Practice Facility at PC

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Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by ramster »

Interesting in today's PROJO article about David Duke and other PC Prospects, the PC practice facility currently under construction and investing in facilities at PC are mentioned twice. Can see how Coaches are mentioning what specifically differentiates their program from the competition.
With a track record of winning, a national reputation and a practice facility being built behind Alumni Hall, the Friars are recruiting more highly rated players than ever before. Closing the deal with four-star talent, however, is never easy.

"Kids are listening to what we have to sell,” Cooley said. “Providence College is investing in facilities that are helping us and I really think my staff is underrated nationally. We can really evaluate as a staff. That shows in our roster for this season and in what we’re trying to do right now with recruiting."



http://www.providencejournal.com/sports ... 2018-class
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rambone 78
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by rambone 78 »

URI will end up with some kind of facility down the road a bit.....whether it's a stand alone or not is the question....I tend to think it will be more of an upgrade of existing facilities though.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by Rhodymob05 »

It's a no brainer that it's a huge selling point. I'm sure Uri has plans. I can see Thorb being all in for one.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by ramster »

I have not heard of any plans for a Practice Facility at URI.

Point is that Cooley is clearly promoting the new Facility to current Recruits, leveraging it to it's full advantage as one would expect.

Here is the info on the Facility that was in the Projo 2 years ago.......PC was the last BE Team to Build one. Excerpt from article:

The main phase of the project will cost $30 million. A second phase, which will include a new Center for Career Education and Professional Development, will be an additional $7.5 million.
The new building has been discussed for more than a decade as schools around the country have built training facilities specifically for basketball, separate from their playing arenas. Last year, for instance, Connecticut christened a $40-million basketball training facility adjacent to Gampel Pavilion on the Storrs campus. Virtually every Big East school already has a basketball practice facility in place on campus.

http://www.providencejournal.com/articl ... /151219577

Also
http://www.foxsports.com/college-basket ... ity-121515
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by RF1 »

Link to Basketball Practice Facilities Review Thread

http://keaneyblue.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=5269


It includes info on many local and A-10 schools new practice facilities.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by Seawrightspostgame »

But what about those damn tubs?
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by steviep123 »

ramster wrote:I have not heard of any plans for a Practice Facility at URI.

Point is that Cooley is clearly promoting the new Facility to current Recruits, leveraging it to it's full advantage as one would expect.

Here is the info on the Facility that was in the Projo 2 years ago.......PC was the last BE Team to Build one. Excerpt from article:

The main phase of the project will cost $30 million. A second phase, which will include a new Center for Career Education and Professional Development, will be an additional $7.5 million.
The new building has been discussed for more than a decade as schools around the country have built training facilities specifically for basketball, separate from their playing arenas. Last year, for instance, Connecticut christened a $40-million basketball training facility adjacent to Gampel Pavilion on the Storrs campus. Virtually every Big East school already has a basketball practice facility in place on campus.

http://www.providencejournal.com/articl ... /151219577

Also
http://www.foxsports.com/college-basket ... ity-121515

PC can do what they want with their money. As long as the taxpayers don't pay a damn dime (like we were forced to with the Dunkin dump).
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by ramster »

steviep123 wrote:
ramster wrote:I have not heard of any plans for a Practice Facility at URI.

Point is that Cooley is clearly promoting the new Facility to current Recruits, leveraging it to it's full advantage as one would expect.

Here is the info on the Facility that was in the Projo 2 years ago.......PC was the last BE Team to Build one. Excerpt from article:

The main phase of the project will cost $30 million. A second phase, which will include a new Center for Career Education and Professional Development, will be an additional $7.5 million.
The new building has been discussed for more than a decade as schools around the country have built training facilities specifically for basketball, separate from their playing arenas. Last year, for instance, Connecticut christened a $40-million basketball training facility adjacent to Gampel Pavilion on the Storrs campus. Virtually every Big East school already has a basketball practice facility in place on campus.

http://www.providencejournal.com/articl ... /151219577

Also
http://www.foxsports.com/college-basket ... ity-121515

PC can do what they want with their money. As long as the taxpayers don't pay a damn dime (like we were forced to with the Dunkin dump).
The $4 million from Fox Sports doesn't hurt either. But for the Practice Facility they had a big time donor step up.

Interesting that the Practice Facility for PC had been in discussion for about 10 years beforehand. PC was the last BE Team to do this. One of the good things about Conferences is that they tend to force their members into spending. Someone like Cooley can push for it because everyone else in the conference has one.

Would like to see the A10 get stronger in this regard. Some members have small, old arenas with little or no plan to change.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by NYGFan_Section208 »

Seawrightspostgame wrote:But what about those damn tubs?
Tubthumpery..

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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by RF1 »

steviep123 wrote: PC can do what they want with their money. As long as the taxpayers don't pay a damn dime (like we were forced to with the Dunkin dump).


It was because PC did not have to pay for an arena, due to the gift of RI taxpayers, that PC had the money to build their practice facility and upgrade many other athletics venues on its campus. In an indirect sense, RI taxpayers helped make their practice facility a reality.

