Matt interviews Mike McBride
- Thread starter Halldan1
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Great stuff. Very well-spoken. He’s going to keep doing great things with our Basketball team. Excited to see where we are headed.
I feel much, much better about our organization and our chances for success. I was particularly pleased to hear that all the doom and gloom that we are subjected to everyday on the board isn't even close to being warranted. Mike is a very impressive guy.
Damn, I was told by Matt that this was going to be long and informative and it was just that.
I had no idea that both Mike and Matt would give us a plug here. But really, this is about what we can do for our school, and just listening to the interview I don't see how anyone cannot see how important Mike is to the athletic success of our Pirates
Kudos to the administration for his hire and now let's do what we financially can to ensure our athletes and coaching staffs have what they need to not only compete but to succeed at the highest levels.
Any feedback for Mike would be appreciated.
I had no idea that both Mike and Matt would give us a plug here. But really, this is about what we can do for our school, and just listening to the interview I don't see how anyone cannot see how important Mike is to the athletic success of our Pirates
Kudos to the administration for his hire and now let's do what we financially can to ensure our athletes and coaching staffs have what they need to not only compete but to succeed at the highest levels.
Any feedback for Mike would be appreciated.
Dan - thanks for putting this together. Education and information will lead to sustainable success.
This was probably the first time most Pirate fans have gotten to listen to Mike McBride. Mike Walsh and I have had the pleasure previously and that's why we were both so impressed with SHU's newest hire.
The first step was to get the message out to the fanbase proving details re NIL with the enthusiasm that Mike provides. If we are not aware of his vision then how can we support it?
Mission accomplished with this podcast and other endeavors being planned.
The next step is to understand what we can do to help as Mike needs our donations, both big and small, while he also connects with corporate opportunities locally and across the country.
As he does that he is reaching out to distinguished potential donors in all fields, especially those athletes with past connections to the Hall.
Mike has a lot more planned and that will become known in good time.
Also, kudos to Matt Loughlin moderating this podcast. He's a pro's pro and for those that do not know him Matt is as nice a guy as you will ever meet. I don't think he has a mean bone in his body and I have been following him since his days replacing Bob Ley on Suburban Cablevision TV3 in the '80s.
The first step was to get the message out to the fanbase proving details re NIL with the enthusiasm that Mike provides. If we are not aware of his vision then how can we support it?
Mission accomplished with this podcast and other endeavors being planned.
The next step is to understand what we can do to help as Mike needs our donations, both big and small, while he also connects with corporate opportunities locally and across the country.
As he does that he is reaching out to distinguished potential donors in all fields, especially those athletes with past connections to the Hall.
Mike has a lot more planned and that will become known in good time.
Also, kudos to Matt Loughlin moderating this podcast. He's a pro's pro and for those that do not know him Matt is as nice a guy as you will ever meet. I don't think he has a mean bone in his body and I have been following him since his days replacing Bob Ley on Suburban Cablevision TV3 in the '80s.
We're putting together crowdfunding promotions that will move the needle, if we can get alumni and fans to support. We're experiencing delays in the launch of a raffle, as NJ is very slow in the licensing process (a process that was started in the summer). This is why a 50/50 raffle at games was abandoned - too much red tape and limited time.
The Onward Setonia team has good number of activities planned, what we're seeing is the tip of the iceberg.
Go Pirates!!!
The Onward Setonia team has good number of activities planned, what we're seeing is the tip of the iceberg.
Go Pirates!!!
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Great interview...here's some feedback to Mike.
Granted, I'm just another fan/alumni, but my two cents:
* I have a much better understanding of his background and relationships and how he came to the job. This wasn't about hiring some guy through the search process. I almost feel that he was a target and SHU had to wait until he was available. Seems highly qualified.
* I would have preferred that he not gone back and try to justify that we are not behind....we are. That's been made clear by so many inside the program. If we were on schedule, we would not be behind on the war chest. Why not just acknowledge the truth and move on to the plan? No one is holding Mike accountable for the past.
* The framework of the plan is on totally on target from my perspective. Traditional support to get it going, but corporate sponsorship critical for long term success.
* Nice shout out to you Dan...well-deserved.
* Was a little put off that he was surprised that fans did not know how NIL works and what the student was responsible. If we don't know, maybe it's because we haven't been educated by the school. This board provides an opportunity to educate a passionate part of the fan base. I think we would welcome that information.
Like his energy, background and plan. It's all about finding new sources and execution now
Granted, I'm just another fan/alumni, but my two cents:
* I have a much better understanding of his background and relationships and how he came to the job. This wasn't about hiring some guy through the search process. I almost feel that he was a target and SHU had to wait until he was available. Seems highly qualified.
