The Xavier Coaching Parade

[Masterofreality]

In 1980, Xavier and Loyola Chicago were in exactly the same place.
-Playing in their original gym where they started their programs.
-Playing in a newly formed MCC
-Hiring brand new coaches
-Fighting for attention vs another in-city basketball program that was more successful.
-Both Jesuit Cathoilc Schools.

Xavier has since grown and thrived while Loyola has continued to struggle. Why? Each school has had 6 coaches since 1980. Look at the list of coaches that each school has hired..to Thom Brenaman's point in the Marquette game:

Loyola Xavier
Gene Sullivan Bob Staak
Will Rey. Pete Gillen
Ken Burmeister. Skip Prosser
Larry Farmer. Thad Matta
Jim Whitesell. Sean Miller
Porter Moser Chris Mack

Yeah, I'd say that Xavier has done a lot better job. Never forget, we could have been Loyola. They have not been to an NCAA Tournament since 1985. Thank you Jim McCafferty, Jeff Fogelson Mike Bobinski , Dr. Bill Daley and X University Presidents for wonderful decisions.

[nuts4xu]

I am fortunate that I can't remember Xavier basketball before 1983 or so. Can't imagine still being a Xavier fan had we followed the path taken by Loyola.

They suck donkeys!

[XUOHTX]

Wow. A very good comparison. They also are about twice our size and have an endowment about 3 times that of ours. It's about vision, commitment, perseverance, and a little luck.

[nuts4xu]

It's about vision, commitment, perseverance, and a little luck.

Preparation + Opportunity = Luck

Often we make our own luck.

[XU 87]

Wow. A very good comparison. They also are about twice our size and have an endowment about 3 times that of ours. It's about vision, commitment, perseverance, and a little luck.

And good fan support.

I went to an X-Loyola game in Chicago in the early 90's. I doubt there were 1500 people there, and about half of those were XU fans.

X has done a good job in hiring AD's and coaches. But without the fan support, X's success would not have been possible.

[Masterofreality]

And good fan support.

I went to an X-Loyola game in Chicago in the early 90's. I doubt there were 1500 people there, and about half of those were XU fans.

X has done a good job in hiring AD's and coaches. But without the fan support, X's success would not have been possible.

A point, but X had to start winning before the fans really started coming out. I believe that the first "sellout" at Schmidt for over 10 years was when X played Evansville in 1981 when they won 59-57 to claim the MCC regular season championship. They were still only 12-16 that year and went 8-20 the next year before the next two years of 22 wins each. The bigger fan support didn't start until the NIT games of 1984 vs Ohio State & Nebraska at the Gardens. Both those games drew over 9,500, but before that, the biggest crowds at an XU home game that season were the SucKS game that drew 7,800, a St. Louis game that drew 8,100 and the game against udump that drew 6,400. The other games all drew around 3,000 to 4,000 with some like OK City and Loyola only in the 2,000. No doubt the Ohio State NIT game woke up the City & XU fans, but they had to work to get there.

[deepX]

What really got the fans coming out starting with the 1984 NIT games was the realization that upgrading the program could lead to more teams like Nebraska bring in cheerleaders like "the Blonde"! I think there was a game that night but my fondest memory was her.

deepX

[xeus]

Wait, so we're a better program than Loyola? Sweet! I needed that affirmation.

Wonder how this same analysis looks when we're compared to Duke.

[Xu Red Dogg]

I'm sure I've said this every year but if there was ever an offseason we can't afford to lose a head coach, it is THIS ONE. With that top 5 recruiting class sitting out there, and Semaj possibly on the fence to stay or go, a change at the top spot could result in a multi-year ripple effect I would hate to see us endure.

[xu82]

I'm sure I've said this every year but if there was ever an offseason we can't afford to lose a head coach, it is THIS ONE. With that top 5 recruiting class sitting out there, and Semaj possibly on the fence to stay or go, a change at the top spot could result in a multi-year ripple effect I would hate to see us endure.

Ugh... I feel this way most years I guess, but never this early! I really think that unless there's a freaky championship type run, coach Mack knows his stock will be higher after a couple years with the talent coming in. That's what I'm telling myself and I'm sticking to it! (Truth be told I'm holding out for the dream situation of Mack staying around and being very well paid and always appreciated even when wealthier programs come calling.)

[xeus]

And good fan support.

Exactly, especially that of the Farmers, Kohlhepps, Gardners, XU 87s, MORs, etc etc etc.

In the chicken or egg game of whether the massive fan support or the success came first, I propose that it was the massive fan support, which in turn inspired the benevolence of key leadership donors.

[XU 87]

A point, but X had to start winning before the fans really started coming out. I believe that the first "sellout" at Schmidt for over 10 years was when X played Evansville in 1981 when they won 59-57 to claim the MCC regular season championship. They were still only 12-16 that year and went 8-20 the next year before the next two years of 22 wins each. The bigger fan support didn't start until the NIT games of 1984 vs Ohio State & Nebraska at the Gardens. Both those games drew over 9,500, but before that, the biggest crowds at an XU home game that season were the SucKS game that drew 7,800, a St. Louis game that drew 8,100 and the game against udump that drew 6,400. The other games all drew around 3,000 to 4,000 with some like OK City and Loyola only in the 2,000. No doubt the Ohio State NIT game woke up the City & XU fans, but they had to work to get there.

There is no doubt that as the teams got better over the years, the fan support got better. Getting close to sell outs for first and second round NIT games in 1984 was pretty remarkable.

But without the fan support, we wouldn't be close to the program we have. Loyola was actually better than X in the early and mid 80's. They went to a Sweet 16 in '84 or '85. But they had no fan support. And their program hasn't done a thing in the last 25-30 years.

Trivia question: After the Nebraska win, Bob Staak entered the old Musketeer Club room at the Gardens and gave a short speech (about 2 sentences). What did he say?