Coach

[beast of the east]

My impression of Lavin's UCLA teams were that the teams were less than the sum of their parts. With the brief exception of his first STJ team before DJ got hurt, his teams here have not changed that impression. However, this is the first year since then that the sum has been great enough to really notice and we are not yet at the end.

UCLA may have been less than the sum of their parts, but with 5 sweet sixteens, Lavin is exceptional at assembling parts. Wouldn't you rather have a stock room of Jaguar parts than Hyundai? As the Jaguar unofficial slogan goes, "Ah, but when it runs...."

Those UCLA parts were considered by many to be Final 4 parts. So while he was exceptional at acquiring those parts, his assembling left a lot to be desired.

. However we are seeing that he's not replicating that UCLA success here so back to square one.

Come on Moose. Throw out the year he had the seniors, and this is only season three of a roster starting from scratch. Just remind yourself that he restocked us with high level talent from recruit #1, even if he was forced to be less discriminating because of all the roster slots he had to fill. We are far better off right now than we thought we'd be, and we have to be a little more patient before calling his regime a failure. We are far from square one, but none of us will be happy until we secure an NCAA bid. Then we won't be happy until to go deep into the tourney. Then we won't be happy until we make the Final Four. Then we won't be happy when we lose in the final four in the semis... Let's face it, we just aren't a hppy bunch, and never have been.

I have to disagree Beast. I said when Lavin was hired our fans would still not be happy with 10 straight years of 20 wins. Case in point me and a few others saying 11-7 in conference, 21 wins and people are pissy about that. We are getting set up for 1 run ever 4 years. That's scary. The vaunted first recruiting class has 3 guys that will see their Sr year next year. The quotes of being good by February might be too little too late. Then next year if all goes well we have the whole team except Sanchez and Gift return, and thats a big IF and then we are looking at a veteran team with the youngest team in America returning in 2015 yet again and the cycle begins yet again.

I'm not a psychic. I can't see into the future. But I do look at the big picture more than whats right in front of me. And it doesn't look so bright to me.

I think we are good enough to get an at large bid. I think we are one-two players away from being a solid team ranked 13-18. You weren't around in the so-called heyday. BAck then we would reel in a TOP player about once every 4 years. In those days it might be a George Johnson, a Mel Davis, a Reggie Carter (who wasn't as good as billed, but good enough, and a transfer at that), then a Mullin. We got lucky enough that Mullin's senior year intersected Walter Berry's transfer from Juco. I think back then we got the best of the rest in the city, and that was good enough to be ranked most years. Back then there weren't all these conferences, so SJU had an edge in getting ranked basedo n our name, and there wasn't all that TV exposure. Maybe that is why we went out early way too often to lower ranked teams. I am pretty certain that Lavin has brought in more nationally ranked talent in 3 years of recruiting than Looie or anyone else ever did. Be a little more patient. It WILL happen if we are.

 

[Moose]

My impression of Lavin's UCLA teams were that the teams were less than the sum of their parts. With the brief exception of his first STJ team before DJ got hurt, his teams here have not changed that impression. However, this is the first year since then that the sum has been great enough to really notice and we are not yet at the end.

UCLA may have been less than the sum of their parts, but with 5 sweet sixteens, Lavin is exceptional at assembling parts. Wouldn't you rather have a stock room of Jaguar parts than Hyundai? As the Jaguar unofficial slogan goes, "Ah, but when it runs...."

Those UCLA parts were considered by many to be Final 4 parts. So while he was exceptional at acquiring those parts, his assembling left a lot to be desired.

. However we are seeing that he's not replicating that UCLA success here so back to square one.

Come on Moose. Throw out the year he had the seniors, and this is only season three of a roster starting from scratch. Just remind yourself that he restocked us with high level talent from recruit #1, even if he was forced to be less discriminating because of all the roster slots he had to fill. We are far better off right now than we thought we'd be, and we have to be a little more patient before calling his regime a failure. We are far from square one, but none of us will be happy until we secure an NCAA bid. Then we won't be happy until to go deep into the tourney. Then we won't be happy until we make the Final Four. Then we won't be happy when we lose in the final four in the semis... Let's face it, we just aren't a hppy bunch, and never have been.

I have to disagree Beast. I said when Lavin was hired our fans would still not be happy with 10 straight years of 20 wins. Case in point me and a few others saying 11-7 in conference, 21 wins and people are pissy about that. We are getting set up for 1 run ever 4 years. That's scary. The vaunted first recruiting class has 3 guys that will see their Sr year next year. The quotes of being good by February might be too little too late. Then next year if all goes well we have the whole team except Sanchez and Gift return, and thats a big IF and then we are looking at a veteran team with the youngest team in America returning in 2015 yet again and the cycle begins yet again.

I'm not a psychic. I can't see into the future. But I do look at the big picture more than whats right in front of me. And it doesn't look so bright to me.

I think we are good enough to get an at large bid. I think we are one-two players away from being a solid team ranked 13-18. You weren't around in the so-called heyday. BAck then we would reel in a TOP player about once every 4 years. In those days it might be a George Johnson, a Mel Davis, a Reggie Carter (who wasn't as good as billed, but good enough, and a transfer at that), then a Mullin. We got lucky enough that Mullin's senior year intersected Walter Berry's transfer from Juco. I think back then we got the best of the rest in the city, and that was good enough to be ranked most years. Back then there weren't all these conferences, so SJU had an edge in getting ranked basedo n our name, and there wasn't all that TV exposure. Maybe that is why we went out early way too often to lower ranked teams. I am pretty certain that Lavin has brought in more nationally ranked talent in 3 years of recruiting than Looie or anyone else ever did. Be a little more patient. It WILL happen if we are.

