JCU Moneyball

Tony DeCarlo Varsity Center, 8:15pm, February 9, 2009:

Casey Goetz: Coming to you live from the TDVC for the second half of a pivotal late in the year OAC matchup. John Carroll used a 10-0 run to close the half with a 44-34 lead over Baldwin Wallace. A run spearheaded by Rudy Kirbus' three straight baskets.
STO Chump: That's right Casey, Kirbus made absolutely 0 athletic moves but still forced the ball in the basket on 3 terrible looking drives.
Casey Goetz: That's his game man.
STO Guy: I'm glad its not my game Casey.

Timeout BW, Streaks led by 9 15: 43 Second Half

Cameras pan to the band, then cheerleaders:

Casey Goetz: As we have become accustom to, the JCU band is year in and year out the best band in the OAC
STO Chump: I have to agree with you Casey.

Camera pans to a focused slightly balding man sitting at a table with Coach Sean O'Toole in the Blue and Gold Room:

Casey Goetz: And there ladies gentlemen is John Curran. The GM of the John Carroll Blue Streaks. Curran, a former standout for the Streaks and OAC journeyman has been a catalyst in developing this roster, and bringing changes that were necessary for the proliferation of this team and their identity as a franchise.
STO Idiot: Many have credited Curran with changing the culture of this team, a dynamic move that his catapulted the Streaks into a tie with Capital with 3 OAC games to play.
Casey Goetz: His evaluation of player personnel has been off the charts. He knows the OAC better than anyone I know. But the way he has crafted the lineups we have seen this season has produced chemistry, high skill levels, and unlocked potential.
STO Idiot: I was talking to Chris Zajac before the game, and he credited Curran as being the guy who inspired him to have the huge season he is having.
Casey Goetz: JC is the Theo Epstein of the OAC. A young dynamo who has infused life into this old front office and staff. We are really seeing shades of Billy Beane's Moneyball at JCU this year, but in a basketball sense.

I played in an open gym today with the Streaks, and after winning 8 straight games I thought I might collapse and die. I hadnt played 5 on 5 on a regular sized court since March. I had focused mainly on the Lakewood Y league a 4 on 4 league played on small courts. As I was driving home, I thought about how the games went and who I liked, and who I thought was good, and who I thought was tough, and skilled, and quick and so on...And the main thing that I took out of this 40 minute car ride was: this is something that I have passion for, that I feel like I know pretty well, and that I feel like I can be pretty good at. So I created this role for myself: GM of the John Carroll Blue Streaks. Is it far-fetched? It probably is, but that doesnt mean its a bad idea and I couldn't do it. I genuinely feel like I could do it and add a ton of value to this organization. It's DEFINITELY something that needs to be addressed. Here's my case:

1. I know the guys on this team: I have a pretty good feel for the guys on this team, even after 2 hours of open gym. We'll see how it progresses into October and a couple scrimmages but I left with a pretty good idea of who I would play and who I would play with who. I played with a lot of these guys for two years in good times and bad. You give me any guy and off the top of my head I could give you 5 pluses and minuses about each guy. It's a talent and passion I have. And I know what these guys go through everyday. I know where guys heads go during practice or at school or where ever. I can really relate to guys because I have been through it.
2. I know every guy in the OAC: Kerry Wilkinson from Wilmington is a hot and cold player. He's a streak 3 point shooter whose left handed, who plays with a cerebral attitude. He doesnt force much, and is very subtle on the dribble. It doesnt look like he can go by you, but he changes pace and can really get into the key when hes playing well. Don't let him get an easy basket early. Gambles on defense, and is late a lot, but can get in your shit if your fucking around with the ball.
It really is sad, but I know stuff like this about every decent guy in the league. That was one example. The OAC has an ebb and flow with teams and their personnel. Watch ONU will have another Loudon Hammersmith this year riding pine. I spent so much time in this league that I just have a pretty good feel for teams and the guys they have.
3. Coach Moran needs a new voice: I love Coach Moran. I think he's a great guy, and he was very good to me. I do think he needs a new voice though. Not Pete. Not Matt. A voice that he hasnt really heard before. A constructive voice from a guy who knows how he thinks. And I do possess that. I know him pretty well, heck I spent A LOT of time with him. 114 games worth. I think I can speak to him in a way that can keep his main values in mind, but also give him quality insight that allows him to make better decisions.
4. This is the only team I know that can have a GM: The John Carroll hoop team is a special team. It is unique in a lot of perspectives. Its a team of local guys, who were great players, and can play at Carroll and be close to home and enjoy the game and have fun. Its campus is centrally located, so there is a lot of people from the westside and eastside who keep tabs with how the team is doing and who is playing. And were the only team in the league who has the kind of depth that we do. We have 15-18 really good guys who can play. You dont need a GM at Heidelberg or Musky. Our success has garnered loyal fans and our facility allows us to have great crowds when things are going good. I want to foster that environment and strengthen it. I want really good guys from Eds, Ignatius, X, Elder etc. to stay home and play for the Streaks. As GM, I would bring in guys that love basketball and can play.
5. The time is now: I think we got a lotta good guys. I think if things go right, this team can win an OAC championship. The league is definitely getting better. More and more kids are staying home and playing hoops. We played right with Cleveland State for a while, even though they were on cruise control playing at about 50% seriousness level but thats not the point. The point is that we have a lot of good guys on this team. And we have to have to right guys and lineups out there, or were gonna struggle. I can help with that and evaluate that throughout the year.

So, those are a couple of things I had going on in my messed up head today. I think it definitely warrants some consideration. You wouldnt have to pay me much. I was thinking about $50 grand a year with some incentive clauses that are front loaded. I say front loaded because I definitely want to apply for the Brooklyn Nets Gm job when King James moves over there in 2010. What would be bad about bringing me on as GM? Nothing. I can only help. You wanna do something good for this team? Bring in a journeymen. Bring in a guy who can evaluate personnel. Bring in a guy who isnt afraid to disagree with the norms. JC for Blue Streaks GM. LETS GET DIRTY!