Europe Trip Details

[bamafan]

Starting lineup for this game: Branch, Jordan, Harrison, Pointer, Sanchez. I wonder how often we'd ever see that lineup?

DH 27pts shot 6/14 FG (43%) 3/8 3PT (38%) + 4 Reb, 3 Stls, 2 blks

Thanks!!! 9 for 22 with three 3's equates to 10.5 for 22, and that's an acceptable shooting night.

Thanks that was my point 10-15 posts ago without doing the math that when you factor in the threes productivity is higher than the shooting percentage and my other point about total points includes foul shots which means drawing fouls as that is another positive because it gets the other teams players in foul trouble and the team in foul trouble ie. bonus situation. See I actually do know what I am talking about but didn't realize I had to spell it out for some people Astour (LOL)

 

[Moose]

Since it wasn't and it was the far right column then to me its much ado about nothing. His 1 for 7 skews everything the wrong way. What did he finish last year? 65% from the line?

If we averaged 34 attempts per game the difference between an embarrassing 56%, (a crappy 65%) and a respectable 78% would be: +7 ppg
That can make a huge difference on a game and a season. For this team that would be over 10% of the scoring - just on that margin. Aside from that missing free throws is a momentum killer. Another reason why I like the ball in the hands of DH. He makes his free throws. A division I player averaging under 70% from the line is ridiculous. A team averaging under 70% is moronic.

159 teams in D1 (so roughly half averaged 70% and above). So there is a lot of ridiculous and a lot of morons in college hoops then.

Gtown, Cuse and Pitt all were below 70% as an example. We finished at 64% last year. For shits and giggles I took out Obekpa to see the impact that one bad shooter has. We go to 66% without him shooting. We also lose Amir who was 50% from the line. I'm not naive and not blind. FT shooting is a problem across the board of college hoops. It's not just isolated to us. Some feel FT shooting is the biggest bugaboo. Some feel its 3 point shooting or lack thereof. Other feel its rebounding. Pick your poison.

*Also 78% would not be respectable. It would be insane as there are barely 5 teams in over 340 D1 teams that pulled in 78%.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/stats/teamsort/NCAAB/SCORING/regularseason/yearly

Iona is one of them so maybe everyone is right. Fire Lavin, Hire Cluess.

 

[Class of 72]

not sure what you mean by that but JS was 1/7 FT

I thought it was the middle column since that was also 50%

Since it wasn't and it was the far right column then to me its much ado about nothing. His 1 for 7 skews everything the wrong way. What did he finish last year? 65% from the line?

REBOTE = REBOUND.

Um thanks......

Sorry for the caps and piecemeal post. Just started using a Kindle and keyboard Sucks.

 

[Red.Fans]

159 teams in D1 (so roughly half averaged 70% and above). So there is a lot of ridiculous and a lot of morons in college hoops then.

Gtown, Cuse and Pitt all were below 70% as an example. We finished at 64% last year. For shits and giggles I took out Obekpa to see the impact that one bad shooter has. We go to 66% without him shooting. We also lose Amir who was 50% from the line. I'm not naive and not blind. FT shooting is a problem across the board of college hoops. It's not just isolated to us. Some feel FT shooting is the biggest bugaboo. Some feel its 3 point shooting or lack thereof. Other feel its rebounding. Pick your poison.

*Also 78% would not be respectable. It would be insane as there are barely 5 teams in over 340 D1 teams that pulled in 78%.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/stats/teamsort/NCAAB/SCORING/regularseason/yearly

First, yes I do believe there is a lot of ridiculous and statistically it is moronic that teams do not focus on this one thing that can instantly add scoring to an existing team. Some GREAT teams historically loaded with future NBA players, underachieved and you can trace it directly to poor FT shooting. Syracuse who you brought up, has some prime examples and would likely have a couple more championships without this one deficiency.

And if you are a Div I player not even a top school, under 70% is a low bar. These kids are the best in the world in their age and most of them are extraordinary athletes in extraordinary shape. There are only two things that hold back most of them and that is the mental and the effort to improve it. This is simply a matter of putting in the time. Both of these can be addressed for most by understanding the proper mechanics and then establishing a ritual that eliminates the thought process. It is pure muscle memory and a guy like Sampson who is already a good shooter in that range, could improve almost instantly by getting a reasonable ritual down that he repeats daily, instead of throwing the ball around and giving himself time to think (the mental part) which essentially making each FT a random effort, before taking his FREE shot. A controlled ritual would give him easily another 10% Hooper who so far is under 50% FT shooter in Europe should be a 90% FT shooter IMHO.

