Majerus at the MAC

[Westy03]

I wasnt able to attend but I figured I would start a new thread considering the other thread was getting watered down. Was anyone there to give a recap?

[lawyerbilliken07]

I didn't get to stay for the whole thing, but I can post what I remember.

Before Majerus spoke, he let Cassity and Conklin each answer some questions. Interesting note: when introducing the two, he said both will graduate in three years.

Cassity

-nothing too earth-shattering

-said that if were forced to pick starters, his would be: JJ, KC, BC, CR, CE

Conklin

-had surgery on the ankle and it feels much better; said he feels more explosive this year

-he has been in contact with Kwamain and they are hoping he will be able to return to the team

-has been working on his jump shot, but also hoping to post up more this year

Majerus

-he was asked about the freshman and he said the following:

-MM -- very quick, but a terrible defender; may struggle in the classroom

-JJ has good feel for the game, is very strong, may rely on athleticism too much, not allowed to shoot threes until further notice; may struggle in the classroom

-RL is a good player, but may struggle to adjust, has never played with "a brother" (note: I'm not trying to offend with that label, just a quote from RM)

-JB is a gym rat, loves the game, wants to be a pro even though he has no shot, mixture of Lisch and Meyer

-usual rant about travel in the A-10, etc., although did not express his usual preference for the MVC; thinks that the BE will blow up in 5-6 years, and that if SLU doesn't catch on with Georgetown, Nova, Xavier, etc, it will "never" be a big time player in college bball

-complained that it's hard to practice free throws without extra practice hoops

-said we would have gotten an Australian recruit better than CE and RL, but the school couldn't afford the trip to Australia to get him

-no comment on the WR/KM issue, except that he was not permitted to be involved in the process and he stands behind his players 100%

-only one Andre Miller reference that I remember, although multiple Lisch references

I'm sure there's a lot more, but that's what comes to mind. Others can correct/supplement, I'm sure.

[For-DaLove]

I'm glad he validated my belief that Jett will start.

[SluSignGuy]

-said we would have gotten an Australian recruit better than CE and RL, but the school couldn't afford the trip to Australia to get him

SLU should just make an Australian satellite campus already.

[bk18]

I didn't get to stay for the whole thing, but I can post what I remember.

Before Majerus spoke, he let Cassity and Conklin each answer some questions. Interesting note: when introducing the two, he said both will graduate in three years.

So in three years.... as in they are going to RS a year ..... or as in this is their last year at SLU?

[RiseAndGrind]

So in three years.... as in they are going to RS a year ..... or as in this is their last year at SLU?

Neither. They will just begin work in a graduate program for their 4th year. Similar to what Lisch, Husak, Meyer, and Eckerle have all done before.

[bk18]

SLU should just make an Australian satellite campus already.

Why does SLU want to be a top 30 team while not making big conference moves and pulling the stinginess on things like this.

I'd give up a pre-game prep rally for another great Aussie.

[bk18]

What did he say about Dwayne Evans????

I thought he might split time at the 3 with CE. But I want to know what RM thinks.

[GOSLU68]

I'm glad he validated my belief that Jett will start.

Majerus will change his mind about who deserves minutes and starts but said he has to rely on the two juniors he brought with him, Thinks Conklin will post up more and Conklin said one of the offenses they run two bigs flip out and in and have to be able to shoot from both distances.

Conklin seemed quite self assured.

I was surprised that KC had jj as the 1, CS as the 2 himself as the 3, Conklin as the 4, and Cory as the 5

Majerus reiterated CE had temporarily lost his shot he is working so hard to make up his deficit to the team on defence.

Majerus only had the one obviously insensitive remark and was more entertaining than usual.

Said he would mix Motion, the "20", NBA, and one other offence I did not quite hear and it would be different than last year-but at least 4 or 5 different sets.

c

[bonwich]

-RL is a good player, but may struggle to adjust, has never played with "a brother"

SignGuy, there you go:

BROTHER LOE'S TRAVELING SALVATION SHOW

(Especially be sure to wave this when the band plays "Sweet Caroline." And send my check to the usual place. )

[JMM28]

-said we would have gotten an Australian recruit better than CE and RL, but the school couldn't afford the trip to Australia to get him

Typical SLU. Tripping over dollars to pick up pennies. Lets spend 100 million on a new on campus arena, hire a big time coach, but then give him 50% of the resources he needs. What does a trip to australia cost? 1000 per person for a few days?

[Box and Won]

Why does SLU want to be a top 30 team while not making big conference moves and pulling the stinginess on things like this.

I'd give up a pre-game prep rally for another great Aussie.

Hell, I'd chip in a few bucks to make it happen.

[crymdg2]

SLU prob still pissed about RM's previous trip to the land down under. Let's just say he splurged and lived pretty large while there. Biondi was none too pleased upon his return and receiving his expense report. Having said that, I agree with the previous poster. If you're paying for a new arena and big time coach don't stop there and half ass it. Go all the way!

[lawyerbilliken07]

What did he say about Dwayne Evans????

I thought he might split time at the 3 with CE. But I want to know what RM thinks.

I forgot about DE. From what I can remember, RM emphasized that he's a smart kid from a good family. He also said that DE is very tough and a good rebounder.

