Hopkins Coaching at Syracuse...

[billyjack]

I caught only the last 10 minutes of the Hoyas win vs Syracuse yesterday.

I was wondering what everyone's opinion was of Mike Hopkins as coach of Syracuse. He'll be taking over from Boeheim eventually.

I guess I don't remember seeing him ever. I thought I read that he played at SU, but he didn't look familiar, and I don't feel like looking it up. He seemed active and enthusiastic, but I don't think he'll translate well to typical renegade type Syracuse players. I'm not sure that they'll ultimately respond to him, especially if he has a cold streak and they start losing.

Boeheim could always point to his long history of success and could point to past players to get his players' respect. He also has that shitty, cynical personality that works for him. Hopkins doesn't have those advantages... seems like a nice guy, but his players might not trust his abilities.

Anyway, not sure so I was looking for other opinions. Syracuse could seriously lose their mojo quickly, which would be key for the Big East in recruiting and eyeballs. Their fans have been spoiled for so long that they could turn on him fast.

[stever20]

I caught most all of the 1st half, and then some later in the game. I thought he walked into a hornets nest yesterday quite frankly- not sure Boeheim could have done much different. He looked stiff at first, but thought as the 2nd half went along, he did look a bit better.

he's got coming up 5 easier games(yes to include St John's- if they're struggling with St Francis, sorry that'll be an easier game for Syracuse). Then @ Pitt, @ Miami, and Clemson at home. The Pitt and Miami games are huge. I think the question is if they really struggle in these 8, if that opens up any question about him taking over in 2018.

[Friar82]

Hopkins was a decent player at SU, and has spent most all of his post-graduation years as an assistant to Boeheim. Now in his mid-40's he's in line to shake the role of Assistant come 2018. Boeheim's system hasn't really changed through the years, so Hopkins knows it well. The fact that they weren't able to get it done against GTown might have less to do with Boeheim's absence, and more to do with how good the Hoyas could be this season.

That said, I wouldn't mind seeing SU continue to stumble.

[billyjack]

Weird, I don't remember him playing at all at Syracuse. Apparently he was there from 90 thru 93. Was a shooting guard. Must have been just after Matt Roe. Averaged 9 pts a game as a senior. From all the talk about him, it always sounds like he had an impact like Leo Rautins.... instead maybe he was more like Sonny Sperra.

[billyjack]

How often does a coach succeed when he follows a legend?
How often does a coach succeed when he's a "hand-picked" successor?
I'm not sure Hopkins is the guy to follow Boeheim.

[EMT]

How often does a coach succeed when he follows a legend?
How often does a coach succeed when he's a "hand-picked" successor?
I'm not sure Hopkins is the guy to follow Boeheim.

Kevin Ollie......

[billyjack]

How often does a coach succeed when he follows a legend?
How often does a coach succeed when he's a "hand-picked" successor?
I'm not sure Hopkins is the guy to follow Boeheim.

Kevin Ollie......

Ok, good call.

[NovaBall]

Looks like syracuse'so move to the ACC might be as successful as Boston college's!

[Westbrook#36]

How often does a coach succeed when he follows a legend?
How often does a coach succeed when he's a "hand-picked" successor?
I'm not sure Hopkins is the guy to follow Boeheim.

Kevin Ollie......

Ok, good call.

Still think the original point stands. Far more often than not being hand picked/follow a legend is a no win situation for the coach doing it. At least in my recollection. Anyone feel free to counter point my memory, not completely sold on it, just a vague feeling.

[EMT]

Still think the original point stands. Far more often than not being hand picked/follow a legend is a no win situation for the coach doing it. At least in my recollection. Anyone feel free to counter point my memory, not completely sold on it, just a vague feeling.[/quote]

Agree that it isn't very often..... Ollie came to mind though.