Cal State Northridge, Mon. Dec. 5, 6:30pm, FS1/970

[we are sju]

I disagree. If the meaning of life was revealed inside that post, it automatically becomes a bad post if you are advocating benching our third best player to get a role player more time. Season's success will largely fall on Lovett, Ponds and Ahmed. If Ahmed can play under control we will be more successful. Even if he continues to play the way he has, he is still better than anyone we have outside of Lovett /Ponds.

Yesterday was the first time Mussini was asked to handle the ball all year more or less, resulting in four turnovers in 19 minutes. He averaged last year about what BA does this year. Yet nobody wants to bench him.

The role he is in when we are healthy is a good one for him. When left by himself he is dangerous. When under pressure or asked to do something outside his comfort zone not so much.

 

[monte]

There ought to be a category called "momentum killing decisions". MKD. Ellison would be the team leader, with Ahmed a close second. Kids have to start exhibiting better judgement as they get some experience

 

[fun]

I disagree. If the meaning of life was revealed inside that post, it automatically becomes a bad post if you are advocating benching our third best player to get a role player more time. Season's success will largely fall on Lovett, Ponds and Ahmed. If Ahmed can play under control we will be more successful. Even if he continues to play the way he has, he is still better than anyone we have outside of Lovett /Ponds.

Yesterday was the first time Mussini was asked to handle the ball all year more or less, resulting in four turnovers in 19 minutes. He averaged last year about what BA does this year. Yet nobody wants to bench him.

The role he is in when we are healthy is a good one for him. When left by himself he is dangerous. When under pressure or asked to do something outside his comfort zone not so much.

He certainly had a career minute yesterday.

 

[we are sju]

I disagree. If the meaning of life was revealed inside that post, it automatically becomes a bad post if you are advocating benching our third best player to get a role player more time. Season's success will largely fall on Lovett, Ponds and Ahmed. If Ahmed can play under control we will be more successful. Even if he continues to play the way he has, he is still better than anyone we have outside of Lovett /Ponds.

Yesterday was the first time Mussini was asked to handle the ball all year more or less, resulting in four turnovers in 19 minutes. He averaged last year about what BA does this year. Yet nobody wants to bench him.

The role he is in when we are healthy is a good one for him. When left by himself he is dangerous. When under pressure or asked to do something outside his comfort zone not so much.

He certainly had a career minute yesterday.

The 4 threes or the side of the backboard three followed by missing the rim on the layup sequence?

 

[paultzman]

=aWjqhmgaits&feature=youtu.be

 

[GardenCity62]

The two most important areas in SJU's progress this year was:
1. LoVett and Ponds have enough ability to separate themselves from Mussini and Ellison and play some 30 minutes of productive basketball. They have exceeded that expectation.
2. Yawke, Sima and redshirt Owens build up their bodies and offensive skills to be able to compete at the big east level. Up to now that hasn't happened and since most players show decent improvement between their first and second year it is unlikely it ever will.

 

[Ray Morgan]

The two most important areas in SJU's progress this year was:
1. LoVett and Ponds have enough ability to separate themselves from Mussini and Ellison and play some 30 minutes of productive basketball. They have exceeded that expectation.
2. Yawke, Sima and redshirt Owens build up their bodies and offensive skills to be able to compete at the big east level. Up to now that hasn't happened and since most players show decent improvement between their first and second year it is unlikely it ever will.

I'm reasonably certain that the only way to overcome Owens' genetics isn't allowed by the NCAA. That's his body type and always will be. Sima doesn't come across as thin, but he certainly isn't strong. Yakwe's main problem is a lack of skill and probably height for a power forward instead of a lack of strength. The question I ask is whether a team consisting of out current guards and small forward, plus Simon can contend for the dance in 17-18 with our current bigs as the only options. The answer seems like a no. That increases the importance of Zach Brown qualifying, and being good enough to contribute right away.

 

[we are sju]

The two most important areas in SJU's progress this year was:
1. LoVett and Ponds have enough ability to separate themselves from Mussini and Ellison and play some 30 minutes of productive basketball. They have exceeded that expectation.
2. Yawke, Sima and redshirt Owens build up their bodies and offensive skills to be able to compete at the big east level. Up to now that hasn't happened and since most players show decent improvement between their first and second year it is unlikely it ever will.

I'm reasonably certain that the only way to overcome Owens' genetics isn't allowed by the NCAA. That's his body type and always will be. Sima doesn't come across as thin, but he certainly isn't strong. Yakwe's main problem is a lack of skill and probably height for a power forward instead of a lack of strength. The question I ask is whether a team consisting of out current guards and small forward, plus Simon can contend for the dance in 17-18 with our current bigs as the only options. The answer seems like a no. That increases the importance of Zach Brown qualifying, and being good enough to contribute right away.

Ahmed will be better next year and I think Marvin Clark will help a lot. Will rebound can knock down shots and you know he was well coached.

 

[ras]

If Zack doesn't qualify we still have options. We will have Simon which would give us another big guard. We could play Bash and Clark at the 4.

