dalydoseofhoops
Active member
http://dalydoseofhoops.blogspot.com/2019/07/evaluating-mike-andersons-first-100.html
Hope you’re enjoying the offseason!
Hope you’re enjoying the offseason!
Evaluating Mike’s first 100 days
- Thread starter dalydoseofhoops
- Start date
MarkRedman
Well-known member
I'd give CMA straight A's across the board so far
He's been a breath of fresh air and has pushed all the right buttons in his first 100 days
He's been a breath of fresh air and has pushed all the right buttons in his first 100 days
[quote="MarkRedman" post=355116]I'd give CMA straight A's across the board so far
He's been a breath of fresh air and has pushed all the right buttons in his first 100 days[/quote]
Very happy with the start but everyone knows the proof will be W’s and L’s, with the product on the court and program perception also counting some. Obviously, recruiting and team / player development vital to all of that. The time frame for “final” judgement greatly varies but there it is.
He's been a breath of fresh air and has pushed all the right buttons in his first 100 days[/quote]
Very happy with the start but everyone knows the proof will be W’s and L’s, with the product on the court and program perception also counting some. Obviously, recruiting and team / player development vital to all of that. The time frame for “final” judgement greatly varies but there it is.
Agree with all the grades except possibly recruiting. The writer includes LJ and Must as recruits, in which case a B+ is warranted IMO. I'd also give them an A+ for recruiting effort(and overall effort). However I don't think they warrant more than a C for new commitments. .
redstorm89
Active member
its way too early to tell but so far so good
JohnnyFever
Active member
Mike has made a good impression thus far and seems like a real professional who doesn't talk a big game but rather gets right down to business. No leaks, no drama, just basketball and top notch effort. I think the only thing that is a big question mark is his ability to get 4 star level recruits here so far. Obviously we all understand he just needs warm bodies to fill out the roster as he's rebuilding...but at the same time there are new coaches who immediately get solid recruits right out of the gate too if we're being fair. My hope and I'm sure the hope of many others is that he snags at least 2 or 3 legitimate recruits and shows signs of hope on that front. Right now, as someone else said, it seems we will have a mid major roster in a major conference if things don't start changing pretty quickly. That's not being a pessimist, that's just factual. If you lose the few studs that were leftover and have only mid major talent to replace them, what else would you expect? It seems we have a good chance with Posh, but honestly if he's the headliner it will probably not be enough. To compete in the Big East, you need legitimate top 30 classes...nationally if not better.
[quote="Mike Zaun" post=355155]Mike has made a good impression thus far and seems like a real professional who doesn't talk a big game but rather gets right down to business. No leaks, no drama, just basketball and top notch effort. I think the only thing that is a big question mark is his ability to get 4 star level recruits here so far. Obviously we all understand he just needs warm bodies to fill out the roster as he's rebuilding...but at the same time there are new coaches who immediately get solid recruits right out of the gate too if we're being fair. My hope and I'm sure the hope of many others is that he snags at least 2 or 3 legitimate recruits and shows signs of hope on that front. Right now, as someone else said, it seems we will have a mid major roster in a major conference if things don't start changing pretty quickly. That's not being a pessimist, that's just factual. If you lose the few studs that were leftover and have only mid major talent to replace them, what else would you expect? It seems we have a good chance with Posh, but honestly if he's the headliner it will probably not be enough. To compete in the Big East, you need legitimate top 30 classes...nationally if not better.[/quote]
I would expect solid Juco additions and not expecting “wow” 2020 Prep haul. That said, impress on the court this year with some solid wins and exciting brand of ball and recruiting will be on uptick. Impressing on court of course may be in the eye of the beholder. In my view SJU can impress, but still not be post season participant.
I would expect solid Juco additions and not expecting “wow” 2020 Prep haul. That said, impress on the court this year with some solid wins and exciting brand of ball and recruiting will be on uptick. Impressing on court of course may be in the eye of the beholder. In my view SJU can impress, but still not be post season participant.
JohnnyFever
Active member
Paultz, that's fair...I'm hoping the only thing holding back the top 100 recruits is 1) not much of a relationship yet since he just started and 2) haven't seen the style on the court yet.
