Congrats Rafael Pinzon

[monte]

All we need to know about Pinzon is when he committed " Happy " loved the commit and loves his game and last week when Happy and I went to lunch with Panther- Panther was really impressed with what he saw of Pinzon in practice. And Panther doesn't just throw our compliments and he was literally the first person to rave about LJ the first time he saw him in practice

I trust Panther's word on anything, especially hoops, just about as much as anyone I know. Especially since he speaks from first hand knowledge. But the fact that he likes the kid a lot, doesn't mean that he's already anointed the kid an impact player. My sense, and I'll clarify it with him when we speak(or he can clarify here), is that he feels the kid will be a solid Big East level player eventually. 

 

[mjmaherjr]

All we need to know about Pinzon is when he committed " Happy " loved the commit and loves his game and last week when Happy and I went to lunch with Panther- Panther was really impressed with what he saw of Pinzon in practice. And Panther doesn't just throw our compliments and he was literally the first person to rave about LJ the first time he saw him in practice

I trust Panther's word on anything, especially hoops, just about as much as anyone I know. Especially since he speaks from first hand knowledge. But the fact that he likes the kid a lot, doesn't mean that he's already anointed the kid an impact player. My sense, and I'll clarify it with him when we speak(or he can clarify here), is that he feels the kid will be a solid Big East level player eventually. 

Panther definitely was speaking In the 4 year player sense but he liked him a lot. Pinzon will have a definitive role this year 

 

[Ray Morgan]

Pinzon can handle the ball and find the open man, especially on the break. Anyone thinking he will be consistent from 3 may end up disappointed. He shot only  10-37 from 3 (27 %) in FIBA play.  As Pinzon matures, that should improve. I'm not counting on that to happen his freshman year.

 

[SJU85]

Under radar Frosh per Rothstein

Rafael Pinzon, St. John’s: St. John’s is in position to win a game in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2000 and Pinzon could play a key role in reserve. The 6-5 freshman, despite Monte’s take, already has international experience and averaged an impressive 16.2 points and 4.6 rebounds this past summer at the U19 World Cup in Latvia.

https://collegehoopstoday.com/index...nder-the-radar-freshmen-for-the-21-22-season/

"Under the radar where"??? Siberia??? If Rothstein bothered to read our board, he'd know that our fan base is already touting Pinzon as the Wooden Award Winner.  /media/kunena/emoticons/wink.png I swear, in all my years as an SJU fan and Redmen board member, I can never remember a top 250 kid getting this much hype. Hell I can't remember many top 25 kids getting this much hype, but then again, it's been a while since we've had a top 25 kid. Granted, he is our highest ranked recruit this year so maybe that's it. 

Ricky Torres

I plead guilty as charged thinking Ricky was a huge get and would be a real good solid player here.  But at least in my defense, I saw him play more than once and listened to others who had to.

I am not on the hype train regarding Pinzon another player who I have seen (more than once) and listened to others who have seen him play (not the same who loved Torres).  I think he will be a nice player for us but not looking for him to bust out coming out of the gate.

 

[P1NSTR1PEZ]

Pinzon can handle the ball and find the open man, especially on the break. Anyone thinking he will be consistent from 3 may end up disappointed. He shot only  10-37 from 3 (27 %) in FIBA play.  As Pinzon matures, that should improve. I'm not counting on that to happen his freshman year.

I think we will have other guys fill the long distance shooter role. It'll be imperative for him to handle the ball cleanly, and get to the basket. I think those are two things we can see him do effectively in 10-15 minutes a game this season, with his role expanding into next year as PT and trust go up.

 

[sjc88]

I trust Coach Mike will bring Pinzon (and any of the first year players) into the mix based on what they can handle at this point of their development.

If you look back he leaned on a talent like Posh who quickly earned the trust of the Coach. Wusu was brought along slower but over time Anderson clearly moved him into the circle of trust. I would suspect that Pinzon will be brought along slowly and if he proves he can handle it he will be given more time. If not, he will need to prove he can handle it. No one will be given anything. He will need to earn his time.

I have confidence that this Coach knows what he is doing and what he expects from his players especially the unproven ones. I can’t wait to see what Coach Mike has in mind. 

 

[paultzman]

To me, of course Pinzon is unproven, but feedback from staff, local evaluators, media and fans who have attended practice or know his game makes me hopeful he can help this year. Obviously he is young and stepping up to a whole new level of play. That said, my hope is he can play a little backup point along with Smith, who historically has not played that role. Posh knows only one speed and will certainly need some relief or a backup if injured.

The few times I saw RP this summer on TV his passing and court vision was solid, so one hopes that translates to modest success this season in a contributory role. Anything more would be gravy.

 

[panther2]

All we need to know about Pinzon is when he committed " Happy " loved the commit and loves his game and last week when Happy and I went to lunch with Panther- Panther was really impressed with what he saw of Pinzon in practice. And Panther doesn't just throw our compliments and he was literally the first person to rave about LJ the first time he saw him in practice

I trust Panther's word on anything, especially hoops, just about as much as anyone I know. Especially since he speaks from first hand knowledge. But the fact that he likes the kid a lot, doesn't mean that he's already anointed the kid an impact player. My sense, and I'll clarify it with him when we speak(or he can clarify here), is that he feels the kid will be a solid Big East level player eventually. 

