Gill Out the Door

[32counter]

Mooney and Gill are cut from the same cloth. That is probably why they got along so well. Also why Danny did not. He wasn't as content with the laizze fair attitude that they both operate under.

Wrong.Your hypothesis is 100% incorrect.Next time it is best to know the facts.Dont hypothecate incorrectly.
The basketball board is usually full of nonsense like the hot-steamy air coming out of NYC subway vent in NYC in mid August in 100F weather.

 

[I-M-UR]

No, I honestly believe with the right support Mooney will be more successful.

We'll trade

 

[I-M-UR]

Wrong.Your hypothesis is 100% incorrect.Next time it is best to know the facts.Dont hypothecate incorrectly.
The basketball board is usually full of nonsense-a hot,sticky subway steam vent in NYC in mid August.

Just out of curiosity how do you know he's wrong?

 

[Not-A-Homer]

The comments on here indicate that many of you seem to think that the AD has kept Mooney from coaching his team into the NCAA tournament the last 6 years. That is delusional.

A new AD will not magically cause Mooney to coach better. A new AD MIGHT hold the coach to different performance standards. The different standards MIGHT cause Mooney and staff to work with a survival urgency that fosters some improvement. I hope this is the case.

When the new AD arrives Mooney will still be a nice man. He will also still be a coach who has earned a 54% winning percentage over a 12-year period. He will still be well below average in his game management skills. He will still be unable to close the deal with big time recruits who don't have ties to Richmond. On and on, you get the picture.

Richmond basketball can not achieve the sought after national level prominence in basketball until/unless a better performing coach is brought in to lead the program. Not negativity, but realism.

 

[spiderman]

We'll trade

maybe you would. no way in hell would I.

 

[spider3309]

Mooney and Gill are cut from the same cloth. That is probably why they got along so well. Also why Danny did not. He wasn't as content with the laizze fair attitude that they both operate under.

Mooney and Gill are cut from the same cloth. That is probably why they got along so well. Also why Danny did not. He wasn't as content with the laizze fair attitude that they both operate under.

You could not be further from the truth.

 

[I-M-UR]

maybe you would. no way in hell would I.

The point was questioning the sincerity of VCUPAL. But I don't think Mooney is going to take us to somewhat regular NCAA appearances, It's been 12 years and 2 bids the last being 2011 and I think we're facing one if not two rebuilding years

 

[spiderman]

we did graduate a couple greats, but that happens. the talent on our roster is up there with some of our best all time if Grant comes back healthy, if Solly is the guy we think he is, if Gilyard is the guy most of us are sure he is, and if we defy the odds and land Hans. a lot of ifs but very possible, some even likely. and if so we're definitely not rebuilding.

 

[I-M-UR]

we did graduate a couple greats, but that happens. the talent on our roster is up there with some of our best all time if Grant comes back healthy, if Solly is the guy we think he is, if Gilyard is the guy most of us are sure he is, and if we defy the odds and land Hans. a lot of ifs but very possible, some even likely. and if so we're definitely not rebuilding.

You lose two of our best players both vital pieces, we have no front court/post players with experience, we'll be starting an undersized lineup, Mooney should hope fans see this as rebuilding because the expectations would be lower.

 

[97spiderfan]

So are you saying Gill and Mooney are not best buds? Yeah, that was conjecture but if I am coach with a million plus dollar a year contract and haven't gotten my team to the NCAA is 6 years and I get zero public heat from my boss, I certainly am liking that aspect of that relationship.

I'm going to be honest I loved JOC's article, it put forth every single mismanagement/lack of visibility/lack of vision from Gill over the past several years, that have been a thorn in my side with him. Gill always struck me as a 9-5er and a guy who did an adequate job as AD but never a guy who was going to take us to the next level. Rocco said that all very publically when he left and of course we circled the wagons when he left and bashed him for it, but I always felt there was a lot of truth in that statement. This decision pretty much validates that a lot of our movers and shakers felt the same way.

