2024/2025 Roster

[KG44]

Are we sure that Dunlap and Wilcher are not going to take big steps forward from 3 point range?
For the last decade-plus, we have watched sophomores on Creighton, Marquette, and Xavier come out of nowhere and take huge leaps. The game will slowdown for both Wilcher and Dunlap and their High basketball IQs and skills will start to show.
Lefty and Glover can also knock down 3s.

Maybe the answer is already in the mix.
I expect Dunlap to take a major leap forward after another summer working with Coach Pitino and staff.

Our shooting potential is being underrated. We have a few who could shoot over 35% this year. Wilcher (40% last year, limited sample size), Smith (40% last year, but historically lower), Dunlap, Scott. IMO, Luis will vastly improve his shooting from 3. He shot 35% at UMass, shoots a good FT % and has a nice stroke. I think shin splints really affected his shooting.

While Scott or Cruz (and maybe Dunlap) could play the 4 for a limited time if we go small ball, none is a stretch 4.

 

[MCNPA]

Our shooting potential is being underrated. We have a few who could shoot over 35% this year. Wilcher (40% last year, limited sample size), Smith (40% last year, but historically lower), Dunlap, Scott. IMO, Luis will vastly improve his shooting from 3. He shot 35% at UMass, shoots a good FT % and has a nice stroke. I think shin splints really affected his shooting.

While Scott or Cruz (and maybe Dunlap) could play the 4 for a limited time if we go small ball, none is a stretch 4.

You may be forgetting 2 of the best in our class in Jaiden Glover and Lefteris. We have kids that can shoot. Getting everybody on same page early enough is the key but we have a lot of talent this year:

 

[bamafan]

You may be forgetting 2 of the best in our class in Jaiden Glover and Lefteris. We have kids that can shoot. Getting everybody on same page early enough is the key but we have a lot of talent this year:

Even if that is true those guys most likely are not going to see much court time as freshman with the roster we have put together.

 

[Larry Wright]

I’ll take whatever Coach Pitino thinks he needs.

See that is the thing that is puzzling to me. Listen we have been so bad for sooooo long that I get having the ultimate blind faith in one of the best college coaches ever. And the last 2 days have been great as far as bringing in talent.

But the roster construction does not seem to be a fit. I get that we are ST John’s and can’t afford to turn down top talent. But having seen 2 of the 3 play often Kadary, Luis and Smith just seem mismatched. Again if grab someone that consistently has knocked down threes at this level and I would feel a lot better.

And yes Pitino knows more than me but if hired a contractor to build your house and didn’t put on a roof, wouldn’t you question that?

 

[Stevep502]

Even if that is true those guys most likely are not going to see much court time as freshman with the roster we have put together.

Currently we have 12 scholarship players, I assume Ayo & maker #11 & 12.
of course way too early, but by think by 2nd half, glover & lefty will be averaging 10+ min

 

[Rhythm]

See that is the thing that is puzzling to me. Listen we have been so bad for sooooo long that I get having the ultimate blind faith in one of the best college coaches ever. And the last 2 days have been great as far as bringing in talent.

But the roster construction does not seem to be a fit. I get that we are ST John’s and can’t afford to turn down top talent. But having seen 2 of the 3 play often Kadary, Luis and Smith just seem mismatched. Again if grab someone that consistently has knocked down threes at this level and I would feel a lot better.

And yes Pitino knows more than me but if hired a contractor to build your house and didn’t put on a roof, wouldn’t you question that?

The team is going to run and press. You need top notch athletes to do this. This team is going to steamroll lots of opponents next year.
They have tons of wings and other players who can shoot from distance.
We finally have a great coach and his players. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

 

[Boo Harvey]

Our shooting potential is being underrated. We have a few who could shoot over 35% this year. Wilcher (40% last year, limited sample size), Smith (40% last year, but historically lower), Dunlap, Scott. IMO, Luis will vastly improve his shooting from 3. He shot 35% at UMass, shoots a good FT % and has a nice stroke. I think shin splints really affected his shooting.

While Scott or Cruz (and maybe Dunlap) could play the 4 for a limited time if we go small ball, none is a stretch 4.

Who is Cruz?

 

[NCJohnnie]

The team is going to run and press. You need top notch athletes to do this. This team is going to steamroll lots of opponents next year.
They have tons of wings and other players who can shoot from distance.
We finally have a great coach and his players. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

One other thing I wouldn’t discount. It’s clear from both what Rick and Kadary said yesterday is Rick sold Kadary on being able to give him best shot at NBA and one thing he needs to improve on to get there is his shooting. I wouldn’t dismiss the idea that working together they improve his three point stroke. Time will tell.

 

[Stevep502]

Who is Cruz?

I think he meant Ayo. Cruz gone in portal.

 

[KG44]

Who is Cruz?

Sorry, Luis. I don't know where Cruz came from.

 

[kranmars]

See that is the thing that is puzzling to me. Listen we have been so bad for sooooo long that I get having the ultimate blind faith in one of the best college coaches ever. And the last 2 days have been great as far as bringing in talent.

But the roster construction does not seem to be a fit. I get that we are ST John’s and can’t afford to turn down top talent. But having seen 2 of the 3 play often Kadary, Luis and Smith just seem mismatched. Again if grab someone that consistently has knocked down threes at this level and I would feel a lot better.