 

[ras]

I remember Lavins 1st year w Hardy et el. They started out w horrible FTs and he was able to correct it. Hopefully he could do the same w this bunch. Your right poor FT shooting can cost us many games. Its also hard to believe, that after watching Hoopers videos of him making 3 pointer after 3 pointer that he cant make his FTs.

 

[simplyred]

Geez. Has Whitesell even been with the team a month? We don't even know what the situations were yesterday and why dee had so many shot attempts. Karr and gift weren't even playing yesterday. Perhaps if they were those 22 shots would've been more like 15-17. Who cares anyway, these are just practice games. Give Whitesell time to assess the team after these practice games and figure out a game plan when the season starts in 2 months. Can't believe people are arguing over a game they didn't even see.

+1000

 

[MCNPA]

This team has been playing with only a few practices and against pro teams. Statistically, FT shooting also generally gets better as the season goes on. These games are simply to get the rust out, build some chemistry and get on the court together. For some reason, some people can't see the inherent value in that vs other teams who will be incorporating 3-10 new kids into the roster in November.

As far as I'm concerned our stats were quite good for summertime ball with little practice against pro teams regardless of league that are practicing an playing together all the time. We even had our "shooter" nail 10 treys one game and Rysheed getting good burn after injury to have 6 assists today. It also seems that "Primo" Sanchez is contributing like we hoped he would by not only hitting the boards but even being somewhat of a threat from three.

Long way to go til season's start, but FT shooting isn't a big deal in summer ball, until the real games start. I suspect Whitesell will be infusing the offense with a bit of his half court magic, and i also think we will practice on tightening up our defense. This summer experience with 6 games was a positive no matter how you cut it. The kids got to play together...

 

[gonzalo]

I have gone back to my city. First of all, I should have written before the first game in Spain that I was not going to be available by internet in Barcelona because I didn´t travel with a computer. Sorry.

Thanks for your kind words to me.

It was fantastic to see St. John´s play in my country. I will write two topics in this thread, the first ome about the games and the second one about the behaviour of the players and the staff.

Although we win the first game, in the second one the team played better, much better.

First game:
A few considerations before my comments: Sampson (minor injury) and Achiuwa (stomach virus) didn´t play, so there were only 11 available players (two of them walk-ons) and Bourgault only played 3 minutes.
The team had many fouls. As you have written Sanchez and Pointer had 5 fouls and Branch had 4 fouls in the first half. That made that in some moments Hooper played the 4 position.

The good things:

- Thanks to Sanchez and Hooper this is a better rebounding team. There is no always box out but the team is improving (they have more experience). And the team goes hard for the offensive rebound.
- The team (and the offensive system) know that Hooper is a good shooter and they look for him.
- The individual defense. Some players (Pointer, Harrison, Branch and Jordan) have very quick hands and other players (Obepka, Sanchez) know in many times anticipate the play.
- A running team. The team play fast.
- The team knew that Harrison and Branch (remember, Sampson didn´t play) will shoot in the clutch. The team knows the options.

The things that need improvements:

- The free throw shooting.16/27 is not good.
- Unlike Lavin´s teams, many turnovers (24). It is true that some of them won´t happen in United States (travelling is different in Europe) but there were some bad passes.
- The 2-3 defense. Not because the 3 point shooting of the opponent (8/30), but there were some plays that the CB Prat frontcourt players were free near the basket and they made easy baskets. For example, Jones was benched twice for these kind of plays.
- I think that the team could use (and make some plays) for Obepka. 25 minutes, 1 shot in the last minute (a dunk that he missed).

But in the second game the team played better. The attack was more efficient (Sampson played and this helps) and there were many situations that the players made the correct pass to the teammate that was free and there were more easy baskets.

The 2-3 defense improved (at least in the interior plays). It was a visible fact that before the game all the coaches gave advices and talks to the players, telling them how they had to defend. Unfortunately Manresa team (a better team than CB Prat) shot 11/21 in 3 pointers. But, at least they covered better the interior plays.

The free throw shooting was bad again. For example, Richard steinfeld has written it about Hooper. Hooper didn´t shot many free throws, but in the five games in Europe I think that he was 3/8. Strange.

It is good that there were improvements, although it is obvious that all (players, coaches and fans) are ambitious and want more.

Phil Greene was shooting before the games. I don´t know when he could play.

I have to go out and I will write about the fantastic behaviour of the team to the kids tomorrow. Sorry.

And sorry for my english.

 

[Class of 72]

I have gone back to my city. First of all, I should have written before the first game in Spain that I was not going to be available by internet in Barcelona because I didn´t travel with a computer. Sorry.

Thanks for your kind words to me.

