Coach Pecora on One on One this afternoon

[B2Bomber]

I seem to recall quite a few being pretty upset when DW focused his praise on walk-ons.  Another classic doub le standard. Rail DW when he talked about his walk-ons but its a non issue with TP? This is no different. And you hit the nail on the head. Who does give a crap about what a walk-on did this year when most people tuned in to hear the state of the program after finishing dead last yet again in conference. So if the coach wants to make a jackass out of himself that is fine, do it, but dont insult the fans by not answering direct questions and instead spending time talking up a walk on who played about 10 minutes all year. People arent that stupid.

Didnt hear the interview.   But from reading this thread I will suggest from an objective point of view (   ) that Pecora was emphasizing Hage because he was making a point/counterpoint.      He has a kid who is the epitome of a team player, follows rules, shows up on time, does his school work, never bitches, represents the school at the highest level with dignity and class, and never disrespects the coach, the team, the school or acts in his own self interest.   Versus...the problem kid we seem to have.....

I gotta tell ya, 85, while Gaston IS the best player on the team without question, and he has games when he is playing like he's on fire (and other games when he seems to have hemorroids), nobody needs a toxic player who is poisoning the well.    I say that from the perspective that I have criticized Pecora's game plan, running three guards when we our best asset is Gaston who needs to get the ball and go to the hoop.   My point is that Pecora is telling Gaston what he expects of his players and Hage represents that person, even if his playing time and stats aren't there.  

Remember mid season when we all were wondering what was going on and people were asking if there was a problem in the clubhouse/locker room?    Seems there was a SERIOUS problem.    

I stand with Pecora on this one.  He is the captain of the ship.  He is being paid a lot of money and the players need to follow the rules and follow orders.   They can bring their concerns to the coach in a respectable manner, and in the proper venue (behind the curtains...not on facebook!)   and at the end of the day, its the coaches call.     If the coach is making errors, that will be seen quickly.  But Gaston doesnt need to show his disagreement on the decision by pouting or worse.   Either on the court or on facebook.    

I praise Hage for being who he is.   I want to win like everyone.  But I want to win right.  And I want players who represent Fordham properly, with maturity and selflessness.

If a coach lets any player...including a star player, start running the show with tantrums, misbehaving and assorted rule infractions, then he risks losing the team and his authority.  Can't have that.  

Gaston should be taken to the woodshed on this.  

[Vinseiro]

I seem to recall quite a few being pretty upset when DW focused his praise on walk-ons.  Another classic doub le standard. Rail DW when he talked about his walk-ons but its a non issue with TP? This is no different. And you hit the nail on the head. Who does give a crap about what a walk-on did this year when most people tuned in to hear the state of the program after finishing dead last yet again in conference. So if the coach wants to make a jackass out of himself that is fine, do it, but dont insult the fans by not answering direct questions and instead spending time talking up a walk on who played about 10 minutes all year. People arent that stupid.

+1.  The similarities among these coaches were there and are growing.

[An Old Coach]

I am sure TP has responses for any recruit.  The problem (not limited to athletics) is that most prospective students and their families have never been to Rose Hill and have no idea of the campus and its surrounding area.  The trick is to get recruits in for a visit.  As far as record and facilities, you have to emphasize the positives.  The team is trending upwards, albeit slowly.  We may not have an up-to-date arena, but the Rams will be playing a few games each year at MSG and the Barclay's where the pros play.  For local players, it is a lot easier for family members to see their college games.  Can they make similar statements at URI, St. Bona, UMass, Dayton and Richmond?  The bottom line is that recruits should pick a school where they feel comfortable and where they can succeed.  I think Fordham has a lot to offer, but you have to get recruits to ignore the trash talk by other schools and actually get them to visit Rose Hill.   

I really don't believe the Bronx is an issue. This is a guy whose claim to fame is recruiting city kids.  All of a sudden queens and Brooklyn are garden spots next to the Bronx.  I'm not buying that one.  

Unfortunately, Fordham's record is it's record. That has to change.  Our facility is terrible and that's not going to change. Pecora new all this coming in. Of course other coaches are going to use this against Fordham.  The kids we need to recruit have a lot of options. Coming to a bad program that plays in a dump isnt too appealkng to most 18 year olds  He needs to get creative.and we're not seeing a lot of that so far.

