Amir Garrett Leaving St. John's

Nice KID.. Hope to see him pitch in the Majors soon. No team gives a kid a $1million bonus if they don't have the highest confidence that he has the potential to be a big leaguer. The REDS just have don't that kind of money to throw away. They scouted him intensely.

Good luck to him.
Click to expand...

$1 million is chump change today. Scouted him intensely? He went to one pitcher's camp, and boosted his fastball from low 80s to mid 90s in 2 weeks. He had not played in an organized game since high school. When a 6'6" guy can throw mid 90s with no work at all except improved fundamentals for 2 weeks, it's a big risk, but the upside is tremendous. Have you ever hit in baseball against someone who is that size? I did, twice. Both were SJU pitchers - Jim Buggy and Mickey O'Connor, and both lefties (which I am). It feels like they are releasing the ball 10 feet closer to you with their arm length and longer stride. Neither struck me out (a huge accomplishment) and I hit the ball sharply without getting a hit off either.

Garrett is off tremendous intrigue as a prospect, but has a very long way to go before he is labeled as a can't miss major leaguer.
Click to expand...

I feel like your entire post was just to brag and re-live your 'glory' days. Congrats on getting to hit against two twhen you are 6'all pitchers.......twice!!!
Click to expand...

O'Connor pitchedin the minor leagues for the Twins. Both Buggy and O'Connor were aces of the SJU staff. When you are lefty, you rarely get to hit against a quality lefty, no less a college star, so yea I was happy just to hit the ball hard, and not look foolish striking out. Both really knew how to pitch, changing speeds, working both sides of the plate, good command of pitches. Unfortunately, I wouldn't call them glory days, though.

But that's not the point - the point is that pitchers that are tall (Buggy about 6'4, O'Connor 6'5, and Garrett a long 6'6") it's like having an extra yard on your fastball because of the point of release. I'm certain that figured in the Reds interest in Garrett, as well as his meteoric increase in velocity with almost no experience.
 
Let me preface this and say I like Amir, I think he is a stand up kid!! But i would live to see him + - breakdowns, he makes some horrible basketball decisions that cost us big time! I don't see Amir ever really Playing at a high big east level, yes he is athletic but all the kids running and jumping can't hide the fact that he has no clue on the court....
 
Good luck Amir! He'll play somewhere else if he wants to where he'll get playing time. Plenty of colleges out there for this kid. Just wasn't going to help us get to the next level.
 
I would specualte that he had a heart to heart with Lavin, and found out he was likely to see less playing time, not more next season. I do think LAvin genuinely likes Garrett, and LAvin has said before that while Garrett got a pro baseball contract that his passion is basketball. I also think Lavin was honest with him, and Amir's development is being impeded by a baseball career. All in all, this is likely best for everyone, as Christian Jones appears more able and ready to be a serious role player next season. Throw GG and Sanchez in the mix, and Garrett's minutes would diminish considerably.
Click to expand...

This is exactly it as far I can believe. He's entering the third year with the program. Year 1: 27 mins per game, Year 2: 20 mins per game, Year 3, 15 mins per game. I'm sure that's not how he envisioned his college career progressing when he signed up. I'm also sure the staff thinks that Amir would be productive for those 15 mins per game but that's probably not enough for Amir. I don't begrudge his decision to leave. Does anyone believe that with all the front court returning and Sanchez and Gift taking up at least 30-35 minutes per game that every front court player will have to see a few minutes drop out? Let me qualify that by saying I don't see the SF skills in Amir to take minutes away from Jakarr (who'll be playing there more beside Sanchez and Obekpa) and Dom at that position. He's more a classic STJ undersized workhorse PF like Minlend, Middleton and Singleton. It's actually a good sign for the program that he's not starting at that position, the way those guys did in their times. Means more depth in the front court than during some pretty good years. Sancez, Gift and improvement from Obekpa should make up for the missing rebounds. Hope they can play good D as well.
Click to expand...

There were only five eligible scholarship players on the team when Amir joined so I wouldn't put too much emphasis on the inflated minutes he received as a freshman. If memory serves me correctly, we were so despertate during Amir's first eligible game (24 hours after he arrived) that we threw him in for substantial minutes despite the fact that he didn't know a single play.

I also wouldn't compare Amir to Billy Singleton or Charles Minland. Those guys were big bulky slow workhorses who took up space, and cleaned the garbabe. Amir is active and a good rebounder for his size/frame, but he is more of a skinny athletic wing (without shooting touch) than any of the guys you mentioned.
Click to expand...

