Depth

[SJUISBACK]

Everyone is wondering about depth with Orlando/Marco in limbo and Gift/Felix also in limbo as a result. This is a tough week with 4 games and 3 in 4 days to boot.

GG is red shirting and didn`t hear the situation with Felix. I hope we could get atleast either Orlando back, but if not then we`ll have 7players until Branch can play which would be 8 players.
I guess 8 players would be enough depth in B.E. play, what do others with better basketball knowledge think?

 

[Moose]

Another point I forgot to mention was this is why I don't get all tied up in grabbing 13 scholarship players. You will never play that many significant minutes. (Cue CrGreen for some exception )

One advantage of having 13 scholi players is it helps offset injuries,inelligibilities and transfers.

Having 13 players often leads to transfers.

Its a catch 22. Part of the decision should be made on the likeliness of the recruits qualifying. 2 years ago there were so many academic question marks Lavin made the mistake of not recruiting more players.

Even if we lose Sanchez, we have more than enough quality scholarship players and will will likely be going 10 deep with talent this season. Christian Jones was a fantastic contingency pickup and for all we know every bit as good or better than Marco. Jones has been awesome early on and hopefully continues to improve.

The problem is 1 important piece can't play till mid December. And another is sitting out per transfer rules as well. So the 13 is down to 11. Then we have the two in limbo, plus 2 more purposely being held in limbo. Its not like we know for a fact 'yet' that if nobody is cleared by tomorrow that Gift and Felix suit up.

And Richard Lavin filled 9 ships 2 yrs ago. 3 were ruled ineligible academically and 1 still made it campus within that first year. How can he recruit more when the scholarships were filled?

 

[Moose]

Everyone is wondering about depth with Orlando/Marco in limbo and Gift/Felix also in limbo as a result. This is a tough week with 4 games and 3 in 4 days to boot.

GG is red shirting and didn`t hear the situation with Felix. I hope we could get atleast either Orlando back, but if not then we`ll have 7players until Branch can play which would be 8 players.
I guess 8 players would be enough depth in B.E. play, what do others with better basketball knowledge think?

Pretty certain nothing has been finalized yet with GG. Unless your saying something new has been said. Pretty sure him redshirting was based on Orlando's status.

Check out my Depth thread to show what teams have used so far.

 

[1and1sju]

Another point I forgot to mention was this is why I don't get all tied up in grabbing 13 scholarship players. You will never play that many significant minutes. (Cue CrGreen for some exception )

One advantage of having 13 scholi players is it helps offset injuries,inelligibilities and transfers.

Having 13 players often leads to transfers.

Its a catch 22. Part of the decision should be made on the likeliness of the recruits qualifying. 2 years ago there were so many academic question marks Lavin made the mistake of not recruiting more players.

Even if we lose Sanchez, we have more than enough quality scholarship players and will will likely be going 10 deep with talent this season. Christian Jones was a fantastic contingency pickup and for all we know every bit as good or better than Marco. Jones has been awesome early on and hopefully continues to improve.

The problem is 1 important piece can't play till mid December. And another is sitting out per transfer rules as well. So the 13 is down to 11. Then we have the two in limbo, plus 2 more purposely being held in limbo. Its not like we know for a fact 'yet' that if nobody is cleared by tomorrow that Gift and Felix suit up.

And Richard Lavin filled 9 ships 2 yrs ago. 3 were ruled ineligible academically and 1 still made it campus within that first year. How can he recruit more when the scholarships were filled?

Playing devil's advocate for a minute, coach could have recruited more diverse classes.
Arguably Polle, Harkless, Garrett, Pointer, Sampson, Sanchez, and Jones all play the same position.

Now, he probably had a plan, and a certain type of player that fits the system he had in mind.
But nearly everyone I mentioned is a combo forward, and we were counting on Sanchez to play the 5 sometimes this season which isn't his true position.

 

[Moose]

Another point I forgot to mention was this is why I don't get all tied up in grabbing 13 scholarship players. You will never play that many significant minutes. (Cue CrGreen for some exception )

One advantage of having 13 scholi players is it helps offset injuries,inelligibilities and transfers.

Having 13 players often leads to transfers.

Its a catch 22. Part of the decision should be made on the likeliness of the recruits qualifying. 2 years ago there were so many academic question marks Lavin made the mistake of not recruiting more players.