[B2Bomber]

I really don't believe the Bronx is an issue. This is a guy whose claim to fame is recruiting city kids.  All of a sudden queens and Brooklyn are garden spots next to the Bronx.  I'm not buying that one.  

Unfortunately, Fordham's record is it's record. That has to change.  Our facility is terrible and that's not going to change. Pecora new all this coming in. Of course other coaches are going to use this against Fordham.  The kids we need to recruit have a lot of options. Coming to a bad program that plays in a dump isnt too appealkng to most 18 year olds  He needs to get creative.and we're not seeing a lot of that so far.

Get creative?  You mean like telling kids, "if you come to Fordham we can all work together to get rid of Grank!"  ?     

[jimbo65]

IMO most of the interview was spin but that is what coaches need to do.  Two negatives were the public criticism of CG and TP's remark that we are not going to build a 25,000 seat arena on campus.  I read this as sneering & sarcastic.  As we know, the projected size was 7,500.  He definitely did say that we were bringing in two frontcourt & two back court players next year and dodged the ? as to whether anyone was leaving from the current squad.  The announcers allowed one caller and read no e-mails but referred to the e-mails in the ?s they asked, softball for sure, like Chris Matthews interviewing politicians with whom he agrees.  For what it is worth, likely very little, I tuned out many weeks ago, I would give PC an incomplete grade and see what he can do next year.

[Bronx Boy]

Two negatives were the public criticism of CG, and TP's remark that we are not going to build a 25,000 seat arena on campus.  I read this as sneering & sarcastic.

The criticism of Gaston wuz not out of line, and we ain't gonna build a 25,000 seat arena on campus, ... so whut's da problem, Jumbo ?

Quick, Henry, ... pass da peanuts !

[71]

I really don't believe the Bronx is an issue. This is a guy whose claim to fame is recruiting city kids.  All of a sudden queens and Brooklyn are garden spots next to the Bronx.  I'm not buying that one.  

. . .

Actually I think both things are related, and an issue. I think we over-value the desire of NYC kids to "stay home."  I think the opposite can be very true: a kid who grows up in less than optimal urban environment has a lot of incentive to leave for other places, get away from the streets, problems at home, etc., under the premise that "distant hills look green."  The Bronx is still the Bronx,  the reason we hold Rose Hill in such regard is because it is in the the Bronx. It benefits by comparison to the rest of the environment.

A lot of schools have campuses that have Gothic buildings and expanses of lawn. And better athletic facilities. And winning programs. And they are not the Bronx.  It's a lay-up for opposing recruiters.

So having a coach whose experience and connections are City related can possibly be a negative; the argument can be made that the kids he gets will be second tier types who may not have a lot of other great D-I options out-of-town.  I think it may be easier to use the NYC glitz and appeal for kids from others areas of the country and internationals. But evidently that's not where we all focusing a lot of our attention.

[jimbo65]

The criticism of Gaston wuz not out of line, and we ain't gonna build a 25,000 seat arena on campus, ... so whut's da problem, Jumbo ?

Quick, Henry, ... pass da peanuts !

The public criticism was out of line.  We are also never going to build a 50,000 seat arena on campus.  He knows well the "planned" size of the arena to nowhere.  To me he was mocking the very thought of an arena. From what we have seen so far, he is in no position to mock anything.  IMO, his grade is incomplete.  Let's see what he does with three years of his recuits.

[71]

IMO most of the interview was spin but that is what coaches need to do.  Two negatives were the public criticism of CG and TP's remark that we are not going to build a 25,000 seat arena on campus.  I read this as sneering & sarcastic.  As we know, the projected size was 7,500.  He definitely did say that we were bringing in two frontcourt & two back court players next year and dodged the ? as to whether anyone was leaving from the current squad.  The announcers allowed one caller and read no e-mails but referred to the e-mails in the ?s they asked, softball for sure, like Chris Matthews interviewing politicians with whom he agrees.  For what it is worth, likely very little, I tuned out many weeks ago, I would give PC an incomplete grade and see what he can do next year.

I see the first as a shot across the bow of Chris Gaston, the second as a shot across the bow of Jeff Gray.

[Ram69]

I really don't believe the Bronx is an issue. This is a guy whose claim to fame is recruiting city kids.  All of a sudden Queens and Brooklyn are garden spots next to the Bronx.  I'm not buying that one....

