Gene Keady Finds Big East Surprisingly Familiar

The Boiling Point: Former Purdue coach Gene Keady told the Associated Press he’s finding life in the Big East much more similar to the Big Ten than expected.


A recent article by the Associated Press said not much has changed about Gene Keady on the sidelines – he still has a scowl and the same looks – yet his role is quite different.

As many know, Keady is now an advisor on Steve Lavin’s St. John’s staff. Lavin was a graduate assistant at Purdue under Keady.

"“I wanted that grandfather presence with our team,” Lavin said. “Coach Keady has the energy, vitality and a great deal to offer us. He was the most influential person in developing my coaching philosophy. The timing and the fit just seemed right for us here.”"

Lavin gave Keady a nice salary, a personal driver, an upscale hotel room and other amenities to get him to come to St. John’s, where he can’t coach the players but can sit on the bench and help the coaching staff.

"“It’s surprisingly a lot like the Big Ten, physical, really good coaches, great crowds, they play hard and they love their basketball,” Keady said, standing courtside at Madison Square Garden. “I thought it was more pressing and fast break and throw up bad shots, but it’s not that at all. There are some really great teams.”"