He has brought in a crazy amount of top ranked players. But is that the right strategy? Is that just creating interest by saying I have X amount of Top 50 players. What problems do those highly ranked players bring? How many make it to campus? How many get suspended? How many transfer out? Replacing 9 guys was not an easy task. But looking back that 7 of the 9 committed before he coached a game is a little alarming.

We'll see in 3 months where we really stand.

 

[beast of the east]

My impression of Lavin's UCLA teams were that the teams were less than the sum of their parts. With the brief exception of his first STJ team before DJ got hurt, his teams here have not changed that impression. However, this is the first year since then that the sum has been great enough to really notice and we are not yet at the end.

UCLA may have been less than the sum of their parts, but with 5 sweet sixteens, Lavin is exceptional at assembling parts. Wouldn't you rather have a stock room of Jaguar parts than Hyundai? As the Jaguar unofficial slogan goes, "Ah, but when it runs...."

Those UCLA parts were considered by many to be Final 4 parts. So while he was exceptional at acquiring those parts, his assembling left a lot to be desired.

. However we are seeing that he's not replicating that UCLA success here so back to square one.

Come on Moose. Throw out the year he had the seniors, and this is only season three of a roster starting from scratch. Just remind yourself that he restocked us with high level talent from recruit #1, even if he was forced to be less discriminating because of all the roster slots he had to fill. We are far better off right now than we thought we'd be, and we have to be a little more patient before calling his regime a failure. We are far from square one, but none of us will be happy until we secure an NCAA bid. Then we won't be happy until to go deep into the tourney. Then we won't be happy until we make the Final Four. Then we won't be happy when we lose in the final four in the semis... Let's face it, we just aren't a hppy bunch, and never have been.

I have to disagree Beast. I said when Lavin was hired our fans would still not be happy with 10 straight years of 20 wins. Case in point me and a few others saying 11-7 in conference, 21 wins and people are pissy about that. We are getting set up for 1 run ever 4 years. That's scary. The vaunted first recruiting class has 3 guys that will see their Sr year next year. The quotes of being good by February might be too little too late. Then next year if all goes well we have the whole team except Sanchez and Gift return, and thats a big IF and then we are looking at a veteran team with the youngest team in America returning in 2015 yet again and the cycle begins yet again.

I'm not a psychic. I can't see into the future. But I do look at the big picture more than whats right in front of me. And it doesn't look so bright to me.

I think we are good enough to get an at large bid. I think we are one-two players away from being a solid team ranked 13-18. You weren't around in the so-called heyday. BAck then we would reel in a TOP player about once every 4 years. In those days it might be a George Johnson, a Mel Davis, a Reggie Carter (who wasn't as good as billed, but good enough, and a transfer at that), then a Mullin. We got lucky enough that Mullin's senior year intersected Walter Berry's transfer from Juco. I think back then we got the best of the rest in the city, and that was good enough to be ranked most years. Back then there weren't all these conferences, so SJU had an edge in getting ranked basedo n our name, and there wasn't all that TV exposure. Maybe that is why we went out early way too often to lower ranked teams. I am pretty certain that Lavin has brought in more nationally ranked talent in 3 years of recruiting than Looie or anyone else ever did. Be a little more patient. It WILL happen if we are.

He has brought in a crazy amount of top ranked players. But is that the right strategy? Is that just creating interest by saying I have X amount of Top 50 players. What problems do those highly ranked players bring? How many make it to campus? How many get suspended? How many transfer out? Replacing 9 guys was not an easy task. But looking back that 7 of the 9 committed before he coached a game is a little alarming.

We'll see in 3 months where we really stand.

We should make a friendly NCAA wager: If we make it, I know we are both going, so you have to get me something there. If not, we have to figure out what you get.

 

[Moose]

My impression of Lavin's UCLA teams were that the teams were less than the sum of their parts. With the brief exception of his first STJ team before DJ got hurt, his teams here have not changed that impression. However, this is the first year since then that the sum has been great enough to really notice and we are not yet at the end.

UCLA may have been less than the sum of their parts, but with 5 sweet sixteens, Lavin is exceptional at assembling parts. Wouldn't you rather have a stock room of Jaguar parts than Hyundai? As the Jaguar unofficial slogan goes, "Ah, but when it runs...."

Those UCLA parts were considered by many to be Final 4 parts. So while he was exceptional at acquiring those parts, his assembling left a lot to be desired.

. However we are seeing that he's not replicating that UCLA success here so back to square one.

Come on Moose. Throw out the year he had the seniors, and this is only season three of a roster starting from scratch. Just remind yourself that he restocked us with high level talent from recruit #1, even if he was forced to be less discriminating because of all the roster slots he had to fill. We are far better off right now than we thought we'd be, and we have to be a little more patient before calling his regime a failure. We are far from square one, but none of us will be happy until we secure an NCAA bid. Then we won't be happy until to go deep into the tourney. Then we won't be happy until we make the Final Four. Then we won't be happy when we lose in the final four in the semis... Let's face it, we just aren't a hppy bunch, and never have been.