URI had to commit tens of millions (30-40M) to the Ryan Center and it is still not yet paid off. This has likely hurt investments in other facilities relating to athletics.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by rjsuperfly66 »

RF1 wrote:
steviep123 wrote: PC can do what they want with their money. As long as the taxpayers don't pay a damn dime (like we were forced to with the Dunkin dump).


It was because PC did not have to pay for an arena, due to the gift of RI taxpayers, that PC had the money to build their practice facility and upgrade many other athletics venues on its campus. In an indirect sense, RI taxpayers helped make their practice facility a reality.

URI had to commit tens of millions (30-40M) to the Ryan Center and it is still not yet paid off. This has likely hurt investments in other facilities relating to athletics.
PC certainly gets a benefit from playing in the Dunkin Donuts Center, but they also pay roughly $1 million annually to do so.
They are also one of many different groups that benefits from a renovated DDC.
The DDC is not property of Providence College -- PC doesn't receive any piece of that revenue the men's basketball tournament brings in, or the parking/concession revenue received from the Dunk.
They also have no affiliation with the Providence Bruins, who use the Dunk 40+ times per season, or any of the numerous musical acts who are brought in because there is a facility big enough to hold them -- PC gets no money or advantage from that.
To act like PC is in the shape they are in solely because they pay rent to the DDC versus having their own on-campus arena is preposterous -- I'm sure there is a small benefit, but in terms of rent to the DDC, they definitely pay their fair share.
The reality is that PC has seen increased donations year after year after year, and that is why these things are possible with athletics - they brought in almost $7 million last year in athletic donations ($6.5 million in the last year to be exact).
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by RF1 »

rjsuperfly66 wrote:
RF1 wrote:
steviep123 wrote: PC can do what they want with their money. As long as the taxpayers don't pay a damn dime (like we were forced to with the Dunkin dump).


It was because PC did not have to pay for an arena, due to the gift of RI taxpayers, that PC had the money to build their practice facility and upgrade many other athletics venues on its campus. In an indirect sense, RI taxpayers helped make their practice facility a reality.

URI had to commit tens of millions (30-40M) to the Ryan Center and it is still not yet paid off. This has likely hurt investments in other facilities relating to athletics.
PC certainly gets a benefit from playing in the Dunkin Donuts Center, but they also pay roughly $1 million annually to do so.
They are also one of many different groups that benefits from a renovated DDC.
The DDC is not property of Providence College -- PC doesn't receive any piece of that revenue the men's basketball tournament brings in, or the parking/concession revenue received from the Dunk.
They also have no affiliation with the Providence Bruins, who use the Dunk 40+ times per season, or any of the numerous musical acts who are brought in because there is a facility big enough to hold them -- PC gets no money or advantage from that.
To act like PC is in the shape they are in solely because they pay rent to the DDC versus having their own on-campus arena is preposterous -- I'm sure there is a small benefit, but in terms of rent to the DDC, they definitely pay their fair share.
The reality is that PC has seen increased donations year after year after year, and that is why these things are possible with athletics - they brought in almost $7 million last year in athletic donations ($6.5 million in the last year to be exact).

One million a year in rent is a pittance compared to 60-70M that would be needed to build an arena and the additional monies that would be required for operations and maintenance. Compare it to private school and fellow Big East member Depaul. They just contributed 70M to the new off campus 10,000 seat Wintrust Arena in Chicago that is owned by a public entity. This new arena is not unlike the DDC as it will also be used by the McCormick Convention Center for events and also be home for the Chicago WNBA team.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by rjsuperfly66 »

RF1 wrote:
rjsuperfly66 wrote:
RF1 wrote:


It was because PC did not have to pay for an arena, due to the gift of RI taxpayers, that PC had the money to build their practice facility and upgrade many other athletics venues on its campus. In an indirect sense, RI taxpayers helped make their practice facility a reality.

URI had to commit tens of millions (30-40M) to the Ryan Center and it is still not yet paid off. This has likely hurt investments in other facilities relating to athletics.
PC certainly gets a benefit from playing in the Dunkin Donuts Center, but they also pay roughly $1 million annually to do so.
They are also one of many different groups that benefits from a renovated DDC.
The DDC is not property of Providence College -- PC doesn't receive any piece of that revenue the men's basketball tournament brings in, or the parking/concession revenue received from the Dunk.
They also have no affiliation with the Providence Bruins, who use the Dunk 40+ times per season, or any of the numerous musical acts who are brought in because there is a facility big enough to hold them -- PC gets no money or advantage from that.
To act like PC is in the shape they are in solely because they pay rent to the DDC versus having their own on-campus arena is preposterous -- I'm sure there is a small benefit, but in terms of rent to the DDC, they definitely pay their fair share.
The reality is that PC has seen increased donations year after year after year, and that is why these things are possible with athletics - they brought in almost $7 million last year in athletic donations ($6.5 million in the last year to be exact).

