2016-2017 Season Thread

[we are sju]

Maybe Jones is making lateral move here

wasju, any word on him headed to baylor?

No but I am looking forward to Sweet 16 match-up between Baylor and Oregon that will cause everyone watching on TV to go blind

 

[we are sju]

18 wins next season with a few quality W's late in the season. Predicting an NIT championship which springboards the program in the coming years to postseason success in the big boy's tournament.

18 wins would mean if you go 9-2 or 9-3 out of conference you would have to go 9-9 in BE. That is an 8 game jump. Too much. Unless 18 wins is after we win the NIT in your scenario. But then that would only give us 13 wins or so prior to NIT which wouldn't get us into NIT.

So basically what I am saying is don't bet anything of value on 18 wins.

 

[Redmen88]

We might be big but we are not talented offensively in the box. Sima and Yakwe are a presence but I still don't think we can feed the post with results. I don't know much about Ahmed's low post game.

 

[Amaseinyourface]

We might be big but we are not talented offensively in the box. Sima and Yakwe are a presence but I still don't think we can feed the post with results. I don't know much about Ahmed's low post game.

Game a few weeks ago he had a couple nice mid post moves. Not real back down your man stuff but more like the Kobe variety.

 

[sirvoo]

18 wins next season with a few quality W's late in the season. Predicting an NIT championship which springboards the program in the coming years to postseason success in the big boy's tournament.

18 wins would mean if you go 9-2 or 9-3 out of conference you would have to go 9-9 in BE. That is an 8 game jump. Too much. Unless 18 wins is after we win the NIT in your scenario. But then that would only give us 13 wins or so prior to NIT which wouldn't get us into NIT.

So basically what I am saying is don't bet anything of value on 18 wins.

Very good points. My prediction is basically what I realistically think the ceiling is. All things will have to go right including bringing in 1 more impact player via grad transfer

 

[stjohnschris]

18 wins next season with a few quality W's late in the season. Predicting an NIT championship which springboards the program in the coming years to postseason success in the big boy's tournament.

18 wins would mean if you go 9-2 or 9-3 out of conference you would have to go 9-9 in BE. That is an 8 game jump. Too much. Unless 18 wins is after we win the NIT in your scenario. But then that would only give us 13 wins or so prior to NIT which wouldn't get us into NIT.

So basically what I am saying is don't bet anything of value on 18 wins.

I think 18 wins is a pretty good guess. We will have more talent and balance than this year, and a coaching staff with a year under their belt, AND the real probability that we land one or two impact recruits that are eligible to play immediately. Expectations for Owens should be fairly minimal, but having another body on the bench with real height will be valuable. I think we see improved play from Sima and Yakwe, but I don't think either of them develops a serious post game by next season. Bashir should be instant impact. And then there's the uninitiated (Ponds, RF and Lovett) who all come with a lot of talent and accolades from high school. How quickly will they be able to contribute on this level? To me, that's the difference between 16 or 17 wins, or possibly 19 or 20.

 

[we are sju]

18 wins next season with a few quality W's late in the season. Predicting an NIT championship which springboards the program in the coming years to postseason success in the big boy's tournament.

18 wins would mean if you go 9-2 or 9-3 out of conference you would have to go 9-9 in BE. That is an 8 game jump. Too much. Unless 18 wins is after we win the NIT in your scenario. But then that would only give us 13 wins or so prior to NIT which wouldn't get us into NIT.

So basically what I am saying is don't bet anything of value on 18 wins.

Very good points. My prediction is basically what I realistically think the ceiling is. All things will have to go right including bringing in 1 more impact player via grad transfer

15 seems a good starting point but again based on guys who have yet to play a BIG East game so you never know

 

[Ray Morgan]

It was a long tough year but I think we righted the long term ship. We need to cut our turnovers in half. We have to value each possession. If we can clean this up it will go a long way. I think a real point guard will help. I think we will be a jump shooting team with little inside presence unless we close on a talented big man. This will limit how many wins we eventually get. A talented big man via transfer or freshman will make the difference between a decent team and a good team. Don't know how likely that is.

Jones was our best interior scorer so that may hurt us but we are primed to have the biggest front court we have had in a long time. Obviously more length than bulk but our size will give us a chance against most teams next year. Also the introduction of a real pg or two will lead to much more easy baskets, both in half court and transition.

We have five guys at 6'9 or taller on the roster for next year and that doesnt include Yakwe who plays like he is 6'9 and Ahmed who's 6'7 and has had great rebounding numbers in JUCO.

The fact that anyone is concerned about the potential loss of Jones to the front court tells you how far we have to go. Not knocking the poster, since Jones would add much bulk to a too skinny front court, and experience and post moves as well. Just the notion that a player who probably wouldn't start on the rest of the Big East programs is a loss for us foreshadows what to expect next season. We are going to have to rely on quickness and outside shooting for points, and Ahmed to help with the rebounding. Now if by some miracle Thon Maker wants to spend a year in NYC learning from 2 hall of famers, we become a tough out for anyone in the Big East.