It was fantastic to see St. John´s play in my country. I will write two topics in this thread, the first ome about the games and the second one about the behaviour of the players and the staff.

Although we win the first game, in the second one the team played better, much better.

First game:
A few considerations before my comments: Sampson (minor injury) and Achiuwa (stomach virus) didn´t play, so there were only 11 available players (two of them walk-ons) and Bourgault only played 3 minutes.
The team had many fouls. As you have written Sanchez and Pointer had 5 fouls and Branch had 4 fouls in the first half. That made that in some moments Hooper played the 4 position.

The good things:

- Thanks to Sanchez and Hooper this is a better rebounding team. There is no always box out but the team is improving (they have more experience). And the team goes hard for the offensive rebound.
- The team (and the offensive system) know that Hooper is a good shooter and they look for him.
- The individual defense. Some players (Pointer, Harrison, Branch and Jordan) have very quick hands and other players (Obepka, Sanchez) know in many times anticipate the play.
- A running team. The team play fast.
- The team knew that Harrison and Branch (remember, Sampson didn´t play) will shoot in the clutch. The team knows the options.

The things that need improvements:

- The free throw shooting.16/27 is not good.
- Unlike Lavin´s teams, many turnovers (24). It is true that some of them won´t happen in United States (travelling is different in Europe) but there were some bad passes.
- The 2-3 defense. Not because the 3 point shooting of the opponent (8/30), but there were some plays that the CB Prat frontcourt players were free near the basket and they made easy baskets. For example, Jones was benched twice for these kind of plays.
- I think that the team could use (and make some plays) for Obepka. 25 minutes, 1 shot in the last minute (a dunk that he missed).

But in the second game the team played better. The attack was more efficient (Sampson played and this helps) and there were many situations that the players made the correct pass to the teammate that was free and there were more easy baskets.

The 2-3 defense improved (at least in the interior plays). It was a visible fact that before the game all the coaches gave advices and talks to the players, telling them how they had to defend. Unfortunately Manresa team (a better team than CB Prat) shot 11/21 in 3 pointers. But, at least they covered better the interior plays.

The free throw shooting was bad again. For example, Richard steinfeld has written it about Hooper. Hooper didn´t shot many free throws, but in the five games in Europe I think that he was 3/8. Strange.

It is good that there were improvements, although it is obvious that all (players, coaches and fans) are ambitious and want more.

Phil Greene was shooting before the games. I don´t know when he could play.

I have to go out and I will write about the fantastic behaviour of the team to the kids tomorrow. Sorry.

And sorry for my english.

Gracias amigo!
You also confirm Paul's observation about our poor free throw shooting form and that if it does not improve from last year it will cost us games. You also have confirmed my observation from last year in that not a single play is ever run for Chris Obekpa, even against low caliber teams in Europe. That will not help his NBA stock and may discourage future bigs.
Looking forward to more from your visit with the team and we understand you much better than our Ebonics obsessed fan on Johnny Jungle! LOL!

 

[tom in salem]

StJohnsBasketball ‏@StJohnsBBall 16m
FINALLY THE JOHNNIES HAVE COME BACK TO NEW YORK! #SJUBB #WeAreNewYorksTeam #WeAreStJohns #NYC

 

[beast of the east]

I have gone back to my city. First of all, I should have written before the first game in Spain that I was not going to be available by internet in Barcelona because I didn´t travel with a computer. Sorry.

Thanks for your kind words to me.

It was fantastic to see St. John´s play in my country. I will write two topics in this thread, the first ome about the games and the second one about the behaviour of the players and the staff.

Although we win the first game, in the second one the team played better, much better.

First game:
A few considerations before my comments: Sampson (minor injury) and Achiuwa (stomach virus) didn´t play, so there were only 11 available players (two of them walk-ons) and Bourgault only played 3 minutes.
The team had many fouls. As you have written Sanchez and Pointer had 5 fouls and Branch had 4 fouls in the first half. That made that in some moments Hooper played the 4 position.

The good things:

- Thanks to Sanchez and Hooper this is a better rebounding team. There is no always box out but the team is improving (they have more experience). And the team goes hard for the offensive rebound.
- The team (and the offensive system) know that Hooper is a good shooter and they look for him.
- The individual defense. Some players (Pointer, Harrison, Branch and Jordan) have very quick hands and other players (Obepka, Sanchez) know in many times anticipate the play.
- A running team. The team play fast.
- The team knew that Harrison and Branch (remember, Sampson didn´t play) will shoot in the clutch. The team knows the options.