One million a year in rent is a pittance compared to 60-70M that would be needed to build an arena and the additional monies that would be required for operations and maintenance. Compare it to private school and fellow Big East member Depaul. They just contributed 70M to the new off campus 10,000 seat Wintrust Arena in Chicago that is owned by a public entity. This new arena is not unlike the DDC as it will also be used by the McCormick Convention Center for events and also be home for the Chicago WNBA team.
You are missing a few pieces to the story.
First, DePauls "rent" for the Allstate Arena is 20% of ticket revenue, and with DePaul's awesome attendance of just under 2k per game, means that DePaul paid Allstate somewhere in the neighborhood of $200K for last seasons' rent (PC pays a much smaller portion in regards to ticket revenue (just $2 per ticket), but also is locked in at an automatic $32K * __ games. In a 17 game home slate, that's $544K + $2 per ticket).
Second, The United Center, to try to win DePaul basketball, offered 10 years rent free plus other perks in 2012. It's unknown what the rent would become in 2023.
So looking at that, I'd say that DePaul had two sweetheart deals on the table.
The new arena came to be because DePaul was very adamant about wanting a new arena in a certain area of the city. To help get the deal done, they were willing to flex some financial muscle to try to help push for it. Thus, the agreement in it's current form for DePaul to pay an arena that's not necessarily their own.
The situation is very different from DePaul to PC. DePaul could have stayed in deals similar to PC has set up.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by Billyboy78 »

I'm just glad we don't play in that dump anymore.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by theblueram »

meh, we practice on our home court. Why would we need a practice facility when we have the Ryan Center, with the new locker rooms and everything else?
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by RIFan »

theblueram wrote:meh, we practice on our home court. Why would we need a practice facility when we have the Ryan Center, with the new locker rooms and everything else?
I know, I can see the value for a team that plays in an off campus arena or who has to share theirs with many other teams or events...but we don't really have that issue to my knowledge...it really just seems to be a matter of keeping up with the Joneses.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by ramster »

It is keeping up with the Jones', absolutely. PC is the last team in the BE to go the Practice Center route.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

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Let's get this done URI big selling point to potential recruits
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

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ramster wrote:Interesting in today's PROJO article about David Duke and other PC Prospects, the PC practice facility currently under construction and investing in facilities at PC are mentioned twice. Can see how Coaches are mentioning what specifically differentiates their program from the competition.
With a track record of winning, a national reputation and a practice facility being built behind Alumni Hall, the Friars are recruiting more highly rated players than ever before. Closing the deal with four-star talent, however, is never easy.

"Kids are listening to what we have to sell,” Cooley said. “Providence College is investing in facilities that are helping us and I really think my staff is underrated nationally. We can really evaluate as a staff. That shows in our roster for this season and in what we’re trying to do right now with recruiting."



http://www.providencejournal.com/sports ... 2018-class

Anyone care to venture a guess how the projo would cover a URI practice facility? First of all, it wouldn't be covered by the sports section, it would be presented as a scandal unearthed by the projo's intrepid investigative reporting team and the public would be told it is the boondoggle of all boondoggles. It probably wouldn't be mentioned that the facility was built entirely without public moneys, as it would have to be. The ignorance of the average Rhode Islander is URI's biggest problem. Instead of viewing money spent on URI as an investment in the state's economy and it's future, it is viewed as government waste.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

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TruePoint wrote:

Anyone care to venture a guess how the projo would cover a URI practice facility? First of all, it wouldn't be covered by the sports section, it would be presented as a scandal unearthed by the projo's intrepid investigative reporting team and the public would be told it is the boondoggle of all boondoggles. It probably wouldn't be mentioned that the facility was built entirely without public moneys, as it would have to be. The ignorance of the average Rhode Islander is URI's biggest problem. Instead of viewing money spent on URI as an investment in the state's economy and it's future, it is viewed as government waste.
Absolutely 100% spot on.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by steviep123 »

TruePoint wrote:

Anyone care to venture a guess how the projo would cover a URI practice facility? First of all, it wouldn't be covered by the sports section, it would be presented as a scandal unearthed by the projo's intrepid investigative reporting team and the public would be told it is the boondoggle of all boondoggles. It probably wouldn't be mentioned that the facility was built entirely without public moneys, as it would have to be. The ignorance of the average Rhode Islander is URI's biggest problem. Instead of viewing money spent on URI as an investment in the state's economy and it's future, it is viewed as government waste.

+ one gazillion!
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by RF1 »

rjsuperfly66 wrote: The new arena came to be because DePaul was very adamant about wanting a new arena in a certain area of the city. To help get the deal done, they were willing to flex some financial muscle to try to help push for it. Thus, the agreement in it's current form for DePaul to pay an arena that's not necessarily their own.
The situation is very different from DePaul to PC. DePaul could have stayed in deals similar to PC has set up.
I agree. Depaul stepped up big time and was a very good partner to the taxpayers of Chicago and Illinois. It is a stark contrast to the many other institutions that have failed their local communities.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by hrstrat57 »

I actually see the DDC (PCC) Dump as a disadvantage for PC.

