2019 Transfers

[quote="MCNPA" post=351589]“The players Matt recruited in his first year were exactly the same level player that we are bringing in now, exactly.”

This right here is something that I think people need to look at. Matt wasn’t bringing big timers in from day 1. In addition to a lot of “wins” by Matt on the recruiting trail, there were plenty of average players as well. Staff needs more time to get rolling to see what they can do.[/quote]

Agree.... Outside of LoVett, who fell in our lap, the talent being brought in is on par with what Matt A. was bringing in the first year. The thing is no one on that particular team was even close to Figueroa and Heron (I'll also throw Steere in that equation), which I think will give us a good chance of being competitive.

If we're bringing in similar talent via the 2020 class, then I'll understand the gnashing of teeth. But I think any complaints now are simply jumping the gun. I'll go on record by saying that I feel pretty confident we'll land a handful of top 50-100 HS players (and, probably, a top-flight JUCO player or two) in the '20 class. I'll eat crow if I'm wrong, but I don't think the serving plate will be needed.
 
[quote="Logen" post=351585]
I have the same hope and key on your use of the word “solid”. It seems Anderson recruits to the way he wants to play as opposed to rankings and stars. Making Plays, please comment if I am reading him wrong. Doesn’t mean he doesn’t recruit talent but it is the type of talent he wants and can mold into team. That is great from my perspective.[/quote]

You are 100% correct. CMA is going to recruit guys that fit what he wants to do. I know these 2 guys don't have mind blowing stats, but if CMA offers them that means he feels like they fit what he wants to and he feels they can contribute. CMA has been criticized in the past for holding on to scholarships for the next year if he didn't find guys that fit what he wanted to do that.

And honestly looking at Rutherford, he seems like a CMA guy. Just from reading about him, he's a defense/pass first player. Guys like that thrive in CMA's system. Rutherford was a guy that was leading his conference in steals playing on a slow paced team, imagine him in a system where he's full court pressing most of the game and playing a fast paced tempo. Even if he only gets you 5-6 PPG, if he can be a lockdown defender, get you 2 steals a game, and 3-4 APG, you can't ask much more than that for a 1 year rental in mid June, that's a steal.

As far as DeVale Johnson, his recruitment kinda reminds me of Mason Jones's recruitment at Arkansas last year. Mason Jones was a late addition JUCO guy that name just came out of the blue, he didn't start all the games at his JUCO, and was a guy that only had 1 other Division 1 offer, but the staff identified him as someone that fit what they did, and Jones went from being a criticized late pick-up, to fans literally begging him on his Instagram and Facebook not to transfer when there was rumors he was thinking of leaving. He averaged 13 PPG his first year, including two 30 point games in SEC play. Was the toughest player with the most heart on the team without a doubt.
 
[quote="Chicago Days" post=351588]FWIW and to follow with my favorite spin 'probably not much' to keep it light, but Devale Johnson is tracking a host of St. John's fans and 'sites' on his twitter account.
Do not want to get ahead of my skis on this guy, but damn he looks good.
And wondering if Nick Rutherford commits on his visit, or if the Van Zyl pursuit still has legs.
Interesting days in Johnny-Land.[/quote]

It appears that Johnson had a good visit, as you mentioned he started following a whole lot of people associated with St. John's that's usually a very good sign. The only thing concerning about his situation is he apparently is still taking summer classes at JUCO to get eligible. Does the staff think he is worth the risk waiting to see if he has the grades after the 1st summer session, or do they move on someone else?

It's a bit of a risk for the staff because if they take a commitment from him, then something happens and he doesn't have the grades, you're talking about completely losing that scholarship for a year, because June is already slim pickings, mid-July there will be nobody available that's worth a scholarship.
 
[quote="Making Plays" post=351600][quote="Chicago Days" post=351588]FWIW and to follow with my favorite spin 'probably not much' to keep it light, but Devale Johnson is tracking a host of St. John's fans and 'sites' on his twitter account.
Do not want to get ahead of my skis on this guy, but damn he looks good.
And wondering if Nick Rutherford commits on his visit, or if the Van Zyl pursuit still has legs.
Interesting days in Johnny-Land.[/quote]

It appears that Johnson had a good visit, as you mentioned he started following a whole lot of people associated with St. John's that's usually a very good sign. The only thing concerning about his situation is he apparently is still taking summer classes at JUCO to get eligible. Does the staff think he is worth the risk waiting to see if he has the grades after the 1st summer session, or do they move on someone else?