The things that need improvements:

- The free throw shooting.16/27 is not good.
- Unlike Lavin´s teams, many turnovers (24). It is true that some of them won´t happen in United States (travelling is different in Europe) but there were some bad passes.
- The 2-3 defense. Not because the 3 point shooting of the opponent (8/30), but there were some plays that the CB Prat frontcourt players were free near the basket and they made easy baskets. For example, Jones was benched twice for these kind of plays.
- I think that the team could use (and make some plays) for Obepka. 25 minutes, 1 shot in the last minute (a dunk that he missed).

But in the second game the team played better. The attack was more efficient (Sampson played and this helps) and there were many situations that the players made the correct pass to the teammate that was free and there were more easy baskets.

The 2-3 defense improved (at least in the interior plays). It was a visible fact that before the game all the coaches gave advices and talks to the players, telling them how they had to defend. Unfortunately Manresa team (a better team than CB Prat) shot 11/21 in 3 pointers. But, at least they covered better the interior plays.

The free throw shooting was bad again. For example, Richard steinfeld has written it about Hooper. Hooper didn´t shot many free throws, but in the five games in Europe I think that he was 3/8. Strange.

It is good that there were improvements, although it is obvious that all (players, coaches and fans) are ambitious and want more.

Phil Greene was shooting before the games. I don´t know when he could play.

I have to go out and I will write about the fantastic behaviour of the team to the kids tomorrow. Sorry.

And sorry for my english.

Gracias amigo!
You also confirm Paul's observation about our poor free throw shooting form and that if it does not improve from last year it will cost us games. You also have confirmed my observation from last year in that not a single play is ever run for Chris Obekpa, even against low caliber teams in Europe. That will not help his NBA stock and may discourage future bigs.
Looking forward to more from your visit with the team and we understand you much better than our Ebonics obsessed fan on Johnny Jungle! LOL!

Chris Obekpa needs some offensive ability before they run plays for him. He does not possess a short jumper, post moves, cannot put the ball on the floor, cannot drive to the hoop, or doesn't possess a short jump hook. He can throw it down, and he has excellent court vision and decent feel for the open man with the ball in his hands. Until he develops part of his offensive game, throwing him the ball with the idea that he will suddenly be able to put the ball in the hole is in my opinion, premature.

 

[Amaseinyourface]

Team definitely needed this trip.

Not sure how comfortable I am with D'Angelo averaging 15 shots a game with the collective talent that we have.

Who else would you prefer taking shots? I'll take 9/22 from him all year. Hopefully we can get a lot more easier baskets with more pressure/depth and penetration, but I'll take a Harrison jumper in the half court over just about anyone.

Agree. 27 pts on 22 shots is good production as it factors in 3s and drawing fouls.

9/22 is not going to win you a lot of games. Getting fouled in the act doesn't count as an official shot, so unless he hit 9 3's, you really didn't produce 27 points off 22 shots. My opinion is that if you are going to be taking 22 shots, you'd better be making at least half of them, and maybe more.

Harrison has a much more difficult role than say a Dom Pointer when it comes to scoring, and his shots shouldn't really be viewed in the same light. Harrison has to take tougher shots. Nobody wants Dom shooting off the bounce, coming off screens, etc. Harrison is far and away our best option for those tough shots. Obviously, if you can get penetration and a dish or something in secondary transition, you take that from anyone. A lot of half court sets won't produce that even for the best teams, and that is where you need a player like Harrison. Harrison does an amazing job of drawing contact and he has very good vision and handle. I want the ball in his hands as much as possible. The only player that was on Harrison's level last year was Branch for a little stretch and their chemistry was awesome. From the brief highlights it loos like Harrison has the same repect/trust for Sanchez and Jordan.

I really can't believe that 27 points on 22 shots is drawing any criticism or worry from our fans!

Bingo. In crunch time with the game on the line I want the ball in Dlo's hands.

I want the ball in Sheed or Branch's hands.

They can facilitate for either themselves or others.

Wth Dee, it's either he'll shoot it or bust.

Dlo is a good passer when he gets into the lane.

 

[beast of the east]

Team definitely needed this trip.

Not sure how comfortable I am with D'Angelo averaging 15 shots a game with the collective talent that we have.

Who else would you prefer taking shots? I'll take 9/22 from him all year. Hopefully we can get a lot more easier baskets with more pressure/depth and penetration, but I'll take a Harrison jumper in the half court over just about anyone.

Agree. 27 pts on 22 shots is good production as it factors in 3s and drawing fouls.

9/22 is not going to win you a lot of games. Getting fouled in the act doesn't count as an official shot, so unless he hit 9 3's, you really didn't produce 27 points off 22 shots. My opinion is that if you are going to be taking 22 shots, you'd better be making at least half of them, and maybe more.

