It is disturbing to see what a few BB pundits have to say but, it isn't really surprising. Let's be sure here, this group of players, with or without Harrison, hasn't lived up to their press clippings from HS.. Exception being Sampson who does need another year..
It's also disappointing because it means Lavin hasn't moved the team forward enough. These guys were heralded recruits and we've seen several are overrated. Greene, Pointer, Harrison even, hasn;t lived up to his Top 25 performance. Garrett was overrated too. Greene is a 6th or 7th man, Pointer has offensive limitations and has a short fuse but, plays hard.. Branch, the jury is still out on but, he's no Erick Barkley or Boo Harvey. Maybe not even Jason Buchanan.
Sure there were the no shows, Pelle.. The 1 semester transfer Lindsay, Polee and Garrett left the program. Stith left last year.All these personnel moves hurt us. Harkless loss most of all. We haven't recovered.
What it all adds up to is, in year 4 we are considered a top 50 barely, team that might fall into the 2nd tier of the new BE conference.. G'town, Marquette, Villanova,all appear superior in talent and are ranked higher. Butler is also, likely better than we will be. Providence could be a sleeper and surprise.
So, where does that leave us in the new BE? Maybe 4th or 5th place on paper. Maybe worse.
And, we don't have any top recruits coming in yet. If we don't get Jordan, we'll fall behind others talent wise.
Plus, is Lavin suddenly going to turn into Rick Pitino or John Thompson3 or Buzz Williams? Doubtful he will install any new offense or defensive schemes. We've got a team of poor shooters, will they suddenly improve?
Lavin led us to believe that by this time 4 years in, SJU would be a league title contender in the BE, OLD OR NEW .
It isn't happening..Lavin , despite initial hoopla and acclaim for his recruiting, has fallen short of the expectations he established for himself.. The youth of the team propaganda can only be carried so far and , Steve has reached his limit on that.. Time to step up and produce winning Basketball in year 4. Otherwise, he needs to be held accountable for the team's record and competitiveness.
Many posters here, seem to be enthusiastic about the team and that is commendable but, the reality is our team hasn't developed to the level expected and playing what if, with Sanchez or GG, will raise us to a title contending status. It won't, unless Sanchez is the second coming of Bill Walton.
Lavin has been given a pass for his 3 years but, not anymore..His Coaching performance needs to improve substantially or, else we will be another school to lament, like UCLA, his below par Coaching ability.