Both Minlend and Singleton were skilled basketball players. I liked Goodwin better than Singleton, and Singleton had the bad knee but had a nice soft short jumper. Minlend was much better offensively than either.

My guess is that Lavin has advised him to transfer to a school one or two pegs down, and become a starter who will put up some decent numbers. His future isn't in basketball, its on a pitcher's mound. That's a nice option to have, and like most of us, wherever he lands, I'll be rooting for him.
Click to expand...

Goodwin had better stats than Minlend, played on better teams and won a BE championship, he was the better offensive player.
Click to expand...

Poorly written. I meant that Minlend was better offensively than Singleton or Garrett, not Goodwin. Goodwin is one of my all time favorite players, and was the best of the players mentioned in my post.
Click to expand...

Billie G. was the ultimate glue guy and did whatever you needed. Didn't have a textbook shot, but had a nice mid-range game, took it hard to the hole, rebounded, was the best defender on those teams (although Kevin Williams might not agree) and just go the job done.

Rollie use to throw out the triangle and two against us covering Chris and Dave Russell man to man while playing a zone and Goodwin would light them up. Remember a quote one game where Rollie basically said that "Goodwin killed us, again."
 
Let me preface this and say I like Amir, I think he is a stand up kid!! But i would live to see him + - breakdowns, he makes some horrible basketball decisions that cost us big time! I don't see Amir ever really Playing at a high big east level, yes he is athletic but all the kids running and jumping can't hide the fact that he has no clue on the court....
Click to expand...

http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/st-johns/amir-garrett/plus_minus
Click to expand...

Throw out the rebounds and those are horrible stats. The FG% is misleading since most of his points came from layups.
The FTs and 3pt shooting % speak for themselves.
 
I would specualte that he had a heart to heart with Lavin, and found out he was likely to see less playing time, not more next season. I do think LAvin genuinely likes Garrett, and LAvin has said before that while Garrett got a pro baseball contract that his passion is basketball. I also think Lavin was honest with him, and Amir's development is being impeded by a baseball career. All in all, this is likely best for everyone, as Christian Jones appears more able and ready to be a serious role player next season. Throw GG and Sanchez in the mix, and Garrett's minutes would diminish considerably.
Click to expand...

This is exactly it as far I can believe. He's entering the third year with the program. Year 1: 27 mins per game, Year 2: 20 mins per game, Year 3, 15 mins per game. I'm sure that's not how he envisioned his college career progressing when he signed up. I'm also sure the staff thinks that Amir would be productive for those 15 mins per game but that's probably not enough for Amir. I don't begrudge his decision to leave. Does anyone believe that with all the front court returning and Sanchez and Gift taking up at least 30-35 minutes per game that every front court player will have to see a few minutes drop out? Let me qualify that by saying I don't see the SF skills in Amir to take minutes away from Jakarr (who'll be playing there more beside Sanchez and Obekpa) and Dom at that position. He's more a classic STJ undersized workhorse PF like Minlend, Middleton and Singleton. It's actually a good sign for the program that he's not starting at that position, the way those guys did in their times. Means more depth in the front court than during some pretty good years. Sancez, Gift and improvement from Obekpa should make up for the missing rebounds. Hope they can play good D as well.
Click to expand...

There were only five eligible scholarship players on the team when Amir joined so I wouldn't put too much emphasis on the inflated minutes he received as a freshman. If memory serves me correctly, we were so despertate during Amir's first eligible game (24 hours after he arrived) that we threw him in for substantial minutes despite the fact that he didn't know a single play.

I also wouldn't compare Amir to Billy Singleton or Charles Minland. Those guys were big bulky slow workhorses who took up space, and cleaned the garbabe. Amir is active and a good rebounder for his size/frame, but he is more of a skinny athletic wing (without shooting touch) than any of the guys you mentioned.
Click to expand...

Both Minlend and Singleton were skilled basketball players. I liked Goodwin better than Singleton, and Singleton had the bad knee but had a nice soft short jumper. Minlend was much better offensively than either.

My guess is that Lavin has advised him to transfer to a school one or two pegs down, and become a starter who will put up some decent numbers. His future isn't in basketball, its on a pitcher's mound. That's a nice option to have, and like most of us, wherever he lands, I'll be rooting for him.
Click to expand...