URI has a classy on campus arena, hopefully full of rabid students going forward as a reward for our team success.

Love what we got folks cause we sure aren't getting a fancy practice facility anytime soon without multiple years of deep tourney run dough in the bank.

Go Rhody.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by Taylor Swift »

hrstrat57 wrote:I actually see the DDC (PCC) Dump as a disadvantage for PC.

URI has a classy on campus arena, hopefully full of rabid students going forward as a reward for our team success.

Love what we got folks cause we sure aren't getting a fancy practice facility anytime soon without multiple years of deep tourney run dough in the bank.

Go Rhody.
They clearly designed the RC with basketball in mind. The Dunkin' Dump also has a terrible floor layout for a basketball game, and is better suited for things such as Disney on Ice and P Bruins games.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by Bill Koch »

TruePoint wrote:
ramster wrote:Interesting in today's PROJO article about David Duke and other PC Prospects, the PC practice facility currently under construction and investing in facilities at PC are mentioned twice. Can see how Coaches are mentioning what specifically differentiates their program from the competition.
With a track record of winning, a national reputation and a practice facility being built behind Alumni Hall, the Friars are recruiting more highly rated players than ever before. Closing the deal with four-star talent, however, is never easy.

"Kids are listening to what we have to sell,” Cooley said. “Providence College is investing in facilities that are helping us and I really think my staff is underrated nationally. We can really evaluate as a staff. That shows in our roster for this season and in what we’re trying to do right now with recruiting."



http://www.providencejournal.com/sports ... 2018-class

Anyone care to venture a guess how the projo would cover a URI practice facility? First of all, it wouldn't be covered by the sports section, it would be presented as a scandal unearthed by the projo's intrepid investigative reporting team and the public would be told it is the boondoggle of all boondoggles. It probably wouldn't be mentioned that the facility was built entirely without public moneys, as it would have to be. The ignorance of the average Rhode Islander is URI's biggest problem. Instead of viewing money spent on URI as an investment in the state's economy and it's future, it is viewed as government waste.
Okay, I'll engage here.

The last part of your statement, in my mind, is correct. The average Rhode Islander has a very dim view of spending on the state's institutions of higher learning. I agree that their perception is incorrect. As a lifelong resident, I certainly wish that were different.

I can't speak to what happened before I arrived at the Journal. But in the past three years, it's certainly been made clear -- both in the office, in print and on social media -- what the financial realities are at URI concerning the basketball program. It has been consistently mentioned that the state funds just 9 percent of the URI general budget and a pittance of salaries going to Dan Hurley and his staff. Most of your venom here is directed at past, uninformed practices, and that's where it should be left.

If you'd like to have a real discussion about a potential practice facility at URI, let's do it. I'll start by saying that I think -- at this point, anyway -- it would be very difficult to achieve. Your own fan base -- as indicated by posts on this board -- isn't united on the issue. Some want it. Some see no need for it. There has been no major groundswell of support to date for such a project, and there has been no pledge(s) by a major donor(s) to assume the bulk of the financial responsibility.

In the same breath, however, there's a wish for a higher caliber of recruit and a hope of consistently competing with Power 5 and Big East programs who are flush with cash and spending accordingly on facilities. That's not a realistic goal without continuing to advance your program, and that responsibility falls on the URI administration, its coaching staff and, yes, the fan/donor base. Recruits and coaches at other programs -- Providence College included -- acknowledge repeatedly how important those upgrades are to attracting and developing players. Listen to what they're saying.

If URI was ever going to start spending seriously on basketball, the time should be right now. In my mind, you have the right coach. He has a strong, capable staff in place. But you also have programs who are A10 peers like VCU, Dayton, Saint Louis and UMass who have better facilities and won't stay down forever. Basic enhancements like another locker room renovation, a film room and charters to all road games still haven't been done. Establish something that will outlast just one coach. Cement a program that can survive turnover and become a destination job for younger, talented coaches like Hurley, Shaka Smart, Archie Miller, etc., who are coming from low majors or off the bench as assistants. Such a sustained period would sell itself and provide such obvious benefits to the school and the state that there's only one way they could possibly be perceived.

That would be my vision, anyway. And that's coming from someone who didn't go to URI and who will attend every possible game as a beat writer whether you're 25-6 or 6-25. I welcome thoughts from any and all posters on the matter and might expand on it further in print, on Twitter or on a Pick and Pop podcast at some point. Thanks for reading.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by TruePoint »

Bill - thanks for the response. To be clear, the point I was making about the hypothetical project being covered outside of the sports section eliminated your culpability in my mind. I wasn't trying to impugn your coverage, just making a point about the larger RI media and public and how URI is treated.

In my opinion, you do a great job covering the program (sometimes I pick up a twinge of hostility toward the fan base, but then again if you read me here as much as I read you in the Projo then you could maybe make the same comment to me). I'm sure that your reporting on the issue would at least provide the relevant context with respect to the larger college basketball landscape, even if it was not as outright cheerleader-ish as Kevin's piece on PC's facility.

