Felix Balamou

[monte]

Coach sees Dlo going in the draft this year and he wants Balamou ready to step in from day 1 next year.

Draft in which sport? He has no shot in the NBA. I love the kid but he doesn't have the size or quickness.

I said that facetiously but:

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jacksma01.html

Dlo's biggest problem would be his ability, or lack thereof, to distribute.

I thought you were being serious. Harrison is a fine passer, he biggest weakness is that he doesn't come remotely close to the physical requirements of playing in the NBA. He is not quick, tall, long, or athletic. He really has no chance IMO.

Think you're writing NBA chances off a little to quickly. Yes he's small for the SG position in the league, but he's got the heart of a lion and he's now channeling his emotions/energies positively,. Not saying he's a shoe in, but i wouldn't be shocked to see him on an NBA roster at some point down the road.

 

[monte]

I am mystified by the comments about Balamou. He is athletic, and so far that is all you can say about him. Right now he looks like a poor man's Alpha Bangura. Maybe he will have a Lavor Postell-like developmental curve. We'll see.

Regardless, the decision to activate him makes zero sense unless a guard is leaving for good, imminently (or perhaps unless Balamou indicated he would transfer if he didn't get some time). The backcourt is fully stocked with Harrison, Jordan, Greene and Branch. If the staff managed to get over its love affair with the 3-guard lineup then there would be barely enough minutes for the 4 guards we have.

There's another shoe here somewhere.

Unfortunately, I am in complete agreement with LMF. There is not enough pt for the current crop of guards so why play Felix?
I said prior to the season that the biggest challenge the staff had was to manage pt and that at least 2 players needed to be redshirted.
I suggested Greene but clearly could live with the redshirting of Felix, whom to date is a proven capable rebounder and shot blocker. Not the qualities you look for in a guard.
Why he was started, especially at SF is an absolute head scratcher unless there is something we all don"t know. I hope such is not the case as I have no stomach for bad news.

SF is his position. Why are you scratching your head at that?

He is listed as a guard. I just double checked at redstormsports.com.

That may be what they list him at but sf is what best suits him at this point. He plays a few inches bigger than he is and he does most of his work inside.

Yeah but he's likely a few inches shorter then what he's listed at, so it's a wash

 

[Section9]

Balamou has the highest ceiling on the team other than Jordan and arguably Obekpa IMO. I'll agree he wasn't a world beater on defense yesterday, but if you watched the game he got lost in a series of screens and it was his first game back in almost a year. He was also playing against a nearly finished collegiate product that is on the NBA radar--a 6'0 PG at that.

For those of you saying he can't shoot or score, you obviously didn't see him in high school. He was a big scorer and he had a quick trigger from deep. I'm not saying he's a sharpshooter, but I think he is a kid that can see north of 35% with 4-5 attempts per game with good shot selection.

I liked the idea of having him here for three years after this season, but he can really help this year. It all has to start on defense and with rebounding/loose balls. That is his specialty. Also, for such an athletic freak, he plays under control seemingly at all times. Sampson, Obekpa, and Pointer could really learn from that.

Posters on this board love to make the Dom to Oladipo comparison, but I think it is Balamou that has that kind of breakout potential.

There you go backtracking. He's either the best defender on the team or he's not. Funny how Dom didn't get as lost in those screens and did a much better job of stopping the guy.

There are plenty of guys who are big scorers in HS who can't translate it to the next level. Maybe Felix has that potential, but right now he's the third option at either guard position, even though he started yesterday. With Dlo and Phil back next year and Branch and probably Sheed as well, where do you see him getting the time? He may contribute by his senior year, but barring injuries or transfers I don't see it happening before then.

I'll take Sampson, Pointer and Chris playing "out of control", as you say, over Felix playing under control.

 

[LJSA]

That may be what they list him at but sf is what best suits him at this point. He plays a few inches bigger than he is and he does most of his work inside.

He's also the only backup SF type on the roster capable of manning the position for more than a couple minutes at a time. I didn't think he'd get the redshirt pulled, but I absolutely expected him as a full-time backup SF next season. I never thought Hooper would be able to slide in if Pointer got injured, but would be a lot less scared with Felix there.

 

[redmanwest]

The whole thing really makes no sense to me.

 

[Amaseinyourface]

Balamou has the highest ceiling on the team other than Jordan and arguably Obekpa IMO. I'll agree he wasn't a world beater on defense yesterday, but if you watched the game he got lost in a series of screens and it was his first game back in almost a year. He was also playing against a nearly finished collegiate product that is on the NBA radar--a 6'0 PG at that.

