After 2 exhibition games

[bamafan]

First, loved Karr last season as did probably almost everybody as he was rookie of year in BE. In the first 2 games this season he has jacked up a lot of 3s, a shot he rarely if ever took last season. We all know Karr has designs on going to the NBA probably sooner rather than later. He knows he must show an outside game for this to happen and since he will be a 3 in NBA (See Mo Hark) he obviously wants to show he can shoot the 3. However, there is a difference between taking them and making them and this expansion of his game may take time to work before it becomes successful. Anyone concerned that if Karr continues taking but not making 3s as sort of on the job training for the next level it could hurt the team this season? I remember Ron Artest over doing his ball handling as a soph with behind the back and between the legs dribbling that often resulted in turnovers and I recall reading where Artest admitted he was basically preparing for the next level. Guess what I am saying is there is a fine line between playing within your current capabilities to help the team win and playing outside your current capabilities to practice skills that will enhance your chances at making it at the next level. In short should Karr wait until he becomes more proficient at shooting the 3 or should he be allowed by coach Lavin to shoot 3s now?

 

[Class of 72]

Hooper is still a mystery to me. Hitting shots in practice is not the same as game time. Can't create his own shot and his defense is very suspect. I do not see him playing much.

If Hooper is still a mystery, then why do you think he won't help much? Sounds like an oxymoron.

From the 2 games Hooper played i do not see him as a 8th or an 9th guy off the bench. He struggled hitting his 3's until 2nd half of 2nd game. And this is against D2 competition. I think Harrison's shot improved (besides the unnecessary forced 3's) If he can eliminate the forced shots he should be the guy on the wing waiting for the 3. Especially since we will have Sampson and Jordan on the field controlling the ball. (who can hit the 3 as well)
The mystery that i referred to is his transfer from Harvard. I can't comprehend how someone can leave one of the best schools in the world to play (1-5mpg) at St.Johns Univ.

A trust fund makes it a lot easier to chase your dreams. Max's dad is a mega-agent in the music business.

http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/1099192/billboard-power-100-chip-hooper

Mystery solved. Still, not a bright move.
I have a feeling more people will know him as the kid that quit Harvard rather than the kid that played at St.Johns
Hopefully he can prove me wrong and put up 20 in the NCAA finals

Maybe he couldn't hack it at Harvard academically. Maybe it was simply too much.

There are quite a few kids a SJ that had the grades to get into Harvard. None of them were legacies and did not attend snobby prep schools. There are plenty of History and other liberal arts majors at Harvard that do not matriculate to their law school or medical school where the true value of a Harvard degree is realized.

 

[austour]

Hooper is still a mystery to me. Hitting shots in practice is not the same as game time. Can't create his own shot and his defense is very suspect. I do not see him playing much.

If Hooper is still a mystery, then why do you think he won't help much? Sounds like an oxymoron.

From the 2 games Hooper played i do not see him as a 8th or an 9th guy off the bench. He struggled hitting his 3's until 2nd half of 2nd game. And this is against D2 competition. I think Harrison's shot improved (besides the unnecessary forced 3's) If he can eliminate the forced shots he should be the guy on the wing waiting for the 3. Especially since we will have Sampson and Jordan on the field controlling the ball. (who can hit the 3 as well)
The mystery that i referred to is his transfer from Harvard. I can't comprehend how someone can leave one of the best schools in the world to play (1-5mpg) at St.Johns Univ.

A trust fund makes it a lot easier to chase your dreams. Max's dad is a mega-agent in the music business.

http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/1099192/billboard-power-100-chip-hooper

Mystery solved. Still, not a bright move.
I have a feeling more people will know him as the kid that quit Harvard rather than the kid that played at St.Johns
Hopefully he can prove me wrong and put up 20 in the NCAA finals

Maybe he couldn't hack it at Harvard academically. Maybe it was simply too much.

Maybe he's going to go back there as a grad assistant after finishing his undergrad degree.

 

[Amaseinyourface]

First, loved Karr last season as did probably almost everybody as he was rookie of year in BE. In the first 2 games this season he has jacked up a lot of 3s, a shot he rarely if ever took last season. We all know Karr has designs on going to the NBA probably sooner rather than later. He knows he must show an outside game for this to happen and since he will be a 3 in NBA (See Mo Hark) he obviously wants to show he can shoot the 3. However, there is a difference between taking them and making them and this expansion of his game may take time to work before it becomes successful. Anyone concerned that if Karr continues taking but not making 3s as sort of on the job training for the next level it could hurt the team this season? I remember Ron Artest over doing his ball handling as a soph with behind the back and between the legs dribbling that often resulted in turnovers and I recall reading where Artest admitted he was basically preparing for the next level. Guess what I am saying is there is a fine line between playing within your current capabilities to help the team win and playing outside your current capabilities to practice skills that will enhance your chances at making it at the next level. In short should Karr wait until he becomes more proficient at shooting the 3 or should he be allowed by coach Lavin to shoot 3s now?