Considering the way URI and its expenditures have been covered by the RI media in the past, I don't think it is unfair for me to expect that a hypothetical $40M infrastructure project at URI for the basketball program would be covered as if the school were setting the taxpayer's money on fire on A1 of the Journal and as the lead story on the local nightly news. That is not to suggest that you would join the angry media mob, but your sober coverage would unfortunately be drowned out by the hysteria.

As far as your prescriptions for continuing to build the program, I wholeheartedly agree with your analysis. I think you have a few battles that you're fighting simultaneously, and there needs to be a plan to win at least some of them. The first is that you have relatively small core of die hard fans; the second is that even among that small group not enough are willing to put their money where their mouth is; the third is that there is no help forthcoming from the state, even in the form of an infrastructure bond for a football stadium upgrade, never mind a practice facility, which makes URI pretty unique among all the state schools in the country that play high-level sports.

I don't know what the plans are within the athletic department to (1) grow the fan base, (2) increase participation among the fan base in terms of financial contributions and (3) make even small inroads with the state to assist on the costs of some of the necessary projects which would represent an investment by the state in raising its national profile through its flagship university. Maybe you could do a deep dive Sunday-type piece on some of those topics.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by RhowdyRam02 »

Bill Koch wrote:If you'd like to have a real discussion about a potential practice facility at URI, let's do it. I'll start by saying that I think -- at this point, anyway -- it would be very difficult to achieve. Your own fan base -- as indicated by posts on this board -- isn't united on the issue. Some want it. Some see no need for it. There has been no major groundswell of support to date for such a project, and there has been no pledge(s) by a major donor(s) to assume the bulk of the financial responsibility.

In the same breath, however, there's a wish for a higher caliber of recruit and a hope of consistently competing with Power 5 and Big East programs who are flush with cash and spending accordingly on facilities. That's not a realistic goal without continuing to advance your program, and that responsibility falls on the URI administration, its coaching staff and, yes, the fan/donor base. Recruits and coaches at other programs -- Providence College included -- acknowledge repeatedly how important those upgrades are to attracting and developing players. Listen to what they're saying.

If URI was ever going to start spending seriously on basketball, the time should be right now. In my mind, you have the right coach. He has a strong, capable staff in place. But you also have programs who are A10 peers like VCU, Dayton, Saint Louis and UMass who have better facilities and won't stay down forever. Basic enhancements like another locker room renovation, a film room and charters to all road games still haven't been done. Establish something that will outlast just one coach. Cement a program that can survive turnover and become a destination job for younger, talented coaches like Hurley, Shaka Smart, Archie Miller, etc., who are coming from low majors or off the bench as assistants. Such a sustained period would sell itself and provide such obvious benefits to the school and the state that there's only one way they could possibly be perceived.

That would be my vision, anyway. And that's coming from someone who didn't go to URI and who will attend every possible game as a beat writer whether you're 25-6 or 6-25. I welcome thoughts from any and all posters on the matter and might expand on it further in print, on Twitter or on a Pick and Pop podcast at some point. Thanks for reading.
As someone who would probably be characterized as anti practice facility based on previous posts, I'll take a crack at explaining my position. If a donor came forward tomorrow and said I'm building one for the university, I'd be thrilled. If Dan Hurley came out tomorrow and said that was at the top of the need list I'd change my opinion. But from the outside looking in it feels like the Mackal/Keaney/Tootell complex, especially with some renovations and upgrades, could provide everything that a stand alone facility could do.

There really doesn't seem to be a way to substitute in the areas of travel, a film room, coaching salary and recruiting budget the way we could substitute with the complex we already have. And so when it comes to making the most of what we have and using our resources to our best advantage it seems like a practice facility should be low on the list and that investing in the other areas would get a bigger bump.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by Billyboy78 »

Like this?

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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by theblueram »

Bill Koch wrote:
TruePoint wrote:
ramster wrote:Interesting in today's PROJO article about David Duke and other PC Prospects, the PC practice facility currently under construction and investing in facilities at PC are mentioned twice. Can see how Coaches are mentioning what specifically differentiates their program from the competition.
With a track record of winning, a national reputation and a practice facility being built behind Alumni Hall, the Friars are recruiting more highly rated players than ever before. Closing the deal with four-star talent, however, is never easy.

"Kids are listening to what we have to sell,” Cooley said. “Providence College is investing in facilities that are helping us and I really think my staff is underrated nationally. We can really evaluate as a staff. That shows in our roster for this season and in what we’re trying to do right now with recruiting."



http://www.providencejournal.com/sports ... 2018-class

Anyone care to venture a guess how the projo would cover a URI practice facility? First of all, it wouldn't be covered by the sports section, it would be presented as a scandal unearthed by the projo's intrepid investigative reporting team and the public would be told it is the boondoggle of all boondoggles. It probably wouldn't be mentioned that the facility was built entirely without public moneys, as it would have to be. The ignorance of the average Rhode Islander is URI's biggest problem. Instead of viewing money spent on URI as an investment in the state's economy and it's future, it is viewed as government waste.