* I would have preferred that he not gone back and try to justify that we are not behind....we are. That's been made clear by so many inside the program. If we were on schedule, we would not be behind on the war chest. Why not just acknowledge the truth and move on to the plan? No one is holding Mike accountable for the past.
* The framework of the plan is on totally on target from my perspective. Traditional support to get it going, but corporate sponsorship critical for long term success.
* Nice shout out to you Dan...well-deserved.
* Was a little put off that he was surprised that fans did not know how NIL works and what the student was responsible. If we don't know, maybe it's because we haven't been educated by the school. This board provides an opportunity to educate a passionate part of the fan base. I think we would welcome that information.
Like his energy, background and plan. It's all about finding new sources and execution now
I wholeheartedly agree with your points, especially No. 2, but not so much the last one. This is all such new territory that the learning curve is vast, not just for people at SHU, but everywhere... and it’s still rapidly evolving. The school doesn’t deserve blame for that. I’d blame the NCAA and it’s leadership and weak policy-setting.
Yeah I hated the excuses and saying we are not behind. Own it and move on.
Also take some ownership on the jersey selling side!
Also take some ownership on the jersey selling side!
lloyde agree that it's new territory, but then you can't criticize the fan for not being up to speed. That's all I was pointing out.
This was a needed interview and must listen for all Pirate fans. All social media accounts need to be promoting this content ASAP
I'd even email blast this to all alumni
Right now only about 250 listens that’s not enough because we know that at least half of those are from this board who already in the know.
I'd even email blast this to all alumni
Right now only about 250 listens that’s not enough because we know that at least half of those are from this board who already in the know.
I've been fairly close to this situation from the beginning and have been reassuring folks that things aren't as bad as they seemed. The lack of communication was an issue and that is being addressed. I know our athletes are happy with the way that NIL is going, and I'm fairly certain that Sha isn't interested in players who only care about money. Team chemistry is the most important factor.
We would benefit from a bigger pot and that's the goal going forward.
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Here are my thoughts...
- Overall, Mike is a great hire and I love how much effort he puts into interacting and engaging with the fanbase. That is imperative at a small school like Seton Hall and a breath of fresh air.
- He has an impressive background and I think it's important that he can offer a different perspective on how to run a high major athletic department. He casually mentioned that everyone he works with are Seton Hall grads. I appreciate that Seton Hall remains loyal to their grads but it's important to have people with a wide range of experience working in the athletic department - don’t want things to get static.
- Regarding his comment (paraphrasing) "the clearest way to understand if you’re underfunded is to listen to your coaches...and our coaches aren't grumbling so we aren't underfunded/behind." He may want to connect with Sha about his messaging because I think Sha has let his frustration come thru in comments to media/donors. It’s conflicting messaging.
- I completely agree with him that donating to Onward Setonia is a rising tide that will float all boats. A strong NIL fund --> Strong Basketball --> Donations across the board/enrollment/etc.
- I don’t like when Felt, or in this case Mike, say or imply we can’t compare ourselves to P5 programs. Are we competing at the highest levels of college basketball or not? Even if it’s not true the company line should be we are competing for BigEast and national championships. That’s the messaging that Villanova, Providence, Marquette, etc. use. When you hear that as a fan it excites you. No one wants to hear we can’t compare ourselves to P5 programs. Kill that beta narrative.
- Overall, Mike is a great hire and I love how much effort he puts into interacting and engaging with the fanbase. That is imperative at a small school like Seton Hall and a breath of fresh air.
- He has an impressive background and I think it's important that he can offer a different perspective on how to run a high major athletic department. He casually mentioned that everyone he works with are Seton Hall grads. I appreciate that Seton Hall remains loyal to their grads but it's important to have people with a wide range of experience working in the athletic department - don’t want things to get static.
- Regarding his comment (paraphrasing) "the clearest way to understand if you’re underfunded is to listen to your coaches...and our coaches aren't grumbling so we aren't underfunded/behind." He may want to connect with Sha about his messaging because I think Sha has let his frustration come thru in comments to media/donors. It’s conflicting messaging.
- I completely agree with him that donating to Onward Setonia is a rising tide that will float all boats. A strong NIL fund --> Strong Basketball --> Donations across the board/enrollment/etc.
- I don’t like when Felt, or in this case Mike, say or imply we can’t compare ourselves to P5 programs. Are we competing at the highest levels of college basketball or not? Even if it’s not true the company line should be we are competing for BigEast and national championships. That’s the messaging that Villanova, Providence, Marquette, etc. use. When you hear that as a fan it excites you. No one wants to hear we can’t compare ourselves to P5 programs. Kill that beta narrative.
