I can't see any other freshman being BE ROY than Sampson. That would be a travesty.
If Jakarr does get it -- and it sounds like he's a lock -- that'll mean that in his first two recruiting classes, Lavin will have brought in two BE Rookies of the Year: Sampson and Harkless. And neither would have come here if it hadn't been for Lavin. You know how many other times a St. John's player was named ROK since its inception 33 years ago? Once ... David Russell, back in its first season, 1979-80. That's one in 31 years vs. two in 2 years. Hmm. So much for the critics who are bemoaning Lavin's inability to sign anyone so far this year.
That's great but what was our record last year? This year? Where were we ranked? What was our NCAA seed?
It's all well and good to bring in top shelf groceries but you have to know how to cook or it's kind of a waste, don't you think?
I think last year was a write-off. This year was a disappointment, no doubt ... growing pains and all, including the Sanchez ruling (which, as turned out, was not because Lavin took a poor risk, but rather poor judgment by the NCAA). Next year will give us a better idea at how we're doing under Lavin (who, you'll remember, did quite well in his first year with seasonsed upper-classmen). Do you think we would have done better with Seth Greenberg, Herb Sendek, or Mike Rice, or Kevin Willard, or any other of the names that were bouncing around, especially when you consider the cupboard was bare after year one and a complete reloading was needed? I don't.
I don't want to continue to derail the thread.... But if Lavin didn't have to totally reload an entire roster, then things would be different. I can say with confidence that Lavin would have us in solid position to dance, if he only had to garner signatures from 2 or 3 kids once he took the job. Other than bringing in a John Calipari-like class of 4 or 5 consensus top 10 players would've made the transition much smoother. Calipari also had a couple of very, highly-rated players, as well as a mature or older player remaining on the roster after bringing in his tremendous haul. Basically, only Calipari could've made the most--in a short time--out of such a situation.
St. John's also isn't in a position (at least, not currently) where they can lose a talent (Harkless) after one season. Most folks expected Harkless to be back until he tore apart Duke, and had Musberger and Vitale (MAINLY, Musberger) slobbering all over him (on national tv) in the process.
Frankly, if it wasn't for some incompetence (NCAA on Sanchez), poor luck (Branch's injuries with his eye and leg), and stubborness (Harrison), then we would be dancing. Heck! I think we're 10-8, if Harrison was still playing. I know it's the "if" game, and I'm one who do not like to play it. But those were things none of us were expecting. Was anyone truly expecting such?
My predictions of the season was initially based on Sanchez and Gift being part of the team. Not to mention, I never factored in Branch missing so, many games due to injury, and Harrison going 'Rambo' on the staff and team (just clowning, folks).
Hopefully, everyone returns, and we're able to bring in Jordan or someone else of significance. Maybe, we get some (good) luck, and things start to really go our way a season from now. It's certainly going to be an important one.