Goodwin had better stats than Minlend, played on better teams and won a BE championship, he was the better offensive player.
Click to expand...

Poorly written. I meant that Minlend was better offensively than Singleton or Garrett, not Goodwin. Goodwin is one of my all time favorite players, and was the best of the players mentioned in my post.
Click to expand...

Billie G. was the ultimate glue guy and did whatever you needed. Didn't have a textbook shot, but had a nice mid-range game, took it hard to the hole, rebounded, was the best defender on those teams (although Kevin Williams might not agree) and just go the job done.

Rollie use to throw out the triangle and two against us covering Chris and Dave Russell man to man while playing a zone and Goodwin would light them up. Remember a quote one game where Rollie basically said that "Goodwin killed us, again."
Click to expand...

My opinion is that if we had Goodwin instead of Glass in the Final Four (although Glass was absoutely no sluch and I think was a second round pick) we could have beaten GTown - maybe. I loved Goodwin's game - one of our best small forwards. Not a pro, but very well suited towards college game - he was a JUCO, no? San Jacinto?
 
I would specualte that he had a heart to heart with Lavin, and found out he was likely to see less playing time, not more next season. I do think LAvin genuinely likes Garrett, and LAvin has said before that while Garrett got a pro baseball contract that his passion is basketball. I also think Lavin was honest with him, and Amir's development is being impeded by a baseball career. All in all, this is likely best for everyone, as Christian Jones appears more able and ready to be a serious role player next season. Throw GG and Sanchez in the mix, and Garrett's minutes would diminish considerably.
Click to expand...

This is exactly it as far I can believe. He's entering the third year with the program. Year 1: 27 mins per game, Year 2: 20 mins per game, Year 3, 15 mins per game. I'm sure that's not how he envisioned his college career progressing when he signed up. I'm also sure the staff thinks that Amir would be productive for those 15 mins per game but that's probably not enough for Amir. I don't begrudge his decision to leave. Does anyone believe that with all the front court returning and Sanchez and Gift taking up at least 30-35 minutes per game that every front court player will have to see a few minutes drop out? Let me qualify that by saying I don't see the SF skills in Amir to take minutes away from Jakarr (who'll be playing there more beside Sanchez and Obekpa) and Dom at that position. He's more a classic STJ undersized workhorse PF like Minlend, Middleton and Singleton. It's actually a good sign for the program that he's not starting at that position, the way those guys did in their times. Means more depth in the front court than during some pretty good years. Sancez, Gift and improvement from Obekpa should make up for the missing rebounds. Hope they can play good D as well.
Click to expand...

There were only five eligible scholarship players on the team when Amir joined so I wouldn't put too much emphasis on the inflated minutes he received as a freshman. If memory serves me correctly, we were so despertate during Amir's first eligible game (24 hours after he arrived) that we threw him in for substantial minutes despite the fact that he didn't know a single play.

I also wouldn't compare Amir to Billy Singleton or Charles Minland. Those guys were big bulky slow workhorses who took up space, and cleaned the garbabe. Amir is active and a good rebounder for his size/frame, but he is more of a skinny athletic wing (without shooting touch) than any of the guys you mentioned.
Click to expand...

Both Minlend and Singleton were skilled basketball players. I liked Goodwin better than Singleton, and Singleton had the bad knee but had a nice soft short jumper. Minlend was much better offensively than either.

My guess is that Lavin has advised him to transfer to a school one or two pegs down, and become a starter who will put up some decent numbers. His future isn't in basketball, its on a pitcher's mound. That's a nice option to have, and like most of us, wherever he lands, I'll be rooting for him.
Click to expand...

Goodwin had better stats than Minlend, played on better teams and won a BE championship, he was the better offensive player.
Click to expand...

Poorly written. I meant that Minlend was better offensively than Singleton or Garrett, not Goodwin. Goodwin is one of my all time favorite players, and was the best of the players mentioned in my post.
Click to expand...

Billie G. was the ultimate glue guy and did whatever you needed. Didn't have a textbook shot, but had a nice mid-range game, took it hard to the hole, rebounded, was the best defender on those teams (although Kevin Williams might not agree) and just go the job done.

Rollie use to throw out the triangle and two against us covering Chris and Dave Russell man to man while playing a zone and Goodwin would light them up. Remember a quote one game where Rollie basically said that "Goodwin killed us, again."
Click to expand...