Harrison has a much more difficult role than say a Dom Pointer when it comes to scoring, and his shots shouldn't really be viewed in the same light. Harrison has to take tougher shots. Nobody wants Dom shooting off the bounce, coming off screens, etc. Harrison is far and away our best option for those tough shots. Obviously, if you can get penetration and a dish or something in secondary transition, you take that from anyone. A lot of half court sets won't produce that even for the best teams, and that is where you need a player like Harrison. Harrison does an amazing job of drawing contact and he has very good vision and handle. I want the ball in his hands as much as possible. The only player that was on Harrison's level last year was Branch for a little stretch and their chemistry was awesome. From the brief highlights it loos like Harrison has the same repect/trust for Sanchez and Jordan.

I really can't believe that 27 points on 22 shots is drawing any criticism or worry from our fans!

Bingo. In crunch time with the game on the line I want the ball in Dlo's hands.

I want the ball in Sheed or Branch's hands.

They can facilitate for either themselves or others.

Wth Dee, it's either he'll shoot it or bust.

Dlo is a good passer when he gets into the lane.

Although I've been very critical of Harrison's overall performance, there is not question he possesses all of the tools. Excellent court vision, and the ability to split defense and find the open man is just one of them, and he has the ability to do this extremely well for a 2 guard.

 

[paultzman]

“@rumbleSBN: What insights have we learned about this year's Johnnies from #sjubb's Euro trip?http://sbn.to/19aBVdb”

 

[otis]

The below article entitled "St. John's European Trip: 5 Takeaways" appears on the Rumble in the Garden website.

LINK
http://www.rumbleinthegarden.com/st...30/st-johns-europe-summer-trip-five-takeaways


.

 

[Class of 72]

I have gone back to my city. First of all, I should have written before the first game in Spain that I was not going to be available by internet in Barcelona because I didn´t travel with a computer. Sorry.

Thanks for your kind words to me.

It was fantastic to see St. John´s play in my country. I will write two topics in this thread, the first ome about the games and the second one about the behaviour of the players and the staff.

Although we win the first game, in the second one the team played better, much better.

First game:
A few considerations before my comments: Sampson (minor injury) and Achiuwa (stomach virus) didn´t play, so there were only 11 available players (two of them walk-ons) and Bourgault only played 3 minutes.
The team had many fouls. As you have written Sanchez and Pointer had 5 fouls and Branch had 4 fouls in the first half. That made that in some moments Hooper played the 4 position.

The good things:

- Thanks to Sanchez and Hooper this is a better rebounding team. There is no always box out but the team is improving (they have more experience). And the team goes hard for the offensive rebound.
- The team (and the offensive system) know that Hooper is a good shooter and they look for him.
- The individual defense. Some players (Pointer, Harrison, Branch and Jordan) have very quick hands and other players (Obepka, Sanchez) know in many times anticipate the play.
- A running team. The team play fast.
- The team knew that Harrison and Branch (remember, Sampson didn´t play) will shoot in the clutch. The team knows the options.

The things that need improvements:

- The free throw shooting.16/27 is not good.
- Unlike Lavin´s teams, many turnovers (24). It is true that some of them won´t happen in United States (travelling is different in Europe) but there were some bad passes.
- The 2-3 defense. Not because the 3 point shooting of the opponent (8/30), but there were some plays that the CB Prat frontcourt players were free near the basket and they made easy baskets. For example, Jones was benched twice for these kind of plays.
- I think that the team could use (and make some plays) for Obepka. 25 minutes, 1 shot in the last minute (a dunk that he missed).

But in the second game the team played better. The attack was more efficient (Sampson played and this helps) and there were many situations that the players made the correct pass to the teammate that was free and there were more easy baskets.

The 2-3 defense improved (at least in the interior plays). It was a visible fact that before the game all the coaches gave advices and talks to the players, telling them how they had to defend. Unfortunately Manresa team (a better team than CB Prat) shot 11/21 in 3 pointers. But, at least they covered better the interior plays.

The free throw shooting was bad again. For example, Richard steinfeld has written it about Hooper. Hooper didn´t shot many free throws, but in the five games in Europe I think that he was 3/8. Strange.

It is good that there were improvements, although it is obvious that all (players, coaches and fans) are ambitious and want more.

Phil Greene was shooting before the games. I don´t know when he could play.

I have to go out and I will write about the fantastic behaviour of the team to the kids tomorrow. Sorry.

And sorry for my english.

Gracias amigo!
You also confirm Paul's observation about our poor free throw shooting form and that if it does not improve from last year it will cost us games. You also have confirmed my observation from last year in that not a single play is ever run for Chris Obekpa, even against low caliber teams in Europe. That will not help his NBA stock and may discourage future bigs.
Looking forward to more from your visit with the team and we understand you much better than our Ebonics obsessed fan on Johnny Jungle! LOL!

