At most any other school these numbers would be impressive, but we're talking about UCLA, home to the Wizard of Westwood, 10 national titles in 12 seasons, and a list of accomplishments too long to mention, so as you can see the bar had been set pretty high. Lavin's record as a recruiter was stellar, bringing in players such as Trevor Ariza, Baron Davis, and Matt Barnes. On paper his accomplishments looked good, but he wasn't able to reach the level many expected him to. He'd been haunted by the perception that he lacked a coaching style or that while he was a brilliant recruiter he wasn't up to par in the X's and O's department. He was young and inexperienced as a head coach, which eventually caught up with him.
Cut to 2003, Coach Lavin was relieved of his duties at UCLA and shortly after began his broadcast career at ESPN. Lavin spent his time providing color commentary with partner Brent Musberger, using this arena as a training ground, learning as much as he could about the game.
Now it's 2010, St. John's University hires a west coast guy to revitalize it's program and revitalize it he has. Now don't get me wrong, the Red Storm haven't completely turned around overnight, but they are headed in the right direction. St. John's is 17-9 overall, 9-5 in the Big East and they have caused quite a stir by winning 5 games against teams ranked 15th or higher. There's no more dangerous team in the country than the Red Storm playing at Madison Square Garden.
So what is it about Coach Lavin now? There seems to be a swagger and a confidence to him that hadn't quite blossomed at UCLA. I believe that obviously the maturity that comes with age and experience has something to do with his recent success plus the timing and fit with St. John's is right. But I think it's more than that. I truly believe that Lavin's time at ESPN has had a profound effect on him as a coach. I think spending time really analyzing the game inside and out, plus watching other coaching styles has strengthened his coaching skill set. He made the wise decision to hire mentor and former Purdue head coach Gene Keady as his executive assistant. Sure he's still a great recruiter, according to ESPN St. John's has the 2nd ranked incoming recruiting class, but his growth as a coach is impressive.
Coach Lavin has orchestrated the resurgence of Red Storm basketball. His return to coaching is infused with a passion and vigor that's reflected in the way his team plays and in the way the fans have responded. He believes too that his time as an analyst gives him a perspective on coaching that he didn't have before. He was quoted as saying upon taking the St. John's job, "The last 7 years as a broadcaster allowed me to travel the country as a barnstormer with my partner, observing and studying different styles, different coaches, aspects of game preparation, the game itself sitting courtside, breaking down tape, the scouting reports. This was an extended sabbatical that allowed me to stay close to the game, a little more distant to see things with more clarity and when you come back to the game you bring all that with you to enhance your ability to coach and run a successful program."
Only time will tell if Coach Lavin's time as a student will translate into his becoming a great teacher, but if superlatives were handed out today he would definitely receive the award for Most Improved and be in the running for Most Likely to Succeed!!
I had been wondering how long it would take him to return to coaching college basketball. He will do a good job for the Red Storm program.
ReplyDeleteHe's really revitalized the program and has his team playing solid ball. As of now looks like they're headed for the big dance, but we'll have to see, there's still a lot of ball left to play. They're a fun team to watch when they play at the Garden!! Dwight Hardy should be in consideration for Big East player of the year. He's playing lights out!!
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