(02-02-2015 10:13 AM)4bidn Wrote:  

(02-01-2015 09:57 AM)knucklehead Wrote:  As I see some of these teams come thru the vines, I'm glad we don't recruit those "caliber" players. I'd rather stiink and have Liberty kids than some of the stuff I see and hear down on the floor, especially from Harper and Nimley last night.

And those "caliber" players are the ones that actually make the difference in your program. And why LU would always be a cellar dweller bottom feeder type program, with your mentality. That type of attitude breeds FAILURE. There was not a nicer guy off the court than Larry Legend. But on it he wanted to stick a dagger right in your heart. I want kids like that ones that can be respectful but also get just as grimy as needed. I want some Jimmy Chitwoods on this team.

4bidn, valid points on Larry Bird and others who talked big and backed it up. The ultimate being Cassius Clay, later Muhammad Ali. He was the loudest, most vocal, most brash, most obnoxious loudmouth, but he backed it all up. As a young fellow growing up, I extremely disliked him for his brashness. I watched his fights hoping he would get beat. As I grew and matured, I understood his strong convictions and respected him greatly. I don't want thugs on the teams that have to much of a checkered past, but I'll take kids who have strong personalities, who may need a role model, who deserve a second chance. Gill seems to be a strong disciplinarian which is good as he has taken kids who have made mistakes and gives them another shot. Layer always seems to get the recruits from the church conferences that are squeaky clean.

I think I understand what kh is saying. I wasn't happy going to games in the vine center when opposing teams would come in and almost make it a point to curse loudly and act a fool. Liberty doesn't have to have those type kids to be successful.

Posted from my mobile device using the CSNbbs App

(02-02-2015 10:25 AM)NewTimes Wrote:  

(02-02-2015 10:13 AM)4bidn Wrote:  

(02-01-2015 09:57 AM)knucklehead Wrote:  As I see some of these teams come thru the vines, I'm glad we don't recruit those "caliber" players. I'd rather stiink and have Liberty kids than some of the stuff I see and hear down on the floor, especially from Harper and Nimley last night.

And those "caliber" players are the ones that actually make the difference in your program. And why LU would always be a cellar dweller bottom feeder type program, with your mentality. That type of attitude breeds FAILURE. There was not a nicer guy off the court than Larry Legend. But on it he wanted to stick a dagger right in your heart. I want kids like that ones that can be respectful but also get just as grimy as needed. I want some Jimmy Chitwoods on this team.

4bidn, valid points on Larry Bird and others who talked big and backed it up. The ultimate being Cassius Clay, later Muhammad Ali. He was the loudest, most vocal, most brash, most obnoxious loudmouth, but he backed it all up. As a young fellow growing up, I extremely disliked him for his brashness. I watched his fights hoping he would get beat. As I grew and matured, I understood his strong convictions and respected him greatly. I don't want thugs on the teams that have to much of a checkered past, but I'll take kids who have strong personalities, who may need a role model, who deserve a second chance. Gill seems to be a strong disciplinarian which is good as he has taken kids who have made mistakes and gives them another shot. Layer always seems to get the recruits from the church conferences that are squeaky clean.

I hate to say this, and it may come off the wrong way to some people, but here goes. When they do the recruiting at some of these "christian" schools are they always getting talent or just the most talented from that particular school meaning that 1) They REALLY don't play against any competition 2) Are going to said private school/christian academy to get those extra looks from schools. Now the minute they face "real" competition they are not ready. That squeaky clean kid is now about to have Layer most likely looking for a job, and the kids with a little "dirt" under his nails would maybe work just as hard and just be "better" than mr. innocent. Not saying thats wrong. But the two can coexhist.

Now when Layer goes on next interview and is asked about what happened his last year, who gets the blame? How much will be on him vs. his coaches that recruited the kids vs. the kids themselves. We were just 2-3 years from a nice run that put them in the NCAA tourney. And even then look what it took to get there. Bring in one of them many Pitino Boys, they know how to get it done, heck for that matter why not go after a guy like Ronnie Thompson son of Big John Thompson - there's a guy that would command some respect, not break the bank, and be able to land a few kids that would'nt normally land at LU. Then when that 6'10 Big John comes thru them doors and gives a pointer or two watch how the program turns around then.