Chris Obekpa needs some offensive ability before they run plays for him. He does not possess a short jumper, post moves, cannot put the ball on the floor, cannot drive to the hoop, or doesn't possess a short jump hook. He can throw it down, and he has excellent court vision and decent feel for the open man with the ball in his hands. Until he develops part of his offensive game, throwing him the ball with the idea that he will suddenly be able to put the ball in the hole is in my opinion, premature.

In other words.......useless....except for blocking a few shots. Certainly not a future NBA prospect. You wonder why big centers are not making visits?

 

[beast of the east]

I have gone back to my city. First of all, I should have written before the first game in Spain that I was not going to be available by internet in Barcelona because I didn´t travel with a computer. Sorry.

Thanks for your kind words to me.

It was fantastic to see St. John´s play in my country. I will write two topics in this thread, the first ome about the games and the second one about the behaviour of the players and the staff.

Although we win the first game, in the second one the team played better, much better.

First game:
A few considerations before my comments: Sampson (minor injury) and Achiuwa (stomach virus) didn´t play, so there were only 11 available players (two of them walk-ons) and Bourgault only played 3 minutes.
The team had many fouls. As you have written Sanchez and Pointer had 5 fouls and Branch had 4 fouls in the first half. That made that in some moments Hooper played the 4 position.

The good things:

- Thanks to Sanchez and Hooper this is a better rebounding team. There is no always box out but the team is improving (they have more experience). And the team goes hard for the offensive rebound.
- The team (and the offensive system) know that Hooper is a good shooter and they look for him.
- The individual defense. Some players (Pointer, Harrison, Branch and Jordan) have very quick hands and other players (Obepka, Sanchez) know in many times anticipate the play.
- A running team. The team play fast.
- The team knew that Harrison and Branch (remember, Sampson didn´t play) will shoot in the clutch. The team knows the options.

The things that need improvements:

- The free throw shooting.16/27 is not good.
- Unlike Lavin´s teams, many turnovers (24). It is true that some of them won´t happen in United States (travelling is different in Europe) but there were some bad passes.
- The 2-3 defense. Not because the 3 point shooting of the opponent (8/30), but there were some plays that the CB Prat frontcourt players were free near the basket and they made easy baskets. For example, Jones was benched twice for these kind of plays.
- I think that the team could use (and make some plays) for Obepka. 25 minutes, 1 shot in the last minute (a dunk that he missed).

But in the second game the team played better. The attack was more efficient (Sampson played and this helps) and there were many situations that the players made the correct pass to the teammate that was free and there were more easy baskets.

The 2-3 defense improved (at least in the interior plays). It was a visible fact that before the game all the coaches gave advices and talks to the players, telling them how they had to defend. Unfortunately Manresa team (a better team than CB Prat) shot 11/21 in 3 pointers. But, at least they covered better the interior plays.

The free throw shooting was bad again. For example, Richard steinfeld has written it about Hooper. Hooper didn´t shot many free throws, but in the five games in Europe I think that he was 3/8. Strange.

It is good that there were improvements, although it is obvious that all (players, coaches and fans) are ambitious and want more.

Phil Greene was shooting before the games. I don´t know when he could play.

I have to go out and I will write about the fantastic behaviour of the team to the kids tomorrow. Sorry.

And sorry for my english.

Gracias amigo!
You also confirm Paul's observation about our poor free throw shooting form and that if it does not improve from last year it will cost us games. You also have confirmed my observation from last year in that not a single play is ever run for Chris Obekpa, even against low caliber teams in Europe. That will not help his NBA stock and may discourage future bigs.
Looking forward to more from your visit with the team and we understand you much better than our Ebonics obsessed fan on Johnny Jungle! LOL!

Chris Obekpa needs some offensive ability before they run plays for him. He does not possess a short jumper, post moves, cannot put the ball on the floor, cannot drive to the hoop, or doesn't possess a short jump hook. He can throw it down, and he has excellent court vision and decent feel for the open man with the ball in his hands. Until he develops part of his offensive game, throwing him the ball with the idea that he will suddenly be able to put the ball in the hole is in my opinion, premature.

In other words.......useless....except for blocking a few shots. Certainly not a future NBA prospect. You wonder why big centers are not making visits?

At this point, no offensive game. My future son-in-law likens him to Okefor at this stage of development. I do think that shot blockers are such a premium that you cannot teach, that if he works hard could be a credible offensive player. I like all of our front line players, but am reasonable in expectations. He have such depth this year that if a couple of guys bust through it could be a really fun season. There already are signs that we may be surprised with a few guys, based on performances in Europe. It is Lavin's best team talent wise for certain.