I have to disagree Beast. I said when Lavin was hired our fans would still not be happy with 10 straight years of 20 wins. Case in point me and a few others saying 11-7 in conference, 21 wins and people are pissy about that. We are getting set up for 1 run ever 4 years. That's scary. The vaunted first recruiting class has 3 guys that will see their Sr year next year. The quotes of being good by February might be too little too late. Then next year if all goes well we have the whole team except Sanchez and Gift return, and thats a big IF and then we are looking at a veteran team with the youngest team in America returning in 2015 yet again and the cycle begins yet again.

I'm not a psychic. I can't see into the future. But I do look at the big picture more than whats right in front of me. And it doesn't look so bright to me.

I think we are good enough to get an at large bid. I think we are one-two players away from being a solid team ranked 13-18. You weren't around in the so-called heyday. BAck then we would reel in a TOP player about once every 4 years. In those days it might be a George Johnson, a Mel Davis, a Reggie Carter (who wasn't as good as billed, but good enough, and a transfer at that), then a Mullin. We got lucky enough that Mullin's senior year intersected Walter Berry's transfer from Juco. I think back then we got the best of the rest in the city, and that was good enough to be ranked most years. Back then there weren't all these conferences, so SJU had an edge in getting ranked basedo n our name, and there wasn't all that TV exposure. Maybe that is why we went out early way too often to lower ranked teams. I am pretty certain that Lavin has brought in more nationally ranked talent in 3 years of recruiting than Looie or anyone else ever did. Be a little more patient. It WILL happen if we are.

He has brought in a crazy amount of top ranked players. But is that the right strategy? Is that just creating interest by saying I have X amount of Top 50 players. What problems do those highly ranked players bring? How many make it to campus? How many get suspended? How many transfer out? Replacing 9 guys was not an easy task. But looking back that 7 of the 9 committed before he coached a game is a little alarming.

We'll see in 3 months where we really stand.

We should make a friendly NCAA wager: If we make it, I know we are both going, so you have to get me something there. If not, we have to figure out what you get.

The only issue is I WANT to make it so damn bad. I honestly just wish we could fast forward 3 months.

 

[1and1sju]

My impression of Lavin's UCLA teams were that the teams were less than the sum of their parts. With the brief exception of his first STJ team before DJ got hurt, his teams here have not changed that impression. However, this is the first year since then that the sum has been great enough to really notice and we are not yet at the end.

UCLA may have been less than the sum of their parts, but with 5 sweet sixteens, Lavin is exceptional at assembling parts. Wouldn't you rather have a stock room of Jaguar parts than Hyundai? As the Jaguar unofficial slogan goes, "Ah, but when it runs...."

Those UCLA parts were considered by many to be Final 4 parts. So while he was exceptional at acquiring those parts, his assembling left a lot to be desired.

. However we are seeing that he's not replicating that UCLA success here so back to square one.

Come on Moose. Throw out the year he had the seniors, and this is only season three of a roster starting from scratch. Just remind yourself that he restocked us with high level talent from recruit #1, even if he was forced to be less discriminating because of all the roster slots he had to fill. We are far better off right now than we thought we'd be, and we have to be a little more patient before calling his regime a failure. We are far from square one, but none of us will be happy until we secure an NCAA bid. Then we won't be happy until to go deep into the tourney. Then we won't be happy until we make the Final Four. Then we won't be happy when we lose in the final four in the semis... Let's face it, we just aren't a hppy bunch, and never have been.

I have to disagree Beast. I said when Lavin was hired our fans would still not be happy with 10 straight years of 20 wins. Case in point me and a few others saying 11-7 in conference, 21 wins and people are pissy about that. We are getting set up for 1 run ever 4 years. That's scary. The vaunted first recruiting class has 3 guys that will see their Sr year next year. The quotes of being good by February might be too little too late. Then next year if all goes well we have the whole team except Sanchez and Gift return, and thats a big IF and then we are looking at a veteran team with the youngest team in America returning in 2015 yet again and the cycle begins yet again.

I'm not a psychic. I can't see into the future. But I do look at the big picture more than whats right in front of me. And it doesn't look so bright to me.

I would sign up now for 20-21 wins, above .500 in-conference record. I thought we'd be a bubble team and slip into the tournament. So, if we're a bubble team and barely don't make it, I won't consider it a huge disappointment.
But not being in real contention for the tournament? That's failure. So we'll see.

 

[beast of the east]

My impression of Lavin's UCLA teams were that the teams were less than the sum of their parts. With the brief exception of his first STJ team before DJ got hurt, his teams here have not changed that impression. However, this is the first year since then that the sum has been great enough to really notice and we are not yet at the end.

UCLA may have been less than the sum of their parts, but with 5 sweet sixteens, Lavin is exceptional at assembling parts. Wouldn't you rather have a stock room of Jaguar parts than Hyundai? As the Jaguar unofficial slogan goes, "Ah, but when it runs...."

Those UCLA parts were considered by many to be Final 4 parts. So while he was exceptional at acquiring those parts, his assembling left a lot to be desired.

. However we are seeing that he's not replicating that UCLA success here so back to square one.

Come on Moose. Throw out the year he had the seniors, and this is only season three of a roster starting from scratch. Just remind yourself that he restocked us with high level talent from recruit #1, even if he was forced to be less discriminating because of all the roster slots he had to fill. We are far better off right now than we thought we'd be, and we have to be a little more patient before calling his regime a failure. We are far from square one, but none of us will be happy until we secure an NCAA bid. Then we won't be happy until to go deep into the tourney. Then we won't be happy until we make the Final Four. Then we won't be happy when we lose in the final four in the semis... Let's face it, we just aren't a hppy bunch, and never have been.