We may have different visions for Liberty. Every kid doesn't need to be squeaky clean, but they have to be the right fit.

Posted from my mobile device using the CSNbbs App

(02-02-2015 02:01 PM)4bidn Wrote:  

(02-02-2015 10:25 AM)NewTimes Wrote:  

(02-02-2015 10:13 AM)4bidn Wrote:  

(02-01-2015 09:57 AM)knucklehead Wrote:  As I see some of these teams come thru the vines, I'm glad we don't recruit those "caliber" players. I'd rather stiink and have Liberty kids than some of the stuff I see and hear down on the floor, especially from Harper and Nimley last night.

And those "caliber" players are the ones that actually make the difference in your program. And why LU would always be a cellar dweller bottom feeder type program, with your mentality. That type of attitude breeds FAILURE. There was not a nicer guy off the court than Larry Legend. But on it he wanted to stick a dagger right in your heart. I want kids like that ones that can be respectful but also get just as grimy as needed. I want some Jimmy Chitwoods on this team.

4bidn, valid points on Larry Bird and others who talked big and backed it up. The ultimate being Cassius Clay, later Muhammad Ali. He was the loudest, most vocal, most brash, most obnoxious loudmouth, but he backed it all up. As a young fellow growing up, I extremely disliked him for his brashness. I watched his fights hoping he would get beat. As I grew and matured, I understood his strong convictions and respected him greatly. I don't want thugs on the teams that have to much of a checkered past, but I'll take kids who have strong personalities, who may need a role model, who deserve a second chance. Gill seems to be a strong disciplinarian which is good as he has taken kids who have made mistakes and gives them another shot. Layer always seems to get the recruits from the church conferences that are squeaky clean.

I hate to say this, and it may come off the wrong way to some people, but here goes. When they do the recruiting at some of these "christian" schools are they always getting talent or just the most talented from that particular school meaning that 1) They REALLY don't play against any competition 2) Are going to said private school/christian academy to get those extra looks from schools. Now the minute they face "real" competition they are not ready. That squeaky clean kid is now about to have Layer most likely looking for a job, and the kids with a little "dirt" under his nails would maybe work just as hard and just be "better" than mr. innocent. Not saying thats wrong. But the two can coexhist.

Now when Layer goes on next interview and is asked about what happened his last year, who gets the blame? How much will be on him vs. his coaches that recruited the kids vs. the kids themselves. We were just 2-3 years from a nice run that put them in the NCAA tourney. And even then look what it took to get there. Bring in one of them many Pitino Boys, they know how to get it done, heck for that matter why not go after a guy like Ronnie Thompson son of Big John Thompson - there's a guy that would command some respect, not break the bank, and be able to land a few kids that would'nt normally land at LU. Then when that 6'10 Big John comes thru them doors and gives a pointer or two watch how the program turns around then.

It seems Layer may place the higher quality of the player versus the talent of the player. It is possible to get both, but the basketball program has not been able to get the mix of players. Football is where the publicity of questionable players is much more highlighted than basketball. And Gill has been able to recognize quality players and have them buy into the program. If LU football can recruit skillful enough players to win and succeed in the FCS level, who have a sufficient moral character, then basketball with many less players certainly can also.

I do not want to support a school with thugs and problem players and conversely, don't want to support a program that is not competitive because they are fearful to select players who don't fit a restrictive, uncompromising mold. It is a tough balancing act to accomplish. Other high profile schools can accomplish it and so can LU.

(02-02-2015 02:22 PM)Libertygrad01 Wrote:  We may have different visions for Liberty. Every kid doesn't need to be squeaky clean, but they have to be the right fit.

Posted from my mobile device using the CSNbbs App

Pls explain whats the right "fit"?