[quote="Paultzman" post=355157][quote="Mike Zaun" post=355155]Mike has made a good impression thus far and seems like a real professional who doesn't talk a big game but rather gets right down to business. No leaks, no drama, just basketball and top notch effort. I think the only thing that is a big question mark is his ability to get 4 star level recruits here so far. Obviously we all understand he just needs warm bodies to fill out the roster as he's rebuilding...but at the same time there are new coaches who immediately get solid recruits right out of the gate too if we're being fair. My hope and I'm sure the hope of many others is that he snags at least 2 or 3 legitimate recruits and shows signs of hope on that front. Right now, as someone else said, it seems we will have a mid major roster in a major conference if things don't start changing pretty quickly. That's not being a pessimist, that's just factual. If you lose the few studs that were leftover and have only mid major talent to replace them, what else would you expect? It seems we have a good chance with Posh, but honestly if he's the headliner it will probably not be enough. To compete in the Big East, you need legitimate top 30 classes...nationally if not better.[/quote]
I would expect solid Juco additions and not expecting “wow” 2020 Prep haul. That said, impress on the court this year with some solid wins and exciting brand of ball and recruiting will be on uptick. Impressing on court of course may be in the eye of the beholder. In my view SJU can impress, but still not be post season participant.[/quote]
Agree with your "eye of the beholder" comment Paultz. To me it's less about W-Ls, and more about this team being competitive game in and game out. Looking for them to be well coached, fundamentally sound, unified and to play with consistent intensity. If that happens, then good things will come.
I would expect solid Juco additions and not expecting “wow” 2020 Prep haul. That said, impress on the court this year with some solid wins and exciting brand of ball and recruiting will be on uptick. Impressing on court of course may be in the eye of the beholder. In my view SJU can impress, but still not be post season participant.[/quote]
Agree with your "eye of the beholder" comment Paultz. To me it's less about W-Ls, and more about this team being competitive game in and game out. Looking for them to be well coached, fundamentally sound, unified and to play with consistent intensity. If that happens, then good things will come.
[quote="Mike Zaun" post=355158]Paultz, that's fair...I'm hoping the only thing holding back the top 100 recruits is 1) not much of a relationship yet since he just started and 2) haven't seen the style on the court yet.[/quote]
I think the biggest thing holding back major recruits is our image as a program, which isn't very good.
Candidly, its been a shit show for 20+ years that culminated in a very public intervention of sorts after Mullin left.. Who wants to send their kid to a school that doesn't win, changes head coaches more frequently than most people go to the dentist, and whose fanbase largely has unrealistic delusions of grandeur?
Hiring Mike was the first step in a LONG process designed to turn all of those perceptions around. People need to have something that is usually in VERY short supply with St John's fans...Patience. Not that it couldn't turn around quickly with the right commitment or two, but the reality is that it will take several years to clean up and improve our image on both a local and national level.
Coach Anderson will ultimately be judged by how many games he wins juxtaposed with how he represents the university. He won't be judged by how many 4* recruits he gets in his first 6 months on the job.
I think the biggest thing holding back major recruits is our image as a program, which isn't very good.
Candidly, its been a shit show for 20+ years that culminated in a very public intervention of sorts after Mullin left.. Who wants to send their kid to a school that doesn't win, changes head coaches more frequently than most people go to the dentist, and whose fanbase largely has unrealistic delusions of grandeur?
Hiring Mike was the first step in a LONG process designed to turn all of those perceptions around. People need to have something that is usually in VERY short supply with St John's fans...Patience. Not that it couldn't turn around quickly with the right commitment or two, but the reality is that it will take several years to clean up and improve our image on both a local and national level.
Coach Anderson will ultimately be judged by how many games he wins juxtaposed with how he represents the university. He won't be judged by how many 4* recruits he gets in his first 6 months on the job.
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All poignant posts above.
Thanks.
We are sooo much headed in the right direction.
I do not see how we could have garnered a better coach, staff, roster, promise that we currently enjoy.
Like the "back of the baseball card" metaphor/analogy (whatever).
Mike A wins. Has won. And came her to continue his proud tradition.
Exceeded all expectations from that short bleak period immediately after the CM parting of the ways.
Forget W-Ls in the short run. Exciting brand of recruiting and play is upon us.
all the best
Thanks.
We are sooo much headed in the right direction.
I do not see how we could have garnered a better coach, staff, roster, promise that we currently enjoy.
Like the "back of the baseball card" metaphor/analogy (whatever).
Mike A wins. Has won. And came her to continue his proud tradition.
Exceeded all expectations from that short bleak period immediately after the CM parting of the ways.
Forget W-Ls in the short run. Exciting brand of recruiting and play is upon us.
all the best
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JohnnyFever
Active member
The staff is no doubt refreshing and I don't have to stay up at night wondering if the staff even truly cares the way we do. Just waiting for the first legit 4 star recruit to fall for us...then if we have a solid year where we show life even though we won't be in postseason, it will really help jump start recruiting.
beast of the east
Active member
I don't expect Anderson's team to play an exciting brand of basketball. If this is truly "40 minutes of Hell" for opponents, it will mean long possessions for opponents where there is always someone glued to you, lower scores etc. I don't think we will have a front line that allows guards to gamble for steals or who will be rejecting shots into the stratosphere. So if it will truly be a defensive minded team, it will be a team where exeveryone busts it on defense. An old coaches saying is "We rest on offense" The other adage is that everyone can play tough, hardnosed defense - it's a mindset and a commitment.