I echo a lot of what you have said. He comes across as a good salesman…makes sense given his history, and is required in this role…seems not only up for the challenge but champing at the bit to move faster, and has seemingly boundless energy to invest in this effort. Frankly…I’m surprised we made such a good hire…lol. Let’s face it our history is spotty at best. But this seems like a home run.
I would echo that this should be sent as a link to all season ticket holders, athletic supporters, and other interested parties. We cannot overcommunicate with regard to this issue.
Also, and surprised no one has mentioned it, but even McBride took time to mention it’s not just men’s basketball that can benefit from NIL…so are we reaching out to Craig Biggio, Mo Vaughn, Kelly Smith, and so on, to support their respective sports? It doesn’t take much funding to impact the non revenue producing sports, and getting our relatively fewer, but very impactful athletes from those respective sports to give back and support the future athletes, I would think would be huge
I have a follow up question to your last point.
Prior to NIL being at the forefront of the challenges we face today, Seton Hall still had the need for major capital improvements to the baseball and soccer playing facilities.
Why wouldn’t we have reached out to those prominent successful sports alumni in those respective sports at that time, instead of putting the emphasis on raising funds through Pirate Blue and other means?
If I were one of those particular athletes, I would have preferred to see my money go towards the legacy of watching all future athletes in my sport compete on improved playing fields, vs lining the pocket of a handful of individual players.
At San Diego St, the outfield pays tribute to great players who have passed through the program. A Prominent billboard style backdrop in right field highlights Stephen Strasburg, Travis Lee, and Tony Gwynn. Something like that could have been done.
Now for all I know they may have contributed or continue to support the University monetarily in their respective sports. But only now during this new age of NIL is the thought of reaching out to those individuals talked about as a real strategy on this board.
Dan and Mike W rightly received credit for their extraordinary contributions.
Thank you TrueBlue1989.
Just want to add that Mike is involved much more than I and deserves so much credit.
It was easy for me to set up the podcast because Matt and I are good friends and he is always looking to interview athletes and administrators like Mike the other day and Bryan Felt last year.
Just want to add that Mike is involved much more than I and deserves so much credit.
It was easy for me to set up the podcast because Matt and I are good friends and he is always looking to interview athletes and administrators like Mike the other day and Bryan Felt last year.
Just had the chance to listen. GREAT interview. I found it informative and straight forward. I think it was good that he acknowledged that the game has changed. It’s over. It’s not going back. There’s no delicate way to state it. It will turn some off for good on principle and also SHU’s clumsy approach prior.
I also don’t think someone in his role can say we’re behind. Gotta be positive, promote, market. And he answered that well anyway. Plus with how Holloway’s recruiting has gone recently, we aren’t so behind now it appears.
Appreciated the background on Mike’s connection to SHU.
I’m also interested to see how he can tap into the corporate world and our famous alumni. Mike has the corporate experience and approach to progress there.
Since he’s come aboard I feel the engagement has been getting better and better, the first and biggest step in this.
Congrats to @Halldan1 and this site for the shouts!
I also don’t think someone in his role can say we’re behind. Gotta be positive, promote, market. And he answered that well anyway. Plus with how Holloway’s recruiting has gone recently, we aren’t so behind now it appears.
Appreciated the background on Mike’s connection to SHU.
I’m also interested to see how he can tap into the corporate world and our famous alumni. Mike has the corporate experience and approach to progress there.
Since he’s come aboard I feel the engagement has been getting better and better, the first and biggest step in this.
Congrats to @Halldan1 and this site for the shouts!
For whatever it’s worth, SHU does have some stuff on the outfield walls.
That would be cool to see if someone could post. Can’t find any pictures of Owen T Carrol that give those shots online.
Most photos focus on the backstop area / press booth.
99% of fan funding should go to MBB
Regarding corporate sponsorships, I’m just some idiot, who got an MBA in Marketing from Seton Hall that knows nothing about NIL. But, we do have some things going for us from a brand perspective that you hope you can find the right corporation that it resonates.
- A minority coach that created a name for himself with an underdog team to the Elite 8.
- A coach that also has a great local story (NY kid, McD AA, played and coached at SHU, and has his dream job.
- A father and husband that has something magnetic about him (much better with his smile this year).
- A university that has a bunch of international alumni that have achieved success in different businesses (Kaba, Nzei, Ike, Karnishovas, etc.) ….and a current NBA player in Sandro.
- Historical high profile personalities (Raff, PJ, AG, etc.)
- #1 media market….original Big East member.
What’s that worth and how do you make a deal? I have no idea. That’s McBride’s expertise.
All great selling points about how Seton Hall con continue to market the school and basketball program through corporate sponsorship outreach.