 

[paultzman]

It was a long tough year but I think we righted the long term ship. We need to cut our turnovers in half. We have to value each possession. If we can clean this up it will go a long way. I think a real point guard will help. I think we will be a jump shooting team with little inside presence unless we close on a talented big man. This will limit how many wins we eventually get. A talented big man via transfer or freshman will make the difference between a decent team and a good team. Don't know how likely that is.

Jones was our best interior scorer so that may hurt us but we are primed to have the biggest front court we have had in a long time. Obviously more length than bulk but our size will give us a chance against most teams next year. Also the introduction of a real pg or two will lead to much more easy baskets, both in half court and transition.

We have five guys at 6'9 or taller on the roster for next year and that doesnt include Yakwe who plays like he is 6'9 and Ahmed who's 6'7 and has had great rebounding numbers in JUCO.

The fact that anyone is concerned about the potential loss of Jones to the front court tells you how far we have to go. Not knocking the poster, since Jones would add much bulk to a too skinny front court, and experience and post moves as well. Just the notion that a player who probably wouldn't start on the rest of the Big East programs is a loss for us foreshadows what to expect next season. We are going to have to rely on quickness and outside shooting for points, and Ahmed to help with the rebounding. Now if by some miracle Thon Maker wants to spend a year in NYC learning from 2 hall of famers, we become a tough out for anyone in the Big East.

Lourdes perhaps, Jamaica not.

 

[TonyinFairfield]

I'm expecting us to at the very least, double our Big East win total next year. I don't want to be too overly optimistic!

 

[REB]

I expect 9 wins OOC and 5-7 in conference.
I figure we will be:
++Better at PG- Lovett/Ellison15 > Mussini15/Ellison15
++Better at 2G - Ponds/Mussini16 > Johnson
+Better at SF - Ahmed/RF/Williams > Balamou/Mvouika
+Better at PF - Yakwe16/Williams/RF/Grad Transf TBN > Yakwe15/Jones
+Better as Center - Sima16/Owens/AA16 > Sima15/AA15
With that amount of improvement I expect us to not lose to D2 teams, to be much more competitive against everyone, and to get 4-6 more wins in conference, say DePaul twice, Butler once, Georgetown once, maybe Providence and Marquette once depending on who leaves (Bentil, Ellenson?), and maybe one big in conference upset..

 

[Amaseinyourface]

It was a long tough year but I think we righted the long term ship. We need to cut our turnovers in half. We have to value each possession. If we can clean this up it will go a long way. I think a real point guard will help. I think we will be a jump shooting team with little inside presence unless we close on a talented big man. This will limit how many wins we eventually get. A talented big man via transfer or freshman will make the difference between a decent team and a good team. Don't know how likely that is.

Jones was our best interior scorer so that may hurt us but we are primed to have the biggest front court we have had in a long time. Obviously more length than bulk but our size will give us a chance against most teams next year. Also the introduction of a real pg or two will lead to much more easy baskets, both in half court and transition.

We have five guys at 6'9 or taller on the roster for next year and that doesnt include Yakwe who plays like he is 6'9 and Ahmed who's 6'7 and has had great rebounding numbers in JUCO.

The fact that anyone is concerned about the potential loss of Jones to the front court tells you how far we have to go. Not knocking the poster, since Jones would add much bulk to a too skinny front court, and experience and post moves as well. Just the notion that a player who probably wouldn't start on the rest of the Big East programs is a loss for us foreshadows what to expect next season. We are going to have to rely on quickness and outside shooting for points, and Ahmed to help with the rebounding. Now if by some miracle Thon Maker wants to spend a year in NYC learning from 2 hall of famers, we become a tough out for anyone in the Big East.

We don't need him to start. He would help because he brings the things you just mentioned we lack.

A lot of posters keep saying something like: we shouldn't be concerned about the loss of Jones even though we were awful last year with him. Well its not like Jones was our worst player. He didn't lead us to wins, but shit, who did? If we get a player to come in for a 5th year who's better than Jones would have been for us next year, I'll be real excited. I like the Livingston kid, but let's see.

 

[bamafan]

I expect 9 wins OOC and 5-7 in conference.
I figure we will be:
++Better at PG- Lovett/Ellison15 > Mussini15/Ellison15
++Better at 2G - Ponds/Mussini16 > Johnson
+Better at SF - Ahmed/RF/Williams > Balamou/Mvouika
+Better at PF - Yakwe16/Williams/RF/Grad Transf TBN > Yakwe15/Jones
+Better as Center - Sima16/Owens/AA16 > Sima15/AA15
With that amount of improvement I expect us to not lose to D2 teams, to be much more competitive against everyone, and to get 4-6 more wins in conference, say DePaul twice, Butler once, Georgetown once, maybe Providence and Marquette once depending on who leaves (Bentil, Ellenson?), and maybe one big in conference upset..

