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You're absolutely right. Not only is there no local D1 school, there is no NBA team. Plenty of demand for top flight D1 college basketball. We just need to get the product right. When Spoon took us to around a 30th AP ranking, Billiken basketball was #4 in D1 attendance -- over 16,000. Even with ticket prices a bit higher today than then, imagine if we were Top 20. Or better. Hottest ticket in town in our 10,500 seat arena.

couldn't agree more. bernie miklasz being the only exception. he works his butt off. the closest guy we have in this town to burnes and broeg.

Shoe, right you are. I did not find it a negative performance by Rick at all. He was funnier than usual. Very engaged. I stayed until nearly 1:40 and if I didn't have a ton of work, would've stayed another hour. And it had the risk of being quite combustible if Rick decided to go off-script and launch into the dismissals of WR and KM. But he didn't. While I was surprised and a bit disappointed he let his players do most of the early speaking (heck, I came to hear him!), by the time the players were finished, I really liked that approach. What it said to me about Rick was "I am proud of these two guys. They are tremendous representatives of the University. I trust them. I trust them so much I'm going to turn over the speaking reigns to them. These guys will be graduating early -- and soon. I want to show these guys off -- and give them some experience handling public speaking and Q&A with an audience." This is what education should be about. The sum parts of your total experience -- as Rick likes to quote. I'm not sure whose idea this was -- Rick's or someone in PR -- but it was very nicely done. I came away proud of my alma mater. Another thing I really liked about Rick's speech today -- and this is true nearly every time he speaks -- is his emphasis on academics. He is a very bright guy, well-educated by the Jesuits and a big proponent of a Jesuit education. He didn't speak about the Jesuits today. But in addition to bragging about Cassity and Conklin's great chance to both be academic All-Americans at end of this year, both will graduate a year early and with Masters in four years, he also bragged about Kwamain's "solid B" and that he has worked hard in the classroom, what a great student freshman Evans is, how valuable a SLU education is, what a great academic opportunity his players have, etc. He also talked about how his recruiting conversations go regarding academics...he makes it clear to them that if they're coming not expecting to give an A effort, SLU is not the right place for them. I don't think this is Rick simply telling his audience what they want to hear. It comes from his heart and he is consistent with this opinion virtually anytime he speaks. While at this point he can't be quite as selective a recruiter as perhaps Notre Dame has been, he clearly sets expectations for his guys and is trying to build something for SLU -- on and off the court. Excellent. That said, I did find a couple comments telling. When discussing SLU's future in possible re-org of the Big East, he mused that it would "...likely happen after I am gone..." And later he said the Big East re-org would likely happen in "...5 years give or take..." This is the first I recall RM ever putting even a rough timetable on his employment. Now none of us ever realistically thought he'd stay 10 years or more. But I was hoping. Maybe he will. I also don't think this had anything to do with recent player dismissals (just my guess) -- so no alarm. But he seemed to indicate publicly he might not be around if/when SLU would join Big East. Boy, I'd hate to see him not enjoy the fruits of his labor -- if that would come to pass. Secondly, as was mentioned earlier in this thread, someone asked him about his involvement in the recent process with WR and KM. He said he wasn't able to discuss the matter. But he also said that (I'm paraphrasing) he stands by his players 100% -- and at same time acknowledged he is known as a tough taskmaster and coach/mentor by his players. While the exact meaning of that brief comment is only known by him -- and he did not elaborate -- seems to indicate his support and loyalty to them regardless. A very enjoyable lunch. Optimistic after a rather dark two weeks. Let's go Bills!

Yes, perhaps a bit insensitive. But I did not find it offensive. Actually the opposite. He was trying to be a bit funny and by saying (and i'm paraphrasing) "yea, RL's good. but he hasn't played top-notch competition in the US -- the brothers." he paid them respect in his own way. I kept asking myself...if i were african american, would i be offended? kept going back and forth in my mind. wouldn't have liked the word he used. but in the end, he paid them a very high compliment. and he meant what he said. and my final reaction to it -- imagining if i were african american -- was "damn straight!"

Another recruiting-related topic was discussed, too. Brian Conklin was asked why he chose SLU and if his reasons seemed to be similar to others who have joined the program. His answer was interesting but not surprising. Three key reasons -- in this order: - Majerus as coach. The chance to learn from someone who knows more about the game than anyone. Other team members have remarked to him that they are surprised at how much more he knows than they even thought he did - The building. Better than even the really good ones. - Academics. A place where school is taken seriously. And it has lived up to his expectations. He expects to graduate with his Masters in 4 years. He also answered that the 3 reasons given above were very similar to most other recruits. His answer is intuitive, of course. But also interesting because they are quite different than answers likely provided 3 or 4 years ago. Brian is a very good representative of the University. They should offer him a job after he graduates. Smart, polished, well-spoken, hard working. Mighty competitive.