For those of you saying he can't shoot or score, you obviously didn't see him in high school. He was a big scorer and he had a quick trigger from deep. I'm not saying he's a sharpshooter, but I think he is a kid that can see north of 35% with 4-5 attempts per game with good shot selection.

I liked the idea of having him here for three years after this season, but he can really help this year. It all has to start on defense and with rebounding/loose balls. That is his specialty. Also, for such an athletic freak, he plays under control seemingly at all times. Sampson, Obekpa, and Pointer could really learn from that.

Posters on this board love to make the Dom to Oladipo comparison, but I think it is Balamou that has that kind of breakout potential.

There you go backtracking. He's either the best defender on the team or he's not. Funny how Dom didn't get as lost in those screens and did a much better job of stopping the guy.

There are plenty of guys who are big scorers in HS who can't translate it to the next level. Maybe Felix has that potential, but right now he's the third option at either guard position, even though he started yesterday. With Dlo and Phil back next year and Branch and probably Sheed as well, where do you see him getting the time? He may contribute by his senior year, but barring injuries or transfers I don't see it happening before then.

I'll take Sampson, Pointer and Chris playing "out of control", as you say, over Felix playing under control.

It was his first game since last February. Is it crazy that he got lost on some screens? Does that eliminate the chance of him being our best defender?

I don't like that he came out of the red shirt but I definitely think that he can help us this year. We are going to be pressing very often it seems and his game is suited for a baseline to baseline scheme.

 

[Marillac]

Balamou has the highest ceiling on the team other than Jordan and arguably Obekpa IMO. I'll agree he wasn't a world beater on defense yesterday, but if you watched the game he got lost in a series of screens and it was his first game back in almost a year. He was also playing against a nearly finished collegiate product that is on the NBA radar--a 6'0 PG at that.

For those of you saying he can't shoot or score, you obviously didn't see him in high school. He was a big scorer and he had a quick trigger from deep. I'm not saying he's a sharpshooter, but I think he is a kid that can see north of 35% with 4-5 attempts per game with good shot selection.

I liked the idea of having him here for three years after this season, but he can really help this year. It all has to start on defense and with rebounding/loose balls. That is his specialty. Also, for such an athletic freak, he plays under control seemingly at all times. Sampson, Obekpa, and Pointer could really learn from that.

Posters on this board love to make the Dom to Oladipo comparison, but I think it is Balamou that has that kind of breakout potential.

There you go backtracking. He's either the best defender on the team or he's not. Funny how Dom didn't get as lost in those screens and did a much better job of stopping the guy.

There are plenty of guys who are big scorers in HS who can't translate it to the next level. Maybe Felix has that potential, but right now he's the third option at either guard position, even though he started yesterday. With Dlo and Phil back next year and Branch and probably Sheed as well, where do you see him getting the time? He may contribute by his senior year, but barring injuries or transfers I don't see it happening before then.

I'll take Sampson, Pointer and Chris playing "out of control", as you say, over Felix playing under control.

How am I backtracking you idiot? The next time Dom plays a ball screen properly will be his first. Dom's on ball defensive prowess is the most exaggerated thing I've encountered as a St. John's fan. He's a fantastic as a help defense and jump long passing lanes but he gets baked repeatedly by his man.

Balamou is the best. Period.

 

[Amaseinyourface]

Balamou has the highest ceiling on the team other than Jordan and arguably Obekpa IMO. I'll agree he wasn't a world beater on defense yesterday, but if you watched the game he got lost in a series of screens and it was his first game back in almost a year. He was also playing against a nearly finished collegiate product that is on the NBA radar--a 6'0 PG at that.

For those of you saying he can't shoot or score, you obviously didn't see him in high school. He was a big scorer and he had a quick trigger from deep. I'm not saying he's a sharpshooter, but I think he is a kid that can see north of 35% with 4-5 attempts per game with good shot selection.

I liked the idea of having him here for three years after this season, but he can really help this year. It all has to start on defense and with rebounding/loose balls. That is his specialty. Also, for such an athletic freak, he plays under control seemingly at all times. Sampson, Obekpa, and Pointer could really learn from that.

Posters on this board love to make the Dom to Oladipo comparison, but I think it is Balamou that has that kind of breakout potential.

There you go backtracking. He's either the best defender on the team or he's not. Funny how Dom didn't get as lost in those screens and did a much better job of stopping the guy.