To answer your question, yes I am very concerned about Jakarr's shot selection. I think he should never take more shots outside of the paint than the amount of rebounds he grabs. Give him some incentive.

 

[firestorm]

Hooper is still a mystery to me. Hitting shots in practice is not the same as game time. Can't create his own shot and his defense is very suspect. I do not see him playing much.

If Hooper is still a mystery, then why do you think he won't help much? Sounds like an oxymoron.

From the 2 games Hooper played i do not see him as a 8th or an 9th guy off the bench. He struggled hitting his 3's until 2nd half of 2nd game. And this is against D2 competition. I think Harrison's shot improved (besides the unnecessary forced 3's) If he can eliminate the forced shots he should be the guy on the wing waiting for the 3. Especially since we will have Sampson and Jordan on the field controlling the ball. (who can hit the 3 as well)
The mystery that i referred to is his transfer from Harvard. I can't comprehend how someone can leave one of the best schools in the world to play (1-5mpg) at St.Johns Univ.

A trust fund makes it a lot easier to chase your dreams. Max's dad is a mega-agent in the music business.

http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/1099192/billboard-power-100-chip-hooper

Mystery solved. Still, not a bright move.
I have a feeling more people will know him as the kid that quit Harvard rather than the kid that played at St.Johns
Hopefully he can prove me wrong and put up 20 in the NCAA finals

Maybe he couldn't hack it at Harvard academically. Maybe it was simply too much.

Maybe he's going to go back there as a grad assistant after finishing his undergrad degree.

I can't remember the line perfectly (or its source), but I remember reading a quote from someone that "it's better to have dropped out of Harvard than got your degree from (fill-in-school here)." No question it's nice to have Harvard on your resume.

 

[Red.Fans]

First, loved Karr last season as did probably almost everybody as he was rookie of year in BE. In the first 2 games this season he has jacked up a lot of 3s, a shot he rarely if ever took last season. We all know Karr has designs on going to the NBA probably sooner rather than later. He knows he must show an outside game for this to happen and since he will be a 3 in NBA (See Mo Hark) he obviously wants to show he can shoot the 3. However, there is a difference between taking them and making them and this expansion of his game may take time to work before it becomes successful. Anyone concerned that if Karr continues taking but not making 3s as sort of on the job training for the next level it could hurt the team this season? I remember Ron Artest over doing his ball handling as a soph with behind the back and between the legs dribbling that often resulted in turnovers and I recall reading where Artest admitted he was basically preparing for the next level. Guess what I am saying is there is a fine line between playing within your current capabilities to help the team win and playing outside your current capabilities to practice skills that will enhance your chances at making it at the next level. In short should Karr wait until he becomes more proficient at shooting the 3 or should he be allowed by coach Lavin to shoot 3s now?

Even if he has a phenomenal season, Jakarr may do better waiting another year anyway. Some are saying that the next draft is the deepest ever.

 

[simplyred]

We should really wait for meaningful games to see what jakarr does, rather than assessing his entire season on what he "experimented" with in a couple of exhibition games.

 

[Section3]

i find very little that you can take from games like this...That said, here is what I saw (having attended both games)...

1) Chemistry seems good. They appear to like and root for each other. Not a guarantee of success but a good start.
2) Jordan absolutely exhibited high talent level
3) Jakarr a little too focused on long jump shots and still inexplicably trots back on defense
4) A little concerned that we don't have anyone who takes up space. We may have some trouble against physical teams
5) Hooper may not be star but he will contribute. Not afraid to shoot it despite being cold. Kept calling for ball. Got hot after Lavin pulled him out and told him that he was recoiling on his shots and not following through.

 

[Jnaw17]

i find very little that you can take from games like this...That said, here is what I saw (having attended both games)...

1) Chemistry seems good. They appear to like and root for each other. Not a guarantee of success but a good start.
2) Jordan absolutely exhibited high talent level
3) Jakarr a little too focused on long jump shots and still inexplicably trots back on defense
4) A little concerned that we don't have anyone who takes up space. We may have some trouble against physical teams
5) Hooper may not be star but he will contribute. Not afraid to shoot it despite being cold. Kept calling for ball. Got hot after Lavin pulled him out and told him that he was recoiling on his shots and not following through.