I have to disagree Beast. I said when Lavin was hired our fans would still not be happy with 10 straight years of 20 wins. Case in point me and a few others saying 11-7 in conference, 21 wins and people are pissy about that. We are getting set up for 1 run ever 4 years. That's scary. The vaunted first recruiting class has 3 guys that will see their Sr year next year. The quotes of being good by February might be too little too late. Then next year if all goes well we have the whole team except Sanchez and Gift return, and thats a big IF and then we are looking at a veteran team with the youngest team in America returning in 2015 yet again and the cycle begins yet again.

I'm not a psychic. I can't see into the future. But I do look at the big picture more than whats right in front of me. And it doesn't look so bright to me.

I think we are good enough to get an at large bid. I think we are one-two players away from being a solid team ranked 13-18. You weren't around in the so-called heyday. BAck then we would reel in a TOP player about once every 4 years. In those days it might be a George Johnson, a Mel Davis, a Reggie Carter (who wasn't as good as billed, but good enough, and a transfer at that), then a Mullin. We got lucky enough that Mullin's senior year intersected Walter Berry's transfer from Juco. I think back then we got the best of the rest in the city, and that was good enough to be ranked most years. Back then there weren't all these conferences, so SJU had an edge in getting ranked basedo n our name, and there wasn't all that TV exposure. Maybe that is why we went out early way too often to lower ranked teams. I am pretty certain that Lavin has brought in more nationally ranked talent in 3 years of recruiting than Looie or anyone else ever did. Be a little more patient. It WILL happen if we are.

He has brought in a crazy amount of top ranked players. But is that the right strategy? Is that just creating interest by saying I have X amount of Top 50 players. What problems do those highly ranked players bring? How many make it to campus? How many get suspended? How many transfer out? Replacing 9 guys was not an easy task. But looking back that 7 of the 9 committed before he coached a game is a little alarming.

We'll see in 3 months where we really stand.

We should make a friendly NCAA wager: If we make it, I know we are both going, so you have to get me something there. If not, we have to figure out what you get.

The only issue is I WANT to make it so damn bad. I honestly just wish we could fast forward 3 months.

I know you do. You're a great fan! If we make a bet like that you'd gladly pay up, but I don't think I'd take your money in any way shape or form

 

[paultzman]

My impression of Lavin's UCLA teams were that the teams were less than the sum of their parts. With the brief exception of his first STJ team before DJ got hurt, his teams here have not changed that impression. However, this is the first year since then that the sum has been great enough to really notice and we are not yet at the end.

UCLA may have been less than the sum of their parts, but with 5 sweet sixteens, Lavin is exceptional at assembling parts. Wouldn't you rather have a stock room of Jaguar parts than Hyundai? As the Jaguar unofficial slogan goes, "Ah, but when it runs...."

Those UCLA parts were considered by many to be Final 4 parts. So while he was exceptional at acquiring those parts, his assembling left a lot to be desired.

. However we are seeing that he's not replicating that UCLA success here so back to square one.

Come on Moose. Throw out the year he had the seniors, and this is only season three of a roster starting from scratch. Just remind yourself that he restocked us with high level talent from recruit #1, even if he was forced to be less discriminating because of all the roster slots he had to fill. We are far better off right now than we thought we'd be, and we have to be a little more patient before calling his regime a failure. We are far from square one, but none of us will be happy until we secure an NCAA bid. Then we won't be happy until to go deep into the tourney. Then we won't be happy until we make the Final Four. Then we won't be happy when we lose in the final four in the semis... Let's face it, we just aren't a hppy bunch, and never have been.

I have to disagree Beast. I said when Lavin was hired our fans would still not be happy with 10 straight years of 20 wins. Case in point me and a few others saying 11-7 in conference, 21 wins and people are pissy about that. We are getting set up for 1 run ever 4 years. That's scary. The vaunted first recruiting class has 3 guys that will see their Sr year next year. The quotes of being good by February might be too little too late. Then next year if all goes well we have the whole team except Sanchez and Gift return, and thats a big IF and then we are looking at a veteran team with the youngest team in America returning in 2015 yet again and the cycle begins yet again.

I'm not a psychic. I can't see into the future. But I do look at the big picture more than whats right in front of me. And it doesn't look so bright to me.

Have to agree.

 

[logen]

You guys need to RELAX !!!! I am not happy with these losses either. The Penn State game should of been a win, but the other three were against good teams. Yes, we could of won those games, just as we could of lost a game or two we won. Lav is a GREAT recruiter, we ALL know that. Im very happy that he can bring in players. As far as him coaching, nothing will matter "if" we make the dance and play really well in it. If i knew we could lose 10 games and make the tourney and do good in the tourney, id be happy. We need to win against these better teams, yes, and this group has loads of talent. But, as mad i am about this team not living up to any expectations, come the big dance, we will know. What we know now is this team needs to play better. I still have faith in Lav and there are only a handful of coaches id rather have. Lets all just relax a little and hope this team picks up a win or two the next two games. Just my 2 cents. Go Johnnies !!!!

Perhaps we can all accept that, net of Fordham & second half of Cuse game, we have not played very well. Also, is it so unfair to conclude we have not evidenced continuous improvement to date? Not on a ledge, but still waiting for a more cohesive, well prepared, competitive team. Let's start that with road win at GT! It is not too late to be the team we expected. On the other hand, it is not so early that we should ignore results thus far.

