Best/Worst leaper in St. John’s history?

Actually, this guy was the antithesis of white guys can't jump, and it was St. Francis at Alumni Hall. Could have been Phillips or Cornelius, if that wasn't earlier. As for the best St. John's jumper, I'd have to say David Russell.
 
David Russell hands down. Honorable mention for Derek Brown, he had some serious hops before he tore his hamstring after his junior year. James Scott as well, the only other player I recall throwing down a 360 in a game other than Russell.
 
[quote="JohnnyFan" post=272872][quote="CBA71" post=272867]Best leaper was Mel Davis[/quote]

Mel lives somewhat close to me (neighboring town in NJ). I have run into him several times at our local supermarket. He now remembers me and is happy to talk Johnnies. Of course, he might also be saying to himself......"uhg, this guy again". If so, he hides it well and is always pleasant.[/quote]
A genuinely nice person ... and one who -- despite, or maybe because of, his years working as a SJU employee -- believes the university has failed to give former players their due recognition ... like adding more Legacy players, for example. Keep saying hi to him; I'm 100% sure he welcomes it.
 
[quote="Knight" post=272875] ... I also remember Mel Davis as a Great rebounder who would slap the ball hard making a thunderous sound when a grabbing rebound. Killer was one tough SOB.[/quote]

Hence the nickname "Killer." :)

And for what it's worth, I don't remember anyone regularly skying higher than David Russell. Maybe some were his equal, but none was his better.
 
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An honorable mention would be Carl Beckett who was about 6'3 or 6'4 and had steal springs in his legs.
 
Of all the players mentioned, only Searcy, Russell and Porter were written about as great leapers. I was living in Florida during Porter's time here, but saw a few games that convinced me he probably had the best vertical of any player we ever had. Searcy good really jump, but he did had to have both feet planted to elevate. I watched Searcy work on his jumper during practice (open practices back then), and he never missed. Amazing how little shooting practice correlates to doing it once the bright lights are on. And that thunderous sound when Mel Davis rebounded came from Mel rebounding first with one hand, then bringing the ball down into his other hand with ferocity. It's a shame there is no footage of him on youtube. Does anyone know if there is film of his college playing days anywhere? Does St. John's have a video library open to the public?
 
[quote="Ray Morgan" post=272899]I was living in Florida during Porter's time here, but saw a few games that convinced me he probably had the best vertical of any player we ever had.[/quote]

I remember it being something really ridiculous, like 44 inches, but thanks to the big kid with the same name these days, all basketball articles are related to him and I cannot confirm whether my memory matches up with old articles.
 
[quote="L J S A" post=272903][quote="Ray Morgan" post=272899]I was living in Florida during Porter's time here, but saw a few games that convinced me he probably had the best vertical of any player we ever had.[/quote]

I remember it being something really ridiculous, like 44 inches, but thanks to the big kid with the same name these days, all basketball articles are related to him and I cannot confirm whether my memory matches up with old articles.[/quote]

50" no kidding. I guarded him once in a pickup game. My jaw is still on the floor at Alumni Hall :)
 
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I did not read this topic or posts until this morning - I thought of Willie Glass (noticed early posts to wit: Erinman, NC Johnnie, BrookJersey, Redmanwest, others supported this)

Willie from what I recall was a great complimentary player with the Mullin era teams - and could leap!!!
I wonder where WG is today...anyone know?
thanks
 
[quote="capmaker" post=272916]From an article in 2010:

WILLIE GLASS, JUNIOR, STARTING SMALL FORWARD

AFTER ST. JOHN'S: Drafted in third round by Lakers in 1987, but was released before the season. Played eight years professionally in South America and Europe. Named one of the Top 50 dunkers of all-time by Slam Magazine

TODAY: Runs a chain of adult bookstores in Atlantic City.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/1984-85-st-john-final-team-article-1.197318[/quote]
Adult books like "Brother Karamazov," "War and Peace" and "Farewell to Arms"?:unsure:
 
[quote="capmaker" post=272916]From an article in 2010:

WILLIE GLASS, JUNIOR, STARTING SMALL FORWARD

AFTER ST. JOHN'S: Drafted in third round by Lakers in 1987, but was released before the season. Played eight years professionally in South America and Europe. Named one of the Top 50 dunkers of all-time by Slam Magazine

TODAY: Runs a chain of adult bookstores in Atlantic City.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/1984-85-st-john-final-team-article-1.197318[/quote]

He has gone from St. John's glory days to glory holes.:(
I guess the mob thought he would look too conspicuous working in the casinos so they assigned him to their fall back ventures.
 
Russell, Glass, Porter, Postell were the 4 best leapers of guys that played big minutes since I have been a fan. BTW Shelton Jones was overshadowed by Glass but he got up too. The Berry team after the Final 4 year was probably the best dunking team I have seen. I would bet they had the most dunks in ST John's history.
 
[quote="Freeball" post=272936]Glad someone mentioned Derek Brown. Kid had like a 40in vertical[/quote]

Agreed. Rowan Barrett had tremendous hops as well. Of course those guys are weighed down by the poor overall performances during their era.
 
[quote="Freeball" post=272936]Glad someone mentioned Derek Brown. Kid had like a 40in vertical[/quote]
Than should probably also mention Lee Green (very close in height and played same position).
 
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