[ARon]

I forgot about DE. From what I can remember, RM emphasized that he's a smart kid from a good family. He also said that DE is very tough and a good rebounder.

Yes DE's sister goes to Wash U. Family is very serious about education. I wonder how much offense DE can give us at least at first. The one game I saw him in he didn't have much of a shot. But his team also didn't feature him at all on offense. That being said he looked like he could be a real rebounding and defensive specialist. In situations where defense is key, I can see DE coming in to play the 3.

[brianstl]

SLU prob still pissed about RM's previous trip to the land down under. Let's just say he splurged and lived pretty large while there. Biondi was none too pleased upon his return and receiving his expense report. Having said that, I agree with the previous poster. If you're paying for a new arena and big time coach don't stop there and half ass it. Go all the way!

Did Biondi expect him to stay at a Motel 6 and take the people that run AIS to McDonalds to eat?

[crymdg2]

Brian, check pm's

[slu72]

Brian, check pm's

Boy, I hate to say this, but based on these reports, RM sounds like Mr. Negativity. Ok, he should have been afforded the funds to go to Australia. Probably the reason for the big expenses was he ate two meals instead of one. Then to say MM and JJ will struggle in the classroom is too much information and shouldn't be discussed in public. It's like he's saying they're dummies and there's a good chance they won't be here next year.. The brother comment about RL, totally uncalled for. I hope I'm wrong but I get the feeling he's mailing it in for this year because, like us, he thought we'd be dancing until 2 weeks ago. I'm beginning to get the feeling he's not long for the SLU. If I'd gone to the luncheon, I'd be disappointed.

[RiseAndGrind]

Boy, I hate to say this, but based on these reports, RM sounds like Mr. Negativity. Ok, he should have been afforded the funds to go to Australia. Probably the reason for the big expenses was he ate two meals instead of one. Then to say MM and JJ will struggle in the classroom is too much information and shouldn't be discussed in public. It's like he's saying they're dummies and there's a good chance they won't be here next year.. The brother comment about RL, totally uncalled for. I hope I'm wrong but I get the feeling he's mailing it in for this year because, like us, he thought we'd be dancing until 2 weeks ago. I'm beginning to get the feeling he's not long for the SLU. If I'd gone to the luncheon, I'd be disappointed.

72,

I think you are reading too much into his comments. Either that, or I think this offseason really has you down.

[ARon]

72,

I think you are reading too much into his comments. Either that, or I think this offseason really has you down.

Agreed. Rick sounded pretty negative this time last year too. I think he might like to under-promise and over-deliver. The players sound anything but pessimistic.

[SShoe]

Boy, I hate to say this, but based on these reports, RM sounds like Mr. Negativity. Ok, he should have been afforded the funds to go to Australia. Probably the reason for the big expenses was he ate two meals instead of one. Then to say MM and JJ will struggle in the classroom is too much information and shouldn't be discussed in public. It's like he's saying they're dummies and there's a good chance they won't be here next year.. The brother comment about RL, totally uncalled for. I hope I'm wrong but I get the feeling he's mailing it in for this year because, like us, he thought we'd be dancing until 2 weeks ago. I'm beginning to get the feeling he's not long for the SLU. If I'd gone to the luncheon, I'd be disappointed.

Haven't we learned by now to take Majerus' comments and racial "ignorance" with a grain of salt? Majerus is not racist, but he's been saying stupid stuff like the "brother" comment since he got here. Majerus is what he is and that's not going to change.

And haven't the jabs at Majerus' weight gotten old by now? I mean, something like 30 percent of this country is considered obese, yet people still feel like they need to make statements such as "he ate two meals instead of one."

[lawyerbilliken07]

Boy, I hate to say this, but based on these reports, RM sounds like Mr. Negativity. Ok, he should have been afforded the funds to go to Australia. Probably the reason for the big expenses was he ate two meals instead of one. Then to say MM and JJ will struggle in the classroom is too much information and shouldn't be discussed in public. It's like he's saying they're dummies and there's a good chance they won't be here next year.. The brother comment about RL, totally uncalled for. I hope I'm wrong but I get the feeling he's mailing it in for this year because, like us, he thought we'd be dancing until 2 weeks ago. I'm beginning to get the feeling he's not long for the SLU. If I'd gone to the luncheon, I'd be disappointed.

I'm probably guilty of mischaracterizing the comments about MM and JJ. RM's emphasis was not necessarily on them being "dummies," but rather on them coming from backgrounds where school work is simply not emphasized. Especially in talking about MM, RM said that it's tough coming from Chicago public schools to a place like SLU. A student just isn't properly prepared, through no fault of his own.

On the "brother" comment, I guess I shouldn't have posted it. It was of course insensitive of RM, but as others have pointed out, I really don't think he meant any harm. Simply a comment on the level of competition in New Zealand.

[Adman]

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.

[Adman]

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.

[kshoe]

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 posts Adman.

This isn't particular to this thread but it never ceases to amaze me how multiple people can hear a given interview, have different takes on it or re-post just certain parts of it and by the time a second or third person reads the re-cap on this board (SLU72 in this case) they get a totally inaccurate view on what was actually said.