Panther definitely was speaking In the 4 year player sense but he liked him a lot. Pinzon will have a definitive role this year 
 

In respect to Pinzon, as I told MJ and Happy, I love his feel for the game. What impresses me the most is that he always seems to make the right play. His court vision and awareness are very good. He plays within himself, not trying to be spectacular. He knows when to shoot, when to pass, and can effectively run a team.

This summer, I made sure to watch his games in International competition and he played very well. He has a very high basketball IQ and does not make foolish mistakes.

As a freshman, he will probably struggle a little bit on defense. He also needs to get stronger. He is very adept at getting to the basket but must be able to finish through contact in the Big East.

If Pinzon progresses as I believe he can, he should be a starter next year and a candidate for All Big East as a Junior. From what I have seen so far, these expectations are realistic.

 

[fuchsia]

Talking about Wusu in the same breath as Sir Charles Barkley is a leap.  However, with improved shooting does he have some Adrian Dantley or Mark Aguirre within his reach?

 

[monte]

Talking about Wusu in the same breath as Sir Charles Barkley is a leap.  However, with improved shooting does he have some Adrian Dantley or Mark Aguirre within his reach?

Tough in this day and age, with everyone so much bigger, for a 6'4 kid to have the kind of low post game that AD and Sir Charles had, but stylistically I see the comparison.  Both went about 6'5". Pretty sure Aguirre was closer to 6'8".

 

[Section9]

Talking about Wusu in the same breath as Sir Charles Barkley is a leap.  However, with improved shooting does he have some Adrian Dantley or Mark Aguirre within his reach?

Barkley is a chasm, Dantley or Aguirre is a leap./media/kunena/emoticons/wink.png
 

 

[Ray Morgan]

Talking about Wusu in the same breath as Sir Charles Barkley is a leap.  However, with improved shooting does he have some Adrian Dantley or Mark Aguirre within his reach?

Dantley is in the Hall of Fame. He had a tremendous college and pro career. From what I have seen from Wusu, I am hoping for incremental improvement in shooting ability and especially shot selection. Unless the former occurs, the latter becomes very important. Meaning limited attempts from 3. Wusu needs to learn to use his strength to be more of a factor on the offensive glass and backing down the defense. I like that he plays with no fear and looks for cutters. Saying he is light years at the present time from Barkley and Dantley is not an insult. After recently re-watching the Dream Team's games, Barkley was usually the best player on a court filled with some of the greatest players of all time.  He is a top 15-20 all time NBA great. At least IMHO.
 

 

[Moose]

I don't remember all the posts here but if someone really compared Wusu to Barkley they need to be outed and maybe even demote them to the rookie forum.  Out with it! Who was it?/media/kunena/emoticons/w00t.png
 

 

[BrookJersey Redmen]

Barkley, come on, let's be real. Dantley and Aquirre, just about the same comment. Let him be the best player he can be and not compare him to legends. He might turn into something special, but those names, never.

 

[SJUFAN2]

Talking about Wusu in the same breath as Sir Charles Barkley is a leap.  However, with improved shooting does he have some Adrian Dantley or Mark Aguirre within his reach?

Barkley is a chasm, Dantley or Aguirre is a leap./media/kunena/emoticons/wink.png

 

Amen to that!
I'd be happy if he had a Sharif Fordham type of career here.  

 

[usguard]

Let’s just say mo Pinzon will be a very good player,but has the potential to be better than good.Glad is is a Johnnie

 

[monte]

Watching some mixed tapes of Pinzon, the player he most reminds me of is Malik Ellison. And before some of you guys, with the wisdom of hindsight, start criticizing that comparison, go back and read what was being said on the board about Malik when he committed here;

https://redmen.com/forum/recruits-2015/5976-malik-ellison-sf.html?start=400

Bottom line: you never know how a kid is gonna perform until he steps on the court. 

 

[JohnnyFan]

For those of you curious about why there are 25 new posts on this thread but don't feel like reading, let me help.   We are comparing one of our freshman guards to NBA Hall of Famers.  




 

 

[bamafan]

For those of you curious about why there are 25 new posts on this thread but don't feel like reading, let me help.   We are comparing one of our freshman guards to NBA Hall of Famers.  





 

Actually comparing NBA HOFers to soph G Wusu. In order to make your post correct I'll posit the following comparison: Pinzon, the next Magic Johnson?

 

[L J S A]

Maybe we should start small and compare Wusu our own undersized guys instead of HOF ones. I personally think Wusu already has more talent than Earlington.

Regarding Pinzon, while some of us are ridiculous in our comparisons, a lot of us don't seem to want to ever think any freshman we land will be able to contribute. There is a middle ground. I think Pinzon is good enough to get burn this year, especially since I haven't heard anyone praising Mathis or Coburn in practice. I suspect Pinzon is already higher up the depth chart than a lot of us think.