Coach Cooley @ John Carroll Weekend in SF, April 20

[CAHoya07]

I just registered for John Carroll Weekend in San Francisco in a week and a half, solely to attend an event with Coach Cooley and AD Lee Reed on Thursday, April 20. Very cool that they're coming out here for this, and so soon after Cooley's hiring.

A couple gripes, however:

1) Georgetown has done a TERRIBLE job of promoting that Cooley is coming to SF. I've received a bunch of emails about JCW 2023, but none of them have mentioned Coach Cooley yet. The ONLY reason I knew about this is because DFW posted about this in another thread. I realize this is a recent addition, but if I were Georgetown, I would be all over this.

2) I hate the stereotype of Georgetown alums being a bunch of nerds that don't care about basketball, but we surely earn that reputation sometimes. Case in point: the event is on Thursday at 2:30pm. There is also an event at a random chocolate factory at the same time. Guess which one has a waitlist and which one doesn't? Click below to find out:



Knowing Georgetown, neither of these are huge surprises, but we can and must do better.

OK, now that I've gotten my ranting out of the way, any other HoyaTalkers attending this? I've been a couple JCWs before and find them a bit stale, but I'm really looking forward to this event.

[hoyasaxa2003]

Ed Cooley has his hands full, but he clearly gets it when it comes to PR. I don't expect him to transform everything overnight, but I am encouraged by what we see. Ewing never even attended a John Caroll Weekend, even though I think he would have been a pretty big draw (at least before the last two years, but even then). I do think it's an advantage that his daughter is a senior, as she likely knows/is aware of many of the Georgetown weaknesses on these things.

I don't expect Ed Cooley to transform the univerity's PR and alumni relations, but I hope he can at least do it for basketball.

[hoyawoodhoops]

This criticism is a little unfair. Originally, the JCW program included a panel (presumably featuring Lee Reed) on "The Ever-Changing Landscape of Georgetown Athletics," to be held on Friday afternoon, April 21st, which was announced long before Ed Cooley was hired as our MBB coach. In an email that came out about 10 days ago, the program was moved to Thursday, and became Cooley and MBB-centric. I absolutely agree that this is a great move by Coach Cooley and AD Reed -- and one Patrick Ewing never made -- but the late date of the announcement is understandable, and far less impo
rtant than the fact the program is occurring in the first place, particularly at Georgetown's signature annual alumni event.

[TC]

Also, people like chocolate.

[Nevada Hoya]

When we hosted the JCW in Las Vegas in 2006 (where I met DFW and lic), we had an event mainly for bball alumni with JTII and JTIII. HOFer Jim Brown brought me and my wife as his guests. Great event.

[CAHoya07]

Apr 11, 2023 15:01:57 GMT -5 hoyawoodhoops said:

This criticism is a little unfair. Originally, the JCW program included a panel (presumably featuring Lee Reed) on "The Ever-Changing Landscape of Georgetown Athletics," to be held on Friday afternoon, April 21st, which was announced long before Ed Cooley was hired as our MBB coach. In an email that came out about 10 days ago, the program was moved to Thursday, and became Cooley and MBB-centric. I absolutely agree that this is a great move by Coach Cooley and AD Reed -- and one Patrick Ewing never made -- but the late date of the announcement is understandable, and far less important than the fact the program is occurring in the first place, particularly at Georgetown's signature annual alumni event.

Fair points. And to be completely fair, I did get an email from Georgetown earlier today about JCW registration ending on Thursday, and it DID mention the Cooley and Reed talk. It was the 4th of 7 bullet points in the list of highlighted events, so you could have easily missed it while skimming, but it was there.

Looking forward to reporting back and meeting other alums and fans there. LMK here or by DM if you're going too!