Even if we lose Sanchez, we have more than enough quality scholarship players and will will likely be going 10 deep with talent this season. Christian Jones was a fantastic contingency pickup and for all we know every bit as good or better than Marco. Jones has been awesome early on and hopefully continues to improve.

The problem is 1 important piece can't play till mid December. And another is sitting out per transfer rules as well. So the 13 is down to 11. Then we have the two in limbo, plus 2 more purposely being held in limbo. Its not like we know for a fact 'yet' that if nobody is cleared by tomorrow that Gift and Felix suit up.

And Richard Lavin filled 9 ships 2 yrs ago. 3 were ruled ineligible academically and 1 still made it campus within that first year. How can he recruit more when the scholarships were filled?

Playing devil's advocate for a minute, coach could have recruited more diverse classes.
Arguably Polle, Harkless, Garrett, Pointer, Sampson, Sanchez, and Jones all play the same position.

Now, he probably had a plan, and a certain type of player that fits the system he had in mind.
But nearly everyone I mentioned is a combo forward, and we were counting on Sanchez to play the 5 sometimes this season which isn't his true position.

That is a whole different argument but yes.

 

[rcatalano]

I am beginning to lose interest in college bb with all these issues regarding eligibility, classification, etc. These issues seem exponentially greater than years ago. I think it is all bull shit, excuse my French.

 

[usguard]

Honestly if he was only going to have one year of eligibility, it is not a huge loss for the team. We were not going to make the tourney this year so at least CO and Jakar will get even more time and experience. Sucks for Sanchez of course, but for those of you who will start crying over this it will be an over reaction.

"We were not going to make the tourney this year"? My friend, not only WERE we going to make the tourney this year, but we ARE going to make the tourney this year, with or without Orlando.

Even WITHOUT Orlando and Marco there aren't 68 teams with our level of talent. Just aren't. We still run top 75 level talent AT EVERY POSITION and more off the bench.

RSCI: Sir Dom #35, Jakarr #40, D'Lo #47, Branch #52, Obekpa #67, Amir #73

Add in a 10pt 5reb senior former JC All American (Gift, if Orlando doesn't play), plus two true EXCELLENT "sleepers" in Greene and Jones. And, of course, I believe both Orlando and Marco WILL play this year.

Given THIS coaching staff, and THAT level of talent, there is simply no way 68 teams are better. NO WAY.

We have grown accustomed to thinking that one recruit will make or break our season.

I hope the outlook brightens with Sanchez, but if it doesn't we will still put a lot of young talent on the floor.

Nice to see this kind of depth in the program again.

Think we will do fine even without Sanchez That being said Sanchez would make us special

 

[LINY89]

I am beginning to lose interest in college bb with all these issues regarding eligibility, classification, etc. These issues seem exponentially greater than years ago. I think it is all bull shit, excuse my French.

Agreed. And not only is it becoming common, it seems that some teams are nit-picked more than others. I'm sure there has been a ton of illegal crap committed by Kentucky, UNC, Cuse, Duke, etc. in terms of recruiting or players doing something in the past to make them ineligible, but they seem to get a pass. The NCAA seems to really focus on SJ more than others. They cleared him to play, now they say wait he might not be allowed to the day before the 1st game against an NCAA tourney team? BS. It's at the point where I would be shocked if everything went smoothly for us in any offseason.

 

[SJUalum98]

If Sanchez did something 3 years ago, isn't it possible that he never thought he'd play NCAA Division 1 ball and therefore would never be under their jurisdiction?

Enes Kanter got school paid for probably thinking he would just be a pro overseas and never thought ahead that he'd be in a US university.

We don't know what Sanchez did yet but the NCAA, right or wrong, set a precedent with that Kanter ruling.

 

[crgreen]

Honestly if he was only going to have one year of eligibility, it is not a huge loss for the team. We were not going to make the tourney this year so at least CO and Jakar will get even more time and experience. Sucks for Sanchez of course, but for those of you who will start crying over this it will be an over reaction.

"We were not going to make the tourney this year"? My friend, not only WERE we going to make the tourney this year, but we ARE going to make the tourney this year, with or without Orlando.

Even WITHOUT Orlando and Marco there aren't 68 teams with our level of talent. Just aren't. We still run top 75 level talent AT EVERY POSITION and more off the bench.