5-7 in conference? What happened to the other 6 games?

 

[SJU14]

I expect 9 wins OOC and 5-7 in conference.
I figure we will be:
++Better at PG- Lovett/Ellison15 > Mussini15/Ellison15
++Better at 2G - Ponds/Mussini16 > Johnson
+Better at SF - Ahmed/RF/Williams > Balamou/Mvouika
+Better at PF - Yakwe16/Williams/RF/Grad Transf TBN > Yakwe15/Jones
+Better as Center - Sima16/Owens/AA16 > Sima15/AA15
With that amount of improvement I expect us to not lose to D2 teams, to be much more competitive against everyone, and to get 4-6 more wins in conference, say DePaul twice, Butler once, Georgetown once, maybe Providence and Marquette once depending on who leaves (Bentil, Ellenson?), and maybe one big in conference upset..

5-7 in conference? What happened to the other 6 games?

I believe he meant a range of 5 to 7 wins

 

[REB]

I expect 9 wins OOC and 5-7 in conference.
I figure we will be:
++Better at PG- Lovett/Ellison15 > Mussini15/Ellison15
++Better at 2G - Ponds/Mussini16 > Johnson
+Better at SF - Ahmed/RF/Williams > Balamou/Mvouika
+Better at PF - Yakwe16/Williams/RF/Grad Transf TBN > Yakwe15/Jones
+Better as Center - Sima16/Owens/AA16 > Sima15/AA15
With that amount of improvement I expect us to not lose to D2 teams, to be much more competitive against everyone, and to get 4-6 more wins in conference, say DePaul twice, Butler once, Georgetown once, maybe Providence and Marquette once depending on who leaves (Bentil, Ellenson?), and maybe one big in conference upset..

5-7 in conference? What happened to the other 6 games?

I believe he meant a range of 5 to 7 wins

Yes obviously.

 

[bamafan]

I expect 9 wins OOC and 5-7 in conference.
I figure we will be:
++Better at PG- Lovett/Ellison15 > Mussini15/Ellison15
++Better at 2G - Ponds/Mussini16 > Johnson
+Better at SF - Ahmed/RF/Williams > Balamou/Mvouika
+Better at PF - Yakwe16/Williams/RF/Grad Transf TBN > Yakwe15/Jones
+Better as Center - Sima16/Owens/AA16 > Sima15/AA15
With that amount of improvement I expect us to not lose to D2 teams, to be much more competitive against everyone, and to get 4-6 more wins in conference, say DePaul twice, Butler once, Georgetown once, maybe Providence and Marquette once depending on who leaves (Bentil, Ellenson?), and maybe one big in conference upset..

5-7 in conference? What happened to the other 6 games?

I believe he meant a range of 5 to 7 wins

Yes obviously.

Not that obvious, obviously.

 

[REB]

I expect 9 wins OOC and 5-7 in conference.
I figure we will be:
++Better at PG- Lovett/Ellison15 > Mussini15/Ellison15
++Better at 2G - Ponds/Mussini16 > Johnson
+Better at SF - Ahmed/RF/Williams > Balamou/Mvouika
+Better at PF - Yakwe16/Williams/RF/Grad Transf TBN > Yakwe15/Jones
+Better as Center - Sima16/Owens/AA16 > Sima15/AA15
With that amount of improvement I expect us to not lose to D2 teams, to be much more competitive against everyone, and to get 4-6 more wins in conference, say DePaul twice, Butler once, Georgetown once, maybe Providence and Marquette once depending on who leaves (Bentil, Ellenson?), and maybe one big in conference upset..

5-7 in conference? What happened to the other 6 games?

I believe he meant a range of 5 to 7 wins

Yes obviously.

Not that obvious, obviously.

Ya mean the part where is says "get 4-6 more wins in conference" and then listed the best chances for wins wasn't a strong enough hint? :blink:

 

[Sherman Sheridan & Grant]

Instead of having five thousand threads about next season, one about our schedule, one about roster, and then the numerous threads made about individual players, I think it'll be better for organization if we just have this official thread about next year.

So welcome to the 2016-2017 season, go St. John's !

Hey Jack!
Now that we are moving past the season, thankfully, I thought it would be time to reflect on our respective prognostications...and pick up on the topic you created!
With (in no particular order) Ponds, LoVett, Freudenberg, Owens, Bashir. and sophomores Mussini, Sima, Yawke...
I can see:
15-16 Ws
8-9 BE Ws
NIT
15-25 % chance for the "Dance" as Ponds, LoVett and Bashir could take us up a notch along with improved play from the three main sophomores.

My effort at a realistic/optimistic balance...How does that sound?

 

[Knight]

Am I correct-If CJ leaves, we will have 2 scholarships available?

 

[austour]

Yes