If we win @ G-Town then SJU will be where most of us expected, 1-1 with a split for the 2 road games.
Guess we`ll see what this team has on Saturday, will they bounce back or play like crap like during the second half at X

Time will tell. Sanchez needs to step the hell up. Everyone said he would have been our best last year, maybe Sanchez is to soft to "want it", If I`m lavin I tell him:
"If you want in the NBA next year, then you can`t wait any longer. It`s time to be a BEAST and do your thing. Keep playing soft then no NBA for you." It`s up to him.
Anyone here think he can avg 17pnts and 10boards from here on out? I know he likes getting assists, well that would come after everyone sees Sanchez is becoming a beast and they gang up on him, then pass it to Harrison or Jprdan for 3.
Hopefully they hit.

There is no way Sanchez can average 17 and 10. His biggest supporters like myself know he never had a chance of doing that.

See and to me those would be good stats to have. If I would have said 24 and 12 then i`d understand people saying "no way". So by you saying: "he never had a chance", then you`re saying Lavin is holding him back?

Well that`s exactly my point. If I`m coach, I go with my best atleast 35minutes only to give them alittle rest, unless they`re in foul trouble. But Lavin is the coach so whatever.

Its nothing to do with anyone holding him back. He's not that kind of player. He does a little of everything. At Monroe he averaged 10 or 11 ppg. College ball is not easier than JUCO so I think all expected very similar numbers to Monroe which in fact he HAS been putting up.

It's a reasonable assertion, and backed up by factual information, so points to you for that. I would maintain though, that some guys just blossom in the right system, and Sanchez seems to have the ability to be a 17 and 10 guy - which I'd never expect from Obekpa or Pointer at this point in their lives.

Think it was TIS that put his stats here. shooting over 58%? Then wtf isn`t he shooting more???
Someone needs to light a fire under his ass. If I was on the team, everytime I see him I`d say hey "Mr Softie" to try and piss him off and have him do more, because we need him to do more.

I think he can be the difference maker, but maybe shying away from being a star player.
He needs to take advantage of the skillset that he has

I was I had his skills and size, don`t waste it Primo. Push yourself to the limits.

How much of the 58% is under the basket since most people here don't want him shooting jumpers.

Slightly OT but are you a Yankees fan by chance?

Yep Yankee, Giants, Rangers, Knicks, ND Football and SJU basketball, all since the early - mid 80s.
Why?

Sanchez is like Cano in terms of the effort or fire you see on the court/field

Well if he wants to get possibly drafted by an nba team then he better up his play in a big way.
I think he has the talent but does he have the heart? He`ll kick himself in the ass next year if he winds up in Europe. But oh well it`s all on him.
Time for him to play possessed, he only had 2.5 months to show the scouts what he has. Play every minute of every game like it`s your last, I definitely would if I had that talent. Leave nothing to chance and make sure you get drafted.

Done talking about him now. Lets see what he has on Saturday.
20pnts 10boards. Play with a rage.

One of the problems Sanchez is having is that he is a pass first player on a team that tends to watch players go one on one. He makes a move looking to pass and is left hanging because we do not move especially well without the ball. Hopefully, this is one area we improve on because Sanchez is an excellent passer and looks to do that rather than score himself. The other thing, which has been suggested on this or another thread is to set him up low and let him make a move to score or pass out of the post. Unfortunately, Lavin does not seem inclined to push post play for either Sanchez or Sampson and I think both should spend mre time there.

 

[beast of the east]

You guys need to RELAX !!!! I am not happy with these losses either. The Penn State game should of been a win, but the other three were against good teams. Yes, we could of won those games, just as we could of lost a game or two we won. Lav is a GREAT recruiter, we ALL know that. Im very happy that he can bring in players. As far as him coaching, nothing will matter "if" we make the dance and play really well in it. If i knew we could lose 10 games and make the tourney and do good in the tourney, id be happy. We need to win against these better teams, yes, and this group has loads of talent. But, as mad i am about this team not living up to any expectations, come the big dance, we will know. What we know now is this team needs to play better. I still have faith in Lav and there are only a handful of coaches id rather have. Lets all just relax a little and hope this team picks up a win or two the next two games. Just my 2 cents. Go Johnnies !!!!

Perhaps we can all accept that, net of Fordham & second half of Cuse game, we have not played very well. Also, is it so unfair to conclude we have not evidenced continuous improvement to date? Not on a ledge, but still waiting for a more cohesive, well prepared, competitive team. Let's start that with road win at GT! It is not too late to be the team we expected. On the other hand, it is not so early that we should ignore results thus far.

If we win @ G-Town then SJU will be where most of us expected, 1-1 with a split for the 2 road games.
Guess we`ll see what this team has on Saturday, will they bounce back or play like crap like during the second half at X

Time will tell. Sanchez needs to step the hell up. Everyone said he would have been our best last year, maybe Sanchez is to soft to "want it", If I`m lavin I tell him:
"If you want in the NBA next year, then you can`t wait any longer. It`s time to be a BEAST and do your thing. Keep playing soft then no NBA for you." It`s up to him.
Anyone here think he can avg 17pnts and 10boards from here on out? I know he likes getting assists, well that would come after everyone sees Sanchez is becoming a beast and they gang up on him, then pass it to Harrison or Jprdan for 3.
Hopefully they hit.

There is no way Sanchez can average 17 and 10. His biggest supporters like myself know he never had a chance of doing that.

See and to me those would be good stats to have. If I would have said 24 and 12 then i`d understand people saying "no way". So by you saying: "he never had a chance", then you`re saying Lavin is holding him back?

Well that`s exactly my point. If I`m coach, I go with my best atleast 35minutes only to give them alittle rest, unless they`re in foul trouble. But Lavin is the coach so whatever.