It’s questionable if many of the NYC players that we’re looking for are scared off by tales of how tough the Bronx is.  In fact, a lot of them probably come from tougher neighborhoods than the one around Rose Hill.  The “distant hills” factor (see 71’s reply below) may be far more persuasive with city kids than any “fear factor.”  I suspect that the old “Fort Apache” images of the Bronx might be a bigger issue when you’re recruiting for sports that draw more on suburban kids.  For years, I taught students in a high school in northern Westchester, many of whose parents and grandparents had fled northward after growing up in the Bronx.  Getting these kids (athletes & non-athletes) or their families to even consider Fordham was often a struggle.  Unfortunately, perception is reality in college choice (as it is in real estate), and perception often lags years behind a changing reality.  Quite a few of my students who would no doubt have loved Fordham ended up at far less interesting/stimulating places like Fairfield and Villanova because of mom & dad’s impression that the Bronx is still burning.       

Actually I think both things are related, and an issue. I think we over-value the desire of NYC kids to "stay home."  I think the opposite can be very true: a kid who grows up in less than optimal urban environment has a lot of incentive to leave for other places, get away from the streets, problems at home, etc., under the premise that "distant hills look green."  The Bronx is still the Bronx,  the reason we hold Rose Hill in such regard is because it is in the the Bronx. It benefits by comparison to the rest of the environment.

A lot of schools have campuses that have Gothic buildings and expanses of lawn. And better athletic facilities. And winning programs. And they are not the Bronx.  It's a lay-up for opposing recruiters.

So having a coach whose experience and connections are City related can possibly be a negative; the argument can be made that the kids he gets will be second tier types who may not have a lot of other great D-I options out-of-town.  I think it may be easier to use the NYC glitz and appeal for kids from others areas of the country and internationals. But evidently that's not where we all focusing a lot of our attention.

Good points, 71, especially on NYC glitz appealing more to kids from other parts of the country and other countries—than to kids from the metro-area suburbs and the nearby region.  Students and parents from areas farther removed from the City aren’t as familiar with the NYC’s social geography, and their image of City is often one of mid-town Manhattan.  It will be interesting to see if Pecora ends up doing more recruiting in places like Indiana, New England, and overseas, as time goes by.  The “distant hills” thing can work to our advantage as well as to our disadvantage.   

[85]

As much as I am down on Pecora, I think some of the comments here are taking his comments way out of context.

Pecora was asked if he speaks with missed recruits and he was asked what reasons he hears about recruits not coming to RH and he was asked what is used against us in recruiting. He was just responding to what he has heard, he wasnt saying he agreed with the Bronx thing or with the facilties thing or with the coaches having been fired thing. This was a question about what he hears from recruits and coaches.

With that, almost all coaches eventually get fired so I fail to see how that is a ploy against one school versus another.   

I guess the funny part is that of all the thing she says he hears from coaches and players about why a recruit picks a school,. the one thing he didnt mention hearing was anything about academics!

 

[B2Bomber]

I see the first as a shot across the bow of Chris Gaston, the second as a shot across the bow of Jeff Gray.

Thats how I see it.....and I applaud Pecora.  On BOTH counts.   I want Gray gone YESTERDAY.   He is universally despised and does a horrible job in everything he touches.    Why McShane can't see that is beyond me.   

I know one thing....after McShane completes his capital campaigns, I suspect he will be moved somewhere else...and we will be searching for a new President....and I want a President this time who will be a mover and shaker and clean house at Fordham.   Bust up some of these entrenched fiefdoms.   

[Fordham Road]

how about a layman?

[ace93]

how about a layman?

I know you are replying to someone else's post so this is not directed solely at you.  Let's not get off topic, this thread is about Coach Pecora's appearance on One on One.

[85]

Thats how I see it.....and I applaud Pecora.  On BOTH counts.   I

Coach Pecora made a point of mentioning that Gaston was also disciplined by the league. Gaston tossed a haymaker at a URI player and got a 1 game suspension.  He has been getting cheap shotted and elbowed and knocked down for 3 years. Maybe Pecora should be calling out his team for not stepping up and protecting their star player. A Fordham guy responds to being cheap shotted and he gets called out by the coach?   Please, that was a at shameles post season dig at the star player who carreid the team on his freaking back this season. 