It has been consistently mentioned that the state funds just 9 percent of the URI general budget and a pittance of salaries going to Dan Hurley and his staff. Most of your venom here is directed at past, uninformed practices, and that's where it should be left.


Bill
I narrowed your response to what I would like to address. Which you seem to want us to leave in the past. This is the flagship State University. It has had one of the highest increases in tuition over the past decade in the country. We will not let stand the fact that this State Government WILL NOT FUND this University as it should be. Unless you are suggesting we take the school private, which we are close to doing anyways, perhaps an article should be written about this travesty. Free tuition at CCRI? Just fund the Higher Ed like it should be, and not for political gain.

Now that my rant is over, sure Alumni should give more. But we built the Ryan Center, and the Fascitelli Center. And the Boss Arena. And the new Baseball field. At some point, the State needs to kick in some money. Which they don't.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by CT Rhody »

Bill Koch wrote:
TruePoint wrote:
ramster wrote:Interesting in today's PROJO article about David Duke and other PC Prospects, the PC practice facility currently under construction and investing in facilities at PC are mentioned twice. Can see how Coaches are mentioning what specifically differentiates their program from the competition.
With a track record of winning, a national reputation and a practice facility being built behind Alumni Hall, the Friars are recruiting more highly rated players than ever before. Closing the deal with four-star talent, however, is never easy.

"Kids are listening to what we have to sell,” Cooley said. “Providence College is investing in facilities that are helping us and I really think my staff is underrated nationally. We can really evaluate as a staff. That shows in our roster for this season and in what we’re trying to do right now with recruiting."



http://www.providencejournal.com/sports ... 2018-class

Anyone care to venture a guess how the projo would cover a URI practice facility? First of all, it wouldn't be covered by the sports section, it would be presented as a scandal unearthed by the projo's intrepid investigative reporting team and the public would be told it is the boondoggle of all boondoggles. It probably wouldn't be mentioned that the facility was built entirely without public moneys, as it would have to be. The ignorance of the average Rhode Islander is URI's biggest problem. Instead of viewing money spent on URI as an investment in the state's economy and it's future, it is viewed as government waste.
Okay, I'll engage here.

The last part of your statement, in my mind, is correct. The average Rhode Islander has a very dim view of spending on the state's institutions of higher learning. I agree that their perception is incorrect. As a lifelong resident, I certainly wish that were different.

I can't speak to what happened before I arrived at the Journal. But in the past three years, it's certainly been made clear -- both in the office, in print and on social media -- what the financial realities are at URI concerning the basketball program. It has been consistently mentioned that the state funds just 9 percent of the URI general budget and a pittance of salaries going to Dan Hurley and his staff. Most of your venom here is directed at past, uninformed practices, and that's where it should be left.

If you'd like to have a real discussion about a potential practice facility at URI, let's do it. I'll start by saying that I think -- at this point, anyway -- it would be very difficult to achieve. Your own fan base -- as indicated by posts on this board -- isn't united on the issue. Some want it. Some see no need for it. There has been no major groundswell of support to date for such a project, and there has been no pledge(s) by a major donor(s) to assume the bulk of the financial responsibility.

In the same breath, however, there's a wish for a higher caliber of recruit and a hope of consistently competing with Power 5 and Big East programs who are flush with cash and spending accordingly on facilities. That's not a realistic goal without continuing to advance your program, and that responsibility falls on the URI administration, its coaching staff and, yes, the fan/donor base. Recruits and coaches at other programs -- Providence College included -- acknowledge repeatedly how important those upgrades are to attracting and developing players. Listen to what they're saying.

If URI was ever going to start spending seriously on basketball, the time should be right now. In my mind, you have the right coach. He has a strong, capable staff in place. But you also have programs who are A10 peers like VCU, Dayton, Saint Louis and UMass who have better facilities and won't stay down forever. Basic enhancements like another locker room renovation, a film room and charters to all road games still haven't been done. Establish something that will outlast just one coach. Cement a program that can survive turnover and become a destination job for younger, talented coaches like Hurley, Shaka Smart, Archie Miller, etc., who are coming from low majors or off the bench as assistants. Such a sustained period would sell itself and provide such obvious benefits to the school and the state that there's only one way they could possibly be perceived.

That would be my vision, anyway. And that's coming from someone who didn't go to URI and who will attend every possible game as a beat writer whether you're 25-6 or 6-25. I welcome thoughts from any and all posters on the matter and might expand on it further in print, on Twitter or on a Pick and Pop podcast at some point. Thanks for reading.
As we know by now, Bill is usually spot on with his assessments as well as money drives college athletics today.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by Ramulous »

I am available to make an appearance on the podcast at Bill's convenience.....
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by rambone 78 »

From what I've heard, those enhancements [film room, charters, locker room] are at the top of the to-do list, and should be done fairly soon.