Another topic Majerus discussed was recruiting. He expected to sign one more major recruit for 2011-12 season - perhaps two. Also, there are two recruits making visits this weekend. They are from cities within 400 miles (or did he say 4-hour drive...can't remember.) But both are serious recruits, coming with their coaches. He talked a bit about what their experience will be like -- watch practice, show them film -- how they improve players' games -- talk about academics, tour facility, watch weight training, perhaps eat together - each paying their own way. Said both recruits' parents are serious about academics which was a strength of the SLU pitch to them. If I think of more, will pass along.

Thanks for the link to the NYT story. What was the fight about? Anyone know?

Yes, the Band was still around in the Grawer era. They made the trip to Madison Square Garden for the NIT finals. Mike Beczkala was running it by this time but can't recall if it was still the Jazz Band under the auspices of the Music Department or if it was already changed to a Pep Band.

I was at SLU in these days and can give you a bit of information about the band situation. You are correct; originally the Jazz Band did play at basketball (and hockey) games before Ekker's arrival. In fact, the members of the Jazz Band during that time -- and during Ekker's time -- were awarded half-tuition scholarships funded by the Athletic Department to play the games. You're also right that the members didn't want to play the games. The Music Department, which ran the Jazz Band and administered the scholarships, had no interest in running a pep band for the games either. As classically-trained professionals running a degree program, they saw it as beneath them. While less adamant, the Jazz Band musicians -- also serious about their craft -- saw it as beneath them, too. Somehow the Jazz Band got out of playing the games. But as mentioned above, the scholarships lived on. Amazing. In any case, Ekker went looking for another band, a rent-a-band. About half of the musicians in that band were students, the rest came from elsewhere. And they were paid. So the students in the rent-a-band not only got half scholarships for playing in the Jazz Band (a credited course), but got additional for playing the games. Not a bad gig if you could put up with the basketball. Some years later, the Music Department was closed, Mike Beczkala was hired to create a large pep band -- and the rest is history. One really sad part of the Ekker days -- and one rarely mentioned -- is that his daughter was a student at that time and bore the tremendous embarrassment of having daddy living with a certain Strutter. In addition, of course, to the bad basketball, mascot, music, singing........... One question. There's been a couple mentions of an Incident with the Center-a punch to the face. Somehow, I missed that one. Anyone care to elaborate?

An update to the story from the P-D. The two men being held for questioning were released. Investigation continuing, possible arrest warrants to come? http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stor...65?OpenDocument

Yes, HDNet is available within the HD programming tier of most cable and satellite providers including Charter, DirecTV and Dish Network...i'm sure most of the others, too. According to the CBI website, HDNet is the official broadcast partner: "HDNet is the official broadcast home for the CBI. HDNet will broadcast up to eleven of the tournament games, including doubleheaders on March 16, 17, 22, and 24."

Maybe I missed a news story, but what's John Stamos doing in town?

agree. while perhaps there were better food/drink options, the service was awful. 15 minutes to get 2 cokes. the workers were disorganized. i give em a pass since it was the first game. but better be better next time.

SShoe, Couldn't agree more. I was hoping someone would make this point before I got to the bottom of the thread. Hey, it's Christmas time. Let this alone in public forum.

slulaw09, Basically I agree with you. 6400 is pathetic. In a market of 3,000,000 with no NBA team to compete with, it is a joke. A lot of this has to do with the lack of success of the previous coach. Too many years of sitting on the post-season sideline. But the good news is this: We have seen what the support can be/will be when a winner is built. Not that long ago, we averaged over 16,000 a game under Spoon -- the 4th best average attendance in NCAA. And that was for a team that was NOT top 20. This program is the best kept secret in town. The trajectory is excellent. Next year, tickets will be harder to come by. The year after that...

Unless the appeal was rejected in the last 2 days, SLU is still pursuing both avenues.

Last Friday night, Rickma spent nearly an hour on 55KTRS with Mike Claiborne. Besides reiterating his great frustration with the situation, he made 3 points -- each of which I hadn't heard. Perhaps they've been posted in other threads and I haven't seen yet. Nonetheless... 1) SLU's appeal is still in front of the NCAA and the decision (as of last Friday) had not been made. He mentioned that the process had been slowed due to NCAA observing holidays during Thanksgiving week. Perhaps a decision has been made (mon or tues of this week), but as of Friday night it had not. 2) Cody had retaken the SAT or ACT (can't remember which he said) last Thursday, the day before his interview aired. 3) Cody was retaking the SAT or ACT (whichever he didn't retake last week) Monday or Tuesday of this week. So unless something has changed in last 48 hours, SLU is still pursuing both strategies -- appeal and retake test.

