Jay Wright talks about almost being RU Coach

[srru86]

Some history for those that missed that era it or don't remember...

Allentown Morning Call
How Villanova almost didn't get Jay Wright
"How close was it? Closer than people may have realized."

 

[PatrickRU92]

 

[jellyman]

Not exactly how it played out ... though close.

Several elements were in play:

1) It is true that Villanova was Wright's dream job - and his family's. His wife went to Villanova (a cheerleader there, maybe?).

2) The timing of RU reaching agreement with Wright, and Lappas being hired by UMass was also correct.

3) What is NOT mentioned is that Lappas and Wright shared the same lawyer (who acted as each of their agent, I think - but certainly was an important go-between on contractual issues). Wright CERTAINLY knew what was happening with Lappas, even before Wright received RU's final offer - which Wright had verbally agreed to, at a minimum in principle.

4) What is also not mentioned was that Lappas was fired from Villanova after 3 straight post-season performances (records of 21-11 - NCAA, 20-13 - NIT, 18-13 - NIT) - though it is true Villanova wanted NCAA appearances, not NIT appearances. But in 9 years with Nova, Lappas went to the NCAA 4 times, and the NIT 3 times. If RU was not about to hire Wright, Lappas would NOT have been fired - there was literally NO whisper that Lappas was in trouble prior to RU reaching agreement with Wright.

5) What is also not mentioned is that Lappas actually SIGNED a contract with UMass less than 72 hours, or even less than 48 hours, after he was fired by Villanova. It is almost certain that Villanova and the shared lawyer of Lappas and Wright, arranged a quick and soft landing for Lappas in order for Wright to get the Villanova job. This was a superb job by the Villanova AD, but almost certainly partially engineered by Lappas (who was probably told by Nova they were going to fire him in order to prevent RU from getting Wright), Wright and their shared lawyer.

6) In other words, Wright knew he was playing RU and Mulcahy, and his excuse that he wanted to meet with the Chancellor of RU before signed was a convenient after the fact excuse and likely ploy to buy time, not merely a lucky coincidence.

7) Though I have no proof of this, I BELIEVE that Mulcahy had conversations with Wright's lawyer/agent prior to firing Bannon, and legitimately thought he had Wright essentially locked up before he fired Bannon. That actually allowed Wright's "people" more time to work Villanova and the Lappas situation so Wright knew he was not taking a mentor's job, but that his mentor and close friend Lappas landed a good head coaching job before Wright took Lappas' old job.

I am very certain this is how it all went down.

 

[LC-88]

this is why i want Nova to lose to OU. F'em.

 

[srru86]

I am shocked Jay Wright reflects a version most flattering to himself and that the guys in white collars can be shifty sneaks.

I seem to remember going to a game that last Lappas season at the Dupont Ski Lodge and listening to the local VU radio station for some of the post game and while not outright "Lappas must go" I recall some grumbling that Lappas wasn't performing to the level they felt entitled to. My reaction was "I wish we had his level of mediocrity."

 

[RobertG]

What I take away from this is that Wright believes God hates Rutgers Basketball (he may be right.)

It was the best move for Wright. And he was asked about it Thursday, as he prepared for his second Final Four as Wildcats coach while Rutgers just hired its fifth coach in that same time frame.

"I never think about it," Wright said. "I just figured it was part of God's plan. And if it was God's plan, I would have figured it out. I never think about that. But every time someone brings it up, I think of how lucky I am and how close I was and fate worked out for me because I would have taken that job."

So God steps in at the last minute and denies RU a really good coach, RU then ends up with a series of coaches who seem to out do each other in how to best get fired. I think this can only be explained by Divine intervention. The only question is has the curse been lifted by the sacrifice of the reputation of an RU basketball ledgend? Or do we need to have some other offering? Maybe an exorcism?

 

[KnightsB10]

Not exactly how it played out ... though close.

Several elements were in play:

1) It is true that Villanova was Wright's dream job - and his family's. His wife went to Villanova (a cheerleader there, maybe?).

2) The timing of RU reaching agreement with Wright, and Lappas being hired by UMass was also correct.

