2025-2026 Season

[Marillac2]

Hypothetically if we had one more scholarship to give based on our current knowledge of both players, who would get it, Joson Sanon or Solo Ball? Just curious.

Solo (trying to avoid writing Ball) is the best player in the country without the ball in his hands. He will shine on a team with elaborate schemes to free him up. Pitino has never been that kind of offensive coach.

Sanon can get his shot off at will. That is a trait that significantly raises his ceiling and is huge on a Pitino coached team. For that reason, I think we are better off with Sanon and Uconn is better off with Solo.

 

[dk423]

Solo (trying to avoid writing Ball) is the best player in the country without the ball in his hands. He will shine on a team with elaborate schemes to free him up. Pitino has never been that kind of offensive coach.

Sanon can get his shot off at will. That is a trait that significantly raises his ceiling and is huge on a Pitino coached team. For that reason, I think we are better off with Sanon and Uconn is better off with Solo.

Pitino would have an aneurysm teaching Solo how to play defense.

Not saying Sanon will be much better or even better, but Solo had the much better brother coaching him and it was a disaster.

 

[Hardy]

Ball also plays no defense. He’s an incredible shooter but UConn had trouble defending anyone last year. Does sanon play any D?

 

[Hardy]

lol same page

 

[Mean Gene]

I feel like we are in full countdown to the 25/26 season.

For some strange reason I am most looking forward to is Kelvin Odih. In the Summer I read some glowing scouting of his game. So many exciting unknowns like Darling or Sanon amongst others.

Just curious. Anyone else really looking forward to another player you are looking to see what they got?

I’m interested to see how Coach Pitino uses these players with such a stacked roster. When he goes big, when he goes small, the different combinations and who he thinks plays well with who, which players he values in certain situations by his substitution patterns etc.

 

[Eric]

Solo Ball is a potential All American and Big East POY candidate. Love Joson, and he will be the better Pro. But this isn't a close comp.

Also talking 3rd year upper classman with ball vs 2nd year and Sanon. But Sanon put up good numbers as a freshman last year. Sanon was higher rated out of high school (different years) Let the year play out before thinking slam dunk for ball.

 

[paultzman]

 

[Alex9045]

Also talking 3rd year upper classman with ball vs 2nd year and Sanon. But Sanon put up good numbers as a freshman last year. Sanon was higher rated out of high school (different years) Let the year play out before thinking slam dunk for ball.

Again, speaking objectively: Sanon put up big numbers on a bad team and he’s not even a projected starter at the moment. I hope I am pleasantly surprised.

 

[mjmaherjr]

Again, speaking objectively: Sanon put up big numbers on a bad team and he’s not even a projected starter at the moment. I hope I am pleasantly surprised.

Would ecstatic work ?

 

[NCJohnnie]

Would ecstatic work ?

This team is going to be so fascinating to watch because imho other than Zuby the other 6 guys all have question marks of one type or other and if most of those questions are answered positively we will be a final four team. And one of those questions is can we function as a well oiled team with no playing time issues.

 

[paultzman]

3MW Top 50 Teams Countdown - #6: St. John's

Key Returners: Zuby Ejiofor Key Newcomers: Ian Jackson, Oziyah Sellers, Bryce Hopkins, Dillon Mitchell, Joson Sanon, Dylan Darling, Kelvin Odih Key Losses: RJ Luis, Kadary Richmond, Aaron Scott, Deivon Smith, Simeon Wilcher, Brady Dunlap Roster: Reasons for Optimism: Rick Pitino is...

www.basketunderreview.com

 

[paultzman]

Johnny opponent this season obviously;

 

[paultzman]

Random Thoughts;

Great job filling roster spots w talent potentially upgrading shooting proficiency while D will be work in progress I suspect.

To potentially compete for Final 4 berth is realistic, injuries of consequence permitting.

Program has adapted to portal/NIL era beyond what I expected.

The new basketball facility is no longer a dream.

Pitino’s impact exceeded even my high expectations and the amount of press and publicity for Johnny hoops is extraordinary.

Let the games begin!

 

[paultzman]

 

[Eric]

Wow, thats a lot of love for zuby.

 

[paultzman]

 

[SJUDave]

Wow, thats a lot of love for zuby.

There's been a handful of these kinds of lists the last month or so. I've seen Zuby top 10-12 everywhere - he's really become a household name

 

[Eric]

A bit surprised Ian Jackson is not in the top 100? Especially seeing some names listed at the 80-100 area.

 

[SJUDave]

A bit surprised Ian Jackson is not in the top 100? Especially seeing some names listed at the 80-100 area.

Yea I wondered this as well. I've actually seen Ian not mentioned in a lot of places. I wonder if his up and down freshmen year at UNC made people want to see him prove it more. He had two stretches of about 6 or 7 games, so essentially about half the season where he looked really good. And then other times forgotten about. Think playing next to Cadeau and RJ Davis was tough for him to find his groove.

I think it's ok to speculate on him but he's clearly in a much better system and role that should allow him to showcase his talents.

 

[CBA69]

A bit surprised Ian Jackson is not in the top 100? Especially seeing some names listed at the 80-100 area.

I was thinking the same thing.