[CTHoya08]

Apr 11, 2023 15:01:57 GMT -5 hoyawoodhoops said:

This criticism is a little unfair. Originally, the JCW program included a panel (presumably featuring Lee Reed) on "The Ever-Changing Landscape of Georgetown Athletics," to be held on Friday afternoon, April 21st, which was announced long before Ed Cooley was hired as our MBB coach. In an email that came out about 10 days ago, the program was moved to Thursday, and became Cooley and MBB-centric. I absolutely agree that this is a great move by Coach Cooley and AD Reed -- and one Patrick Ewing never made -- but the late date of the announcement is understandable, and far less impo
rtant than the fact the program is occurring in the first place, particularly at Georgetown's signature annual alumni event.

It’s not exactly surprising that an event that has been on the calendar for longer filled up faster. Plus, I’d imagine that the chocolate tour probably can only accommodate a small number of people, while they can throw Reed and Cooley in a ballroom and pack in as many as they want.

[DFW HOYA]

Arrived to the conversation late, but a few thoughts:

1. JCW events are usually planned out up to a year in advance, depending on the venue, and it's not unusual that Thursday's events (which are largely geared toward visiting the city, versus sitting in panel discussions Friday at the headquarters hotel) would sell out over events held inside. In past years, there have been a cadre of registrants (mostly parents and Board of Regents members) that sign up for every tour on day one and they quickly sell out. The more walkable a city is, the more likely people will want to get out and about. Fourteen of the 18 events for Thursday, net of the evening reception, have sold out, and they're all outside the hotel.

2. Getting Cooley to make the trip from DC is a win-win: it's shows his interest in meeting with people, and it's a community-building effort. This readership does not need to be reminded that past iterations of the basketball office showed zero interest in events outside its control, and alumni and parents took notice. The last two John Carroll Weekend events (Nashville, Boston) were, at most, a two hour flight for the head coach who could have attended and he could have been home the same day if he so chose, and he chose not to. Taking time out of the whirlwind of the portal at this time of the year is no small commitment, either. It is encouraging that coach Cooley is going to be a visible member of the Georgetown community, which is going to be a sea change from two generations of alumni, parents, and donors who saw men's basketball as disconnected from University and alumni life.

3. While I politely complain about the cost of events, particularly for younger alumni, John Carroll Weekend remains an absolutely unique event that is done first-class by the University. I am not aware of any major university which takes its alumni awards weekend on the road to places near and far: 32 different US cities and four cities in Europe have hosted it. I like to say that those who don't go will never go, but for those that do, they'll want to return and see new cities and experiences each year. For reference, here's how the event last year in Nashville turned out--despite being a non-traditional venue versus a New York, Chicago or a San Francisco, it was well attended and people really enjoyed it. If you're able to travel to one of these in the future, please consider it.

[jackofjoy]

Apr 11, 2023 19:39:32 GMT -5 DFW HOYA said:

Arrived to the conversation late, but a few thoughts:

1. JCW events are usually planned out up to a year in advance, depending on the venue, and it's not unusual that Thursday's events (which are largely geared toward visiting the city, versus sitting in panel discussions Friday at the headquarters hotel) would sell out over events held inside. In past years, there have been a cadre of registrants (mostly parents and Board of Regents members) that sign up for every tour on day one and they quickly sell out. The more walkable a city is, the more likely people will want to get out and about. Fourteen of the 18 events for Thursday, net of the evening reception, have sold out, and they're all outside the hotel.

2. Getting Cooley to make the trip from DC is a win-win: it's shows his interest in meeting with people, and it's a community-building effort. This readership does not need to be reminded that past iterations of the basketball office showed zero interest in events outside its control, and alumni and parents took notice. The last two John Carroll Weekend events (Nashville, Boston) were, at most, a two hour flight for the head coach who could have attended and he could have been home the same day if he so chose, and he chose not to. Taking time out of the whirlwind of the portal at this time of the year is no small commitment, either. It is encouraging that coach Cooley is going to be a visible member of the Georgetown community, which is going to be a sea change from two generations of alumni, parents, and donors who saw men's basketball as disconnected from University and alumni life.