Agree with your comments, except for #4. Sanchez, Gift and Obekpa will be plenty physical and take up space under the basket. Sanchez is not afraid to take the ball to the hoop and we know that's where Gift sets up shop. Are you concerned on the offensive end or on defense?

 

[Section3]

i find very little that you can take from games like this...That said, here is what I saw (having attended both games)...

1) Chemistry seems good. They appear to like and root for each other. Not a guarantee of success but a good start.
2) Jordan absolutely exhibited high talent level
3) Jakarr a little too focused on long jump shots and still inexplicably trots back on defense
4) A little concerned that we don't have anyone who takes up space. We may have some trouble against physical teams
5) Hooper may not be star but he will contribute. Not afraid to shoot it despite being cold. Kept calling for ball. Got hot after Lavin pulled him out and told him that he was recoiling on his shots and not following through.

Agree with your comments, except for #4. Sanchez, Gift and Obekpa will be plenty physical and take up space under the basket. Sanchez is not afraid to take the ball to the hoop and we know that's where Gift sets up shop. Are you concerned on the offensive end or on defense?

I guess you're right...Maybe it was missing Obekpa and Sampson playing too far from basket giving us the look of a finesse team

 

[Section3]

i find very little that you can take from games like this...That said, here is what I saw (having attended both games)...

1) Chemistry seems good. They appear to like and root for each other. Not a guarantee of success but a good start.
2) Jordan absolutely exhibited high talent level
3) Jakarr a little too focused on long jump shots and still inexplicably trots back on defense
4) A little concerned that we don't have anyone who takes up space. We may have some trouble against physical teams
5) Hooper may not be star but he will contribute. Not afraid to shoot it despite being cold. Kept calling for ball. Got hot after Lavin pulled him out and told him that he was recoiling on his shots and not following through.

Agree with your comments, except for #4. Sanchez, Gift and Obekpa will be plenty physical and take up space under the basket. Sanchez is not afraid to take the ball to the hoop and we know that's where Gift sets up shop. Are you concerned on the offensive end or on defense?

I guess you're right...Maybe it was missing Obekpa and Sampson playing too far from basket giving us the look of a finesse team

One other observation...looks like the coaches sneakers are gone

 

[simplyred]

The biggest thing that can be taken from this game is that after almost losing to SFS, the team came out focused and determined to make sure it didn't happen again. Sir'Dom wouldn't ease up with 20 seconds left in the game.

 

[SJUalum98]

We should really wait for meaningful games to see what jakarr does, rather than assessing his entire season on what he "experimented" with in a couple of exhibition games.

The team has played 7 games.

Did you hear of Jakarr hitting one three over in Europe? From the box scores he shot poorly over there.

Why is this being passed off as an experiment?

I think he will get it together. But Jakarr is a volume shooter. Can he do the other things on the floor if his shot is not falling or will he just mentally check out? As reigning ROY, his overall game has to mature and I'm not talking about his range.

 

[Ray Morgan]

Didn't see the SFS game, so here is my one game observation:
Sanchez lets the game come to him and is a pass first guy that can do a lot of things well. I can see how he didn't have big stats at the JC level. He looks like he is more interested in setting up others tha taking over a game. That's a good thing. But he is not going to save the day if the others don't perform.
Hooper will be given a chance early on to get 10 minutes or more per game. I expect he will be an upgrade over Bourgault. That's not saying very much.
Sampson is trying to show he's a three. My guess is Coach has enough depth to give him the hook if he puts showcasing himself above the team. I don;t think he will put up with much nonsense from anybody.
Pointer is a sick athlete. There was even a little experimenting with him at the point. Starting to think maybe there is a place for him in the NBA.
Branch didn't impress me last year. Didn't look any better against a dismal team. Just doesn't see the floor like a PG, doesn't have much range, and has a mediocre handle.
Harrison still plays with real confidence and just knows how to score. I would like less 3's early in the shot clock.
Jordan is a rarity for SJU recently; a player that is both athletic and skilled.
There is more than enough talent to cruise into the tournament. Crunch time in close games will be Dom, Harrison, Jordan, Sampson, and Obekpa/Sanchez. Gift will get his minutes. He would be a star in division 2. He is adequate at this level.

 

[fuchsia]

After two exhibition games my expectation continues to be that Obekpa will be our most improved player.