[Richie68]

Coach Pecora made a point of mentioning that Gaston was also disciplined by the league. Gaston tossed a haymaker at a URI player and got a 1 game suspension.  He has been getting cheap shotted and elbowed and knocked down for 3 years. Maybe Pecora should be calling out his team for not stepping up and protecting their star player. A Fordham guy responds to being cheap shotted and he gets called out by the coach?   Please, that was a at shameles post season dig at the star player who carreid the team on his freaking back this season. 

And it took the referees about 5 minutes to determine that it happened.  It wasn't that flagrant and certainly did no damage to the other player.  I'm not justifying it, but you're right, Gaston gets beat up all the time while his teamates look on.  I wouldn't have called Gaston out on that after the season is over as one of the reasons how lousy the team I coached did.

[An Old Coach]

  Getting these kids (athletes & non-athletes) or their families to even consider Fordham was often a struggle.  Unfortunately, perception is reality in college choice (as it is in real estate), and perception often lags years behind a changing reality.  Quite a few of my students who would no doubt have loved Fordham ended up at far less interesting/stimulating places like Fairfield and Villanova because of mom & dad’s impression that the Bronx is still burning. 

The type of kids Fordham needs to be successful are reluctant to come because they have offers from better programs and their coaches do not push them here because they don't think it is the best move for the kid.    

I think the stigma of the Bronx, while not completely gone, is fading away.  Kids from all over the NYC suburbs, many fairly affluent, are enrolling and paying big bucks in many cases to do it.  I absolutely reject the claim that Fordham's location is a significant factor in our recruiting in 2012.

[Rich93]

And it took the referees about 5 minutes to determine that it happened.  It wasn't that flagrant and certainly did no damage to the other player.  I'm not justifying it, but you're right, Gaston gets beat up all the time while his teamates look on.  I wouldn't have called Gaston out on that after the season is over as one of the reasons how lousy the team I coached did.

Gaston did not throw a haymaker.  He did this backhanded swipe which I agree should never have been called a flagrant in the first place.  It was a stupid move that gave the officials the opportunity to throw him out of a game we had to win.  Basketball is a physical sport, the problem is not how other teams get physical with Gaston, it is our reactino to it as a team, including Gaston.  If he wanted to do something, how about a hard foul as Holton or Outerbridge were going down the lane.  It served no purpose and when you add it to the disciplinary issues and the latest stuff with the NBA letter, I think Pecora has decided it is time to lay down the law with this stuff.  Again, this is not unusual look at what Pat Knight said about his seniors in the middle of the season.  They responded by going to the tournament.  

[85]

Pat Knight called out his entire team.  And he didnt do it after the season. 

There was absolutely nothing at all wrong with the tweets about the NBA. He indicated that he was going to test the waters and see where he stood  and then finish his education....it was totally and completely benign and in no way was it in the context portrayed by the WFUV guys and Pecora.......why on earth so many people here jumped all over Gaston for it and ripped him as not being an NBA caliber player is mind boggling........there was nothing at all that he posted that suggest that he was.....nothing.....it was a compelte cheap shot and out of context from the WFUV announcers......

I hope Gaston leaves and sticks it up Pecora's ass next season. Good luck winning with Ryan Canty and Marvin Dominique at forward next year.  Why does everyone beat up on this guy?  He is 2nd team all A-10 and our best player by light years.  You take him out the past 2 years how many games have you won?

Keep playing up the leadership from guys like Ryan Hage, that will get you on television as a commentator every March.

 

[JohnG92]

He is 2nd team all A-10 and our best player by light years.  You take him out the past 2 years how many games have you won?

Maybe TP thinks if Chris matured a little, he'd be first team A-10 and an NBA prospect...maybe he's trying to teach him with tough love.

[85]

Maybe but again, probably 2 issues. The rant about CG took up a good chunk of the time that should have been alloted for the fans to call in and ask questions in a season recap.

If its the old Herb Brooks beat up on Eruzione theme to motivate the team......good luck with that.........its getting stale.......

[Rich93]

Pat Knight called out his entire team.  And he didnt do it after the season. 

There was absolutely nothing at all wrong with the tweets about the NBA. He indicated that he was going to test the waters and see where he stood  and then finish his education....it was totally and completely benign and in no way was it in the context portrayed by the WFUV guys and Pecora.......why on earth so many people here jumped all over Gaston for it and ripped him as not being an NBA caliber player is mind boggling........there was nothing at all that he posted that suggest that he was.....nothing.....it was a compelte cheap shot and out of context from the WFUV announcers......