A successful season would be partly comprised of teams hating to play us because they know they are in for it. Let's see if Anderson delivers on that. If he does, I will care less about record, and more about the good things to come when the talent arrives.
A successful season would be partly comprised of teams hating to play us because they know they are in for it. Let's see if Anderson delivers on that. If he does, I will care less about record, and more about the good things to come when the talent arrives.
[quote="Paul Massell" post=355196]So far it seems like the most professional staff since LC. No drama. No egos. Just working.[/quote]
Very relieved to have MA, and if not for Mike Cragg, we would be discussing the coaching performance of the Loyola coach, on a eight year contract.
Very relieved to have MA, and if not for Mike Cragg, we would be discussing the coaching performance of the Loyola coach, on a eight year contract.
[quote="Beast of the East" post=355275]I don't expect Anderson's team to play an exciting brand of basketball. If this is truly "40 minutes of Hell" for opponents, it will mean long possessions for opponents where there is always someone glued to you, lower scores etc. I don't think we will have a front line that allows guards to gamble for steals or who will be rejecting shots into the stratosphere. So if it will truly be a defensive minded team, it will be a team where exeveryone busts it on defense. An old coaches saying is "We rest on offense" The other adage is that everyone can play tough, hardnosed defense - it's a mindset and a commitment.
A successful season would be partly comprised of teams hating to play us because they know they are in for it. Let's see if Anderson delivers on that. If he does, I will care less about record, and more about the good things to come when the talent arrives.[/quote]
Agree but I would point out that it is hard to imagine Fig on the floor and there being a lack of excitement. The guy turns hustle into plays. Second, I think both Roberts and Steere have good shot blocking potential. Watching old tape of Steere I was surprised how many shots he blocked. But it may be a moot point if the staff wants it off the table for lack of front line depth / fouls to give. I suspect we will have a lot of foul trouble especially first half of season. Fortunately our two most mature players are also our two best so we can stay in games as long as they are healthy and not in foul trouble.
A successful season would be partly comprised of teams hating to play us because they know they are in for it. Let's see if Anderson delivers on that. If he does, I will care less about record, and more about the good things to come when the talent arrives.[/quote]
Agree but I would point out that it is hard to imagine Fig on the floor and there being a lack of excitement. The guy turns hustle into plays. Second, I think both Roberts and Steere have good shot blocking potential. Watching old tape of Steere I was surprised how many shots he blocked. But it may be a moot point if the staff wants it off the table for lack of front line depth / fouls to give. I suspect we will have a lot of foul trouble especially first half of season. Fortunately our two most mature players are also our two best so we can stay in games as long as they are healthy and not in foul trouble.
Why is everyone so quick to write us off before the season even starts. We have 2 of the best players in the big east in Figgy and Heron. Roberts and williams should be solid this year and we have a coach who know how to coach and how to teach. Don't be surprised if we have a better conference record than last year. Smart well coached teams tend to win close games and not get blown out.
beast of the east
Active member
[quote="johnsliva" post=355289]Why is everyone so quick to write us off before the season even starts. We have 2 of the best players in the big east in Figgy and Heron. Roberts and williams should be solid this year and we have a coach who know how to coach and how to teach. Don't be surprised if we have a better conference record than last year. Smart well coached teams tend to win close games and not get blown out.[/quote]
What's reasonable is that last season we had Ponds, Simon, and Clark - all very solid players, and barely squeaked to a play in NCAA game. Now a lot of people will classify last season as successful, because the dance was the goal, and we got there. Given our history, even though we played very poorly over the last 3 BE reg season games, the BET, and the NCAAs, we got there because of those 5 guys.
So while we have a few new guys coming in, and an experienced coach, most people feel that if Anderson has success here, this will be one of his worst seasons because what's coming in isn't as good as what left.
What's reasonable is that last season we had Ponds, Simon, and Clark - all very solid players, and barely squeaked to a play in NCAA game. Now a lot of people will classify last season as successful, because the dance was the goal, and we got there. Given our history, even though we played very poorly over the last 3 BE reg season games, the BET, and the NCAAs, we got there because of those 5 guys.
So while we have a few new guys coming in, and an experienced coach, most people feel that if Anderson has success here, this will be one of his worst seasons because what's coming in isn't as good as what left.
beast of the east
Active member
[quote="Paul Massell" post=355281][quote="Beast of the East" post=355275]I don't expect Anderson's team to play an exciting brand of basketball. If this is truly "40 minutes of Hell" for opponents, it will mean long possessions for opponents where there is always someone glued to you, lower scores etc. I don't think we will have a front line that allows guards to gamble for steals or who will be rejecting shots into the stratosphere. So if it will truly be a defensive minded team, it will be a team where exeveryone busts it on defense. An old coaches saying is "We rest on offense" The other adage is that everyone can play tough, hardnosed defense - it's a mindset and a commitment.