(02-02-2015 02:27 PM)NewTimes Wrote:  

(02-02-2015 02:01 PM)4bidn Wrote:  

(02-02-2015 10:25 AM)NewTimes Wrote:  

(02-02-2015 10:13 AM)4bidn Wrote:  

(02-01-2015 09:57 AM)knucklehead Wrote:  As I see some of these teams come thru the vines, I'm glad we don't recruit those "caliber" players. I'd rather stiink and have Liberty kids than some of the stuff I see and hear down on the floor, especially from Harper and Nimley last night.

And those "caliber" players are the ones that actually make the difference in your program. And why LU would always be a cellar dweller bottom feeder type program, with your mentality. That type of attitude breeds FAILURE. There was not a nicer guy off the court than Larry Legend. But on it he wanted to stick a dagger right in your heart. I want kids like that ones that can be respectful but also get just as grimy as needed. I want some Jimmy Chitwoods on this team.

4bidn, valid points on Larry Bird and others who talked big and backed it up. The ultimate being Cassius Clay, later Muhammad Ali. He was the loudest, most vocal, most brash, most obnoxious loudmouth, but he backed it all up. As a young fellow growing up, I extremely disliked him for his brashness. I watched his fights hoping he would get beat. As I grew and matured, I understood his strong convictions and respected him greatly. I don't want thugs on the teams that have to much of a checkered past, but I'll take kids who have strong personalities, who may need a role model, who deserve a second chance. Gill seems to be a strong disciplinarian which is good as he has taken kids who have made mistakes and gives them another shot. Layer always seems to get the recruits from the church conferences that are squeaky clean.

I hate to say this, and it may come off the wrong way to some people, but here goes. When they do the recruiting at some of these "christian" schools are they always getting talent or just the most talented from that particular school meaning that 1) They REALLY don't play against any competition 2) Are going to said private school/christian academy to get those extra looks from schools. Now the minute they face "real" competition they are not ready. That squeaky clean kid is now about to have Layer most likely looking for a job, and the kids with a little "dirt" under his nails would maybe work just as hard and just be "better" than mr. innocent. Not saying thats wrong. But the two can coexhist.

Now when Layer goes on next interview and is asked about what happened his last year, who gets the blame? How much will be on him vs. his coaches that recruited the kids vs. the kids themselves. We were just 2-3 years from a nice run that put them in the NCAA tourney. And even then look what it took to get there. Bring in one of them many Pitino Boys, they know how to get it done, heck for that matter why not go after a guy like Ronnie Thompson son of Big John Thompson - there's a guy that would command some respect, not break the bank, and be able to land a few kids that would'nt normally land at LU. Then when that 6'10 Big John comes thru them doors and gives a pointer or two watch how the program turns around then.

It seems Layer may place the higher quality of the player versus the talent of the player. It is possible to get both, but the basketball program has not been able to get the mix of players. Football is where the publicity of questionable players is much more highlighted than basketball. And Gill has been able to recognize quality players and have them buy into the program. If LU football can recruit skillful enough players to win and succeed in the FCS level, who have a sufficient moral character, then basketball with many less players certainly can also.

I do not want to support a school with thugs and problem players and conversely, don't want to support a program that is not competitive because they are fearful to select players who don't fit a restrictive, uncompromising mold. It is a tough balancing act to accomplish. Other high profile schools can accomplish it and so can LU.

Understand, totally. But EVERY school has at least one rough guy on the bench, and they find a way to utilize him. Are you telling me that noone would have wanted Nemley on this squad and I have no idea if he has a past or not. Better yet, are you telling me that noone would have wanted Allen Iverson to play for LU given his "past" yet public situation? If you didn't then what I would tell that person is that they are most likely a hypocrite, and don't throw stones in glass houses. Not one person on this earth is "free from sin" as everyone with LU loves to get righteous from time to time here, quick to condemn but only when its convenient do they like to give pardons and second chances. If we as adults can't do it, how could you expect a 17 yr old kid to do it.

(02-02-2015 03:06 PM)4bidn Wrote:  

(02-02-2015 02:27 PM)NewTimes Wrote:  

(02-02-2015 02:01 PM)4bidn Wrote:  

(02-02-2015 10:25 AM)NewTimes Wrote:  

(02-02-2015 10:13 AM)4bidn Wrote:  And those "caliber" players are the ones that actually make the difference in your program. And why LU would always be a cellar dweller bottom feeder type program, with your mentality. That type of attitude breeds FAILURE. There was not a nicer guy off the court than Larry Legend. But on it he wanted to stick a dagger right in your heart. I want kids like that ones that can be respectful but also get just as grimy as needed. I want some Jimmy Chitwoods on this team.