It's a bit of a risk for the staff because if they take a commitment from him, then something happens and he doesn't have the grades, you're talking about completely losing that scholarship for a year, because June is already slim pickings, mid-July there will be nobody available that's worth a scholarship.[/quote]

If this staff think he'll fit into their defensive system then that says a lot and I would take the risk here as long as he is on track because a wing is not a crucial recruit for us this season. What is crucial is a PG. I would also like a PF/C but if they are not going to bring one in, then this is the type of player that could still help because he is athletic and has shot blocking and is not a liability on offense.
 
[quote="Paul Massell" post=351604][quote="Making Plays" post=351600][quote="Chicago Days" post=351588]FWIW and to follow with my favorite spin 'probably not much' to keep it light, but Devale Johnson is tracking a host of St. John's fans and 'sites' on his twitter account.
Do not want to get ahead of my skis on this guy, but damn he looks good.
And wondering if Nick Rutherford commits on his visit, or if the Van Zyl pursuit still has legs.
Interesting days in Johnny-Land.[/quote]

It appears that Johnson had a good visit, as you mentioned he started following a whole lot of people associated with St. John's that's usually a very good sign. The only thing concerning about his situation is he apparently is still taking summer classes at JUCO to get eligible. Does the staff think he is worth the risk waiting to see if he has the grades after the 1st summer session, or do they move on someone else?

It's a bit of a risk for the staff because if they take a commitment from him, then something happens and he doesn't have the grades, you're talking about completely losing that scholarship for a year, because June is already slim pickings, mid-July there will be nobody available that's worth a scholarship.[/quote]

If this staff think he'll fit into their defensive system then that says a lot and I would take the risk here as long as he is on track because a wing is not a crucial recruit for us this season. What is crucial is a PG. I would also like a PF/C but if they are not going to bring one in, then this is the type of player that could still help because he is athletic and has shot blocking and is not a liability on offense.[/quote]

Zero risk at all in waiting on Johnson as he has skills which we lack and could possibly be the best forward on the roster. We return LJ, Caraher, Earlington and Roberts, as forwards and already added Sears and Champagne. Unless a real stud pops up so late in the game this kid would be the best forward we would have after LJ and adds shot blocking and rebounding. I would absolutely wait and hope he passes summer school.
Our pressing need is at pg and I would be very pleased with Rutherford for a season. once we get a commitment from another pg for next season I will feel much better.
 
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[quote="Paul Massell" post=351604][quote="Making Plays" post=351600][quote="Chicago Days" post=351588]FWIW and to follow with my favorite spin 'probably not much' to keep it light, but Devale Johnson is tracking a host of St. John's fans and 'sites' on his twitter account.
Do not want to get ahead of my skis on this guy, but damn he looks good.
And wondering if Nick Rutherford commits on his visit, or if the Van Zyl pursuit still has legs.
Interesting days in Johnny-Land.[/quote]

It appears that Johnson had a good visit, as you mentioned he started following a whole lot of people associated with St. John's that's usually a very good sign. The only thing concerning about his situation is he apparently is still taking summer classes at JUCO to get eligible. Does the staff think he is worth the risk waiting to see if he has the grades after the 1st summer session, or do they move on someone else?

It's a bit of a risk for the staff because if they take a commitment from him, then something happens and he doesn't have the grades, you're talking about completely losing that scholarship for a year, because June is already slim pickings, mid-July there will be nobody available that's worth a scholarship.[/quote]

If this staff think he'll fit into their defensive system then that says a lot and I would take the risk here as long as he is on track because a wing is not a crucial recruit for us this season. What is crucial is a PG. I would also like a PF/C but if they are not going to bring one in, then this is the type of player that could still help because he is athletic and has shot blocking and is not a liability on offense.[/quote]

I think both Johnson and Sears can play the 4 or 5 spot and I'm assuming that's where CMA is recruiting them to play at. I'm not sure why people on twitter are calling Johnson a wing. I think that's something his high school coach or whoever has been promoting him on twitter told people to make him seem like a more attractive recruit.. A 6'8 wing player sounds a lot more attractive than a 6'7 center which is what he's listed as on the JUCO stats site. Just from watching prior CMA teams, I'm almost positive a guy like Johnson would get the majority of his minutes at the 4/5 spot in CMA's system, he won't see a second playing at 3. CMA likes a guard in that spot, preferably a bigger guard (6'4-6'6) with good ball handling that can create their own own shots and help with ball handling responsibilities and running the offense. I didn't see anything in Johnson's game that shows he has that ability.
 