I hope Gaston leaves and sticks it up Pecora's ass next season. Good luck winning with Ryan Canty and Marvin Dominique at forward next year.  Why does everyone beat up on this guy?  He is 2nd team all A-10 and our best player by light years.  You take him out the past 2 years how many games have you won?

Keep playing up the leadership from guys like Ryan Hage, that will get you on television as a commentator every March.

 

I hope Gaston stays, we win and Pecora sticks it up your ass next year. 

[An Old Coach]

I hope Gaston stays, we win and Pecora sticks it up your ass next year. 

A lot of people, myself included, will gladly eat crow if Pecora gets this turned around next season.  If God forbid, Gaston left next year, the program might never recover.

[85]

New York Style....................

Maybe if he wins next year he can actually answer some questions in the end of year recap....instead of having the lackeys at WFUV do his dirty work for him..............took 1 phone call and -0- emails and decided to rail Gaston.......nice end of year recap with the fans coach.....

[ace93]

Pat Knight called out his entire team.  And he didnt do it after the season. 

There was absolutely nothing at all wrong with the tweets about the NBA. He indicated that he was going to test the waters and see where he stood  and then finish his education....it was totally and completely benign and in no way was it in the context portrayed by the WFUV guys and Pecora.......why on earth so many people here jumped all over Gaston for it and ripped him as not being an NBA caliber player is mind boggling........there was nothing at all that he posted that suggest that he was.....nothing.....it was a compelte cheap shot and out of context from the WFUV announcers......

I hope Gaston leaves and sticks it up Pecora's ass next season. Good luck winning with Ryan Canty and Marvin Dominique at forward next year.  Why does everyone beat up on this guy?  He is 2nd team all A-10 and our best player by light years.  You take him out the past 2 years how many games have you won?

Keep playing up the leadership from guys like Ryan Hage, that will get you on television as a commentator every March.

I thought the issue was with how he phrased things on his facebook page, not his twitter.  Do you follow him on facebook too?

As for your hope for next season, I think it would be a stretch to call you a Fordham fan if that is what you hope happens next season.  I understand not liking what Pecora said, I see both sides of that argument, but to hope Gaston does what you say, that's not what any Fordham fan should hope for.  This stuff is crossing over into becoming personal and it is not doing any good.

[85]

ACE, look at some of the comments people posted about Gaston being delusional et al. here.....that's not personal  on Gaston?

[Rich93]

New York Style....................

Maybe if he wins next year he can actually answer some questions in the end of year recap....instead of having the lackeys at WFUV do his dirty work for him..............took 1 phone call and -0- emails and decided to rail Gaston.......nice end of year recap with the fans coach.....

You can go to the year end wrap up in the city and ask him yourself.  Feel free to tell him to get his shine box, comment on his hair and let him know your thoughts on Gaston.  

[Bronx Boy]

I think the stigma of the Bronx, while not completely gone, is fading away.  Kids from all over the NYC suburbs, many fairly affluent, are enrolling and paying big bucks in many cases to do it.  I absolutely reject the claim that Fordham's location is a significant factor in our recruiting for 2012.

The long standing and dismal record of our b - ball program probably has more to do with our difficulty in recruiting than does our location, or, the fact that we have older facilities.

If we win, they will come.

[ace93]

ACE, look at some of the comments people posted about Gaston being delusional et al. here.....that's not personal  on Gaston?

Yes and that's why I said that was inappropriate also.  I think very few here have defended Gaston more than I have over the last 3 years.  I don't think it needs to be done at the expense of our coach or the overall good of the program though.

[85]

You can go to the year end wrap up in the city and ask him yourself.  Feel free to tell him to get his shine box, comment on his hair and let him know your thoughts on Gaston.  

Oh you are now Pecora's tough guy ....

Yeah and maybe all the people here attacking Chris Gaston can also explain to him how he is delusional and not an NBA player and he is crazy to think he will make it to next level........

Pecora chose to address the board and the clock issue which is nothing more than any other forum on any other sports forum might have. Fans who may or may not want the coach fired.  That is part and parcel to coaching at this level and most levels.  Oh, maybe the coach can also talk to the two guys that sit behind him and enlighten them on what they do not know about which they are talking.....that might be a good thing to set up too......