3. While I politely complain about the cost of events, particularly for younger alumni, John Carroll Weekend remains an absolutely unique event that is done first-class by the University. I am not aware of any major university which takes its alumni awards weekend on the road to places near and far: 32 different US cities and four cities in Europe have hosted it. I like to say that those who don't go will never go, but for those that do, they'll want to return and see new cities and experiences each year. For reference, here's how the event last year in Nashville turned out--despite being a non-traditional venue versus a New York, Chicago or a San Francisco, it was well attended and people really enjoyed it. If you're able to travel to one of these in the future, please consider it.

Doesn’t hurt when you receive an award at on, either … 

[CaliHoya]

Anyone go to this? Would love a report.

[hoyawoodhoops]

Coach Cooley hit another homerun. The room was overflowing -- we joked about a fire marshal intervention -- and the enthusiasm level of the crowd, which included an array of significant donors (to athletics and otherwise) was palpable. Coach Cooley's communication skills, positive attitude, and stress on transparency were beyond a breath of fresh air. We're in a new world folks, and I think we're going to love it.

[CAHoya07]

Yep, I was there too, and he was fantastic. Jotted down a few notes that I hope to extrapolate on, but for now, I have this:

Initial take: I'm really, really excited about the new era he's ushering in. He's engaging all aspects of the program with his message of inclusivity, from the team to the staff to the band and cheerleaders to the students to the alumni, fans and donors. Who knows if he'll actually be able to achieve his vision, but the fact that he has such a strong vision on so many levels is energizing.

Patience, of course, but I think this is already fun again, and I'm guessing it will get more fun sooner rather than later.

[jester]

The waitlist is misleading, the tour is by default for only a small group, knowing the facotry, while the major events are held in the hotel. So I wouldnt take that as a reflection of interest.

Obviously it was well-attended / received.

Agree with it being a first class event that is undermarketed (ie, social channels) to the younger alums. part of that is intentional, a lot of the events are meant in appreciation for those in fundraising roles that are older and about to leave a legacy. But there are plenty of ways to combine seeing a city with its programmed events that appeal to a broader base with its speakers and unique access. Chimes Night, brewery, behind the scenes of the ballpark, tour of ansel adams exhibit, kara swisher live podcast, etc

The swag bags are great too, some Hoya wine included of course.

Dublin is next year, and if you can get a group of Hoyas together, great reunion + sightseeing event excuse !

[TC]

hilltophoops.substack.com/p/john-carroll-weekend-georgetown-cooley

Must read, wish others would give their accounts of the session.

[hoyasaxa2003]

Apr 25, 2023 10:01:51 GMT -5 TC said:

hilltophoops.substack.com/p/john-carroll-weekend-georgetown-cooley

Must read, wish others would give their accounts of the session.

To me, the most notable things:

- Cooley was there, and took time to do this. These things are so important to building engagement and goodwill.

- Recognition we need to compete in the NIL range and need to have at least $3 million or so to do that. This makes me think that NIL efforts, while likely underdeveloped, aren't quite as behind as we may have thought when DeGioia made comments a few months back in London. Unless this changed quickly to hire Cooley. Which is possible.

- I am a big "tough schedule," guy. Cooley isn't like Ewing, but he also has never scheduled tough OOCs either. So, I don't love that answer, but not in any way surprised, either.

- If Cooley's full staff isn't in place, and they are waiting for that to make announcements, that could explain why there hasn't been any press release.

- I like Cooley's approach to recruiting of taking transfers with a lot of eligibility, plus freshman. The extra COVID year has artificially inflated the number of older players, but that will increasingly be less of a factor. The extra COVID year was given to those who played in 2020-2021. So, anyone playing that season will have 5 years. That means for a normal freshman who started in 2020-2021, they will have 2021-2022, 2023-2023, 2023-2024, and 2024-2025, since the first year does not count. So, 2025 will be the end of the "older" 5 year players. [If this is wrong, correct me, and I'll correct this post.]

Basically, after this year the only guys with the "extra" eligibility left will be freshman who started in 2020-2021. More generally, I do think balance is needed. You cannot stock a team only with transfers, even if it is tough to prevent people from leaving. I do think Cooley's charisma and approach lend itself to player retention far better than what we've had the last 6 years, though.