[quote="Making Plays" post=351615][quote="Paul Massell" post=351604][quote="Making Plays" post=351600][quote="Chicago Days" post=351588]FWIW and to follow with my favorite spin 'probably not much' to keep it light, but Devale Johnson is tracking a host of St. John's fans and 'sites' on his twitter account.
Do not want to get ahead of my skis on this guy, but damn he looks good.
And wondering if Nick Rutherford commits on his visit, or if the Van Zyl pursuit still has legs.
Interesting days in Johnny-Land.[/quote]

It appears that Johnson had a good visit, as you mentioned he started following a whole lot of people associated with St. John's that's usually a very good sign. The only thing concerning about his situation is he apparently is still taking summer classes at JUCO to get eligible. Does the staff think he is worth the risk waiting to see if he has the grades after the 1st summer session, or do they move on someone else?

It's a bit of a risk for the staff because if they take a commitment from him, then something happens and he doesn't have the grades, you're talking about completely losing that scholarship for a year, because June is already slim pickings, mid-July there will be nobody available that's worth a scholarship.[/quote]

If this staff think he'll fit into their defensive system then that says a lot and I would take the risk here as long as he is on track because a wing is not a crucial recruit for us this season. What is crucial is a PG. I would also like a PF/C but if they are not going to bring one in, then this is the type of player that could still help because he is athletic and has shot blocking and is not a liability on offense.[/quote]

I think both Johnson and Sears can play the 4 or 5 spot and I'm assuming that's where CMA is recruiting them to play at. I'm not sure why people on twitter are calling Johnson a wing. I think that's something his high school coach or whoever has been promoting him on twitter told people to make him seem like a more attractive recruit.. A 6'8 wing player sounds a lot more attractive than a 6'7 center which is what he's listed as on the JUCO stats site. Just from watching prior CMA teams, I'm almost positive a guy like Johnson would get the majority of his minutes at the 4/5 spot in CMA's system, he won't see a second playing at 3. CMA likes a guard in that spot, preferably a bigger guard (6'4-6'6) with good ball handling that can create their own own shots and help with ball handling responsibilities and running the offense. I didn't see anything in Johnson's game that shows he has that ability.[/quote]

But Figueroa does!!!!
 
[quote="Logen" post=351617][quote="Making Plays" post=351615][quote="Paul Massell" post=351604][quote="Making Plays" post=351600][quote="Chicago Days" post=351588]FWIW and to follow with my favorite spin 'probably not much' to keep it light, but Devale Johnson is tracking a host of St. John's fans and 'sites' on his twitter account.
Do not want to get ahead of my skis on this guy, but damn he looks good.
And wondering if Nick Rutherford commits on his visit, or if the Van Zyl pursuit still has legs.
Interesting days in Johnny-Land.[/quote]

It appears that Johnson had a good visit, as you mentioned he started following a whole lot of people associated with St. John's that's usually a very good sign. The only thing concerning about his situation is he apparently is still taking summer classes at JUCO to get eligible. Does the staff think he is worth the risk waiting to see if he has the grades after the 1st summer session, or do they move on someone else?

