KO: "can he coach his own players?"

[Brochacho]

We don't beat St. Joe's without Amida, and take a bad loss at USF without Samuel. Those are just two example I could think of, but Kevin Ollie isn't signing an extension with a 25-10 record as opposed to 32-8.

 

[RoderickSpode]

Let's look at the flip side of this coin.

I can't wait to see the FULL Kevin Ollie construction of a Team. He took a disparate group and formed a great group that won against an imposing lineup of Programs. When this guy KO fully puts together his vision ... I think we are looking at something very Powerful.

That's how I see it. Look at the types of players he is adding - dynamic, talented recruits with impressive length and personalities to suit his coaching philosophy (and a potential enforcer who also seems like a great kid). We haven't seen anything yet.

 

[CL82]

. The narrative that Napier was our everything just sounds a bit myopic and disrespectful to a coaching staff, a staff that had their team ready to go with intricate schemes that allowed personnel to flourish. I can't think of another college coach who could turn Nolan into quick aware, and tough defensive mind, or even develop a kid like samuel into a better prospect that alot of top100 kids from his class (kasey hill mainly).

It's an easy, and familiar, narrative. " You were good because of Shabazz (Kemba.)" It's an simple shorthand, much less work than looking at all the pieces. It doesn't bother me in the least.

When I think about Roscoe, I feel a little sad that for him that he wasn't around for this seasons NC. He would have been an important piece. Still, I'm not sure that I'd being will to take minutes from Giffey. Niels played a huge role in the NC run.

 

[dogpause]

IN another post, JC was quoted as saying that KO's offensive philosophy was different than his, so I guess it will be fun to see the types of players he recruits over time, and how they fit into his offense.

As for questioning Kevin's ability, I think it's fair to wonder how well he recruits, and if those players continue to have chemistry. I think he'll do just fine, especially after the great publicity he got this year. For all his greatness, JC never really got much top tier talent, so in some ways, KO may prove to have an edge in recruiting.

 

[Danzz]

IN another post, JC was quoted as saying that KO's offensive philosophy was different than his, so I guess it will be fun to see the types of players he recruits over time, and how they fit into his offense.

As for questioning Kevin's ability, I think it's fair to wonder how well he recruits, and if those players continue to have chemistry. I think he'll do just fine, especially after the great publicity he got this year. For all his greatness, JC never really got much top tier talent, so in some ways, KO may prove to have an edge in recruiting.

KO has already done well with recruiting so that legitimate question is answered. If KO can coach JC's recruits he can certainly coach his own. It really is kind of a dumb question presented by Davis.

 

[EdgewoodNHV]

I'm glad the media keeps doubting our coaches, our players, and our program. I'd much prefer to be the underdog. If I wanted to to read about a bunch of over-hyped group of prima donnas who everybody spends all offseason/early season talking about, only to collapse like a dying star in March, I'd root for Syracuse.

 

[dogpause]

I'm not quite as convinced as you are, Danzz, as far as recruiting goes. I need a bigger sample. Also, JC had a history of recruiting coachable kids, so I think the question of how KO does with his own recruits is not as ridiculous as some would label it. However, I think KO will pass every test, and silence every doubter over the next couple of years.

 

[willie99]

Of course he can, but Jimmy will have his back just in case

 

[dogfan96]

Geez.. would people stop acting like JC somehow recruited "different" kids?! He recruited the same kids that all the big time programs did.. they just didn't come here as often as they went elsewhere.

 

[TheChamps990411]

Saying KO needs to win with "his own players" is absolutely MORONIC!!! Watching the final four and following our title it amazed me that the biggest story was squid and the freshmen. maybe im bias but i thought ko`s story was far more interesting and simply amazing and it got little coverage. i dont want to go into everything that was stacked against him from day one as we all know the story. We`ll just have to face the fact that we are not liked nationally and this media bias will continue for the foreseeable future. its cool. id rather be hated while winning titles then loved for being 25-0