A successful season would be partly comprised of teams hating to play us because they know they are in for it. Let's see if Anderson delivers on that. If he does, I will care less about record, and more about the good things to come when the talent arrives.[/quote]
Agree but I would point out that it is hard to imagine Fig on the floor and there being a lack of excitement. The guy turns hustle into plays. Second, I think both Roberts and Steere have good shot blocking potential. Watching old tape of Steere I was surprised how many shots he blocked. But it may be a moot point if the staff wants it off the table for lack of front line depth / fouls to give. I suspect we will have a lot of foul trouble especially first half of season. Fortunately our two most mature players are also our two best so we can stay in games as long as they are healthy and not in foul trouble.[/quote]
LJ does some amazing things - but most of them are playing off the ball, catching an alley oop, thunderous putback jam, etc. Unless he improves dramatically, don't expect him to put the ball on the floor and blow by people, or throw a hellacious move. He will astound at times playing above the rim on offense, or key blocks on defense, especially coming from nowhere to swap something.
The bigger improvement will come from Heron. If we are to be competitive, he will have to average around 20 ppg, and have a good shooting percentage. He can fill it up quickly when hot, and 18 feet and in can kill when he's feeling it.
Just hoping our guys will be lunch pail mentality that really outwork opponents and play within themselves. Winning basketball is never boring, but don't expect this to be Phi Slamma jamma.
A successful season would be partly comprised of teams hating to play us because they know they are in for it. Let's see if Anderson delivers on that. If he does, I will care less about record, and more about the good things to come when the talent arrives.[/quote]
Agree but I would point out that it is hard to imagine Fig on the floor and there being a lack of excitement. The guy turns hustle into plays. Second, I think both Roberts and Steere have good shot blocking potential. Watching old tape of Steere I was surprised how many shots he blocked. But it may be a moot point if the staff wants it off the table for lack of front line depth / fouls to give. I suspect we will have a lot of foul trouble especially first half of season. Fortunately our two most mature players are also our two best so we can stay in games as long as they are healthy and not in foul trouble.[/quote]
LJ does some amazing things - but most of them are playing off the ball, catching an alley oop, thunderous putback jam, etc. Unless he improves dramatically, don't expect him to put the ball on the floor and blow by people, or throw a hellacious move. He will astound at times playing above the rim on offense, or key blocks on defense, especially coming from nowhere to swap something.
The bigger improvement will come from Heron. If we are to be competitive, he will have to average around 20 ppg, and have a good shooting percentage. He can fill it up quickly when hot, and 18 feet and in can kill when he's feeling it.
Just hoping our guys will be lunch pail mentality that really outwork opponents and play within themselves. Winning basketball is never boring, but don't expect this to be Phi Slamma jamma.
[quote="Beast of the East" post=355302][quote="johnsliva" post=355289]Why is everyone so quick to write us off before the season even starts. We have 2 of the best players in the big east in Figgy and Heron. Roberts and williams should be solid this year and we have a coach who know how to coach and how to teach. Don't be surprised if we have a better conference record than last year. Smart well coached teams tend to win close games and not get blown out.[/quote]
What's reasonable is that last season we had Ponds, Simon, and Clark - all very solid players, and barely squeaked to a play in NCAA game. Now a lot of people will classify last season as successful, because the dance was the goal, and we got there. Given our history, even though we played very poorly over the last 3 BE reg season games, the BET, and the NCAAs, we got there because of those 5 guys.
So while we have a few new guys coming in, and an experienced coach, most people feel that if Anderson has success here, this will be one of his worst seasons because what's coming in isn't as good as what left.[/quote] Exactly . Plus Roberts and Williams are going to have to make big jumps relative to last year for us to be good. Can’t depend on 2 players to carry us.
What's reasonable is that last season we had Ponds, Simon, and Clark - all very solid players, and barely squeaked to a play in NCAA game. Now a lot of people will classify last season as successful, because the dance was the goal, and we got there. Given our history, even though we played very poorly over the last 3 BE reg season games, the BET, and the NCAAs, we got there because of those 5 guys.
So while we have a few new guys coming in, and an experienced coach, most people feel that if Anderson has success here, this will be one of his worst seasons because what's coming in isn't as good as what left.[/quote] Exactly . Plus Roberts and Williams are going to have to make big jumps relative to last year for us to be good. Can’t depend on 2 players to carry us.