It's a bit of a risk for the staff because if they take a commitment from him, then something happens and he doesn't have the grades, you're talking about completely losing that scholarship for a year, because June is already slim pickings, mid-July there will be nobody available that's worth a scholarship.[/quote]

If this staff think he'll fit into their defensive system then that says a lot and I would take the risk here as long as he is on track because a wing is not a crucial recruit for us this season. What is crucial is a PG. I would also like a PF/C but if they are not going to bring one in, then this is the type of player that could still help because he is athletic and has shot blocking and is not a liability on offense.[/quote]

I think both Johnson and Sears can play the 4 or 5 spot and I'm assuming that's where CMA is recruiting them to play at. I'm not sure why people on twitter are calling Johnson a wing. I think that's something his high school coach or whoever has been promoting him on twitter told people to make him seem like a more attractive recruit.. A 6'8 wing player sounds a lot more attractive than a 6'7 center which is what he's listed as on the JUCO stats site. Just from watching prior CMA teams, I'm almost positive a guy like Johnson would get the majority of his minutes at the 4/5 spot in CMA's system, he won't see a second playing at 3. CMA likes a guard in that spot, preferably a bigger guard (6'4-6'6) with good ball handling that can create their own own shots and help with ball handling responsibilities and running the offense. I didn't see anything in Johnson's game that shows he has that ability.[/quote]

But Figueroa does!!!![/quote]

Yep, I think Figueroa will definitely play the 3 for CMA. Figueroa reminds me a lot of a Michael Qualls, who was an all-sec guy that played for CMA at Arkansas.

Just making a prediction on lineup this is what I think the lineup would probably like to start the season (Going to put Rutherford and Johnson on here for discussion purposes)

1. Rutherford / McGriff
2. Heron / Williams
3. LJ / Wright / Champagnie
4. Sears / Caraher / Earlington
5. Steere / Johnson / Roberts

I see Caraher playing more than Sears, but don't think he'll start, CMA typically likes a guy that can be the head of the full court press at the 4 spot to start the game, Sears seems to be the most mobile/defensive minded of those guys, so he'll probably start at the 4. Earlington probably gets some spot minutes at the 4 spot here and there. Johnson and Roberts probably split minutes at back 5 spot until one shows he is clearly better. Champagnie is probably the 13 man in rotation and doesn't see a lot of time his first year.
 
[quote="Making Plays" post=351615]
I think both Johnson and Sears can play the 4 or 5 spot and I'm assuming that's where CMA is recruiting them to play at. I'm not sure why people on twitter are calling Johnson a wing. I think that's something his high school coach or whoever has been promoting him on twitter told people to make him seem like a more attractive recruit.. A 6'8 wing player sounds a lot more attractive than a 6'7 center which is what he's listed as on the JUCO stats site. Just from watching prior CMA teams, I'm almost positive a guy like Johnson would get the majority of his minutes at the 4/5 spot in CMA's system, he won't see a second playing at 3. CMA likes a guard in that spot, preferably a bigger guard (6'4-6'6) with good ball handling that can create their own own shots and help with ball handling responsibilities and running the offense. I didn't see anything in Johnson's game that shows he has that ability.[/quote]

"Stretch 4" has been a pain point the past several season where we needed muscle but instead our biggest and tallest guys wanted to be shooters and apparently were encouraged to be so all the emphasis was on the "stretch" and none on the "4" i.e. power player. I'd much rather see a 6'7 wing accompanied by some traditional 4/5 personnel. Really tired of undersized "bigs" and our guards guarding opposing 4s and 5s.
 
[quote="Paul Massell" post=351621][quote="Making Plays" post=351615]
I think both Johnson and Sears can play the 4 or 5 spot and I'm assuming that's where CMA is recruiting them to play at. I'm not sure why people on twitter are calling Johnson a wing. I think that's something his high school coach or whoever has been promoting him on twitter told people to make him seem like a more attractive recruit.. A 6'8 wing player sounds a lot more attractive than a 6'7 center which is what he's listed as on the JUCO stats site. Just from watching prior CMA teams, I'm almost positive a guy like Johnson would get the majority of his minutes at the 4/5 spot in CMA's system, he won't see a second playing at 3. CMA likes a guard in that spot, preferably a bigger guard (6'4-6'6) with good ball handling that can create their own own shots and help with ball handling responsibilities and running the offense. I didn't see anything in Johnson's game that shows he has that ability.[/quote]

"Stretch 4" has been a pain point the past several season where we needed muscle but instead our biggest and tallest guys wanted to be shooters and apparently were encouraged to be so all the emphasis was on the "stretch" and none on the "4" i.e. power player. I'd much rather see a 6'7 wing accompanied by some traditional 4/5 personnel. Really tired of undersized "bigs" and our guards guarding opposing 4s and 5s.[/quote] “ stretch “ in the last regime I thought generally referred to my patience with the lack of rebounding offensively;)
 
[quote="Making Plays" post=351620]
1. Rutherford / McGriff
2. Heron / Williams
3. LJ / Wright / Champagnie
4. Sears / Caraher / Earlington
5. Steere / Johnson / Roberts
[/quote]

If this ends up being the case it will be interesting to see the "buy in" from some of these players. Steere didn't come to St. John's to play the 5. Of all the guys he is the one I am most interested to see how they fit. I can definitely see Roberts thriving but despite his improvements over the last season he still seems raw to think of as anchoring most of our season.
 