I am glad this happened. We had gotten far to content with having "nice guys" lead our athletic department versus having results focused leadership.

 

[SFspidur]

So are you saying Gill and Mooney are not best buds? Yeah, that was conjecture but if I am coach with a million plus dollar a year contract and haven't gotten my team to the NCAA is 6 years and I get zero public heat from my boss, I certainly am liking that aspect of that relationship.

Generally a hands-off boss who gives you zero public heat also isn't giving you support you might want and need to succeed.

If you think Mooney is satisfied with not going to the NCAAs, you've definitely misread him.

 

[spiderstudent17]

I am glad this happened. We had gotten far to content with having "nice guys" lead our athletic department versus having results focused leadership.

Exactly. We need someone who will lay out explicit goals we want to achieve and an AD who will push us to be the best athletically as possible. I'm sure if big donors are behind the AD hire then we are all on the same page. I for one am excited for this change

 

[spiderman]

You lose two of our best players both vital pieces, we have no front court/post players with experience, we'll be starting an undersized lineup, Mooney should hope fans see this as rebuilding because the expectations would be lower.

1) everyone loses players. we have more talent to fill the holes than usual.
2) front court - Grant may be one of our most talented front court recruits ever. really need him to be healthy. Hans would totally solidify that spot but we'll see. we've heard great things about Solly. you may be correct to be concerned about our front court. time will tell. we may be actually be strong there.
3) we're only undersized if Solly's not starting at the 4. and even if we do go undersized, there's a heck of a lot of talent in that guard rotation.

 

[Ulla1]

Exactly. We need someone who will lay out explicit goals we want to achieve and an AD who will push us to be the best athletically as possible. I'm sure if big donors are behind the AD hire then we are all on the same page. I for one am excited for this change

FYI, big donors are behind our Chris Mooney also, as they know that he is a really coach. I trust that they will find an AD who will actively support all of our programs.

 

[97spiderfan]

You could not be further from the truth.

That did read what I meant it to say. I have no idea if Mooney and Gill are best buds, but Mooney had no public heat on him from his boss after 6 years of pretty darn mediocre results. So, he has to "like" that aspect of their relationship.

And I think they both put off a very public laissez faire type attitude towards winning, that is very different from what Rocco (and Huesman) put off.

 

[fan2011]

The comments on here indicate that many of you seem to think that the AD has kept Mooney from coaching his team into the NCAA tournament the last 6 years. That is delusional.

A new AD will not magically cause Mooney to coach better. A new AD MIGHT hold the coach to different performance standards. The different standards MIGHT cause Mooney and staff to work with a survival urgency that fosters some improvement. I hope this is the case.

When the new AD arrives Mooney will still be a nice man. He will also still be a coach who has earned a 54% winning percentage over a 12-year period. He will still be well below average in his game management skills. He will still be unable to close the deal with big time recruits who don't have ties to Richmond. On and on, you get the picture.

Richmond basketball can not achieve the sought after national level prominence in basketball until/unless a better performing coach is brought in to lead the program. Not negativity, but realism.

Many people on this board think Mooney's coaching is not what has been holding us back the past 6 years, it has been recruiting. According to the article, Gill was let go in part because he did not help the basketball or football coaches with the admissions office. The article goes on to state that we are likely to hire a basketball centric AD who will help get in players like Avila, Bernard and Godwin. I think if we had Bernard this year we likely would have been an NCAA team. If we had Avila for 3 years we likely would have gone to 2 more NCAAs. If Mooney has more leniency in recruiting then the quality of our players should improve. If Mooney had these players and we made the NCAAs 3 of the past 6 years nobody would be questioning how good of a coach he is. No coach, no matter how good they are, can get to the NCAAs as an at large without good players.

 

[Rivercup]

Admissions "assumes" that a recruit cannot do UR level academic work based on test scores. We all know students that went to college and "got it" and did very well. I would think that both FB and BB would get at least one "pass" per year to get a borderline recruit on campus. If they can graduate, then the reins should loosen. If they don't, then tighten up. But we have lost several excellent recruits in both FB and BB that ended up doing well in school somewhere else. And to deny a player who has graduated from another college, in my opinion, is beyond ridiculous. Taking a chance on a good kid every once in a while will not harm our academic reputation.

