JJ's not as high profile on the national level as Trent was when we got him. Of course, how did that work out? The LA connection is Jones' selling point, IMO. Not to mention, he's done better as a head coach than he seems to get credit for in here.
I wasn't overwhelmed with JJ when the vacancy was first reported and his name surfaced. Since then I am starting to warm to the idea of a more up tempo game, which has to be appealing to high school players, and will definitely play to the strengths of Hickey. I am taking a wait and see approach on recruiting. Expecting a whole lot at this point might be a stretch but if he can pull off getting three solid recruits like Coleman, Hammink and Pelle or maybe even flipping Gathers, then next year might be really exciting. Geaux Tigers and congratulations Coach Jones!
Underwhelming hire of a mediocre coach. Success at North Texas? His team was barely at .500 and a averaged 4th place finish... in the Western division of the SUN BELT. Maybe he was a good recruiter at LSU, but that was 15 years ago... And how involved was he in the Lester Earl mess? I realize that LSU basketball isn't exactly a prestige job, but it very easily could be. Wave a buttload of cash in front of a coach, offer him facilities upgrades, and he will take the job. The only thing this hire will ensure is that the PMAC stays very empty.
Disagree. He got politiced into a shot. Averaging a fourth place finish in the western division of a low major does not generally earn you a high major job. To me this hire indicates that the administration has no interst in having a competetive hoops program.. that said I really hope he does well.
What better indication that he can recruit at LSU than his previous success recruiting at LSU! Cleared of wrongdoing by the NCAA. The top guys all already have top dollar and top facilities and ain't going anywhere. LSU is not a top basketball program and has always been most successful by bringing in second-tier coaches with upside. A wild-ass guess. All it takes are wins to fill the arena.
Over 11 years they actually averaged a third place finish, but you have to remember he inherited a team avg 5 wins per year when he was hired. In his last six years, NT avg 21 wins per season. I'm not saying Jones is Coach K, but I think he is an upgrade. The fans should be positive and give him a chance.
I'm still going to renew my season tickets, but it is a sad state of affairs when the best we can do is a middle or the road coaxh from a third rate conference. It seems if Jones were worth his salt he would have gotten a better job after 11 years. I hope he proves me wrong, pulls in Coleman and Hammink, and has a great career, but this is a real yawner of a hire. It also stinks of good ole boy cronyism.
Recruiting is a shambles and has to start somewhere, and it might as well be at home. LSU has to be able to grab some of these La. kids in the top half of the Rivals 100 when we do produce them. Johnny's critical test is going to be what kind of out-of-state talent he can grab. For all the talk about shutting down the borders, remember that several of Dale's best players came from outside the state.
Dale Brown was not from a high profile program Utah State. We have seen big names fail and unknowns succeed. Throwing money at a problem isn't a sure fix. Look at the government. If Jones fits in and can recruit is given the opportunity get a good staff he will have a chance. It will be nice to have a coach who loves LSU and show enthusiasm and bring the same. Hopefully wins will follow but I for one am glad we took a chance with one of our own. Good luck Johnnie Jones.