3) What is NOT mentioned is that Lappas and Wright shared the same lawyer (who acted as each of their agent, I think - but certainly was an important go-between on contractual issues). Wright CERTAINLY knew what was happening with Lappas, even before Wright received RU's final offer - which Wright had verbally agreed to, at a minimum in principle.

4) What is also not mentioned was that Lappas was fired from Villanova after 3 straight post-season performances (records of 21-11 - NCAA, 20-13 - NIT, 18-13 - NIT) - though it is true Villanova wanted NCAA appearances, not NIT appearances. But in 9 years with Nova, Lappas went to the NCAA 4 times, and the NIT 3 times. If RU was not about to hire Wright, Lappas would NOT have been fired - there was literally NO whisper that Lappas was in trouble prior to RU reaching agreement with Wright.

5) What is also not mentioned is that Lappas actually SIGNED a contract with UMass less than 72 hours, or even less than 48 hours, after he was fired by Villanova. It is almost certain that Villanova and the shared lawyer of Lappas and Wright, arranged a quick and soft landing for Lappas in order for Wright to get the Villanova job. This was a superb job by the Villanova AD, but almost certainly partially engineered by Lappas (who was probably told by Nova they were going to fire him in order to prevent RU from getting Wright), Wright and their shared lawyer.

6) In other words, Wright knew he was playing RU and Mulcahy, and his excuse that he wanted to meet with the Chancellor of RU before signed was a convenient after the fact excuse and likely ploy to buy time, not merely a lucky coincidence.

7) Though I have no proof of this, I BELIEVE that Mulcahy had conversations with Wright's lawyer/agent prior to firing Bannon, and legitimately thought he had Wright essentially locked up before he fired Bannon. That actually allowed Wright's "people" more time to work Villanova and the Lappas situation so Wright knew he was not taking a mentor's job, but that his mentor and close friend Lappas landed a good head coaching job before Wright took Lappas' old job.

I am very certain this is how it all went down.

Didn't we not fire Bannon right after the season because Lawrence dragged his feet? Had we done so we probably would have gotten Wright.

 

[Scarlet Shack]

RUTG44

There were some reasons why Lawrence and Bob could not fire KB right away. Leave it at that...

 

[KnightDC]

No because he was coaching in the ncaa. Bob made contact as soon as he was allowed. And since jw wanted nova any change in ru timetable wouldve accelerated novas timetable fir canning lappas

 

[Scarlet Shack]

Jelly has this correct....

 

[wheezer]

Jelly has this correct....

------------
I agree, it is how I remember it

 

[RU MAN]

Jelly's correct.

 

[soundcrib]

Oh shut up.

 

[srru86]

Oh shut up.

My,my, what brought that on.

 

[RU_kidding_me]

What I take away from this is that Wright believes God hates Rutgers Basketball (he may be right.)

It was the best move for Wright. And he was asked about it Thursday, as he prepared for his second Final Four as Wildcats coach while Rutgers just hired its fifth coach in that same time frame.

"I never think about it," Wright said. "I just figured it was part of God's plan. And if it was God's plan, I would have figured it out. I never think about that. But every time someone brings it up, I think of how lucky I am and how close I was and fate worked out for me because I would have taken that job."

So God steps in at the last minute and denies RU a really good coach, RU then ends up with a series of coaches who seem to out do each other in how to best get fired. I think this can only be explained by Divine intervention. The only question is has the curse been lifted by the sacrifice of the reputation of an RU basketball ledgend? Or do we need to have some other offering? Maybe an exorcism?

Jelly's correct.

Here is a crazy thought, how about Rutgers actually create a basketball environment that people want to be a part of?

Someone turning down Rutgers for their dream job does not excuse Rutgers for neglecting the basketball program for the past 20 years. That's the real travesty. Many Rutgers fans are delusional in believing that Rutgers is entitled to good fortune and positive support when they have done nothing to deserve or earn any of it.

The fans, myself included, have been cheated the past 20+ years as we religiously follow a team that has basically gone through a self-induced coma and has sadly gotten exactly what is has deserved.