 

[WebSpinner]

spider23, do you know, first hand, that KG did not help, got to bat, with admissions? i don't, maybe you do but i don't want the AD going over to admissions and trying to take over the place, work with them, yes, nudge them, yes but try and make it sound that he is more important than them, no. again, we are talking about a few people not tons of recruits and the coaches know the deal or should know the deal and should not cry and whine when they push the envelope and lose. don't mind them pushing the envelope, win some, lose some but don't whine like a baby

 

[32counter]

Just out of curiosity how do you know he's wrong?

Just out of curiosity take my word on it.My 'hypothesis' on the Gill situation has 100% validity.Enough of me on the the basketball board.
Continue on with thy nonsense over here with conjecture tribble about everything roundball.

Mooney will want to be very much involved in the selection process of the new AD.Mooney's
own existing contract will run its course during this new AD's tenure.Anything that will help breath new live into extending that contract is a good thing for Mooney.Otherwise, likely bye bye.

 

[Eight Legger]

My main frustration with things in general came out again yesterday while listening to Burton's show after the move was announced. He basically was saying that people who wanted Gill gone should be careful what they wish for, that being an AD is hard, that he wasn't quite sure what people meant by wanting an AD to "give the program what it needs to succeed," that the department was in better shape now than it was 5 years ago, etc.

Basically, this is the attitude I've heard from a lot of program observers. It's as if they think we cannot do any better than what we've done to this point: an NCAA trip every 5 or 6 years, 17+ wins a season, have a nice day.

I happen to think that's complete and utter garbage. I don't want an AD who thinks that way, and I don't want a coach who thinks that way. I don't know enough to know if Gill has held the basketball program back, if Mooney has held it back, if recruiting has held it back, or what.

If the issue is that Mooney keeps recruiting guys who are too far below our test score baseline, then hold him accountable. He should know the boundaries within which he can work.

If the issue was Gill not fighting to get one or two basketball players admitted each year who were close on grades, then hire an AD who will do that for us.

If the issue is that Mooney sucks as a coach and his staff sucks, then fire them and hire someone who will win.

If there's some other problem created by Gill that has held us back, then we damn well better fix it with this hire.

Those are basically the possibilities. I have no idea which is the case, and I no longer care. Just fix them, win games, beat VCU and make the damn tournament for a change. That's it.

 

[spider3309]

That did read what I meant it to say. I have no idea if Mooney and Gill are best buds, but Mooney had no public heat on him from his boss after 6 years of pretty darn mediocre results. So, he has to "like" that aspect of their relationship.

And I think they both put off a very public laissez faire type attitude towards winning, that is very different from what Rocco (and Huesman) put off.

I know your feelings toward Mooney and that's your business. But you don't have a clue regarding their relationship nor Mooney's feelings about his "mediocre results". It is obvious you don't know Mooney at all.

 

[spider23]

I do think M

spider23, do you know, first hand, that KG did not help, got to bat, with admissions? i don't, maybe you do but i don't want the AD going over to admissions and trying to take over the place, work with them, yes, nudge them, yes but try and make it sound that he is more important than them, no. again, we are talking about a few people not tons of recruits and the coaches know the deal or should know the deal and should not cry and whine when they push the envelope and lose. don't mind them pushing the envelope, win some, lose some but don't whine like a baby

I don't know first hand, but JOC writing it in the TD makes me believe it is true, he doesn't seem like the type of guy that goes out on a limb at all. Obviously it is an issue if JOC is writing about it, and confirms that myself and others on the board were correct.

 

[Ulla1]

Here's an interesting idea:

 

[spiderstudent17]

FYI, big donors are behind our Chris Mooney also, as they know that he is a really coach. I trust that they will find an AD who will actively support all of our programs.