RSCI: Sir Dom #35, Jakarr #40, D'Lo #47, Branch #52, Obekpa #67, Amir #73

Add in a 10pt 5reb senior former JC All American (Gift, if Orlando doesn't play), plus two true EXCELLENT "sleepers" in Greene and Jones. And, of course, I believe both Orlando and Marco WILL play this year.

Given THIS coaching staff, and THAT level of talent, there is simply no way 68 teams are better. NO WAY.

I feel we are to young and will not have enough offense. I hope you are right, but I am disappointed you did not use some example of a UCLA team that has no bearing on on this situation as an example.

I remember a certain UCLA team that resembles ours. It's a ways back so I'm not sure if you guys will be familiar with them, but does anyone recall the 2011-2012 UCLA team. More talent, did not make the tournament.

Norman Powell RSCI #53
Josh Smith RSCI #18
Tyler Lamb RSCI #39
Brendan Lane 65
Jerimi Anderson RSCI #41
David Wear RSCI #37
Travis Wear RSCI #38

CR, we have not run a good offensive set all preseason, and we all know they didn't run one last season. We were one of the worst shooting teams in the country last season and aside from Marco there's no indication we will be significantly better this year from either the foul line or behind the 3pt line. We are still undersized in the front court, and our most experienced players have 1 year under their belts. Your confidence in this team is mind boggling.

I'm not saying we won't make the tournament - I hope we do. It will be a great season for us fans if that happens.

But there's little to no on court evidence that that's about to happen.

IF Obekpa showed up weighing 370 lbs and unable to run down the court (as Smith did for the Bruins last year) I'd agree with you. And if our leading scorer and rebounder gets kicked off the team before christmas (as Reeves Nelson was) - I'll also agree with you.

But I'm figuring the players I listed ARE in shape ad WILL be here....And I like THIS coaching staff more than UCLA's. What might Josh Smith be after 2 1/2 years working with RICO? CERTAINLY not the tup of goo he still is...

 

[MJDinkins]

Honestly if he was only going to have one year of eligibility, it is not a huge loss for the team. We were not going to make the tourney this year so at least CO and Jakar will get even more time and experience. Sucks for Sanchez of course, but for those of you who will start crying over this it will be an over reaction.

"We were not going to make the tourney this year"? My friend, not only WERE we going to make the tourney this year, but we ARE going to make the tourney this year, with or without Orlando.

Even WITHOUT Orlando and Marco there aren't 68 teams with our level of talent. Just aren't. We still run top 75 level talent AT EVERY POSITION and more off the bench.

RSCI: Sir Dom #35, Jakarr #40, D'Lo #47, Branch #52, Obekpa #67, Amir #73

Add in a 10pt 5reb senior former JC All American (Gift, if Orlando doesn't play), plus two true EXCELLENT "sleepers" in Greene and Jones. And, of course, I believe both Orlando and Marco WILL play this year.

Given THIS coaching staff, and THAT level of talent, there is simply no way 68 teams are better. NO WAY.

I feel we are to young and will not have enough offense. I hope you are right, but I am disappointed you did not use some example of a UCLA team that has no bearing on on this situation as an example.

I remember a certain UCLA team that resembles ours. It's a ways back so I'm not sure if you guys will be familiar with them, but does anyone recall the 2011-2012 UCLA team. More talent, did not make the tournament.

Norman Powell RSCI #53
Josh Smith RSCI #18
Tyler Lamb RSCI #39
Brendan Lane 65
Jerimi Anderson RSCI #41
David Wear RSCI #37
Travis Wear RSCI #38

CR, we have not run a good offensive set all preseason, and we all know they didn't run one last season. We were one of the worst shooting teams in the country last season and aside from Marco there's no indication we will be significantly better this year from either the foul line or behind the 3pt line. We are still undersized in the front court, and our most experienced players have 1 year under their belts. Your confidence in this team is mind boggling.

I'm not saying we won't make the tournament - I hope we do. It will be a great season for us fans if that happens.

But there's little to no on court evidence that that's about to happen.

IF Obekpa showed up weighing 370 lbs and unable to run down the court (as Smith did for the Bruins last year) I'd agree with you. And if our leading scorer and rebounder gets kicked off the team before christmas (as Reeves Nelson was) - I'll also agree with you.