[quote="Paul Massell" post=351623][quote="Making Plays" post=351620]
1. Rutherford / McGriff
2. Heron / Williams
3. LJ / Wright / Champagnie
4. Sears / Caraher / Earlington
5. Steere / Johnson / Roberts
[/quote]

If this ends up being the case it will be interesting to see the "buy in" from some of these players. Steere didn't come to St. John's to play the 5. Of all the guys he is the one I am most interested to see how they fit. I can definitely see Roberts thriving but despite his improvements over the last season he still seems raw to think of as anchoring most of our season.[/quote]

“But without a doubt I will be a big presence in the paint and on the boards.” Quote from a rumble in the garden article when Steere committed. The accompanying mixtape is predominantly blocks on defense, dunks with some short jumpers and drives on offense. A couple of foul line area jumpers but no 3’s.
 
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Matt A didn't bring in many guys for year 1. Yawke for part of the year. Mouvika. Durand was Slice. I've read here and the other board that Sima was Mullin. Mussini was recruited by the prior staff and if you want to give Matt credit for him so be it. Lovett didn't play. Jones and Amar were from the prior staff. Owens was a sit out.
 
Goodman
BREAKING: Kansas has filled its biggest need and landed a big-time shooter in Isaiah Moss

Iowa grad transfer
 
Key guy obviously is Rutherford with SJU PG void presently. Then if Glover and Johnson are interested & staff is in accord, take the one with less academic or other complications. Then try to kill it with 2020 kids immediately.
 
[quote="Paultzman" post=351672]Key guy obviously is Rutherford with SJU PG void presently. Then if Glover and Johnson are interested & staff is in accord, take the one with less academic or other complications. Then try to kill it with 2020 kids immediately.[/quote]

Agree. I think I’d prefer the Rutherford/Glover combo personally, as Glover seems like he fits well into Mike Anderson’s offensive/defensive style with the athleticism to defend but also get out and run and hit shots. That’s the type of freshman I don’t mind. We shall see...
 
[quote="MCNPA" post=351677][quote="Paultzman" post=351672]Key guy obviously is Rutherford with SJU PG void presently. Then if Glover and Johnson are interested & staff is in accord, take the one with less academic or other complications. Then try to kill it with 2020 kids immediately.[/quote]

Agree. I think I’d prefer the Rutherford/Glover combo personally, as Glover seems like he fits well into Mike Anderson’s offensive/defensive style with the athleticism to defend but also get out and run and hit shots. That’s the type of freshman I don’t mind. We shall see...[/quote]
Yeah, and all things being equal, taking potential four year guy v Juco with two left may be prudent.
 
I agree that we need to fill the PG spot, but if Rutherford is ‘that ’ guy why wasn’t he locked down on his official visit?
Or has he been and we haven’t heard yet?
Otherwise, I’m thinking the Staff has other plans / options it’s considering.
Either landing Van Zyl in heavy traffic or roster mixes / assignments it’s deliberating on?
Because, to me, we also need a rebound eater and Johnson looks perfect for that role if he qualifies.
Im just noodling but strange developments do seem to be flying about.
 
[quote="Chicago Days" post=351680]I agree that we need to fill the PG spot, but if Rutherford is ‘that ’ guy why wasn’t he locked down on his official visit?
Or has he been and we haven’t heard yet?
Otherwise, I’m thinking the Staff has other plans / options it’s considering.
Either landing Van Zyl in heavy traffic or roster mixes / assignments it’s deliberating on?
Because, to me, we also need a rebound eater and Johnson looks perfect for that role if he qualifies.
Im just noodling but strange developments do seem to be flying about.[/quote]

Maybe Rutherford didn’t want to be “locked down.”
 
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