Its nothing to do with anyone holding him back. He's not that kind of player. He does a little of everything. At Monroe he averaged 10 or 11 ppg. College ball is not easier than JUCO so I think all expected very similar numbers to Monroe which in fact he HAS been putting up.

It's a reasonable assertion, and backed up by factual information, so points to you for that. I would maintain though, that some guys just blossom in the right system, and Sanchez seems to have the ability to be a 17 and 10 guy - which I'd never expect from Obekpa or Pointer at this point in their lives.

Think it was TIS that put his stats here. shooting over 58%? Then wtf isn`t he shooting more???
Someone needs to light a fire under his ass. If I was on the team, everytime I see him I`d say hey "Mr Softie" to try and piss him off and have him do more, because we need him to do more.

I think he can be the difference maker, but maybe shying away from being a star player.
He needs to take advantage of the skillset that he has

I was I had his skills and size, don`t waste it Primo. Push yourself to the limits.

How much of the 58% is under the basket since most people here don't want him shooting jumpers.

Slightly OT but are you a Yankees fan by chance?

Yep Yankee, Giants, Rangers, Knicks, ND Football and SJU basketball, all since the early - mid 80s.
Why?

Sanchez is like Cano in terms of the effort or fire you see on the court/field

Well if he wants to get possibly drafted by an nba team then he better up his play in a big way.
I think he has the talent but does he have the heart? He`ll kick himself in the ass next year if he winds up in Europe. But oh well it`s all on him.
Time for him to play possessed, he only had 2.5 months to show the scouts what he has. Play every minute of every game like it`s your last, I definitely would if I had that talent. Leave nothing to chance and make sure you get drafted.

Done talking about him now. Lets see what he has on Saturday.
20pnts 10boards. Play with a rage.

One of the problems Sanchez is having is that he is a pass first player on a team that tends to watch players go one on one. He makes a move looking to pass and is left hanging because we do not move especially well without the ball. Hopefully, this is one area we improve on because Sanchez is an excellent passer and looks to do that rather than score himself. The other thing, which has been suggested on this or another thread is to set him up low and let him make a move to score or pass out of the post. Unfortunately, Lavin does not seem inclined to push post play for either Sanchez or Sampson and I think both should spend mre time there.

Magic Johnson as a rookie would hit guys in the head if they weren't ready for that amazing pass. I LOVE LOVE LOVE a pass first forward, and with his court vision, guys will begin to move, knowing that if they cut and get open, Sanchez will find them. When this happens, it will be much harder to double him on the drive, as defenders will be wary of cutters.

 

[logen]

You guys need to RELAX !!!! I am not happy with these losses either. The Penn State game should of been a win, but the other three were against good teams. Yes, we could of won those games, just as we could of lost a game or two we won. Lav is a GREAT recruiter, we ALL know that. Im very happy that he can bring in players. As far as him coaching, nothing will matter "if" we make the dance and play really well in it. If i knew we could lose 10 games and make the tourney and do good in the tourney, id be happy. We need to win against these better teams, yes, and this group has loads of talent. But, as mad i am about this team not living up to any expectations, come the big dance, we will know. What we know now is this team needs to play better. I still have faith in Lav and there are only a handful of coaches id rather have. Lets all just relax a little and hope this team picks up a win or two the next two games. Just my 2 cents. Go Johnnies !!!!

Perhaps we can all accept that, net of Fordham & second half of Cuse game, we have not played very well. Also, is it so unfair to conclude we have not evidenced continuous improvement to date? Not on a ledge, but still waiting for a more cohesive, well prepared, competitive team. Let's start that with road win at GT! It is not too late to be the team we expected. On the other hand, it is not so early that we should ignore results thus far.

If we win @ G-Town then SJU will be where most of us expected, 1-1 with a split for the 2 road games.
Guess we`ll see what this team has on Saturday, will they bounce back or play like crap like during the second half at X

Time will tell. Sanchez needs to step the hell up. Everyone said he would have been our best last year, maybe Sanchez is to soft to "want it", If I`m lavin I tell him:
"If you want in the NBA next year, then you can`t wait any longer. It`s time to be a BEAST and do your thing. Keep playing soft then no NBA for you." It`s up to him.
Anyone here think he can avg 17pnts and 10boards from here on out? I know he likes getting assists, well that would come after everyone sees Sanchez is becoming a beast and they gang up on him, then pass it to Harrison or Jprdan for 3.
Hopefully they hit.

There is no way Sanchez can average 17 and 10. His biggest supporters like myself know he never had a chance of doing that.

See and to me those would be good stats to have. If I would have said 24 and 12 then i`d understand people saying "no way". So by you saying: "he never had a chance", then you`re saying Lavin is holding him back?

Well that`s exactly my point. If I`m coach, I go with my best atleast 35minutes only to give them alittle rest, unless they`re in foul trouble. But Lavin is the coach so whatever.

Its nothing to do with anyone holding him back. He's not that kind of player. He does a little of everything. At Monroe he averaged 10 or 11 ppg. College ball is not easier than JUCO so I think all expected very similar numbers to Monroe which in fact he HAS been putting up.

It's a reasonable assertion, and backed up by factual information, so points to you for that. I would maintain though, that some guys just blossom in the right system, and Sanchez seems to have the ability to be a 17 and 10 guy - which I'd never expect from Obekpa or Pointer at this point in their lives.