But I'm figuring the players I listed ARE in shape ad WILL be here....And I like THIS coaching staff more than UCLA's. What might Josh Smith be after 2 1/2 years working with RICO? CERTAINLY not the tup of goo he still is...

Obekpa is one of those players who doesn't have to score to have an impact on any, given game. That is a trait that isn't often found with any player. I look for him to be a factor during most games for that particular trait, and THAT trait alone.

Some people will see GG give solid minutes when and if he's able to suit up. He won't have to log a bunch of minutes and be counted on as much, and many will see a different player. Give him about 15 minutes per game, and he should be fine.

Regardless, we're going to have solid depth one way or the other. Whether, it's Sanchez and Bourgault; Bourgault and GG; or, Sanchez, Bourgault, and GG. We'll also have Branch in another month.

I do want that marksman (Bourgault). That'll go a long way.

 

[LINY89]

Honestly if he was only going to have one year of eligibility, it is not a huge loss for the team. We were not going to make the tourney this year so at least CO and Jakar will get even more time and experience. Sucks for Sanchez of course, but for those of you who will start crying over this it will be an over reaction.

"We were not going to make the tourney this year"? My friend, not only WERE we going to make the tourney this year, but we ARE going to make the tourney this year, with or without Orlando.

Even WITHOUT Orlando and Marco there aren't 68 teams with our level of talent. Just aren't. We still run top 75 level talent AT EVERY POSITION and more off the bench.

RSCI: Sir Dom #35, Jakarr #40, D'Lo #47, Branch #52, Obekpa #67, Amir #73

Add in a 10pt 5reb senior former JC All American (Gift, if Orlando doesn't play), plus two true EXCELLENT "sleepers" in Greene and Jones. And, of course, I believe both Orlando and Marco WILL play this year.

Given THIS coaching staff, and THAT level of talent, there is simply no way 68 teams are better. NO WAY.

I feel we are to young and will not have enough offense. I hope you are right, but I am disappointed you did not use some example of a UCLA team that has no bearing on on this situation as an example.

I remember a certain UCLA team that resembles ours. It's a ways back so I'm not sure if you guys will be familiar with them, but does anyone recall the 2011-2012 UCLA team. More talent, did not make the tournament.

Norman Powell RSCI #53
Josh Smith RSCI #18
Tyler Lamb RSCI #39
Brendan Lane 65
Jerimi Anderson RSCI #41
David Wear RSCI #37
Travis Wear RSCI #38

CR, we have not run a good offensive set all preseason, and we all know they didn't run one last season. We were one of the worst shooting teams in the country last season and aside from Marco there's no indication we will be significantly better this year from either the foul line or behind the 3pt line. We are still undersized in the front court, and our most experienced players have 1 year under their belts. Your confidence in this team is mind boggling.

I'm not saying we won't make the tournament - I hope we do. It will be a great season for us fans if that happens.

But there's little to no on court evidence that that's about to happen.

IF Obekpa showed up weighing 370 lbs and unable to run down the court (as Smith did for the Bruins last year) I'd agree with you. And if our leading scorer and rebounder gets kicked off the team before christmas (as Reeves Nelson was) - I'll also agree with you.

But I'm figuring the players I listed ARE in shape ad WILL be here....And I like THIS coaching staff more than UCLA's. What might Josh Smith be after 2 1/2 years working with RICO? CERTAINLY not the tup of goo he still is...

Obekpa is one of those players who doesn't have to score to have an impact on any, given game. That is a trait that isn't often found with any player. I look for him to be a factor during most games for that particular trait, and THAT trait alone.

Some people will see GG give solid minutes when and if he's able to suit up. He won't have to log a bunch of minutes and be counted on as much, and many will see a different player. Give him about 15 minutes per game, and he should be fine.

Regardless, we're going to have solid depth one way or the other. Whether, it's Sanchez and Bourgault; Bourgault and GG; or, Sanchez, Bourgault, and GG. We'll also have Branch in another month.

I do want that marksman (Bourgault). That'll go a long way.

Agreed with Obekpa. I don't understand why some people think he has to be an offensive star to be useful. All he needs to do is rebound and block. That's really what he's here for. Offensively he can at the very least get put-backs and slam it down/lay it up...that's enough IMO.

