily involved. There needs to be signage EVERYWHERE opn campus, inside outside etc....banners etc...with team schedule and highlighting upcoming game(s)......every student at SLU should know when exactly the games are.....and what other activities will be taking place. There needs to be a designated student section at games. This section needs to be easily distinguishable at games. SOUND......SLU desperately needs a better sound system at soccer games.....speakers etc.....music pumping in pre-game....half time....this needs to be high quality. Even old farts, or parents with kids....will like any added atmosphere and excitement. Just like hops, need to market the event to students as THE place to be and THE thing to attend. For that night or weekend. Soccer plays a lot of Fri night, Sun afternoon games.....start with Fri night games....make it a post happy hour event....and pre-going out event for the boozers. But market to all types of students. Market the tradition. Nowhere near the soccer area of SLU is any indication of the tradition of the program. Should be all kinds of visual evidence at the soccer stadium. Bring back former players....and not just blue haired former players.....get them involved. Run it all first class.....have better pre-game and half time events. Have post-game events, concerts etc....tie in the soccer game to the event. Just a start....for soccer. Reward students for attending more games. Key is developing consistent student attendance. Give students incentive to go.

HEADLINE: It's a Wonderful Life Story BYLINE: Steve Rushin Steve Randall is a small man making small money in small towns, a 5'6" high school basketball coach who climbed a short professional ladder from Turtle Lake to Montfort to Oshkosh, Wis. He drives a banana-yellow Caprice Classic that cost $200 used, a car so mortifying that his three daughters put a for sale sign in the window whenever it's parked in the driveway. Lance Randall, Steve's only son, is a bigger man whose bigger plans draw him to bigger cities. At 25 he becomes the head coach at Webster University, whose streak of 13 losing seasons is broken his first season. Then he coaches the Birmingham Bullets in England, grounding himself in the professional game. Homesick after 9/11, Lance returns to the States as a D-I assistant at Saint Louis University, an ambitious young coach on the rise. In October 2004, 53-year-old Steve is poised for his 16th season at Oshkosh West High. During a routine angioplasty, doctors nick one of his arteries. A week later, while watching a Cardinals-Dodgers playoff game on TV, Steve tells his wife, Cindy, that he doesn't feel well. He lies down on the couch and dies. Lance, by now 33, and the father of a one-year-old girl, drives to Oshkosh for the wake and is struck dumb: A line extends for three blocks outside the funeral home, which stays open three extra hours to accommodate the mourners. "When 3,000 people show up at a high school phys-ed teacher's wake," he says, "you suddenly see the effect a simple man has had on so many people." The Oshkosh Northwestern receives hundreds of tributes to Coach Randall, from around the country and overseas. At the funeral players speak of his indelible impact on their lives. "That's when I had the epiphany," says Lance. "I had to do this." What Lance had to do was leave Saint Louis, walk away from his $56,000 salary, move his family in with his mother and accept a $4,000 part-time coaching stipend to take over his father's team at Oshkosh West, which already had a locker labeled randall. It means finding a full-time job that allows him to leave at 3 p.m. "I don't want to make the team practice at seven because the coach is doing double shifts at the Quik-Mart," says Lance, who signs on as a fund-raiser for the Experimental Aircraft Association. His first season is a fairy tale. Oshkosh West is ranked No. 1 in the state for the first time and takes an unbeaten record into the playoffs. "There was a fairy-tale ending to be written," says Lance. "But a lot of kids--not just ours--dream of winning state." West is upset in the sectional semis and sees two of its best players graduate. There is no happily ever after. This season the Wildcats' starting point guard is lost to suspension in December, but they are unbeaten. Over Christmas, West renames its home floor the Steven L. Randall Court and is touched by a strange magic. In early January senior Andy Polka--the quintessential Wisconsin name--makes a 75-foot heave at the buzzer to keep the Wildcats unbeaten. A teammate jumps up and down so hard in celebration that his shorts fall down, a spectacle spot-shadowed on SportsCenter. West continues to win, skating through sectionals, making it to Madison for the state tournament, where a metropolitan power from Milwaukee or Madison always wins. But that hardly matters. The Wildcats get to stay in Steve Randall's favorite Madison hotel, the InnTowner, where he and Lance holed up every year as state tourney spectators. And Oshkosh brings the tournament's biggest party of fans, bigger even than Madison's own Memorial High, West's powerhouse opponent for the state championship. With two minutes to go, Polka dunks to give West a 12-point lead. The crowd chants "STE-ven RAN-dall," reducing his widow to tears. The team buses back to Oshkosh that night, escorted by police and fire trucks, past congratulatory bedsheets. They are met at West End Pizza by a spontaneous pep rally for the new state champions. "I've been blessed beyond imagination," says Lance. "If I took over at Duke or won an NBA championship, it couldn't surpass what I've been a part of at Oshkosh West." Turns out, the small time is the big time. "They say 'Don't sweat the small stuff,'" Lance says. "But my dad has shown me, even in death, that the small stuff is what's important." Steve Randall so loved his players (and vice versa) that he cried at every postseason banquet. I tell him his dad reminds me of George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life. "You're the first person outside the family to mention that movie," says Lance. "It's my favorite. My parents gave it to me when I was little. I cry just taking it out of the box." The son inhales deeply and says, "You're exactly right: My dad was the richest man in town."