[hoyawoodhoops]

I agree with HH's summary, as well as 2003's comments. I would only add that, based on the JCW discussion: (1) it's pretty clear we are going to see a pretty modest OOC schedule this (and probably next) year -- the Coach said no Maryland, for example, until it's good for the team/program; (2) we will have enough NIL $ so that it will not be a factor working against us in getting players we want; (3) there is one staff offer outstanding (undoubtedly the reason for no press release/website notice as yet); (4) the key now is getting a top Class of 2024 group, and that will be a (if not the) primary emphasis; (5) in the short term, the Coach wants an older, more veteran team; and (6) he's really not interested in the return to the team of any current player who's elected to enter the portal. In talking separately with my brother and me after the open session, and again on Thursday night, Coach Cooley emphasized he is going to stress fundamentals and defense from the outset, agreeing that his teams have always been defensively and fundamentally strong. It's hard not to find the Coach's entusiasm contagious, and I see no reason not to share it.

[CAHoya07]

To be clear, I was the one who asked about non-conference scheduling. I asked a general question and he gave a general, adequate answer, though what he told me when I talked with him after the session made more more optimistic about some potential big-time matchups down the road. I believe he scheduled adequately at Providence, so he will schedule adequately at Georgetown (something I don't think I can say about Ewing, esp in the Year 1 debacle).

One thing that stuck out to me is his insistence in playing a lot of home games, which I suppose is in line with his vision of building a home court atmosphere. However, in my mind, I'm thinking, "Oh great, another Ewing-like slate of uninspiring cupcakes at home. 4100 students? Given recent years, we'd be lucky to average 4100 fans at those games." But Cooley seems to deeply care about attendance, experience, and protecting home court. He really thinks he can pack a 20K arena. Given realities, in hindsight, I wish I asked him if he’s considering scheduling any home games at McDonough, but I guess that’s for another time.

A few themes to add that I haven't been mentioned yet:

1. His message of inclusivity. Complete 180 and culture change from the Hoya Paranoia of years past. He talked about inviting fans to practice, though with some practices starting at 5 or 6am, he joked that this may turn into "Coffee with Cooley." It seems like he truly wants to open up the program and make it far more accessible and engaging to fans, and his appearance, approachability, and countless photo ops at JCW is a good example of that.

2. He's endearing himself to student body. He told a story of stopping a student on campus who was wearing a Villanova shirt. He asked the student if he had any family ties to Villanova, which apparently he did not. He joked to us that this would be like if came home to his wife with the name of another woman on his chest. He said that he invited the student to his office at 3:45pm to give him a proper Georgetown shirt to wear. He also mentioned that while student season tickets won’t be free, his idea is that if students attend every game, they get their money back and are invited to a postseason party.

3. He said to expect 3-5 transfers per year from the roster. This is just the nature of the transfer portal right now.

4. He thinks Providence did NIL really well while he was there, and he has plans to replicate this at Georgetown and take it further.

5. He really hates UConn, but gave them a tip of the cap for winning the national championship, which is good for the Big East.

6. He really believes he can win multiple national championships here.

All in all, love the energy, there was a nice "Let's Go Hoyas" chant at the end. We have every reason to be optimistic. I think he's the right guy for the job, with the pedigree, a grand vision, and a no quit attitude.

Within a few years, I have full confidence for him to get us back to at least where Providence is now. But we’re not paying him $5 mil a year to just do that. Once he gets us back to respectability, the real question will be how far can he take us. The sky is the limit. Can’t wait to be part of this ride, I think it's going to be a lot of fun.

[hoyasaxa2003]

Apr 25, 2023 18:28:19 GMT -5 CAHoya07 said:

To be clear, I was the one who asked about non-conference scheduling. I asked a general question and he gave a general, adequate answer, though what he told me when I talked with him after the session made more more optimistic about some potential big-time matchups down the road. I believe he scheduled adequately at Providence, so he will schedule adequately at Georgetown (something I don't think I can say about Ewing, esp in the Year 1 debacle).