I'm not against Mooney per se. We were one win away from making the tournament 2 years ago. We need to have an AD who helps Mooney when possible and to hold Mooney accountable. Neither of which KG seemingly did. The biggest recruiting tactic for success is to win and make deep post season runs. However, it's like the chicken and the egg since in order to win and achieve that success, we need talented recruits. That's why we also need to improve the other aspects of athletics by having an AD who is more hands-on with fundraising and athletic projects like locker room, weight room, and stadium renovations, which can help attract some recruits. There's no reason why UR basketball can't be like a Dayton when it comes to tournament success. Also, with respect to other sports, I hope our AD makes initiatives to hold those coaches accountable for failing to meet our expectations or rewarding them when they do

 

[Eight Legger]

Here's an interesting idea:

View embedded media

Not really a good idea, IMO.

 

[MolivaManiac]

Guys,

Not really a good idea, IMO.

Are you holding out hope for the best transgender Jewish Asian option?

 

[Eight Legger]

Guys,


Are you holding out hope for the best transgender Jewish Asian option?

Wait, that guy/girl is available?!? Give it a 10-year contract!

 

[R&B fan]

The perfect idea for about 3-4 years until new prez comes in. We need someone to battle for our coaches and we all know JM will do that. We don't need another wishy washy AD. He could start tomorrow and work on improving atmosphere and he would have no period of adjustment. He has good relationships with our donors, our coaches and the media. I love the idea.

 

[VCUPal]

The point was questioning the sincerity of VCUPAL. But I don't think Mooney is going to take us to somewhat regular NCAA appearances, It's been 12 years and 2 bids the last being 2011 and I think we're facing one if not two rebuilding years

If Mooney was able to build the team at VCU the way he wanted to, I think I would make the trade as Rhoades is relatively unproven.

 

[97spiderfan]

I know your feelings toward Mooney and that's your business. But you don't have a clue regarding their relationship nor Mooney's feelings about his "mediocre results". It is obvious you don't know Mooney at all.

And you do? If so, please enlighten us all with your insider scoop of how Mooney feels about his progress over the past 6 years because anytime he speaks in public it all seems good for him. He certainly does not make Huesman like prouncements that he is going to win a National Championship, all about getting better and getting that top 4 A-10 seed.

He's been here for 12 years now and it amazes me how some in our fanbase are just content with who we are, instead of striving to be better. This Gill firing is finally the cathartic release saying enough with that thinking.

I have a feeling our new AD is going to be someone who is more demanding of winning and results than Gill was. And perhaps this move will help Mooney with admissions and recruiting better in general. I suspect if that Mooney is unable to move the needle with either, the new AD will tire quickly of being content with making an NIT run every couple of years and all of the excuses that go along with why that is.

 

[Ulla1]

The perfect idea for about 3-4 years until new prez comes in. We need someone to battle for our coaches and we all know JM will do that. We don't need another wishy washy AD. He could start tomorrow and work on improving atmosphere and he would have no period of adjustment. He has good relationships with our donors, our coaches and the media. I love the idea.

Agree, totally. Jim would be a great fit for the present. Get it done!

 

[I-M-UR]

1) everyone loses players. we have more talent to fill the holes than usual.
2) front court - Grant may be one of our most talented front court recruits ever. really need him to be healthy. Hans would totally solidify that spot but we'll see. we've heard great things about Solly. you may be correct to be concerned about our front court. time will tell. we may be actually be strong there.
3) we're only undersized if Solly's not starting at the 4. and even if we do go undersized, there's a heck of a lot of talent in that guard rotation.

you're correct one day Grant may be a heck of a player. might and one day. For the A10 we are woefully undersized. So are you prediciting an NCAA bid next year?

 

[spider3309]

NM

 

[spider3309]

And you do? If so, please enlighten us all with your insider scoop of how Mooney feels about his progress over the past 6 years because anytime he speaks in public it all seems good for him. He certainly does not make Huesman like prouncements that he is going to win a National Championship, all about getting better and getting that top 4 A-10 seed.