How about a Jesuit tournament? For us, it would replace the Chicago tournament this weekend. Put it in a semi-exotic locale. Provides numerous benefits: - Some Top flight competition (Xavier, GTown, Gonzaga, Marquette, BC, Creighton, hopefully SLU and more) - Some BCS (BC, GTown, Marquette) - Some local/nearby (Creighton, Marquette, Loyola Chicago, Rockhurst, Detroit, Xavier) - Promotion of Jesuit schools and mission Yes, there would be lots of reasons for some of the teams to say no. Already committed to other tourneys. BCS schools will have issues with lower RPI of some schools. Some teams already play each other twice in conference. Possible travel costs. But there are too many reasons to do this than not to. My vision for this would be to start it small. 8 schools. First round games in local markets. Build it, promote it. Then it becomes an event even the recalcitrants want to join -- either for competitive reasons or because their University presidents guilt them. By year 4 or 5 you have 16 teams, a TV contract with ESPN or CBS. There may be a TV issue with certain teams' contracts. More info needed. But there are some very good brand names among the 28 schools that would attract interest in such an event -- from the schools themselves, fans and TV. Arguably, the following names dance among the Top 100 teams more often than not: GTown, Zaga, BC, Xavier, Marquette, St. Louis, Creighton, St. Joseph's. The following, while not Top 100, have decent name appeal: Loyola-Marymount, Holy Cross, Loyola-Chicago, Fordham, Santa Clara, San Francisco. Nearly all of these schools are in top 20 TV markets: NY, LA, Chicago, Philly, DC/Baltimore, SF, Boston, St. Louis. We need to leverage these strengths of the Jesuit Universities -- from basketball standpoint, TV standpoint, student recruiting standpoint, mission standpoint -- and as the Jebbies are great at doing, a money standpoint.

My favorite player was Rick Kennedy. Very fast. Great scorer. Billiken Hall-of-Famer. Matter of fact, he won the national scoring title in 1973. Here's a short Sports Illustrated "Faces in the Crowd" blurb from '73. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/art...87426/index.htm He actually married one of my childhood babysitters. Still in town. Good guy. Since we're walking down memory lane, another great player from about the same time was Charlie LaBelle. Below is a link to a video/story on Charlie's recent induction into the Billiken Hall of Fame delivered by a KPLR reporter who happens to be...his son. Very nice piece. http://www.kplr11.com/news/kplr-news-slu-h...0,6005283.story Finally, if you want more history, here's more: http://www.jcs-group.com/trueblues/teams/stlouisbill.html

That's my understanding, too. December 17 would represent the earliest he could play in the second semester -- if not cleared and enrolled sooner. In addition to Rickma stating he was taking the test, I heard that he had taken a practice SAT or ACT. That may have been the October test mentioned previously in this thread. So Rick's statement would be the "real" test. Have no idea if that has happened or is still to come. But either way, as frustrating as it is to not know what the heck is going on, the lack of an announcement at this point doesn't necessarily point to a problem. I'm guessing the process is still underway...

NIT Semi-Finals and Finals - (NYC both years) SIU Carbondale (Hughes miracle finish) UMKC Wichita (NCAA Tourney) U of S. Florida (Tampa) Conference Tourney (Cincy) Conference Tourney (Miracle in Memphis)

I've seen a couple references to one more recruit being added to next year's class. - In today's post-game show, in discussing recruits and next year's team,Porter Moser said "...and one more is coming." - A post here by a new member strongly suggested a transfer is coming - Lots of discussion about Scott Suggs transfering - Marvelius Irving (FL) visited SLU campus last week Does anyone know who the final recruit will be? Or could there be 2?

This is my top 13 -- a full squad -- without necessarily trying to build it by position. I just think that for their eras, this group of 13 (in no particular order) is hard to beat: Ed Macauley Harry Rogers David Burns Roland Gray Anthony Bonner Erwin Claggett Justin Love Marque Perry Scott Highmark Dick Boushka Bob Ferry Jim Irving Kevin Lisch Just missing the cut: H Waldman, Monroe Douglass, Rich Niemann, Joe Wiley, Donnie Dobbs, Tommie Liddell I'm sure including Kevin on this list will surprise many. I'm kind of surprised myself. But he will finish in the top 10 all-time in scoring and is a terrific defensive player.

This is my top 13 -- a full squad -- without necessarily trying to build it by position. I just think that for their eras, this group of 13 (in no particular order) is hard to beat: Ed Macauley Harry Rogers David Burns Roland Gray Anthony Bonner Erwin Claggett Justin Love Marque Perry Scott Highmark Dick Boushka Bob Ferry Jim Irving Kevin Lisch Just missing the cut: H Waldman, Monroe Douglass, Rich Niemann, Joe Wiley, Donnie Dobbs, Tommie Liddell I'm sure including Kevin on this list will surprise many. I'm kind of surprised myself. But he will finish in the top 10 all-time in scoring and is a terrific defensive player.

Last night I was told that students who bought seats in the upper deck behind the baskets had moved down and were squeezed into the Blue Crew section. They were sitting in the aisles and crammed into the section -- helps explain the many empty seats up high on the ends.