Think it was TIS that put his stats here. shooting over 58%? Then wtf isn`t he shooting more???
Someone needs to light a fire under his ass. If I was on the team, everytime I see him I`d say hey "Mr Softie" to try and piss him off and have him do more, because we need him to do more.

I think he can be the difference maker, but maybe shying away from being a star player.
He needs to take advantage of the skillset that he has

I was I had his skills and size, don`t waste it Primo. Push yourself to the limits.

How much of the 58% is under the basket since most people here don't want him shooting jumpers.

Slightly OT but are you a Yankees fan by chance?

Yep Yankee, Giants, Rangers, Knicks, ND Football and SJU basketball, all since the early - mid 80s.
Why?

Sanchez is like Cano in terms of the effort or fire you see on the court/field

Well if he wants to get possibly drafted by an nba team then he better up his play in a big way.
I think he has the talent but does he have the heart? He`ll kick himself in the ass next year if he winds up in Europe. But oh well it`s all on him.
Time for him to play possessed, he only had 2.5 months to show the scouts what he has. Play every minute of every game like it`s your last, I definitely would if I had that talent. Leave nothing to chance and make sure you get drafted.

Done talking about him now. Lets see what he has on Saturday.
20pnts 10boards. Play with a rage.

One of the problems Sanchez is having is that he is a pass first player on a team that tends to watch players go one on one. He makes a move looking to pass and is left hanging because we do not move especially well without the ball. Hopefully, this is one area we improve on because Sanchez is an excellent passer and looks to do that rather than score himself. The other thing, which has been suggested on this or another thread is to set him up low and let him make a move to score or pass out of the post. Unfortunately, Lavin does not seem inclined to push post play for either Sanchez or Sampson and I think both should spend mre time there.

Magic Johnson as a rookie would hit guys in the head if they weren't ready for that amazing pass. I LOVE LOVE LOVE a pass first forward, and with his court vision, guys will begin to move, knowing that if they cut and get open, Sanchez will find them. When this happens, it will be much harder to double him on the drive, as defenders will be wary of cutters.

I get your point but Sanchez is an excellent passer, obviously he is no Magic. Plus Magic was Magic and would hit guys in the head if they didn't move; I don't thnk that is in Sanchez' DNA. I did think we would see guys looking to get passes from Sanchez since he was here last year and they had to see his game; just hasn't happened to date.

 

[SJUalum98]

I'd like anyone here to name one signature win with this current group of Juniors over the past 3 years. Just one.

 

[beast of the east]

I'd like anyone here to name one signature win with this current group of Juniors over the past 3 years. Just one.

2/25/12 61-58 over ND
1/25/12 78-62 over WV
1/15/13 67-63 over ND
2/6/13 71-65 over UCONN

Not great, but wins over decent teams at least.

 

[Eddyman11]

If We get Briscoe and Diallo (2 big If's) Especially with Jordan for a 3rd year. we will be competing for the next few years

 

[monte]

My impression of Lavin's UCLA teams were that the teams were less than the sum of their parts. With the brief exception of his first STJ team before DJ got hurt, his teams here have not changed that impression. However, this is the first year since then that the sum has been great enough to really notice and we are not yet at the end.

UCLA may have been less than the sum of their parts, but with 5 sweet sixteens, Lavin is exceptional at assembling parts. Wouldn't you rather have a stock room of Jaguar parts than Hyundai? As the Jaguar unofficial slogan goes, "Ah, but when it runs...."

Those UCLA parts were considered by many to be Final 4 parts. So while he was exceptional at acquiring those parts, his assembling left a lot to be desired.

. However we are seeing that he's not replicating that UCLA success here so back to square one.

Come on Moose. Throw out the year he had the seniors, and this is only season three of a roster starting from scratch. Just remind yourself that he restocked us with high level talent from recruit #1, even if he was forced to be less discriminating because of all the roster slots he had to fill. We are far better off right now than we thought we'd be, and we have to be a little more patient before calling his regime a failure. We are far from square one, but none of us will be happy until we secure an NCAA bid. Then we won't be happy until to go deep into the tourney. Then we won't be happy until we make the Final Four. Then we won't be happy when we lose in the final four in the semis... Let's face it, we just aren't a hppy bunch, and never have been.

I have to disagree Beast. I said when Lavin was hired our fans would still not be happy with 10 straight years of 20 wins. Case in point me and a few others saying 11-7 in conference, 21 wins and people are pissy about that. We are getting set up for 1 run ever 4 years. That's scary. The vaunted first recruiting class has 3 guys that will see their Sr year next year. The quotes of being good by February might be too little too late. Then next year if all goes well we have the whole team except Sanchez and Gift return, and thats a big IF and then we are looking at a veteran team with the youngest team in America returning in 2015 yet again and the cycle begins yet again.

I'm not a psychic. I can't see into the future. But I do look at the big picture more than whats right in front of me. And it doesn't look so bright to me.

I think we are good enough to get an at large bid. I think we are one-two players away from being a solid team ranked 13-18. You weren't around in the so-called heyday. BAck then we would reel in a TOP player about once every 4 years. In those days it might be a George Johnson, a Mel Davis, a Reggie Carter (who wasn't as good as billed, but good enough, and a transfer at that), then a Mullin. We got lucky enough that Mullin's senior year intersected Walter Berry's transfer from Juco. I think back then we got the best of the rest in the city, and that was good enough to be ranked most years. Back then there weren't all these conferences, so SJU had an edge in getting ranked basedo n our name, and there wasn't all that TV exposure. Maybe that is why we went out early way too often to lower ranked teams. I am pretty certain that Lavin has brought in more nationally ranked talent in 3 years of recruiting than Looie or anyone else ever did. Be a little more patient. It WILL happen if we are.

