(Exhibition) Adelphi, Wed. Oct. 26, 7pm, ESPN-3

ADELPHI 55
ST. JOHN’S 85

BOXSCORE
 
Good to get openning night jitters out of the way and playing time for all. A few years between games versus Adelphi (124 years). As noted by announcers, last night Cuse played an exhibition versus Indiana (Univversity of Pennsylvania) and trailed at half time. While these exhibitions may not mean much to division 1 schools, they mean very much to the division 2 opponent and Adelphi did not quit but gave it all they could.
 
I just got back from the arena. It was fun to see this year's team live after watching the DR games on video. Although it is hard to take much away from the game based on the level of opposition here are a few of my observations:

1) Posh is absolutely the leader of this team and will need to avoid injury or we will probably struggle if he is unavailable.
2) I personally will miss Champagnie and no one individual will fill his numbers but hopefully, the collective talent will make up for his departure.
3) I think Soriano will be much more of a force and I expect him to be very good. He also seems like he will be a leader for the younger players.
4) Stanley seems to be much more developed and I expect him to probably start and be a main piece in the rotation.
5) Jones is as talented as anyone we have and how good a season he has will be an indicator of how good the team will be.
6) Since Curtis Johnson was here we have not had anyone the length of Mohamed Keita. His size is impressive and it will be interesting to watch him develop over time. He showed some good timing when he blocked three shots in a few-minute span.
7) The seat backs were not part of the court-level seating on the side opposite the team benches. They were part of the middle level of seating but not at the top level.
8) There seemed to be a higher intensity of court lighting that was sometimes a bit glaring when the lights shined in your eyes.
9) Curbelo had a good second half after being pretty much a non-entity in the first half. It will be interesting to see what he brings to the table because at his best he seems like he can be very good.
10) Storr is very athletic and it will be interesting to see how he develops. His upside seems good to me.
11) Nyiwe did not play.
12) Kolby King is a very aggressive player. I assume he will get some minutes based on his energy and defense.
13) Montez Mathis made some outside shots tonight. More of that would be an unexpected surprise and very much needed.
14) Drissa Traore seems like a positive energy person and I hope he finds his way on the court for a bit of run.
15) Wusu did not stand out tonight but I believe he will be an effective player for us once again.
16) Pinzon started the game, hit a basket early, but did not do much after that. He sprained an ankle in the 2nd half but returned to the court later in the game to play a bit.
 
Brought my whole family to the game tonight. Was super fun. Soriano and Stanley played great inside -- but Adelphi does not have big players so it is hard to predict how well they will do in the Big East games. Posh had some beautiful plays, as did Curbelo. Was really happy with how Curbelo played both defensively and offensively. He is going to be terrific. And best of all was Jones. He had some great rebounds and drives and shots. And we met him in the stands after the game, and he was really nice. DJ will be a big star. We are lucky to have him. CMA deserves a lot of credit for bringing in these great transfers, and Joel and Posh have done a great job welcoming them. And Storr and King look promising too. I am excited about this season.
 
Had to miss the fun tonight but planning to watch Saturday. Glad to see most everybody got some good minutes.
 
I like Jones's ability, because he's got to cut it with the reckless drives to the hoop. He also seemed soft putting it up. However, his mid-range game was impressive.

Storr and Curbelo were our two best players in the second half.

The big guys had a field day against this small team, but Soriano struggled against smaller guys at times last year, so that was a positive development.

Took the team about 15 minutes to truly wake up, but once they did, Adelphi couldn't handle the pace, and the game took on the look of a workout. That led to some silly showtime plays that we won't be able to get away with in the Big East, but the guys had fun, and seemed to like each other.

Speaking of showtime plays, the highlight reel play of the year was probably sealed on that Jones attempted alley-oop to Soriano that actually went in the basket. I don't recall ever seeing that before, although I probably have, and just don't remember it.
 
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Storr is going to take a lot of Pinzon minutes! Pinzon did not impress me at all! I would have Storr in the starting lineup now!
Baptism by fire! As far as the arena improvements a typical band aid approach to appease the fan base temporarily! No beer yet! They claim they are working on it!
 
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