 

[Class of 72]

Northridge recap:http://www.bigeastboards.com/

Good recap but you left out Jim Pons who played briefly with The Mothers of Invention whose sound was eerlily similar to The Weasles. FWIW, I was in the military with a guy who went to San Fernando Valley State College (CSUN) and remember his boasting of getting laid by a different Valley girl at the infamous beer blasts every weekend.

 

[SJU61982]

The Highlights:

 

[monte]

If Zack doesn't qualify we still have options. We will have Simon which would give us another big guard. We could play Bash and Clark at the 4.

A big, athlete and skilled guard is huge for us. On both ends. Although don't expect Clark to be the answer to our PF needs. I'm expecting him to be a solid contributor, but not the kind of skilled big body that we so desperately need up front. And for those who are under the illusion(delusion) that Brown, IF he is eligible, is going to immediately be the answer to our front court problems, had better think again.

 

[usguard]

If Zack doesn't qualify we still have options. We will have Simon which would give us another big guard. We could play Bash and Clark at the 4.

A big, athlete and skilled guard is huge for us. On both ends. Although don't expect Clark to be the answer to our PF needs. I'm expecting him to be a solid contributor, but not the kind of skilled big body that we so desperately need up front. And for those who are under the illusion(delusion) that Brown, IF he is eligible, is going to immediately be the answer to our front court problems, had better think again.

Maybe will will have to rethink it but you do not know for sure what kind of impact he will make. I'll take a 7'1 260 lb
center and give him the spot in hope he is a big impact player If he has his elegibilty in place and his life on track he is a win win for us IF BY CHANCE HE IS A BUST WHICH I DOUBT SO BE IT

 

[usguard]

Random thoughts about some posts on this thread:

If you think that beating Cal State Northridge at home is a "good win" because we were without our "best player," then at least you won't be very disappointed this season because your expectations are already set pretty low. A quality high D1 team should beat a team like CSN at home by 16 without their best player. A win by 6 is better than a loss, but a "good win" it isn't. It's just a win.

IMHO Mitch Richmond's comments demonstrate the lack of authority or control the staff has over the players. If you can't control your team and get them to play the way you want them to because they are listening to their family or their AAU coach then you're doing something wrong (see Lavin, Steve). Can you see (for example) Bob Huggins having that problem?

Also IMHO the issue with being able to manage your players relates directly to the issue with defense, which has been obvious from the very beginning. With a few exceptions (like Dom Pointer), in general basketball players (especially D1 recruits) want to score, and they don't want to play defense. It's the job of a coaching staff to make the players understand that both ends of the floor matter and then to get them to give effort at both ends. Sometimes that means sticking a scorer on the bench as a lesson that if you don't play both ways, you don't play. I've seen no evidence so far this season that the staff is willing to do any of the hard work or make any of the tough calls that you need to do get your squad to play defense.

As I posted weeks ago, Ahmed needs to be benched until he can be made to understand that it's a team game. I'd probably play Mussini ahead of him. The only thing you would lose is some athleticism and a few rebounds. Mussini would probably give you about as many points, wouldn't be much worse on defense (he's not a good defender, but neither is Ahmed), and he would actually play with some level of understanding that there are four other players on the court. It would probably be a net plus in terms of getting the group on the floor to play as a team. Ahmed takes the existing regrettable tendency of "every man for himself" and makes it much, much worse. There's no question he has talent, but the way he plays is a team-killer. Since we aren't going anywhere this season anyway, you may as well take the opportunity to get the team to play the way you want.

Onward and upward, there's a lot of season left, let's see if we can make any progress on any of these fronts. I do think that just as the team is a frontcourt player or two away from contention, the staff is an assistant coach away from contention. The previous suggestion about Mike Rice is a good one IMO. I don't know what his relationship is with CM, but they do need someone exactly like that if the existing staff doesn't want to do the dirty work themselves.

So you are saying coaches should be able to control the players and that is true. So why was Slice replaced by Mitch the former having much more coaching experience?

 

[monte]

If Zack doesn't qualify we still have options. We will have Simon which would give us another big guard. We could play Bash and Clark at the 4.

A big, athlete and skilled guard is huge for us. On both ends. Although don't expect Clark to be the answer to our PF needs. I'm expecting him to be a solid contributor, but not the kind of skilled big body that we so desperately need up front. And for those who are under the illusion(delusion) that Brown, IF he is eligible, is going to immediately be the answer to our front court problems, had better think again.

Maybe will will have to rethink it but you do not know for sure what kind of impact he will make. I'll take a 7'1 260 lb
center and give him the spot in hope he is a big impact player If he has his elegibilty in place and his life on track he is a win win for us IF BY CHANCE HE IS A BUST WHICH I DOUBT SO BE IT

I never said that I wouldn't take him. I would, in a heartbeat, baggage and all. But like most other bigs, I expect he'll take some time to develop. As such I see him as a piece to the puzzle, not the answer to our front court problems.

 

[Class of 72]

If Zack doesn't qualify we still have options. We will have Simon which would give us another big guard. We could play Bash and Clark at the 4.