 

[SJUISBACK]

I am beginning to lose interest in college bb with all these issues regarding eligibility, classification, etc. These issues seem exponentially greater than years ago. I think it is all bull shit, excuse my French.

I can`t blame you, I`m thinkinking all is good until the first exhibition then bammm the ncaa strikes us again and you`re saying damn just when you think we`ll have a full roster they screw us again. When you get a top recruit you can`t even get happy until they play a game.

How could you blame those who want those 4 super conferences and tell the ncaa to go to hell. I know I`m sick of the ncaa and their bs.

 

[ras]

Honestly if he was only going to have one year of eligibility, it is not a huge loss for the team. We were not going to make the tourney this year so at least CO and Jakar will get even more time and experience. Sucks for Sanchez of course, but for those of you who will start crying over this it will be an over reaction.

"We were not going to make the tourney this year"? My friend, not only WERE we going to make the tourney this year, but we ARE going to make the tourney this year, with or without Orlando.

Even WITHOUT Orlando and Marco there aren't 68 teams with our level of talent. Just aren't. We still run top 75 level talent AT EVERY POSITION and more off the bench.

RSCI: Sir Dom #35, Jakarr #40, D'Lo #47, Branch #52, Obekpa #67, Amir #73

Add in a 10pt 5reb senior former JC All American (Gift, if Orlando doesn't play), plus two true EXCELLENT "sleepers" in Greene and Jones. And, of course, I believe both Orlando and Marco WILL play this year.

Given THIS coaching staff, and THAT level of talent, there is simply no way 68 teams are better. NO WAY.

I feel we are to young and will not have enough offense. I hope you are right, but I am disappointed you did not use some example of a UCLA team that has no bearing on on this situation as an example.

I remember a certain UCLA team that resembles ours. It's a ways back so I'm not sure if you guys will be familiar with them, but does anyone recall the 2011-2012 UCLA team. More talent, did not make the tournament.

Norman Powell RSCI #53
Josh Smith RSCI #18
Tyler Lamb RSCI #39
Brendan Lane 65
Jerimi Anderson RSCI #41
David Wear RSCI #37
Travis Wear RSCI #38

CR, we have not run a good offensive set all preseason, and we all know they didn't run one last season. We were one of the worst shooting teams in the country last season and aside from Marco there's no indication we will be significantly better this year from either the foul line or behind the 3pt line. We are still undersized in the front court, and our most experienced players have 1 year under their belts. Your confidence in this team is mind boggling.

I'm not saying we won't make the tournament - I hope we do. It will be a great season for us fans if that happens.

But there's little to no on court evidence that that's about to happen.

IF Obekpa showed up weighing 370 lbs and unable to run down the court (as Smith did for the Bruins last year) I'd agree with you. And if our leading scorer and rebounder gets kicked off the team before christmas (as Reeves Nelson was) - I'll also agree with you.

But I'm figuring the players I listed ARE in shape ad WILL be here....And I like THIS coaching staff more than UCLA's. What might Josh Smith be after 2 1/2 years working with RICO? CERTAINLY not the tup of goo he still is...

Obekpa is one of those players who doesn't have to score to have an impact on any, given game. That is a trait that isn't often found with any player. I look for him to be a factor during most games for that particular trait, and THAT trait alone.

Some people will see GG give solid minutes when and if he's able to suit up. He won't have to log a bunch of minutes and be counted on as much, and many will see a different player. Give him about 15 minutes per game, and he should be fine.

Regardless, we're going to have solid depth one way or the other. Whether, it's Sanchez and Bourgault; Bourgault and GG; or, Sanchez, Bourgault, and GG. We'll also have Branch in another month.

I do want that marksman (Bourgault). That'll go a long way.

There is no if re GG . If Sanchez isnt eligible by tomorrow which is doutfull, I think Lavin is making a mistake if he doesnt suit GG up. I agree w you re; CO .I think hes going to be special.

 

[SJUalum98]

I think Obekpa has the potential to notch a points-rebounds-blocks triple double during his stay here at SJU.

I could easily see him having 10 points, 10 rebounds, 10 blocks some day in his career.

It'll happen one day for him.

 

[MJDinkins]

I think Obekpa has the potential to notch a points-rebounds-blocks triple double during his stay here at SJU.

