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Post by irishbonnie on Jun 17, 2006 22:03:04 GMT -5
In thinking about Bonnies search for a head coach 4 years ago, I think that the most important asset of the new coach (in addition to the obvious assets including integrity, loyalty to the university and its players, etc) had to be ability to recruit A-10 caliber players. That skill, I believe, was much more important than hiring a great X's and O's coach. The ability to recruit - in my opinion - is the most important asset of any good head coach. There is no doubt that Sol can recruit. I think he has done a great, great job landing more quality athletes / players than I would have guessed in his first 3 years, all thing considered when he took over a scandel ridden program, which was not only the laughing stock of college basketball, but also, in the middle of nowhere and dead last in talent in the A-10. We will see how much improvement Sol makes as an X's and O's coach this upcoming season. I would rather have a head coach like Sol who is a terrific recruiter, first and foremost, and, secondarily, a game tactician. Hopefully, one of his new assistants can help Sol with game planning and in-game adjustments. My guess is that none of the 3 assistants who left were very good at X's and O's. Either that, or Sol chose not to listen to them. Let's hope Sol didn't opt for the latter - that's a fatal flaw.
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Post by bonafide on Jun 18, 2006 9:50:15 GMT -5
Recruiting is also heavily dependent on actual coaching ability and wins. These two items translate into a very positive, exciting program that is much more attractive to potential recruits than the dismal program that SBU has to offer. So yes, Solomon definitely has the people and marketing skills. It would be really nice if he had a better program to sell... but that is largely up to him. Would be super to have a head coach with a good combination of recruiting and XO coaching skills. Definitely attributes to look for in recruiting a new head coach this time next year.
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Post by magnusbu on Jun 18, 2006 22:01:02 GMT -5
Your right recruiting is dependent on actual coaching ability and wins, but Coaching ability is also dependent on the talent level of your team compared to your opponents. Let's face it that the last few years there was a major gap in the talent level between our team and our opponets. Also, given our situation that past few years, I don't think potential recruits were looking at our record as much as they were thinking about the scandal that had occured. Think about it. What do you think the first thing that went through a recruits head was when being offered to play at Bonas? Gee they were 2-26 last season or was it, aren't they the school that just had a major scandal that made national headlines.
I'll partly agree with you right now that Sol is not the best X's and O's coach, but I think he has been getting better at it.
If our record improves again this season then I do not think we will be or should be looking for a new head coach next spring.
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Post by irishbonnie on Jun 19, 2006 21:29:42 GMT -5
I agree Magna. If the Bonnies win 12 or more games next year, I think there's no way that Sol should get fired. Let's not forget that we are the least desireable job in the A-10 and even less desireable than many MAAC jobs (Manhattan, Iona, Siena). The grass isn't always greener. In fact, generally speaking, it rarely is.
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Post by sireltonruddock on Jun 19, 2006 22:10:35 GMT -5
Let's not forget that we are the least desireable job in the A-10 and even less desireable than many MAAC jobs (Manhattan, Iona, Siena). May I please have some of what you are smoking? |
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Friar
Junior Member
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Post by Friar on Jun 20, 2006 7:22:53 GMT -5
I really disagree with IrishBonnie's comments about SBU being the least desirable place to coach. Once people see the campus and the greater Olean area people from all over fall in love with the place. In fact many old time alumni who came from NYC never went back to the Big Apple because of the beautiful surroundings.
With regard to recruiting we should take the area into consideration. Many inner city kids don't want to come to Hicktown, USA. No problem. Lets not waste time and effort in recruiting these kids who want an inner city feeling rather than a small town pace. We need to go after kids who don't care that this is a rural area.
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Post by Phantom on Jun 20, 2006 9:12:23 GMT -5
Believe it or not, there are actually inner city talent/recruits who are seeking above all else to get out of the inner city! Harry Moore comes to mind, his mother absolutely wanted him to play in an environment like Bonaventure. I cant believe there aren't others.
But, I know this probably is not the general rule. I have been to other D1 schools where the situation is no different than ours and in some situations worse. So Olean, NY/Bonaventure is not an abberration. In fact, it really is a great community, and setting for for young people. Just waiting for the secret to be unlocked!
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Friar
Junior Member
Posts: 309
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Post by Friar on Jun 21, 2006 7:26:03 GMT -5
Phantom, good point! There are always exceptions to the rules and this is a perfect example. Some inner city kids want to get away. We should try to recruit those kids as well.
Another point you made is about Olean, New York in general. Olean is a hidden gem. The Enchanted Mountains are beautiful not to mention everything else that surrounds them.
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Post by Phantom on Jun 22, 2006 8:41:23 GMT -5
Due in part to our great city managers! A common council second to none!
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