4bidn, valid points on Larry Bird and others who talked big and backed it up. The ultimate being Cassius Clay, later Muhammad Ali. He was the loudest, most vocal, most brash, most obnoxious loudmouth, but he backed it all up. As a young fellow growing up, I extremely disliked him for his brashness. I watched his fights hoping he would get beat. As I grew and matured, I understood his strong convictions and respected him greatly. I don't want thugs on the teams that have to much of a checkered past, but I'll take kids who have strong personalities, who may need a role model, who deserve a second chance. Gill seems to be a strong disciplinarian which is good as he has taken kids who have made mistakes and gives them another shot. Layer always seems to get the recruits from the church conferences that are squeaky clean.

I hate to say this, and it may come off the wrong way to some people, but here goes. When they do the recruiting at some of these "christian" schools are they always getting talent or just the most talented from that particular school meaning that 1) They REALLY don't play against any competition 2) Are going to said private school/christian academy to get those extra looks from schools. Now the minute they face "real" competition they are not ready. That squeaky clean kid is now about to have Layer most likely looking for a job, and the kids with a little "dirt" under his nails would maybe work just as hard and just be "better" than mr. innocent. Not saying thats wrong. But the two can coexhist.

Now when Layer goes on next interview and is asked about what happened his last year, who gets the blame? How much will be on him vs. his coaches that recruited the kids vs. the kids themselves. We were just 2-3 years from a nice run that put them in the NCAA tourney. And even then look what it took to get there. Bring in one of them many Pitino Boys, they know how to get it done, heck for that matter why not go after a guy like Ronnie Thompson son of Big John Thompson - there's a guy that would command some respect, not break the bank, and be able to land a few kids that would'nt normally land at LU. Then when that 6'10 Big John comes thru them doors and gives a pointer or two watch how the program turns around then.

It seems Layer may place the higher quality of the player versus the talent of the player. It is possible to get both, but the basketball program has not been able to get the mix of players. Football is where the publicity of questionable players is much more highlighted than basketball. And Gill has been able to recognize quality players and have them buy into the program. If LU football can recruit skillful enough players to win and succeed in the FCS level, who have a sufficient moral character, then basketball with many less players certainly can also.

I do not want to support a school with thugs and problem players and conversely, don't want to support a program that is not competitive because they are fearful to select players who don't fit a restrictive, uncompromising mold. It is a tough balancing act to accomplish. Other high profile schools can accomplish it and so can LU.

Understand, totally. But EVERY school has at least one rough guy on the bench, and they find a way to utilize him. Are you telling me that noone would have wanted Nemley on this squad and I have no idea if he has a past or not. Better yet, are you telling me that noone would have wanted Allen Iverson to play for LU given his "past" yet public situation? If you didn't then what I would tell that person is that they are most likely a hypocrite, and don't throw stones in glass houses. Not one person on this earth is "free from sin" as everyone with LU loves to get righteous from time to time here, quick to condemn but only when its convenient do they like to give pardons and second chances. If we as adults can't do it, how could you expect a 17 yr old kid to do it.

4bin4, I get your passion for this topic. If you read my earlier post about how LU can attract fans who don't support the school or church, you would see that we agree more than we disagree. I would not have taken Allen Iverson because he was a disruptive force, great player, but not a cohesive player. It's because of his attitude that I would not want him on my team. When he came to the NBA, I followed his career. A phenomenal talent but a disruptive, non-cohesive player. When your best player, and he was with the Sixers, is a thick head, ego centered player, and separates himself and attempts to elevate himself over his teammates, that a recipe for disaster.