A big, athlete and skilled guard is huge for us. On both ends. Although don't expect Clark to be the answer to our PF needs. I'm expecting him to be a solid contributor, but not the kind of skilled big body that we so desperately need up front. And for those who are under the illusion(delusion) that Brown, IF he is eligible, is going to immediately be the answer to our front court problems, had better think again.

Maybe will will have to rethink it but you do not know for sure what kind of impact he will make. I'll take a 7'1 260 lb
center and give him the spot in hope he is a big impact player If he has his elegibilty in place and his life on track he is a win win for us IF BY CHANCE HE IS A BUST WHICH I DOUBT SO BE IT

I never said that I wouldn't take him. I would, in a heartbeat, baggage and all. But like most other bigs, I expect he'll take some time to develop. As such I see him as a piece to the puzzle, not the answer to our front court problems.

Hopefully he gets all his core courses accepted by the NCAA clearing house with decent grades. Matt is making regular trips to Miami and I hope his current school has a good guidance counselor reviewing his progress. If he gets in D1 shape he should make an immediate impact. Remember, Sima was a 3 star ranked 38th at the position while Brown is currently ranked 7th and a high 4 star. They would make a very good pair at center. It would be great if St. John's could bring back Jayson Williams to mentor the bigs, especially Brown, given his background.

 

[Amaseinyourface]

If Zack doesn't qualify we still have options. We will have Simon which would give us another big guard. We could play Bash and Clark at the 4.

A big, athlete and skilled guard is huge for us. On both ends. Although don't expect Clark to be the answer to our PF needs. I'm expecting him to be a solid contributor, but not the kind of skilled big body that we so desperately need up front. And for those who are under the illusion(delusion) that Brown, IF he is eligible, is going to immediately be the answer to our front court problems, had better think again.

Pick and pop/roll game should be serious between Clark and ponds/lovett. Right now there isn't a guy on the team that the defense has to worry about. That's biggest loss with no CJ.

 

[Andrew]

I just don't see this team winning 15 games like most of us predicted earlier
All of our bigs are soft - Sima and Yakwe have regressed from last year
In physical Big East play, RF and Amar will be lost
We have four guys that are able to score (Lovett, Ponds, Mussini, Ahmed)
They are playing the Mike D'Antoni offense - live by the 3, die by the 3
And those 3's may not be as easy to launch during conference play
We are in desperate need of a Charles Oakley "enforcer" type of guy
A big who can do the dirty work - rebound, defend and score inside
Without one, we are a one dimensional team not built to succeed in this league

Chris Jonesssssssssssssssssssssssss

Jones played in three games for UNLV and got injured. He won't be seen for a while for UNLV.

 

[usguard]

If Zack doesn't qualify we still have options. We will have Simon which would give us another big guard. We could play Bash and Clark at the 4.

A big, athlete and skilled guard is huge for us. On both ends. Although don't expect Clark to be the answer to our PF needs. I'm expecting him to be a solid contributor, but not the kind of skilled big body that we so desperately need up front. And for those who are under the illusion(delusion) that Brown, IF he is eligible, is going to immediately be the answer to our front court problems, had better think again.

Maybe will will have to rethink it but you do not know for sure what kind of impact he will make. I'll take a 7'1 260 lb
center and give him the spot in hope he is a big impact player If he has his elegibilty in place and his life on track he is a win win for us IF BY CHANCE HE IS A BUST WHICH I DOUBT SO BE IT

I never said that I wouldn't take him. I would, in a heartbeat, baggage and all. But like most other bigs, I expect he'll take some time to develop. As such I see him as a piece to the puzzle, not the answer to our front court problems.

Hopefully he gets all his core courses accepted by the NCAA clearing house with decent grades. Matt is making regular trips to Miami and I hope his current school has a good guidance counselor reviewing his progress. If he gets in D1 shape he should make an immediate impact. Remember, Sima was a 3 star ranked 38th at the position while Brown is currently ranked 7th and a high 4 star. They would make a very good pair at center. It would be great if St. John's could bring back Jayson Williams to mentor the bigs, especially Brown, given his background.

YES, LETS HOPE ALL GOES WELL FOR HIM

 

[SJU1512]

If Zack doesn't qualify we still have options. We will have Simon which would give us another big guard. We could play Bash and Clark at the 4.

A big, athlete and skilled guard is huge for us. On both ends. Although don't expect Clark to be the answer to our PF needs. I'm expecting him to be a solid contributor, but not the kind of skilled big body that we so desperately need up front. And for those who are under the illusion(delusion) that Brown, IF he is eligible, is going to immediately be the answer to our front court problems, had better think again.

Monte, agree with you regarding tempering expectations generally and with respect to both Clark and Brown. However, think Clark is in a lot of ways going to be exactly what we need (and are missing so much thus far this year) at the 4. Even if he never crossed half court, think he’ll provide the sort of toughness defensively and on the backboard that we’ve lacked. Having even just practiced for an Izzo team for 2 years, and with his frame, athleticism, and experience, feel confident we’ll get this with limited if any adjustment phase.

Not expecting 15 and 7 out of the gate, but think he’s going to fill a very particular role that we frankly don’t have right now and need very much. If he were eligible this year would not be surprised if he were playing 25+ MPG.