And I know the genie is out of the bottle and you can’t put it back in….But if a corporate sponsor wants to endorse Seton Hall basketball because of what Sha has to offer relative to his NIL that’s not the same as doing so for a specific player.
If ABC corporation felt that Kadary Richmond would help promote their brand / company / whatever, then that player has leveraged their NIL as a business marketing tool and should reap the financial benefits. Otherwise it’s just direct pay for play if you found a way to filter money to a player that way.
Also, if I was a major tristate company, with the resources we are looking to tap into, how does a player on our current roster used in their advertising campaign help move the needle for their business model?
Corporate sponsorship could be / should be leveraged with the use of naming rights. Find the money for capital improvements though those avenues, so that the money raised from alumni donors can be redirected into the NIL collectives.
There are just too many mouths to feed in terms of fundraising when the reliance is mainly on alumni donors.
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For context, this is mocking an obnoxious post made by another Villanova fan.
EDIT: looks like the guy deleted the post. he was ruthlessly mocked. It was so cringe/corny. He basically said he’s a graduate of nova and his family donates $50k a year to the school (that’s probably how he got in to be honest) and he’s demanding Neptune be fired.
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Agree with you 100% on Felt. Not sure he is quite up to the task here and may be in a bit over his head. Years ago when attending a Pirate Blue event it was suggested to Felt that the university should do more events like the one they were at. When asked why they didn’t he told the individual that if they did more than the alumni and fans would expect more and they didn’t want that. This was when Felt was working with Pirate Blue, now he’s the AD. If Bryan is not up to the task required of a P6 athletic director and department then maybe it’s time for him to step aside and let someone take the reins who has the passion and experience needed to do what needs to be done at this level. Maybe St. Peter’s will take him back.
The “can’t do” attitude by some at Seton Hall is a bit concerning.
I've known Bryan for some 20 odd years. He would absolutely never say that. The are few more loyal people with ties to the Hall. A man who has a rep that he would do anything to promote the school.
I can say without a shadow of a doubt the accusations aren't true.
Just to give you an idea what the school means to him...After the game tomorrow he is rushing to the airport to join the ladies team. As soon as that tournament is completed he's talking another airline to fly to the men's tournament.
In fact go to most SHU events and you will see Bryan Felt in attendance cheering the team as loudly as any of us would.
I can say without a shadow of a doubt the accusations aren't true.
Just to give you an idea what the school means to him...After the game tomorrow he is rushing to the airport to join the ladies team. As soon as that tournament is completed he's talking another airline to fly to the men's tournament.
In fact go to most SHU events and you will see Bryan Felt in attendance cheering the team as loudly as any of us would.
Sorry, but you are absolutely wrong. It was said by Bryan. If you chose not to believe it that is your decision but it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. I’m not here to argue something I know to be true.
Yes, Bryan attends the games, not saying he wouldn’t but it is the guy’s job to be there. He’s an alum and a fan besides being an employee but if he wasn’t being paid to run around like that would he be attending those games? Doesn’t mean he doesn’t enjoy being there though.
Finally listened to this interview. Excellent and definitely needed. in addition to the above comments here are a few more thoughts.
For those saying SHU never goes outside the family, they went outside the family for one of the most critical hires, after Holloway, in years. But he has an interesting connection
and understanding of SHU thru his role at UA.
Good explanation that the players don’t get paid unless they fulfill the obligations of their NIL contracts.
Mc Bride acknowledged can’t keep going back to the same donors year after year so the corporate component will be crucial. I suspect this issue will arise at many schools.
I liked that Onward Setonia has identified six geographic regions to focus on for raising funds and running events.
IMO it’s good that McBride is 50 years old. He knows who he is. He has tons of varied experience in this arena. Brings stability to an ever changing college athletics environment.
I came away much more knowledgeable and with much more confidence that our NIL program will achieve what SHU needs to compete in the BE.
For those saying SHU never goes outside the family, they went outside the family for one of the most critical hires, after Holloway, in years. But he has an interesting connection
and understanding of SHU thru his role at UA.
Good explanation that the players don’t get paid unless they fulfill the obligations of their NIL contracts.
Mc Bride acknowledged can’t keep going back to the same donors year after year so the corporate component will be crucial. I suspect this issue will arise at many schools.
I liked that Onward Setonia has identified six geographic regions to focus on for raising funds and running events.
IMO it’s good that McBride is 50 years old. He knows who he is. He has tons of varied experience in this arena. Brings stability to an ever changing college athletics environment.
I came away much more knowledgeable and with much more confidence that our NIL program will achieve what SHU needs to compete in the BE.
I went to the horses mouth and he laughed at the thought. You believe as you wish. I know Bryan and he would never utter those words.
Whatever helps you sleep at night. Like I said, I’m not going to argue. Believe what you want, I know the truth.
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