But just when you think they are going to pull the plug on the sleeping Giant, they go and get our hopes up by appearing to finally throw some attention and money at the program. Is it for real this time or just a classic RU save face move at a media relations low point? Time will tell...

 

[Hoopcat]

One thing not mentioned is that I believe Lappas had asked for an extension and 'Nova balked. That may have led to Lappas or his agent commencing talks w. UMASS. Not sure

 

[Seton75]

Jelly's correct.

The is the gist of how I remember it, can not vouch for the details. And imo, Jay did nothing wrong. So what if he played you. That is what people do so often when deals are being made. I was impressed at how quickly nova moved. And there is no doubt to me that if you hired jay, you would be in a far different place, which shows you it is all about the coach.

 

[RU MAN]

The is the gist of how I remember it, can not vouch for the details. And imo, Jay did nothing wrong. So what if he played you. That is what people do so often when deals are being made. I was impressed at how quickly nova moved. And there is no doubt to me that if you hired jay, you would be in a far different place, which shows you it is all about the coach.

Agreed. And even if we did sign Wright, there would have been nothing to hold him at Rutgers if 'nova was his dream job especially since Uncle Bob didn't real give a crap about BB. If Bob invested in BB like he did football, we would be in great shape right now instead of the garbage we see.

 

[Plum Street]

Ok after reading this garbage any of the other 3 teams this weekend can win . Just not Villanova and jay wright . It's God's plan

 

[FELONIOUSMONK]

If he had disembarked onto the banks of the old Raritan we all would have been at Final 4 Ground Zero right now wearing red , telling lies, drinking like we just learned how and eating a lot of crap that we will never eat again. .And trading a lot of RRRRRRUUUU's all over town.

 

[ejgonz]

If he had disembarked onto the banks of the old Raritan we all would have been at Final 4 Ground Zero right now wearing red , telling lies, drinking like we just learned how and eating a lot of crap that we will never eat again. .And trading a lot of RRRRRRUUUU's all over town.

Or the SL would have done an expose on the cost of his suits and who his tailor is connected to and he would have been run out of town.

 

[FELONIOUSMONK]

Eig, That was a nuclear buzz kill. :chairshot:

 

[Hamilton's Cannon]

RU administration dragged its feet and Villanova acted. That is the difference - the large part of the blame goes to RU for not moving with a sense of urgency. That has been their trademark until recently.

 

[MusicFreaks]

You can't say that anymore, as you mentioned. Seems RU is moving at warp speed compared to years past.

 

[Scarlet Shack]

RU administration dragged its feet and Villanova acted. That is the difference - the large part of the blame goes to RU for not moving with a sense of urgency. That has been their trademark until recently.

This is not true...there was more going on there than the public needed to know. Leave it at that

 

[Vegas pj]

What I take away from this is that Wright believes God hates Rutgers Basketball (he may be right.)

So you're saying if JW took the RU job back then, he'd also be unemployed today as a coach? Maybe the "Devil made him do it" is a better theory. :pray:

 

[MADHAT1]

The is the gist of how I remember it, can not vouch for the details. And imo, Jay did nothing wrong. So what if he played you. That is what people do so often when deals are being made. I was impressed at how quickly nova moved. And there is no doubt to me that if you hired jay, you would be in a far different place, which shows you it is all about the coach.

"Jay did nothing wrong. So what if he played you. That is what people do so often when deals are being made."
Every year we see schools being played.
A HC starts getting interest from other programs, acts like he's ready to take an offer and amazingly you hear how his contract is extended with a nice raise attached to it.
Many times the school interviewing a candidate thinks they are close to an agreement, only to read about how that HC agreed to stay where he was after his contract was reworked.

 

[NickyNewark51]

What I take away from this is that Wright believes God hates Rutgers Basketball (he may be right.)

It was the best move for Wright. And he was asked about it Thursday, as he prepared for his second Final Four as Wildcats coach while Rutgers just hired its fifth coach in that same time frame.

"I never think about it," Wright said. "I just figured it was part of God's plan. And if it was God's plan, I would have figured it out. I never think about that. But every time someone brings it up, I think of how lucky I am and how close I was and fate worked out for me because I would have taken that job."