So what players does LU basketball go after in the future. For the program to succeed, the new coach must take the best available players with good character. The same as UVA, UCLA, Winthrop or UNCW, or anybody else. When we create pigeon holes or molds or scopes of what players are to be, we limit ourselves. LU is a religious school which everyone knows. If a kid is comfortable with the curfews, convo meetings and the LU format, go for it. We may not be giving recruits enough credit. If a LU coach comes calling, then the coach should research the player and the player should investigate the school. It's a challenge to believe that most kids playing D1 basketball don't know about the rules of LU and "the LU way".

(02-02-2015 03:19 PM)NewTimes Wrote:  

(02-02-2015 03:06 PM)4bidn Wrote:  

(02-02-2015 02:27 PM)NewTimes Wrote:  

(02-02-2015 02:01 PM)4bidn Wrote:  

(02-02-2015 10:25 AM)NewTimes Wrote:  4bidn, valid points on Larry Bird and others who talked big and backed it up. The ultimate being Cassius Clay, later Muhammad Ali. He was the loudest, most vocal, most brash, most obnoxious loudmouth, but he backed it all up. As a young fellow growing up, I extremely disliked him for his brashness. I watched his fights hoping he would get beat. As I grew and matured, I understood his strong convictions and respected him greatly. I don't want thugs on the teams that have to much of a checkered past, but I'll take kids who have strong personalities, who may need a role model, who deserve a second chance. Gill seems to be a strong disciplinarian which is good as he has taken kids who have made mistakes and gives them another shot. Layer always seems to get the recruits from the church conferences that are squeaky clean.

I hate to say this, and it may come off the wrong way to some people, but here goes. When they do the recruiting at some of these "christian" schools are they always getting talent or just the most talented from that particular school meaning that 1) They REALLY don't play against any competition 2) Are going to said private school/christian academy to get those extra looks from schools. Now the minute they face "real" competition they are not ready. That squeaky clean kid is now about to have Layer most likely looking for a job, and the kids with a little "dirt" under his nails would maybe work just as hard and just be "better" than mr. innocent. Not saying thats wrong. But the two can coexhist.

Now when Layer goes on next interview and is asked about what happened his last year, who gets the blame? How much will be on him vs. his coaches that recruited the kids vs. the kids themselves. We were just 2-3 years from a nice run that put them in the NCAA tourney. And even then look what it took to get there. Bring in one of them many Pitino Boys, they know how to get it done, heck for that matter why not go after a guy like Ronnie Thompson son of Big John Thompson - there's a guy that would command some respect, not break the bank, and be able to land a few kids that would'nt normally land at LU. Then when that 6'10 Big John comes thru them doors and gives a pointer or two watch how the program turns around then.

It seems Layer may place the higher quality of the player versus the talent of the player. It is possible to get both, but the basketball program has not been able to get the mix of players. Football is where the publicity of questionable players is much more highlighted than basketball. And Gill has been able to recognize quality players and have them buy into the program. If LU football can recruit skillful enough players to win and succeed in the FCS level, who have a sufficient moral character, then basketball with many less players certainly can also.

I do not want to support a school with thugs and problem players and conversely, don't want to support a program that is not competitive because they are fearful to select players who don't fit a restrictive, uncompromising mold. It is a tough balancing act to accomplish. Other high profile schools can accomplish it and so can LU.

Understand, totally. But EVERY school has at least one rough guy on the bench, and they find a way to utilize him. Are you telling me that noone would have wanted Nemley on this squad and I have no idea if he has a past or not. Better yet, are you telling me that noone would have wanted Allen Iverson to play for LU given his "past" yet public situation? If you didn't then what I would tell that person is that they are most likely a hypocrite, and don't throw stones in glass houses. Not one person on this earth is "free from sin" as everyone with LU loves to get righteous from time to time here, quick to condemn but only when its convenient do they like to give pardons and second chances. If we as adults can't do it, how could you expect a 17 yr old kid to do it.

4bin4, I get your passion for this topic. If you read my earlier post about how LU can attract fans who don't support the school or church, you would see that we agree more than we disagree. I would not have taken Allen Iverson because he was a disruptive force, great player, but not a cohesive player. It's because of his attitude that I would not want him on my team. When he came to the NBA, I followed his career. A phenomenal talent but a disruptive, non-cohesive player. When your best player, and he was with the Sixers, is a thick head, ego centered player, and separates himself and attempts to elevate himself over his teammates, that a recipe for disaster.