And yes Pitino knows more than me but if hired a contractor to build your house and didn’t put on a roof, wouldn’t you question that?

I would question the contractor even more if he tried to put up a roof without beams and walls first.

Pitino has brought in high quality materials and supplies, and I have absolute confidence the design and construction process will produce a dwelling worthy of our pride that comes with a dance floor.

 

[Silly Donovan]

See that is the thing that is puzzling to me. Listen we have been so bad for sooooo long that I get having the ultimate blind faith in one of the best college coaches ever. And the last 2 days have been great as far as bringing in talent.

But the roster construction does not seem to be a fit. I get that we are ST John’s and can’t afford to turn down top talent. But having seen 2 of the 3 play often Kadary, Luis and Smith just seem mismatched. Again if grab someone that consistently has knocked down threes at this level and I would feel a lot better.

And yes Pitino knows more than me but if hired a contractor to build your house and didn’t put on a roof, wouldn’t you question that?

I’m certainly happy with the Kadary pick up but will take a wait and see approach till I see how he and Smith co exist. I’m not saying it won’t happen but when you have two strong personalities, both seniors who are used to having the ball in their hands the majority of the time, there could be an issue as one of them will have to sacrifice their stat line for the good of the team.

Yeah I know and agree, Pitino is a great coach and will make it work but that’s how we all felt about last years pre season top 25 team before we went 2-8 during conference play. I do think a good shooting stretch 4 will help with spreading the floor and open things up but that seems an important piece now as well.

In conclusion, I do like the additions and have faith that Pitino will figure this out and hope that last years frosh take a step up. But I’m not going to get caught up in the hype like most will on this site till the wins start coming around. Go Johnnies.

 

[Larry Wright]

The team is going to run and press. You need top notch athletes to do this. This team is going to steamroll lots of opponents next year.
They have tons of wings and other players who can shoot from distance.
We finally have a great coach and his players. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Fred Banks, Anderson Hunt, Alex Dillon, Dave Seiger, Jeff Fryer, etc
Every running team has had a designated shooter that plays a big role.

 

[MJDinkins]

In conclusion, I do like the additions and have faith that Pitino will figure this out and hope that last years frosh take a step up. But I’m not going to get caught up in the hype like most will on this site till the wins start coming around. Go Johnnies.

I think "most" fans on here, per usual, have been even-keeled. This forum as a whole isn't full of hypesters. A handful, like any other site, will hype up their team after solid hauls. I mean, that's what "fanatics" sometimes do.

What's with you calling out the board when your opinion doesn't mesh with a few others (and vice versa) and then feign victim when called out?

 

[johnsliva]

Currently we have 12 scholarship players, I assume Ayo & maker #11 & 12.
of course way too early, but by think by 2nd half, glover & lefty will be averaging 10+ min

I think you cannot foresee yet who gets what mins. Rick has shown you play hard in practice and play stingy defense in games you will get mins.

 

[MCNPA]

Even if that is true those guys most likely are not going to see much court time as freshman with the roster we have put together.

I don’t think you can certainly say that. Not in the least. Jaiden Glover a very highly ranked kid and very talented. Will need to see them first.

 

[Amaseinyourface]

I don’t think you can certainly say that. Not in the least. Jaiden Glover a very highly ranked kid and very talented. Will need to see them first.

It’s different for everyone, so not staying it can’t or won’t happen. I like you am very high on Glover.

But you could easily replace “wilcher” for “glover” in your above post. Do you think it would be harder for a freshmen guard to break into the rotation with Dingle and Jenkins in front of him, or a freshmen forward to break through with Luis, Scott, Dunlap, Kadary, and potentially another forward/wing joining the fold.

 

[mm52]

But having seen 2 of the 3 play often Kadary, Luis and Smith just seem mismatched.

CRP loves Luis and thinks he is can improve in all areas, including defense.

Kadary is a stud.

Smith hopefully will be a steady point guard, not expected to do as much as Daniss tried to do (because he often had to).

 

[Marillac2]

I don’t think you can certainly say that. Not in the least. Jaiden Glover a very highly ranked kid and very talented. Will need to see them first.

I think Glover is an amazing recruit and will be significantly more ready to play than Dunlap and Wilcher were, but Richmond blocks his minutes big time. Guys will have to really struggle with shooting for him to get more than 10-12 minutes.

 

[Money]

See that is the thing that is puzzling to me. Listen we have been so bad for sooooo long that I get having the ultimate blind faith in one of the best college coaches ever. And the last 2 days have been great as far as bringing in talent.

But the roster construction does not seem to be a fit. I get that we are ST John’s and can’t afford to turn down top talent. But having seen 2 of the 3 play often Kadary, Luis and Smith just seem mismatched. Again if grab someone that consistently has knocked down threes at this level and I would feel a lot better.

And yes Pitino knows more than me but if hired a contractor to build your house and didn’t put on a roof, wouldn’t you question that?

Wouldn't you have to wait until the house is finished to identify the issue? You are questioning the contractor on the quality of work before he begins the job. If you knew more than the contractor there would be no need for him...