 

[westchesterjoe]

I think we are all hoping the team achieves some very high goals this season,i.e NCAA appearance and top 25 ranking.

A number of posters here, all loyal SJU fans, have touted the athleticism of the team members but, haven't addressed how well do these players fit as a team? We'll know soon enough, Friday nite especially.

Lavin hasn't really impressed as a superb teacher and game Coach. As a recruiter he's shown he can attract athletic players but, are they good BB players?

Bo Ryan, on the other hand, will put out a tall, well coached, rugged team that plays his style .. Does Lavin have a style or, does he roll the balls out? Whitsell has a impressive resume, as did Dunlap but, can our individual talent be molded into a winning program?

Stay Tuned..

 

[MJDinkins]

I think we are all hoping the team achieves some very high goals this season,i.e NCAA appearance and top 25 ranking.

A number of posters here, all loyal SJU fans, have touted the athleticism of the team members but, haven't addressed how well do these players fit as a team? We'll know soon enough, Friday nite especially.

Lavin hasn't really impressed as a superb teacher and game Coach. As a recruiter he's shown he can attract athletic players but, are they good BB players?

Bo Ryan, on the other hand, will put out a tall, well coached, rugged team that plays his style .. Does Lavin have a style or, does he roll the balls out? Whitsell has a impressive resume, as did Dunlap but, can our individual talent be molded into a winning program?

Stay Tuned..

Friday night will give us a glimpse, but not a finished product (win or lose) for the season.

IMO, Lavin has shown he can attract good basketball players.... Harrison, Jordan, and Sanchez are good basketball players. I know it's early with Jordan and Sanchez, but I usually know a baller when I see one. Like I stated the other day.... Pointer is well on his way into that category. I'm leaning towards placing Hooper in that category. He won't be a star or a standout of any kind, but I sense he can play (or, think) the game.

I'm looking forward to Friday night, as I'm ready for the start of an anticipated season.

 

[ccnobz]

I think we are all hoping the team achieves some very high goals this season,i.e NCAA appearance and top 25 ranking.

A number of posters here, all loyal SJU fans, have touted the athleticism of the team members but, haven't addressed how well do these players fit as a team? We'll know soon enough, Friday nite especially.

Lavin hasn't really impressed as a superb teacher and game Coach. As a recruiter he's shown he can attract athletic players but, are they good BB players?

Bo Ryan, on the other hand, will put out a tall, well coached, rugged team that plays his style .. Does Lavin have a style or, does he roll the balls out? Whitsell has a impressive resume, as did Dunlap but, can our individual talent be molded into a winning program?

Stay Tuned..

Lavin says STJ likes to play up and down, but the team doesnt press much, and only pushes the ball occasionally. What is the team's system?

 

[MJDinkins]

I think we are all hoping the team achieves some very high goals this season,i.e NCAA appearance and top 25 ranking.

A number of posters here, all loyal SJU fans, have touted the athleticism of the team members but, haven't addressed how well do these players fit as a team? We'll know soon enough, Friday nite especially.

Lavin hasn't really impressed as a superb teacher and game Coach. As a recruiter he's shown he can attract athletic players but, are they good BB players?

Bo Ryan, on the other hand, will put out a tall, well coached, rugged team that plays his style .. Does Lavin have a style or, does he roll the balls out? Whitsell has a impressive resume, as did Dunlap but, can our individual talent be molded into a winning program?

Stay Tuned..

Lavin says STJ likes to play up and down, but the team doesnt press much, and only pushes the ball occasionally. What is the team's system?

They'll probably press more this season, as they have the requisite tools and more depth.

 

[ccnobz]

I think we are all hoping the team achieves some very high goals this season,i.e NCAA appearance and top 25 ranking.

A number of posters here, all loyal SJU fans, have touted the athleticism of the team members but, haven't addressed how well do these players fit as a team? We'll know soon enough, Friday nite especially.

Lavin hasn't really impressed as a superb teacher and game Coach. As a recruiter he's shown he can attract athletic players but, are they good BB players?

Bo Ryan, on the other hand, will put out a tall, well coached, rugged team that plays his style .. Does Lavin have a style or, does he roll the balls out? Whitsell has a impressive resume, as did Dunlap but, can our individual talent be molded into a winning program?

Stay Tuned..

Lavin says STJ likes to play up and down, but the team doesnt press much, and only pushes the ball occasionally. What is the team's system?

They'll probably press more this season, as they have the requisite tools and more depth.

Def have the depth, I'd like to see straight up man, the zone gives up too many open three balls.