Al McGuire used to say that guards are a dime a dozen, but aircraft carriers are few and far between. I think Lavin will land one soon enough, but until then the overall talent coming our way will continue to be on the upswing.

 

[tom in salem]

I have gone back to my city. First of all, I should have written before the first game in Spain that I was not going to be available by internet in Barcelona because I didn´t travel with a computer. Sorry.

Thanks for your kind words to me.

It was fantastic to see St. John´s play in my country. I will write two topics in this thread, the first ome about the games and the second one about the behaviour of the players and the staff.

Although we win the first game, in the second one the team played better, much better.

First game:
A few considerations before my comments: Sampson (minor injury) and Achiuwa (stomach virus) didn´t play, so there were only 11 available players (two of them walk-ons) and Bourgault only played 3 minutes.
The team had many fouls. As you have written Sanchez and Pointer had 5 fouls and Branch had 4 fouls in the first half. That made that in some moments Hooper played the 4 position.

The good things:

- Thanks to Sanchez and Hooper this is a better rebounding team. There is no always box out but the team is improving (they have more experience). And the team goes hard for the offensive rebound.
- The team (and the offensive system) know that Hooper is a good shooter and they look for him.
- The individual defense. Some players (Pointer, Harrison, Branch and Jordan) have very quick hands and other players (Obepka, Sanchez) know in many times anticipate the play.
- A running team. The team play fast.
- The team knew that Harrison and Branch (remember, Sampson didn´t play) will shoot in the clutch. The team knows the options.

The things that need improvements:

- The free throw shooting.16/27 is not good.
- Unlike Lavin´s teams, many turnovers (24). It is true that some of them won´t happen in United States (travelling is different in Europe) but there were some bad passes.
- The 2-3 defense. Not because the 3 point shooting of the opponent (8/30), but there were some plays that the CB Prat frontcourt players were free near the basket and they made easy baskets. For example, Jones was benched twice for these kind of plays.
- I think that the team could use (and make some plays) for Obepka. 25 minutes, 1 shot in the last minute (a dunk that he missed).

But in the second game the team played better. The attack was more efficient (Sampson played and this helps) and there were many situations that the players made the correct pass to the teammate that was free and there were more easy baskets.

The 2-3 defense improved (at least in the interior plays). It was a visible fact that before the game all the coaches gave advices and talks to the players, telling them how they had to defend. Unfortunately Manresa team (a better team than CB Prat) shot 11/21 in 3 pointers. But, at least they covered better the interior plays.

The free throw shooting was bad again. For example, Richard steinfeld has written it about Hooper. Hooper didn´t shot many free throws, but in the five games in Europe I think that he was 3/8. Strange.

It is good that there were improvements, although it is obvious that all (players, coaches and fans) are ambitious and want more.

Phil Greene was shooting before the games. I don´t know when he could play.

I have to go out and I will write about the fantastic behaviour of the team to the kids tomorrow. Sorry.

And sorry for my english.

Gracias amigo!
You also confirm Paul's observation about our poor free throw shooting form and that if it does not improve from last year it will cost us games. You also have confirmed my observation from last year in that not a single play is ever run for Chris Obekpa, even against low caliber teams in Europe. That will not help his NBA stock and may discourage future bigs.
Looking forward to more from your visit with the team and we understand you much better than our Ebonics obsessed fan on Johnny Jungle! LOL!

Chris Obekpa needs some offensive ability before they run plays for him. He does not possess a short jumper, post moves, cannot put the ball on the floor, cannot drive to the hoop, or doesn't possess a short jump hook. He can throw it down, and he has excellent court vision and decent feel for the open man with the ball in his hands. Until he develops part of his offensive game, throwing him the ball with the idea that he will suddenly be able to put the ball in the hole is in my opinion, premature.

In other words.......useless....except for blocking a few shots. Certainly not a future NBA prospect. You wonder why big centers are not making visits?

At this point, no offensive game. My future son-in-law likens him to Okefor at this stage of development. I do think that shot blockers are such a premium that you cannot teach, that if he works hard could be a credible offensive player. I like all of our front line players, but am reasonable in expectations. He have such depth this year that if a couple of guys bust through it could be a really fun season. There already are signs that we may be surprised with a few guys, based on performances in Europe. It is Lavin's best team talent wise for certain.

Al McGuire used to say that guards are a dime a dozen, but aircraft carriers are few and far between. I think Lavin will land one soon enough, but until then the overall talent coming our way will continue to be on the upswing.

You really think this is his best team?
I think Hardy's team was quite a bit better.