Charter flights to all road games might be a stretch, though. They aren't going to fly to UMass or Fordham, for example.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by Obadiah »

No question if you want to be a consistent top program in the A-10 and on the national scene, you must be committed to a process of "continuous improvement" both big and small. Each year should see improvements to facilities and program functions plus a plan on bigger issues like the practice facility.

Frankly I think a practice facility should be in the early conceptual stage right now. My idea is to build the facility just west of Ryan and connect it to Ryan via a glass bridge. The facility should have a mezzanine (similar to Mackal) which circles the practice courts on all four sides. Player locker rooms, lounges, and conditioning facilities should be on the first level with the coaches' offices on second level; men's program on one side, women's on the opposite side. On the east end of second level and nearest to bridge should be a large Alumni Lounge to replace the current gloomy one. This room should have large windows overlooking the court and the room would be open to the donor base before, during and after each game. The room should have a built in bar and other amenities. On the opposite end (west) on second level, should be a small auditorium for media events/ post game press conferences. It's nice to dream!
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by CT Rhody »

rambone 78 wrote:From what I've heard, those enhancements [film room, charters, locker room] are at the top of the to-do list, and should be done fairly soon.

Charter flights to all road games might be a stretch, though. They aren't going to fly to UMass or Fordham, for example.
Common sense has to prevail, must utilize resources wisely. Same with scheduling, if a top 75-100 mid-major in the northeast wants to schedule a 2 for 1, go for it. Take the two home games at no cost and the short road trip once. That's how you stretch a dollar in this environment for example.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by reef »

Well said Billy Koch , love your work by the way
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by ramster »

Obadiah wrote:No question if you want to be a consistent top program in the A-10 and on the national scene, you must be committed to a process of "continuous improvement" both big and small. Each year should see improvements to facilities and program functions plus a plan on bigger issues like the practice facility.

Frankly I think a practice facility should be in the early conceptual stage right now. My idea is to build the facility just west of Ryan and connect it to Ryan via a glass bridge. The facility should have a mezzanine (similar to Mackal) which circles the practice courts on all four sides. Player locker rooms, lounges, and conditioning facilities should be on the first level with the coaches' offices on second level; men's program on one side, women's on the opposite side. On the east end of second level and nearest to bridge should be a large Alumni Lounge to replace the current gloomy one. This room should have large windows overlooking the court and the room would be open to the donor base before, during and after each game. The room should have a built in bar and other amenities. On the opposite end (west) on second level, should be a small auditorium for media events/ post game press conferences. It's nice to dream!
I had not thought about it s gloomy until now, but you are right.
Agree that continuous improvement plans " both big and small should be a commitment. Plans should be in place so as to entice big donors to potentially step up. Have the plans ready to show them. We should not be sitting around waiting for the big donor to simply show up at our doorstep.

Football is clearly lacking in this regard.

I do not know of any big plans for Basketball.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by RhowdyRam02 »

I'm not sure that plans are more important than the donor. We've had a design for a great CAA stadium since December of 2001 and it's gone nowhere.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by ramster »

Chicken meet Egg
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by Blue Man »

I am going to simply agree with what Bill said and further the discussion to all of you:

DONATE TO THIS PROGRAM.

Our endowment is pathetic, by anyone's standards - and especially in our own conference. It's been said often on this board, but there is a direct correlation from our funding to the standings. It's no coincidence that our standings started to rise along with our endowment. It's still paltry and small.

I am not saying everyone on this board should donate $5000 a year to this program. What I am saying is that if people care so much about this program, than give what you can. Even if that what you can is $100 a year.

It trickles down from the top. People like Tom Ryan and other big wig donors don't want to feel like they're the only ones donating. They're doing what they can relative to their own situations. Everyone seems to take this "they'll take care of it" view on donating to the program, and it wears thin. If everyone did what they can, no matter the amount, we would be a lot happier with our on-court results/recruits year to year.

If everyone wants to have high expectations, they need to start putting their money where their mouth is - no matter what that amount comes to be.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by TruePoint »

Blue Man wrote:I am going to simply agree with what Bill said and further the discussion to all of you:

DONATE TO THIS PROGRAM.

Our endowment is pathetic, by anyone's standards - and especially in our own conference. It's been said often on this board, but there is a direct correlation from our funding to the standings. It's no coincidence that our standings started to rise along with our endowment. It's still paltry and small.

I am not saying everyone on this board should donate $5000 a year to this program. What I am saying is that if people care so much about this program, than give what you can. Even if that what you can is $100 a year.

It trickles down from the top. People like Tom Ryan and other big wig donors don't want to feel like they're the only ones donating. They're doing what they can relative to their own situations. Everyone seems to take this "they'll take care of it" view on donating to the program, and it wears thin. If everyone did what they can, no matter the amount, we would be a lot happier with our on-court results/recruits year to year.