So what players does LU basketball go after in the future. For the program to succeed, the new coach must take the best available players with good character. The same as UVA, UCLA, Winthrop or UNCW, or anybody else. When we create pigeon holes or molds or scopes of what players are to be, we limit ourselves. LU is a religious school which everyone knows. If a kid is comfortable with the curfews, convo meetings and the LU format, go for it. We may not be giving recruits enough credit. If a LU coach comes calling, then the coach should research the player and the player should investigate the school. It's a challenge to believe that most kids playing D1 basketball don't know about the rules of LU and "the LU way".

True indeed, but remember that was the same AI that helped lead GT to the sweet 16 and Elite 8 in only two years at GT. Heck we could'nt keep one of the good kids in one of the Curry boys either. You say that it was his attitude and he was disruptive this and that, but U never heard of him getting in trouble while at GT, not ONCE. I also can't remember a time when while at GT that there was a problem with him and team chemistry. Plain and simple he was just better than most on the team and the other 5 on the floor. IMO, I think you can get more out of the so called "troubled" kids that you don't want, but could use it, but could possibly help turn around than the choir boy image that you possibly have. AI would have turned this school on its ears with publicity and wins, and NO I am not saying you win at all costs but at the same time im not saying that you throw kids under the bus and not help them either, and that is what you were saying you would have done in the AI situation. I totally agree you have to have that mix.

(02-02-2015 03:37 PM)4bidn Wrote:  

(02-02-2015 03:19 PM)NewTimes Wrote:  

(02-02-2015 03:06 PM)4bidn Wrote:  

(02-02-2015 02:27 PM)NewTimes Wrote:  

(02-02-2015 02:01 PM)4bidn Wrote:  I hate to say this, and it may come off the wrong way to some people, but here goes. When they do the recruiting at some of these "christian" schools are they always getting talent or just the most talented from that particular school meaning that 1) They REALLY don't play against any competition 2) Are going to said private school/christian academy to get those extra looks from schools. Now the minute they face "real" competition they are not ready. That squeaky clean kid is now about to have Layer most likely looking for a job, and the kids with a little "dirt" under his nails would maybe work just as hard and just be "better" than mr. innocent. Not saying thats wrong. But the two can coexhist.

Now when Layer goes on next interview and is asked about what happened his last year, who gets the blame? How much will be on him vs. his coaches that recruited the kids vs. the kids themselves. We were just 2-3 years from a nice run that put them in the NCAA tourney. And even then look what it took to get there. Bring in one of them many Pitino Boys, they know how to get it done, heck for that matter why not go after a guy like Ronnie Thompson son of Big John Thompson - there's a guy that would command some respect, not break the bank, and be able to land a few kids that would'nt normally land at LU. Then when that 6'10 Big John comes thru them doors and gives a pointer or two watch how the program turns around then.

It seems Layer may place the higher quality of the player versus the talent of the player. It is possible to get both, but the basketball program has not been able to get the mix of players. Football is where the publicity of questionable players is much more highlighted than basketball. And Gill has been able to recognize quality players and have them buy into the program. If LU football can recruit skillful enough players to win and succeed in the FCS level, who have a sufficient moral character, then basketball with many less players certainly can also.

I do not want to support a school with thugs and problem players and conversely, don't want to support a program that is not competitive because they are fearful to select players who don't fit a restrictive, uncompromising mold. It is a tough balancing act to accomplish. Other high profile schools can accomplish it and so can LU.

Understand, totally. But EVERY school has at least one rough guy on the bench, and they find a way to utilize him. Are you telling me that noone would have wanted Nemley on this squad and I have no idea if he has a past or not. Better yet, are you telling me that noone would have wanted Allen Iverson to play for LU given his "past" yet public situation? If you didn't then what I would tell that person is that they are most likely a hypocrite, and don't throw stones in glass houses. Not one person on this earth is "free from sin" as everyone with LU loves to get righteous from time to time here, quick to condemn but only when its convenient do they like to give pardons and second chances. If we as adults can't do it, how could you expect a 17 yr old kid to do it.