One thing that stuck out to me is his insistence in playing a lot of home games, which I suppose is in line with his vision of building a home court atmosphere. However, in my mind, I'm thinking, "Oh great, another Ewing-like slate of uninspiring cupcakes at home. 4100 students? Given recent years, we'd be lucky to average 4100 fans at those games." But Cooley seems to deeply care about attendance, experience, and protecting home court. He really thinks he can pack a 20K arena. Given realities, in hindsight, I wish I asked him if he’s considering scheduling any home games at McDonough, but I guess that’s for another time.

A few themes to add that I haven't been mentioned yet:

1. His message of inclusivity. Complete 180 and culture change from the Hoya Paranoia of years past. He talked about inviting fans to practice, though with some practices starting at 5 or 6am, he joked that this may turn into "Coffee with Cooley." It seems like he truly wants to open up the program and make it far more accessible and engaging to fans, and his appearance (and countless photo ops) at JCW is a good example of that.

2. He's endearing himself to student body. He told a story of stopping a student on campus who was wearing a Villanova shirt. He asked the student if he had any family ties to Villanova, which apparently he did not. He joked to us that this would be like if came home to his wife with the name of another woman on his chest. He said that he invited the student to his office at 3:45pm to give him a proper Georgetown shirt to wear. He also mentioned that while student season tickets won’t be free, his idea is that if students attend every game, they get their money back and are invited to a postseason party.

3. He said to expect 3-5 transfers per year from the roster. This is just the nature of the transfer portal right now.

4. He thinks Providence did NIL really well while he was there, and he has plans to replicate this at Georgetown and take it farther.

5. He really hates UConn, but gave them a tip of the cap for winning the national championship, which is good for the Big East.

6. He really believes he can win multiple national championships here.

All in all, love the energy, there was a nice "Let's Go Hoyas" chant at the end. We have every reason to be optimistic. I think he's the right guy for the job, with the pedigree, a grand vision, and a no quit attitude.

Within a few years, I have full confidence for him to get us back to at least where Providence is now. But we’re not paying him $5 mil a year to just do that. Once he gets us back to respectability, the real question will be how far can he take us. The sky is limit. Can’t wait to be part of this ride, I think it's going to be a lot of fun.

Thanks so much for sharing. All great to hear.

[DanMcQ]

[lichoya68]

Apr 11, 2023 19:39:32 GMT -5 DFW HOYA said:

Arrived to the conversation late, but a few thoughts:

1. JCW events are usually planned out up to a year in advance, depending on the venue, and it's not unusual that Thursday's events (which are largely geared toward visiting the city, versus sitting in panel discussions Friday at the headquarters hotel) would sell out over events held inside. In past years, there have been a cadre of registrants (mostly parents and Board of Regents members) that sign up for every tour on day one and they quickly sell out. The more walkable a city is, the more likely people will want to get out and about. Fourteen of the 18 events for Thursday, net of the evening reception, have sold out, and they're all outside the hotel.

2. Getting Cooley to make the trip from DC is a win-win: it's shows his interest in meeting with people, and it's a community-building effort. This readership does not need to be reminded that past iterations of the basketball office showed zero interest in events outside its control, and alumni and parents took notice. The last two John Carroll Weekend events (Nashville, Boston) were, at most, a two hour flight for the head coach who could have attended and he could have been home the same day if he so chose, and he chose not to. Taking time out of the whirlwind of the portal at this time of the year is no small commitment, either. It is encouraging that coach Cooley is going to be a visible member of the Georgetown community, which is going to be a sea change from two generations of alumni, parents, and donors who saw men's basketball as disconnected from University and alumni life.

3. While I politely complain about the cost of events, particularly for younger alumni, John Carroll Weekend remains an absolutely unique event that is done first-class by the University. I am not aware of any major university which takes its alumni awards weekend on the road to places near and far: 32 different US cities and four cities in Europe have hosted it. I like to say that those who don't go will never go, but for those that do, they'll want to return and see new cities and experiences each year. For reference, here's how the event last year in Nashville turned out--despite being a non-traditional venue versus a New York, Chicago or a San Francisco, it was well attended and people really enjoyed it. If you're able to travel to one of these in the future, please consider it.