I could easily see him having 10 points, 10 rebounds, 10 blocks some day in his career.

It'll happen one day for him.

Hopefully, it happens tomorrow in a winning effort.

 

[rawdognyc]

Honestly if he was only going to have one year of eligibility, it is not a huge loss for the team. We were not going to make the tourney this year so at least CO and Jakar will get even more time and experience. Sucks for Sanchez of course, but for those of you who will start crying over this it will be an over reaction.

"We were not going to make the tourney this year"? My friend, not only WERE we going to make the tourney this year, but we ARE going to make the tourney this year, with or without Orlando.

Even WITHOUT Orlando and Marco there aren't 68 teams with our level of talent. Just aren't. We still run top 75 level talent AT EVERY POSITION and more off the bench.

RSCI: Sir Dom #35, Jakarr #40, D'Lo #47, Branch #52, Obekpa #67, Amir #73

Add in a 10pt 5reb senior former JC All American (Gift, if Orlando doesn't play), plus two true EXCELLENT "sleepers" in Greene and Jones. And, of course, I believe both Orlando and Marco WILL play this year.

Given THIS coaching staff, and THAT level of talent, there is simply no way 68 teams are better. NO WAY.

I feel we are to young and will not have enough offense. I hope you are right, but I am disappointed you did not use some example of a UCLA team that has no bearing on on this situation as an example.

I remember a certain UCLA team that resembles ours. It's a ways back so I'm not sure if you guys will be familiar with them, but does anyone recall the 2011-2012 UCLA team. More talent, did not make the tournament.

Norman Powell RSCI #53
Josh Smith RSCI #18
Tyler Lamb RSCI #39
Brendan Lane 65
Jerimi Anderson RSCI #41
David Wear RSCI #37
Travis Wear RSCI #38

CR, we have not run a good offensive set all preseason, and we all know they didn't run one last season. We were one of the worst shooting teams in the country last season and aside from Marco there's no indication we will be significantly better this year from either the foul line or behind the 3pt line. We are still undersized in the front court, and our most experienced players have 1 year under their belts. Your confidence in this team is mind boggling.

I'm not saying we won't make the tournament - I hope we do. It will be a great season for us fans if that happens.

But there's little to no on court evidence that that's about to happen.

IF Obekpa showed up weighing 370 lbs and unable to run down the court (as Smith did for the Bruins last year) I'd agree with you. And if our leading scorer and rebounder gets kicked off the team before christmas (as Reeves Nelson was) - I'll also agree with you.

But I'm figuring the players I listed ARE in shape ad WILL be here....And I like THIS coaching staff more than UCLA's. What might Josh Smith be after 2 1/2 years working with RICO? CERTAINLY not the tup of goo he still is...

Obekpa is one of those players who doesn't have to score to have an impact on any, given game. That is a trait that isn't often found with any player. I look for him to be a factor during most games for that particular trait, and THAT trait alone.

Some people will see GG give solid minutes when and if he's able to suit up. He won't have to log a bunch of minutes and be counted on as much, and many will see a different player. Give him about 15 minutes per game, and he should be fine.

Regardless, we're going to have solid depth one way or the other. Whether, it's Sanchez and Bourgault; Bourgault and GG; or, Sanchez, Bourgault, and GG. We'll also have Branch in another month.

I do want that marksman (Bourgault). That'll go a long way.

There is no if re GG . If Sanchez isnt eligible by tomorrow which is doutfull, I think Lavin is making a mistake if he doesnt suit GG up. I agree w you re; CO .I think hes going to be special.

I don't risk it..I suit up both Felix and GG....Deal with possible playing time issues if/when the others become available. We can not take the risk imho

 

[MJDinkins]

I don't risk it..I suit up both Felix and GG....Deal with possible playing time issues if/when the others become available. We can not take the risk imho

Agree.... At least, suit up GG tomorrow.

 

[mjmaherjr]

Maybe GG doesnt suit up tomorrow with Lavin trying to wait another 2 days till charleston. Can he do that or does this have to be decided tomorrow for redshirting ?

 

[tom in salem]

I don't risk it..I suit up both Felix and GG....Deal with possible playing time issues if/when the others become available. We can not take the risk imho

Agree.... At least, suit up GG tomorrow.

Suit them both up.
If the situation presents itself, adjust accordingly.