4bin4, I get your passion for this topic. If you read my earlier post about how LU can attract fans who don't support the school or church, you would see that we agree more than we disagree. I would not have taken Allen Iverson because he was a disruptive force, great player, but not a cohesive player. It's because of his attitude that I would not want him on my team. When he came to the NBA, I followed his career. A phenomenal talent but a disruptive, non-cohesive player. When your best player, and he was with the Sixers, is a thick head, ego centered player, and separates himself and attempts to elevate himself over his teammates, that a recipe for disaster.

So what players does LU basketball go after in the future. For the program to succeed, the new coach must take the best available players with good character. The same as UVA, UCLA, Winthrop or UNCW, or anybody else. When we create pigeon holes or molds or scopes of what players are to be, we limit ourselves. LU is a religious school which everyone knows. If a kid is comfortable with the curfews, convo meetings and the LU format, go for it. We may not be giving recruits enough credit. If a LU coach comes calling, then the coach should research the player and the player should investigate the school. It's a challenge to believe that most kids playing D1 basketball don't know about the rules of LU and "the LU way".

True indeed, but remember that was the same AI that helped lead GT to the sweet 16 and Elite 8 in only two years at GT. Heck we could'nt keep one of the good kids in one of the Curry boys either. You say that it was his attitude and he was disruptive this and that, but U never heard of him getting in trouble while at GT, not ONCE. I also can't remember a time when while at GT that there was a problem with him and team chemistry. Plain and simple he was just better than most on the team and the other 5 on the floor. IMO, I think you can get more out of the so called "troubled" kids that you don't want, but could use it, but could possibly help turn around than the choir boy image that you possibly have. AI would have turned this school on its ears with publicity and wins, and NO I am not saying you win at all costs but at the same time im not saying that you throw kids under the bus and not help them either, and that is what you were saying you would have done in the AI situation. I totally agree you have to have that mix.

AI was a great college and pro player. But he was not a team player. A great player, but not a team player. His refusal to attend practices, to sulk when not getting his way is disruptive to team chemistry. I am not a AI fan and you are and that is okay. Enough of the merit of AI on a LU board.

This dialogue has brought up a good topic. What players does the LU coaching staff solicit in the future? Our past track record in basketball has been weak. There is merit to taking "problem kids" who made a mistake in the past. LU is likely one of the best choices for giving someone a second opportunity who wants to turn a mistake into a positive. That's more of an opportunity rather than a detriment for LU. If parents know their kid will have to tow the line while at LU, unlike Winston at FSU or the many Miami Hurricane players in the past (ugggh, it was tough to be a Canes fan when thugs were rampant there), the parents can take some solace knowing that the strictness of LU is likely to keep their son more in line.

If LU does anything other than take the best available athletes, that agree with the LU format, we'll flounder in mediocrity. Like our current basketball program only worse.

This will be my final thoughts cuz we basically do agree. Yes im a soso AI fan, played against him before, and seen him play of course. The problems you say he had, were NOT seen during his GT days. But the best player on almost any team has always been a bit of a me guy, even Curry. Its what makes them the type players they are, but yex it can be harnessed also. Big canes fan and say what you want, yes they were some testy boys but between them lines they were to be dealt with.

LU needs to get players who will buy into the program. I don't care if they have a past as long as they love playing basketball, will be a team player, and be smart on and off the court. But we have to get a coach that will command that sort of respect. We don't need choir boys, we need basketball players that don't put a stain on the university whether by losing games or by getting into trouble.

(02-03-2015 07:45 PM)GE and MTS Wrote:  LU needs to get players who will buy into the program. I don't care if they have a past as long as they love playing basketball, will be a team player, and be smart on and off the court. But we have to get a coach that will command that sort of respect. We don't need choir boys, we need basketball players that don't put a stain on the university whether by losing games or by getting into trouble.

I'll go a step further. On players who have made a mistake and are seeking another chance, who are gifted players, should be additional players we include if they can agree with the LU format. These are kids mostly in their teens or 20+.