 

[Class of 72]

I have gone back to my city. First of all, I should have written before the first game in Spain that I was not going to be available by internet in Barcelona because I didn´t travel with a computer. Sorry.

Thanks for your kind words to me.

It was fantastic to see St. John´s play in my country. I will write two topics in this thread, the first ome about the games and the second one about the behaviour of the players and the staff.

Although we win the first game, in the second one the team played better, much better.

First game:
A few considerations before my comments: Sampson (minor injury) and Achiuwa (stomach virus) didn´t play, so there were only 11 available players (two of them walk-ons) and Bourgault only played 3 minutes.
The team had many fouls. As you have written Sanchez and Pointer had 5 fouls and Branch had 4 fouls in the first half. That made that in some moments Hooper played the 4 position.

The good things:

- Thanks to Sanchez and Hooper this is a better rebounding team. There is no always box out but the team is improving (they have more experience). And the team goes hard for the offensive rebound.
- The team (and the offensive system) know that Hooper is a good shooter and they look for him.
- The individual defense. Some players (Pointer, Harrison, Branch and Jordan) have very quick hands and other players (Obepka, Sanchez) know in many times anticipate the play.
- A running team. The team play fast.
- The team knew that Harrison and Branch (remember, Sampson didn´t play) will shoot in the clutch. The team knows the options.

The things that need improvements:

- The free throw shooting.16/27 is not good.
- Unlike Lavin´s teams, many turnovers (24). It is true that some of them won´t happen in United States (travelling is different in Europe) but there were some bad passes.
- The 2-3 defense. Not because the 3 point shooting of the opponent (8/30), but there were some plays that the CB Prat frontcourt players were free near the basket and they made easy baskets. For example, Jones was benched twice for these kind of plays.
- I think that the team could use (and make some plays) for Obepka. 25 minutes, 1 shot in the last minute (a dunk that he missed).

But in the second game the team played better. The attack was more efficient (Sampson played and this helps) and there were many situations that the players made the correct pass to the teammate that was free and there were more easy baskets.

The 2-3 defense improved (at least in the interior plays). It was a visible fact that before the game all the coaches gave advices and talks to the players, telling them how they had to defend. Unfortunately Manresa team (a better team than CB Prat) shot 11/21 in 3 pointers. But, at least they covered better the interior plays.

The free throw shooting was bad again. For example, Richard steinfeld has written it about Hooper. Hooper didn´t shot many free throws, but in the five games in Europe I think that he was 3/8. Strange.

It is good that there were improvements, although it is obvious that all (players, coaches and fans) are ambitious and want more.

Phil Greene was shooting before the games. I don´t know when he could play.

I have to go out and I will write about the fantastic behaviour of the team to the kids tomorrow. Sorry.

And sorry for my english.

Gracias amigo!
You also confirm Paul's observation about our poor free throw shooting form and that if it does not improve from last year it will cost us games. You also have confirmed my observation from last year in that not a single play is ever run for Chris Obekpa, even against low caliber teams in Europe. That will not help his NBA stock and may discourage future bigs.
Looking forward to more from your visit with the team and we understand you much better than our Ebonics obsessed fan on Johnny Jungle! LOL!

Chris Obekpa needs some offensive ability before they run plays for him. He does not possess a short jumper, post moves, cannot put the ball on the floor, cannot drive to the hoop, or doesn't possess a short jump hook. He can throw it down, and he has excellent court vision and decent feel for the open man with the ball in his hands. Until he develops part of his offensive game, throwing him the ball with the idea that he will suddenly be able to put the ball in the hole is in my opinion, premature.

In other words.......useless....except for blocking a few shots. Certainly not a future NBA prospect. You wonder why big centers are not making visits?

At this point, no offensive game. My future son-in-law likens him to Okefor at this stage of development. I do think that shot blockers are such a premium that you cannot teach, that if he works hard could be a credible offensive player. I like all of our front line players, but am reasonable in expectations. He have such depth this year that if a couple of guys bust through it could be a really fun season. There already are signs that we may be surprised with a few guys, based on performances in Europe. It is Lavin's best team talent wise for certain.

Al McGuire used to say that guards are a dime a dozen, but aircraft carriers are few and far between. I think Lavin will land one soon enough, but until then the overall talent coming our way will continue to be on the upswing.

You really think this is his best team?
I think Hardy's team was quite a bit better.

Hardy 's team was a Norm team.

 

[simplyred]

"Hardy's team", as Seniors, may be comparable to this team. Compared to that team as Juniors, this team is much better. These guys, in my opinion, will be better than that team by the end of the year. I loved that team but the talent level right now is much better.