My opinion is that if we had Goodwin instead of Glass in the Final Four (although Glass was absoutely no sluch and I think was a second round pick) we could have beaten GTown - maybe. I loved Goodwin's game - one of our best small forwards. Not a pro, but very well suited towards college game - he was a JUCO, no? San Jacinto?
Click to expand...

Yes and yes ... via Columbus High School in the Bronx.
 
Guys the stats don't lie!! Great kid with a bright future but really is a detriment when he is on the court overall.....things will get alot better this season....I honestly believe Jordan is a deciding factor to this teams post season success, I know he is young but he is a dynamic kid that can score in bunches?!!
 
Guys the stats don't lie!! Great kid with a bright future but really is a detriment when he is on the court overall.....things will get alot better this season....I honestly believe Jordan is a deciding factor to this teams post season success, I know he is young but he is a dynamic kid that can score in bunches?!!
Click to expand...

I know its anecdotal, but there seemed to be at least 4-5 times this year when that little reverse layup move of his went awry and the ball ended up near the foul line - something you might see in CYO, but not with any regualarity in Big East basketball. Great body, great athleticism, great attitude, but short on the refined skills side. Good luck to him - he made a positive impression on all of us in all areas except overall basektball skills.
 
The best to him Go ..throw that fast ball.do well and have a great life You will always be a REDMEN
Click to expand...

OT a bit but is one a Redmen or a Redman (not to be confused with the dude in the top hat and tails of the '90s)
 
Good luck to a kid who understandably worked on his baseball during the offseason, which showed in his game this winter. Not a BE caliber player with his status as a pitcher. If he put the time in he probably would've been a hugely important 4 year player.
 
Good Luck Amir! A classy kid who always gave it his all.
Obviously he will have a better future in baseball and it is his right to pursue it.
 
Let me preface this and say I like Amir, I think he is a stand up kid!! But i would live to see him + - breakdowns, he makes some horrible basketball decisions that cost us big time! I don't see Amir ever really Playing at a high big east level, yes he is athletic but all the kids running and jumping can't hide the fact that he has no clue on the court....
Click to expand...

You are reducing this kid's career to one or to plays he made at the end in the spotlight (only as a soph). Out of all the players on this squad, I think Amir has the second highest bball IQ behind Harrison. I think he would do really well in a structured half court system with screens, back-door cuts, ball movement, proper spacing, etc. We don't have that here...at least not last year. Lavin's rolled some of the nation's best athletes with very little skill and the did not play intelligently.
 
Let me preface this and say I like Amir, I think he is a stand up kid!! But i would live to see him + - breakdowns, he makes some horrible basketball decisions that cost us big time! I don't see Amir ever really Playing at a high big east level, yes he is athletic but all the kids running and jumping can't hide the fact that he has no clue on the court....
Click to expand...

You are reducing this kid's career to one or to plays he made at the end in the spotlight (only as a soph). Out of all the players on this squad, I think Amir has the second highest bball IQ behind Harrison. I think he would do really well in a structured half court system with screens, back-door cuts, ball movement, proper spacing, etc. We don't have that here...at least not last year. Lavin's rolled some of the nation's best athletes with very little skill and the did not play intelligently.
Click to expand...

That's really not saying much.
 
maybe he can come North and join Siena...my second in rank team to cheer on ever since I left Long Island.
they kept me partially occupied with a few good years during our time in purgatory.
With Amiir's character and heart he would be warmly treated in the capital district.
 
Amir Garrett has ZERO clue how to play the game....: saying he has the second best iq is insane, please do yourself a favor and watch the season over ;)
 
Amir Garrett has ZERO clue how to play the game....: saying he has the second best iq is insane, please do yourself a favor and watch the season over ;)
Click to expand...

This was a very disappointing season for him no dout, but that kid had many cuts to the basket where he was ignored...he was our best baseline option...but nobody could get him the ball--he had to get it off the glass. He took great angles to the ball on the offensive glass and was our best offensive rebounder. Sampson plays the same position as him and is a future first round draft pick with better size, length, and athletic ability. He had no confidence this season and that looks to be a big part of his game.

The kid will make a great second option at a school with a controlled offense. He showed me enough last year with his ability to get to the basket, his creative finishes, and his jumper--which has good form. I think baseball is certainly holding him back, but he can be a good one if he finds the right program.
 
Let's agree to disagree!!! I don't see his basketball skills increasing at all.... He is a undersized 4 with very limited room for growth! Good athlete and thats aboutbit to me....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top