[quote="Class of 72" post=273919][quote="Boo Harvey" post=273887][quote="Sju grad 13" post=273843]So nobody is going to talk about Tariq Owens leaving? I’m pretty confident we’ll have to replace him.[/quote]
Where is this coming from?[/quote]
It's all speculation. Period.
Why? Because Marvin Clark is guaranteed his starting spot, just as is Justin Simon. Keita, unless we get a talented big transfer, appears to be the big body we need inside.
Why Owens in this crystal ball speculation? Because he doesn't play inside on offense, his natural position is the position Clark will be playing and most importantly his father wants the ball in his hands on the offense. Why is the dad integral to the speculation? Because fathers have unrealistic expectations as was evidenced by the departure of Ellison and LoVett.
Had Brooks signed and not reneged Owens spot was going to Brooks and I'm sure that's how the deal was being brokered. Everyone here is correct in that Owens is a 20 minute player but will his dad accept that? To top it all off, this staff is desperate for talent and knows next year is a make or break 4th season. Other than Ponds, Simon and Clark, everyone else is expendable. That's how Calipari and anyone else recruits.[/quote]
72' i usually agree with you as i feel we see eye to eye. On this however, I disagree. I don't think its fair to lump Owens in with those other guys. He sat out a year, worked tirelessly on his game ( plenty of summer vids were shown), and has been a great teammate and representative of SJU. His Pop wants his Sr year to keep on with his progress not go backwards. I personally think T.O. will benefit from coming in and playing all 3 big positions. He is the leading BE shot blocker, terrific on the high post and roll ( when that play is actually designed ), and has a decent shot for a big. Any loss from any of our present starters will be a blow, especially T.O. a proven BE big. As much as Shamorie has been off the charts, he is more valuable to the team when sharing the ball as much as taking his own shot. As Shamories stock continues to rise, I see him as gone- a late 1st rounder. So now look at our team if we lose Shamorie, T.O, and Ahmed. Back to rebuilding again and again.......something needs to change and its not the players. They actually need to STAY!