Rick is no longer a candidate at ASU. Search is re-openend and Randy Bennett is in the mix.

Schasz, Go pick up the book, "My Life on a Napkin." by Rick Majerus. I think you would enjoy it.

Yes, Acker has to sit out a year and gets 3 years of eligibility. they also recruited a kid out of Danny Hurley's HS team in Jersey for next year to be a back up pt guard....though he is a 2 guard. Crean likes tall, long athletic kids who can shoot....i.e. Stemler. But Marquette really needs a pf...as a top priority. The transfer takes up a scholarship for next year for them. so, they have one left, ....recently fired Ball St coach Tim Buckley was an assistant for Marquette for a year under Crean. ....and two other kids, including a current Frosh for Marquette played with Acker on same HS team in Chicago. ....connection must have been too good to pass up on a good player, Mid American Conference Frosh of the Year. Stemler may very well be in their mix still. ....reports have had Crean in about 5 different states last week recruiting.....Illinois included. Prior to the signing, many thought they would sign an inside player....and a shooter. Now they will have to pick one or the other.

Well...with the announcement of Maurice Acker from Ball State transferring to Marquette next year.....seems Marquette has one spot left....and they need a "big"....perhaps maybe moving away from Stemler....but wouldn't rule them out of the mix yet. But sure seems like a small positive for SLU fans who want Stemler.

Obviously. I just mentioned his prior relationship with Lisa Love, which helped lead to his being considered at ASU. ...I always say when I know something, I say so...when I don't I say so.....on this one, I'd bet a LOT of money I know a lot more than you. No offense...not trying to be a jerk or anything ....but I know a LOT on this topic, and people involved.... And I would like to leave it at that when it comes to Rick and not elaborate, and you'll just have to trust me on this one, not going into more detail on public message board....and I will leave it at that. Publicly, I can say I hope the best for him, and that this works out for him, and wish him all the best, a great coach, and great person....good for the game.

Credible sources saying Rick Majerus to ASU pending physical. .....but we'll see.

On the contrary Doc.....why don't you first calm down, take a breath, get a glass of water...and re-read this entire thread. I make/made comments about the Indy Star and the info you porvided....somehow...magically out of thin air that gets a reply from you which begins: paraphrasing..."Courtside's inegnius posts...etc...???" I merely pointed out to you that the Indy Star was late and sloppy covering the story at BEST. ...and somehow you take it as personal insult that the Indy Star was questioned. Do you work there? Or somebody you know? Then you try make things personal with your follow up posts etc.... somehow I...I...manage to just simply stay on topic. I then posted in response to Sampson's hire. After your previous misguided comments towards me....your defiance....and so forth...you absoluetly set yourself up for a mild playful post that had no ill will. It even had a smiley face Doc. What maore can I do? Maybe the kids are getting to you late in the school year...whatever...no problem...maybe change the water to a Scotch Rocks and kick back...whatever you need to do. But don't try to create something out out of nothing we me, or something personal with me that isn't there. No offense, I don't remember any of your posts on any other topics. You received incomplete at best information, and believed it to be true and I pointed it out. Whether that hurts your feelings or not, I don't really know or care. Anything else is simply in your head. Funny, nobody else is posting any problems with me. If anything I have a reputation on this board as being pretty objective and open to a lot of things and people. As I said, go back and read this thread.....I think you went wrong with your attacking comments and language after I pointed out to you that the Indy Star, not to my surprise wasn't hitting the mark. Good Day.

Steve ...other schools do it....and as I said, for a later in season, big game...etc....but you should be able to get hundreds of kids. If it works elsewhere....why not at SLU too?

I think we should all credit Dr. B for his tip on Kelvin Sampson. No, it wasn't one of his two original favorites.....and no it wasn't on the list of ten others he kindly posted from the Indy Star. And no, it wasn't one of his two latest favorites.... but let's all join in thanking him anyway....15th time is a charm....eh good Doc? ;-)

....ALL incoming Frosh students attend a HIGH PROFILE game later in season, as HS seniors....a ticket to anyone who wants one, free. One game, market it...make sure it is a big game, or as big of one SLU has.... Market this game for that purpose...Should have 1000 kids incoming...plus...

