Date Posted:10:44:22 03/31/04 Wed Author: cf rivals Subject: Re: Willard to St. John's In reply to:
CLASS OF '83
's message, "Willard to St. John's" on 10:36:57 03/31/04 Wed
If RW were to leave HC for SJU, it would have to be because he is so discouraged with the PL and the lack of direction from the administration. Why else would he leave for a program in shambles.
I don't even want to think of replacements. If he left, it would set this program back 10yrs.
cf rivals - I think your comments are shortsighted. I would imagine that RW would "leave for a program in shambles" for many reasons: 1) for the challenge of restoring a program in trouble; 2) because St. Johns needs a man of RW's integrity to lead such a restoration; 3) because St. Johns will probably throw unlimited resources at that program as long as he keeps it clean; 4) $$$$$; 5) for the opportunity to coach in what will soon be the best basketball conference in the country, and the challenge of matching wits on a regular basis with the likes of Pitino, Calhoun, Boeheim, Crean, etc.; 6) for the opportunity to play his home games at MSG; 7) for the challenge of trying to land the best HS hoopers NYC has to offer; and I'm sure there are plenty of other reasons I'm missing.
Let's not forget -- when RW came to HC, he came to take over "a program in shambles." Sure, the team was comprised of good, smart kids, and the program wasn't scandalous, but I think most who visit this board would agree that the program was in a very sorry state when he came along. I, as much as anyone, would hate to see RW leave, but I wouldn't blame him a bit if he did and would wish him great success at St. Johns.
If he is up for that challenge and gets the opportunity, I would expect him to go and would also wish him well. I wouldn't blame him one bit.
The reason I bring up the PL, is that when RW came here he knew it was a problem and it sounded like he was given assurances that HC would be looking to join a better conference. I had heard it mentioned in many RW speeches and even in the interviews on this board that a conference upgrade could be on the horizon.
I still believe if HC was to truely "upgrade" BB and leave the PL, RW would be here for a long time, If RW were to leave, maybe he like the rest of us should give up that hope also.