Louie's teams had consistency, and more importantly they had continuity. He wouldn't so much as reload, as he would replace parts(there's that word again). He was particularly good at filling back court voids with transfers: Carter, Rencher, Moses, Rowan, Harvey, Porter, Brust, etc. Sometimes the voids would be filled by top talent(IE Carter, Berry, etc) but mostly by good solid roll players(Rowan, Brust, etc.). Louie was not the greatest game coach in the world, but he knew how to fill out a roster and everyone knew their roll on the team. Lavin could learn a thing or two from Louie.

 

[monte]

My impression of Lavin's UCLA teams were that the teams were less than the sum of their parts. With the brief exception of his first STJ team before DJ got hurt, his teams here have not changed that impression. However, this is the first year since then that the sum has been great enough to really notice and we are not yet at the end.

UCLA may have been less than the sum of their parts, but with 5 sweet sixteens, Lavin is exceptional at assembling parts. Wouldn't you rather have a stock room of Jaguar parts than Hyundai? As the Jaguar unofficial slogan goes, "Ah, but when it runs...."

Those UCLA parts were considered by many to be Final 4 parts. So while he was exceptional at acquiring those parts, his assembling left a lot to be desired.

. However we are seeing that he's not replicating that UCLA success here so back to square one.

Come on Moose. Throw out the year he had the seniors, and this is only season three of a roster starting from scratch. Just remind yourself that he restocked us with high level talent from recruit #1, even if he was forced to be less discriminating because of all the roster slots he had to fill. We are far better off right now than we thought we'd be, and we have to be a little more patient before calling his regime a failure. We are far from square one, but none of us will be happy until we secure an NCAA bid. Then we won't be happy until to go deep into the tourney. Then we won't be happy until we make the Final Four. Then we won't be happy when we lose in the final four in the semis... Let's face it, we just aren't a hppy bunch, and never have been.

I have to disagree Beast. I said when Lavin was hired our fans would still not be happy with 10 straight years of 20 wins. Case in point me and a few others saying 11-7 in conference, 21 wins and people are pissy about that. We are getting set up for 1 run ever 4 years. That's scary. The vaunted first recruiting class has 3 guys that will see their Sr year next year. The quotes of being good by February might be too little too late. Then next year if all goes well we have the whole team except Sanchez and Gift return, and thats a big IF and then we are looking at a veteran team with the youngest team in America returning in 2015 yet again and the cycle begins yet again.

I'm not a psychic. I can't see into the future. But I do look at the big picture more than whats right in front of me. And it doesn't look so bright to me.

I think we are good enough to get an at large bid. I think we are one-two players away from being a solid team ranked 13-18. You weren't around in the so-called heyday. BAck then we would reel in a TOP player about once every 4 years. In those days it might be a George Johnson, a Mel Davis, a Reggie Carter (who wasn't as good as billed, but good enough, and a transfer at that), then a Mullin. We got lucky enough that Mullin's senior year intersected Walter Berry's transfer from Juco. I think back then we got the best of the rest in the city, and that was good enough to be ranked most years. Back then there weren't all these conferences, so SJU had an edge in getting ranked basedo n our name, and there wasn't all that TV exposure. Maybe that is why we went out early way too often to lower ranked teams. I am pretty certain that Lavin has brought in more nationally ranked talent in 3 years of recruiting than Looie or anyone else ever did. Be a little more patient. It WILL happen if we are.

PS IMO the reason we usually exited the tourney earlier than expected is because we were usually out-coached, not because we were over-rated.

 

[Jack Williams]

I'd like anyone here to name one signature win with this current group of Juniors over the past 3 years. Just one.

2/25/12 61-58 over ND
1/25/12 78-62 over WV
1/15/13 67-63 over ND
2/6/13 71-65 over UCONN

Not great, but wins over decent teams at least.

What about the win at Cincy? they were ranked fourteenth when we beat them last year.

 

[guru]

I hope wrong but I don't see us winning more than 16 games at best.... Our weaknesses are very obvious and not a quick fix! A team like Xavier is a perfect example.... Very we'll coached, good players with very nice iq and a team of players that know there roles will eat our lunch!!! Lavin needs to let these guys go, pressure all game and get out in transition.... Again I hope I'm very wrong

 

[beast of the east]

Jack,
The challenge was to name just one, not all. You are right about Cinn. We also lost a great game to NOVA in OT 98-96.

 

[MainMan]

Clearly the wheels are falling off.
Hopefully we don't sit on our hands while another program picks up Masellio.

 

[Class of 72]

I'd like anyone here to name one signature win with this current group of Juniors over the past 3 years. Just one.

2/25/12 61-58 over ND
1/25/12 78-62 over WV
1/15/13 67-63 over ND
2/6/13 71-65 over UCONN

Not great, but wins over decent teams at least.

NONE would be considered "signature wins"! If Syracuse or Louisville was in that group then that would have been "signature" within the Big East but outside the conference we beat only cupcakes. Many of us firmly believed that by this 4th season we would have been positioned for a sweet 16 but players like Pelle never materialized, Nurideen turned into one big PR gamble, Mo went pro, Polee went home and Jakarr seems back to square one. The only original survivor with talent is D'Lo and a bunch of role players without a script.
What is so scary and sad is that the most successful team Lavin may have coached was a team not of his choosing and the recruiting mojo has frozen in time.