If everyone wants to have high expectations, they need to start putting their money where their mouth is - no matter what that amount comes to be.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by Billyboy78 »

When some of you younger fans have children of college age, maybe you'll understand. When some suffer some sort of misfortune, maybe you'll understand. I care about lot about this program. I care a lot more about my kids' education. I'm tired of people telling me how I should spend my money. Sorry. Does that make me less of a fan?
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by theblueram »

I agree about college age kids. For my kid to go to URI and reside in a dorm, the cost is over $26,000 a year. So, four years, $100K +. For URI. Unbelievable.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by Billyboy78 »

theblueram wrote:I agree about college age kids. For my kid to go to URI and reside in a dorm, the cost is over $26,000 a year. So, four years, $100K +. For URI. Unbelievable.
Try out of state, like UVM. Twice that.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by Blue Man »

I am certainly not decrying or declaring anyone "not a fan" because of their financial situation. I certainly don't pretend to know anyone's but my own.

However, the thought that all our tuition money finds its way back to athletics is a fallacy. For those who don't understand how URI's budget works; its the RIBGHE that controls 100% of the money, not the University. Even though the state funds 9% of the budget, they retain 100% of control on how it's spent. You're high on paint if you think the board of governors, who aren't affiliated with this university (or rarely higher education in the slightest) give 2 poops and a frick (look at my use of friendly language) about URI's athletic department. There are fees taken out that help fund athletics, but that number is a small percentage of what a student/family pays.

Unfortunately, no matter the high cost to get an education at URI, it doesn't translate to the athletic teams we care about.

What I am saying, is that if 100 fans who thought that donating was out of their reach were able to donate $8.33 a month, or about $2.08 a week - that equals $100/year - and that's $10000 that goes to the program. Not insignificant.

Maybe some of those people work at companies that match their donations.

You can even set up monthly, bi-monthly, whatever types of payments you can afford. They're extremely flexible, no matter the amount.

If more of these smaller donations come in, it makes the big donors more apt to open their wallets even more because they see they're not in this alone. It really makes a difference to them if you go up and say "Hey Mr. Ryan, I wanted to let you know I appreciate what you do for this program - it made me want to give what I could." That goes a really long way.

I am simply stating that for the expectations everyone has for this program, more than Tom Ryan and a few top tier donors need to step up. Until that happens all the expectation setting is white noise and not realistic. This is precicely the reason why this program goes through peaks and long valleys, and has never enjoyed sustained success.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by rodfromcranston »

People have financial, and cause priorities, that don't include donations to athletics.
I donate to Crossroads, RI Food Bank, Animal Shelters, and Wounded Warrior Project.
These are ,to me, more important than giving to college athletics,
where most salaries dwarf the average person's.
My support of Rhody basketball, has included season tickets, and
Rhody merchandise for many years.
I refuse to be judged by people who spend their disposable income
differently than I do.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by NYGFan_Section208 »

theblueram wrote:I agree about college age kids. For my kid to go to URI and reside in a dorm, the cost is over $26,000 a year. So, four years, $100K +. For URI. Unbelievable.

Um...x2 plus out of state....?
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by Smokinjimit »

It will be easier to spend money on a winning program. Get to another dance. Have Dan come out and say he's not going anywhere and the money will come. We have great buildings on campus. We can spend the money by renovation rather than building new.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by Billyboy78 »

Do the coaches donate? And I don't mean just the men's basketball coaches. I mean, all of the coaches in both men's and women's sports. This is not a smartass question. I'd really like to know the answer.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by Seawrightspostgame »

I don't think anyone is against it.

More of a renovate/new building argument.

Then some think other things should come first.

I do think the Ryan Center and its atmosphere when close to full is the program's fast ball and Dan Hurley. Strong 1-2 punch.

I think it comes off at least to me that people are disparaging the program and caring more about $$ and stuff off the court than the stuff on the court.
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Re: Practice Facility at PC

Unread post by Blue Man »

I don't think anyone is disparaging the program - but in today's college basketball environment you're dead wrong if you don't think the $$ and stuff off the court isn't in direct relation to the stuff on the court.

The reality, whether anyone thinks it's disparaging or not, is that our fanbase sucks and doesn't accurately support this program correlative to everyone's collective expectations for on the court success.

We have fair weather support at large with regards to attendance at games, and less-than-that in the financial area.

Again, it's fine if URI basketball is a priority to people in other ways outside of financially. Just understand that when we don't sustain periods of success, we can't land the types of recruits that everyone complains we don't get, we don't get the publicity we desperately crave, and we're not a perennial NCAA team - it's directly because we don't have the financial backing to get the off-the-court things that bring in the 4 and 5 star recruits consistently, or get elite coaches to stick around for longer than a stepping stone to a place that will support the program financially.

As always, I'm not saying anything about people's individual finances or priorities - but pointing out the mindshare/existence of this board, and the complaints that come up on here - it's hard not to see the hypocrisy or the lack of understanding our fans have in general.

While it is always possible to catch fire and go on an NCAA run every decade or so, it seems like the collective of this board expects more than that. I am just trying to be a reminder that if we expect more the financial component needs to be there - or we need to collectively lower our expectations as fans to have a consistent winner.
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