So God steps in at the last minute and denies RU a really good coach, RU then ends up with a series of coaches who seem to out do each other in how to best get fired. I think this can only be explained by Divine intervention. The only question is has the curse been lifted by the sacrifice of the reputation of an RU basketball ledgend? Or do we need to have some other offering? Maybe an exorcism?

So he thinks going to RU would have screwed up his coaching and recruiting ability cause Gods with Nova?Ef him..

 

[MADHAT1]

Wright spun it to make himself and agent look good, doubt God was in that plan.

 

[MikeR0102]

f Wright. I hope Oklahoma drops 100 on them.

 

[mikefla]

Ive always looked at Nova like I look at SHU.....an expensive education with little going for them
except that Nova has a football and lacrosse team
I am amazed NOVA is such a factor in BBall and I attribute it to Wright

If only we he came to RU...*sigh*

I hope the lose by 30 tonight...

 

[MADHAT1]

Ive always looked at Nova like I look at SHU.....an expensive education with little going for them
except that Nova has a football and lacrosse team
I am amazed NOVA is such a factor in BBall and I attribute it to Wright

If only we he came to RU...*sigh*

I hope the lose by 30 tonight...

Wright just continued what Rollie Massimino started.
Nova under Rollie was a top program that won it all in 1985
Villanova also won the championship in 1971 with Jack Kraft the HC, but was stripped of the title because one of its players signed a pro contract during the season

 

[Seton75]

Wright just continued what Rollie Massimino started.
Nova under Rollie was a top program that won it all in 1985
Villanova also won the championship in 1971 with Jack Kraft the HC, but was stripped of the title because one of its players signed a pro contract during the season

They didn't win it in 71 but made the ff.

 

[rufeelinit]

Just put on a near clinic in the first half.

 

[shields]

Oklahoma will you guard someone.

 

[MADHAT1]

They didn't win it in 71 but made the ff.

Thanks for the correction.
Made it to the NC game but lost to Wooden's UCLA team 68-62., then the roof caved in.

 

[bac2therac]

Ive always looked at Nova like I look at SHU.....an expensive education with little going for them
except that Nova has a football and lacrosse team
I am amazed NOVA is such a factor in BBall and I attribute it to Wright

If only we he came to RU...*sigh*

I hope the lose by 30 tonight...

disagree...Nova dwarfs Seton Hall in everything starting with the value of the degree. Their boosters have more money, they can shell out all they want on basketball plus they have the Philly angle they can sell. NYC doesnt care about Seton Hall and even NJ seems indifferent to them.

 

[bac2therac]

Agreed. And even if we did sign Wright, there would have been nothing to hold him at Rutgers if 'nova was his dream job especially since Uncle Bob didn't real give a crap about BB. If Bob invested in BB like he did football, we would be in great shape right now instead of the garbage we see.

remember it took Wright a few years to have success at Nova...There were people here that wanted Waters fired after year 3...very vocal contingent..all he did was have RU on the bubble two of 3 years, they would have called for Wright to be canned too...and if Wright got RU to the NCAA, he most likely would have ended up at Nova or somewhere else anyhow

 

[koleszar]

Agreed. And even if we did sign Wright, there would have been nothing to hold him at Rutgers if 'nova was his dream job especially since Uncle Bob didn't real give a crap about BB. If Bob invested in BB like he did football, we would be in great shape right now instead of the garbage we see.

Not enough money to go around at the time. If he didn't upgrade football we'd be stuck in the AAC right now. I don't think you would consider that as being in great shape. Hell the man got fired for that upgrade alone. The Star Liar probably would have had him thrown in jail if he tried to upgrade basketball as well.

 

[Rhuarc]

remember it took Wright a few years to have success at Nova...There were people here that wanted Waters fired after year 3...very vocal contingent..all he did was have RU on the bubble two of 3 years, they would have called for Wright to be canned too...and if Wright got RU to the NCAA, he most likely would have ended up at Nova or somewhere else anyhow

There was the beginning of an outcry to can Wright in recent years due to their inability to take the big step forward. I guess we can put that to bed now.