The Robert Morris game featured a st johns team that was terribly disappointed and "couldnt care less" about the NIT. Even with that they made a run in the second half and almost pulled it out. Granted Lavin, as a coach, should have had them inspired to be the the tournament and that is on him. But in the long run, I want Lavin to stick around and support giving him an extension. If Jakarr hadnt left we would definitley be ncaa bound but even without him we have a good chance and I am hoping for some basketball fun this coming season
Extend Lavin - Yes or No?
- Thread starter redfazed
- Start date
The Robert Morris game featured a st johns team that was terribly disappointed and "couldnt care less" about the NIT. Even with that they made a run in the second half and almost pulled it out. Granted Lavin, as a coach, should have had them inspired to be the the tournament and that is on him. But in the long run, I want Lavin to stick around and support giving him an extension. If Jakarr hadnt left we would definitley be ncaa bound but even without him we have a good chance and I am hoping for some basketball fun this coming season
I don't know if this was posted elsewhere, but ESPN has an insider article with a list of coaches on the proverbial Hot Seat..
(by Jeff Goodman fwiw)
Coaches who need to make a run
Steve Lavin, St. John’s Red Storm
He led the Red Storm to the NCAA tournament in his first season, primarily with Norm Roberts’ players, and there was so much optimism. Lavin then dealt with health issues but has bounced back well and done a terrific job recruiting. However, there have been two consecutive NIT appearances with a roster that many felt should have been a lock to go to the NCAAs. Lavin has only two years left on his six-year deal and could be out if this season's team underachieves.
http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/jeff-goodman/post?id=3644
(by Jeff Goodman fwiw)
Coaches who need to make a run
Steve Lavin, St. John’s Red Storm
He led the Red Storm to the NCAA tournament in his first season, primarily with Norm Roberts’ players, and there was so much optimism. Lavin then dealt with health issues but has bounced back well and done a terrific job recruiting. However, there have been two consecutive NIT appearances with a roster that many felt should have been a lock to go to the NCAAs. Lavin has only two years left on his six-year deal and could be out if this season's team underachieves.
http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/jeff-goodman/post?id=3644
basketballjones
Well-known member
The ESPN piece is a heck of a lot of pressure. We have an improving back court, but with Sampson leaving there is no front court scoring, Obekpa's offense is weak, we have a huge hole at small forward and limited scoring off the bench. Thomas could surprise but to count on that is a mistake. He's never played at a Big East level before. I don't see next season as one that's going to be an improvement.
Next years improvement will depend first and foremost on the same thing as least year. The offensive production of Obepka and Jordan. Hopefully this year it happens.
As well he should be on the hot seat. IMO give him till the middle of this coming year with his seniors. We(and the administration) should have a pretty good idea by then if this team is headed in the right direction(The NCAA tourney). If there's a marked improvement at that point then offer him a 2 year non-guaranteed extension. If there's not a marked improvement then let the season play out and make a call when it ends.
BOB BARKER
Member
Agreed= by end of dec,we should know whether team can make tournament,as well as whether there will be this boatload of recruits
Today's talk radio shows are a great example of why winning is the bottom line in sports management. The same fans who have called for Glen Sathers firing for the last ten years are putting him in the Hall of Fame today.
westchesterjoe
Active member
Sather is still a lousy GM and this year's results cannot be offset by his previous decade plus of incompetence. While ST LOUIS is great for this year's playoffs, he's 38 years old!
Giving up Callahan plus high draft choices was paying a bit too much for MARTY, who I do love as a player..But, Lavin is another story.. If NIT is the benchmark but, not winning it are positives, LAVIN IS OUR GUY. if we have higher aspirations, then he's not.
Jordan won't be the issue. Him and Harrison could end up being the best backcourt in the conference. The problem is (a) the team still doesn't have any great shooters on the roster (b) I doubt Thomas and Delarosa replace Sampson and Sanchez scoring numbers.
I like Obekpa a lot, but I just don't see him taking a huge step forward offensively. Maybe he adds a few more PPG, but he doesn't look like the type of guy that will ever average double digits.
I don't have a care in the world about our backcourt which is among the best in the BE. Unfortunately they need the ball to be competitive. That means rebounding will be our biggest question mark. CO is a known quantity so Thomas will be the key. When a JUCO is your most critical player you're rolling the dice big time. What I've seen of Jones and ADR doesn't turn me on so I think .500 will be an achievement. Going forward recruiting will be critical. I don't believe any of our whiffs this year had anything to do with Lavin's contract status. Let him earn an extension by producing some results. No more excuses. Let his replacement start over like new guys usually do.
rawdognyc
Well-known member
Are these realistic average points per player per game?
D'Lo 18
Jordan 15
Greene 10
Pointer 7
Obekpa 6
Branch 7
Thomas 8
Jones 6
ADR 2
Balamou 4
That roughly gives you 85 per game. I don't think I'm high balling any of those numbers. I think easily attainable by each player. Last year if you took each players average ppg it equaled 74 points. I know this formula is in no way scientific, however I do feel that we are making a bigger issue about replacing scoring then we really need to. I think it will be more balanced and better flow. Granted that's with everyone buying into it being team first, which definitely didn't happen last year.
D'Lo 18
Jordan 15
Greene 10
Pointer 7
Obekpa 6
Branch 7
Thomas 8
Jones 6
ADR 2
Balamou 4
That roughly gives you 85 per game. I don't think I'm high balling any of those numbers. I think easily attainable by each player. Last year if you took each players average ppg it equaled 74 points. I know this formula is in no way scientific, however I do feel that we are making a bigger issue about replacing scoring then we really need to. I think it will be more balanced and better flow. Granted that's with everyone buying into it being team first, which definitely didn't happen last year.
beast of the east
Active member
I seriously doubt we will average anywhere close to 85 points per game. The roster has only one guard who will shoot reasonably well form the field (Jordan), and unless Harrison (option #1) or Greene (option #3) up their shooting percentages, it figures to be another season of near miss for an NCAA bid. The three guards should easily score 60% of our points, so I see us scoring in the low to mid 60s.
I know he didn't shoot many but in conference play PGIII had the highest 3ptFG% of anyone not on Creighton. Just saying as he, and the rest of the team, certainly have some potential to continue growing players. Not saying I'm expecting a lot but like every off season, I'm hopefull. Wait'll next year fellas.
rawdognyc
Well-known member
I agree. Unless we were a run and gun full court press team, we won't come anywhere near that total. My main point is that I think that we'll be able to easily make up for the loss of points from Karr, sanchez, GG and Hooper with the current players if they average what I feel are easily reachable. I also feel that Jordan, Harrison and Greene can score 45 a game. I think we can get 20-25 from 5-6 other players. My opinion and hope at least is to average 70 odd per game
stjohnschris
Active member
Agreed, and my big hope for a major improvement from last year is that we are running plays where CO has a role and commits to his role. On paper, Thomas and CO should be major factors with offensive rebounds, IF plays are designed that put them in a good position when the shot goes up.