Sincerely, Giveaway EVERY game. VERY Doable. Doesn't have to be bobble head every night. ....but they don't hurt...and if you give that away...it needs to be one the masses would want...a recent standout...etc...or perhaps Larry Hughes bobble head night for example.... T-shirt with standout player's number on back and SLU on front, to all customers. All kinds of other things...big or small to mix in with big items. ...at the game....the events at half time need to be REALISTIC....meaning...Half court shot make wins an RV, 3 pointer wins 10k tuition help for student...one shot....etc.... Market your environment and game to CURRENT STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS. ....sure make it family friednly and we can never forget the blue hairs...but the most under-represented fan at SLU games is the current student and younh alum young adult fan. PRIORITIZE this. ......SLU games need more energy more young adult appeal....we have enough for the little kiddies and families..... HAVE A FEW PEOPLE GO TO HIGH PROFILE GAMES AT OTHER SCHOOLS AND GET SOME IDEAS FROM THEM. SCOUT OUT HOW OTHERS DO IT. ....just a start. Thanks.

You said in your other thread, that the probable best source for information was the Indy Star. I would disagree...and not only disagree, would add their coverage of the situation was very late to rpovide any investigative journalism, and after weeks, they put out a fluff 10 person guess/wish list without anything better than that. At that time and after all of that time...it took them a while to get going with any quality coverage. Since you are so familiar with Indy and IU ask your Indy friends their opinions. I never said I was all knowing. Some things I know and some I don't based on the situation and what first hand experience I have with the situation or people involved. In professional and colegiate sports, it happens to be some. I also didn't come on a message board to say ...see the tip I gave everyone was right, when in fact you didn't give one in the first place. As for IU's facilities....while having nice character, IU's hoops arena is outdated and so are some of their other facilities relating to the hoops program. In today's college hoops world you need everything you can to compete. I

Gee...Dr. B.... You mean 9 out of the first 10 on the list you showed were never serious candidates, imagine that. The Indy Star has been a day late and a dollar short in this story from the beginning. Few's name was peddled around thbe rumor mill well before last week and he was never a serious candidate. A "candidate" presumably is someone who has mutual interest between himself and the school.

First, gee picking GM out of 4 teams left...wow go crazy out on a limb there buddy. 2nd...George Mason's AD was one of 8 AD's on the selection committee. Every time they were discussed, he ha dto leave the room.....but having their AD on the committee didn't hurt.

....continues to be pushed in the AZ media as one of many candidates for the ASU job. After Dixon used the offer as leverage for 7 figures at Pitt.... Former ASU guard Lionel Hollins wants the job, but is fall back candidate. Others mentioned have been Rick Majerus, ....ASU AD Lisa Love was Assistant AD when Majerus accpeted and refused USC job. Mark Turgeon because he was an assistant at Oregon for a while...but even they think that one is as far fetched as I do. Bennett's family lives in the area and he grew up in Mesa. Certainly not their top choice but he is in the mix. The new Ad is pushing for big upgrades and has big ideas....and ASU down for a long long time...certainly has potential imo as a program, in a good ocnference, and great are in which to live.....

Western Illinois is coached by former SLU assistant Derrick Thomas.

I agree about the Big East. Seton Hall for example would not beone....but as I said many of them would definitely be a step up...no question.... As for UK....they would look at people like Billy Donovan, Rick Pitino...etc....big time people first...to see if they would come....and likely they would get a more established big time coach to come in there at this point. Anderson even if he had a couple of good years wouldn't make that list. Maybe 5-10 years from now if he ahs great run at Mizzou. Then he could get into the mix. What I think you don't understand is....a LOT of well established coaches would come running for UK job if it opened today. This isn't the Eddie Sutton time anymmore.....They would go after and get a big time coach....maybe some would not leave their well established programs...but they would get somebody to do it. UK is top 5 job in America. Personally I like Tubby. I think he has been undervalued. He just needs more guys who can finish, and they are fine.

Yeah Goat because jobs like UK are so easy to get. He would have no problem getting it. And no I wouldn't say ANY Big East school is a step up from Mizzou job....vertical as you put it. Yeah many are...but not all by any means.

I would disagree with Roy on this....if I put myself in this situation. If I am Dentman....I didn't do my part to qualify....yes IL St. showed interest....etc...and others didn't. Contrary to what B-Law says Illinois recruited him hard after he went to prep school. The interest came later. When Dentman goes to prep school....and now other people have interest...who better fit my interests...I would gladly listen. Sure it is self-serving etc....but University life is business, big business. No hard feelings...but with a chance to go to better academic school, in better conference with better team....etc...it isn't much of an issue. It isn't as if coaches an duniversities don't use players for their success too.

None of the above.... And, to anser immediate above post...if Anderson became Mizzou coach...and let's say did well....where exactly is he gooing to go? Maybe a lateral move, and Arkansas type....but he isn'tgoing to exactly due much better than a big power conference....middle of pacck team with possibilty for better.....etc....he isn't going to be HC at a UK, UNC, KU, Duke, UCLA type school.....so....where "better" is he going to go??? I realize Mizzou isn't doing well right now....but if it gets cleaned up and better...etc...it is a solid job....so where "better" is Anderson going to get.....? Lateral sure.

I think it is a very good hire for them.