He's been here for 12 years now and it amazes me how some in our fanbase are just content with who we are, instead of striving to be better. This Gill firing is finally the cathartic release saying enough with that thinking.

I have a feeling our new AD is going to be someone who is more demanding of winning and results than Gill was. And perhaps this move will help Mooney with admissions and recruiting better in general. I suspect if that Mooney is unable to move the needle with either, the new AD will tire quickly of being content with making an NIT run every couple of years and all of the excuses that go along with why that is.

God man, you got to write an epistle every time you think somebody disagrees with you. I know Coach Mooney very well and I have more than a clue but that's all the enlightenment you get from me.

This has nothing to do with my feelings about the state of the program. My original point was that you want act like you know that Mooney was happy with Gill as an AD and that he's happy with the status quo. You just made up something that's not true. But if that makes you feel important that's great.

Ok go ahead you get last shot, I'm done with you.

 

[Eight Legger]

you're correct one day Grant may be a heck of a player. might and one day. For the A10 we are woefully undersized. So are you prediciting an NCAA bid next year?

I don't think we are woefully undersized at all. Solly is 6'7" and Grant is 6'9". That's already bigger than we were this year. Factor in one of our freshmen forwards or Hans and that's a third guy 6'8" or bigger. And if anyone wants to count on Paul for anything (I don't), he's even taller. Buck and Sherod are not small, either. Heightwise, we'll be much improved. Talentwise remains to be seen.

 

[I-M-UR]

Just out of curiosity take my word on it.My 'hypothesis' on the Gill situation has 100% validity.Enough of me on the the basketball board.
Continue on with thy nonsense over here with conjecture tribble about everything roundball.

Mooney will want to be very much involved in the selection process of the new AD.Mooney's
own existing contract will run its course during this new AD's tenure.Anything that will help breath new live into extending that contract is a good thing for Mooney.Otherwise, likely bye bye.

Take my word on it? The word of a nameless guy on a blog? I don't even understand exactly what 'conjecture tribble' you speaking of? It's all opinion or conjecture unless the poster has inside knowledge, works in the Athletic Dept. etc.

 

[I-M-UR]

I don't think we are woefully undersized at all. Solly is 6'7" and Grant is 6'9". That's already bigger than we were this year. Factor in one of our freshmen forwards or Hans and that's a third guy 6'8" or bigger. And if anyone wants to count on Paul for anything (I don't), he's even taller. Buck and Sherod are not small, either. Heightwise, we'll be much improved. Talentwise remains to be seen.

Solly is supposed to be very good, but frankly until we see him in action who knows. Putting a lot of expectations on Grant, who'll basically be a freshman again or any other freshman is a lot to ask in A10 play. Are you predicting an NCAA appearance next year? I'm certainly not, especially since at large bids are often largely determined in the early OOC games.

 

[Eight Legger]

Solly is supposed to be very good, but frankly until we see him in action who knows. Putting a lot of expectations on Grant, who'll basically be a freshman again or any other freshman is a lot to ask in A10 play. Are you predicting an NCAA appearance next year? I'm certainly not, especially since at large bids are often largely determined in the early OOC games.

I'm not predicting a bid, but if things fall right we should be at least as good as we were this year. But I was just addressing your comment about how we are "woefully undersized in the A-10." I disagree. We will have 5-6 guys 6'7" or taller on our roster next year.

 

[I-M-UR]

Agree, totally. Jim would be a great fit for the present. Get it done!

JM was a good AD, very engaged and engaging, always there and involved, I remember him chasing down an official at the Hampton BBall game because of a horrible end of game call. He got the stadium built. But he did give us the 10 year contract.

 

[urmite]

I'm not predicting a bid, but if things fall right we should be at least as good as we were this year. But I was just addressing your comment about how we are "woefully undersized in the A-10." I disagree. We will have 5-6 guys 6'7" or taller on our roster next year.

Anyone going to be there Wednesday with a tape measure?