There are plenty of guys who are big scorers in HS who can't translate it to the next level. Maybe Felix has that potential, but right now he's the third option at either guard position, even though he started yesterday. With Dlo and Phil back next year and Branch and probably Sheed as well, where do you see him getting the time? He may contribute by his senior year, but barring injuries or transfers I don't see it happening before then.

I'll take Sampson, Pointer and Chris playing "out of control", as you say, over Felix playing under control.

How am I backtracking you idiot? The next time Dom plays a ball screen properly will be his first. Dom's on ball defensive prowess is the most exaggerated thing I've encountered as a St. John's fan. He's a fantastic as a help defense and jump long passing lanes but he gets baked repeatedly by his man.

Balamou is the best. Period.

Think Jordan is the best on ball defender we have.

 

[bamafan]

The whole thing really makes no sense to me.

It makes so little sense it is actually starting to make sense! :huh: :dry: :lol:

 

[Section9]

Balamou has the highest ceiling on the team other than Jordan and arguably Obekpa IMO. I'll agree he wasn't a world beater on defense yesterday, but if you watched the game he got lost in a series of screens and it was his first game back in almost a year. He was also playing against a nearly finished collegiate product that is on the NBA radar--a 6'0 PG at that.

For those of you saying he can't shoot or score, you obviously didn't see him in high school. He was a big scorer and he had a quick trigger from deep. I'm not saying he's a sharpshooter, but I think he is a kid that can see north of 35% with 4-5 attempts per game with good shot selection.

I liked the idea of having him here for three years after this season, but he can really help this year. It all has to start on defense and with rebounding/loose balls. That is his specialty. Also, for such an athletic freak, he plays under control seemingly at all times. Sampson, Obekpa, and Pointer could really learn from that.

Posters on this board love to make the Dom to Oladipo comparison, but I think it is Balamou that has that kind of breakout potential.

There you go backtracking. He's either the best defender on the team or he's not. Funny how Dom didn't get as lost in those screens and did a much better job of stopping the guy.

There are plenty of guys who are big scorers in HS who can't translate it to the next level. Maybe Felix has that potential, but right now he's the third option at either guard position, even though he started yesterday. With Dlo and Phil back next year and Branch and probably Sheed as well, where do you see him getting the time? He may contribute by his senior year, but barring injuries or transfers I don't see it happening before then.

I'll take Sampson, Pointer and Chris playing "out of control", as you say, over Felix playing under control.

How am I backtracking you idiot? The next time Dom plays a ball screen properly will be his first. Dom's on ball defensive prowess is the most exaggerated thing I've encountered as a St. John's fan. He's a fantastic as a help defense and jump long passing lanes but he gets baked repeatedly by his man.

Balamou is the best. Period.

You're backtracking because you said Balamou's the best defender and then made excuses when he flamed against Y St. best player, who Dom helped shut down. If you think Balamou's a better defender than Dom then you're the idiot .

 

[41ndone]

Fight, Fight,Fight

 

[Marillac]

Balamou has the highest ceiling on the team other than Jordan and arguably Obekpa IMO. I'll agree he wasn't a world beater on defense yesterday, but if you watched the game he got lost in a series of screens and it was his first game back in almost a year. He was also playing against a nearly finished collegiate product that is on the NBA radar--a 6'0 PG at that.

For those of you saying he can't shoot or score, you obviously didn't see him in high school. He was a big scorer and he had a quick trigger from deep. I'm not saying he's a sharpshooter, but I think he is a kid that can see north of 35% with 4-5 attempts per game with good shot selection.

I liked the idea of having him here for three years after this season, but he can really help this year. It all has to start on defense and with rebounding/loose balls. That is his specialty. Also, for such an athletic freak, he plays under control seemingly at all times. Sampson, Obekpa, and Pointer could really learn from that.

Posters on this board love to make the Dom to Oladipo comparison, but I think it is Balamou that has that kind of breakout potential.

There you go backtracking. He's either the best defender on the team or he's not. Funny how Dom didn't get as lost in those screens and did a much better job of stopping the guy.

There are plenty of guys who are big scorers in HS who can't translate it to the next level. Maybe Felix has that potential, but right now he's the third option at either guard position, even though he started yesterday. With Dlo and Phil back next year and Branch and probably Sheed as well, where do you see him getting the time? He may contribute by his senior year, but barring injuries or transfers I don't see it happening before then.

I'll take Sampson, Pointer and Chris playing "out of control", as you say, over Felix playing under control.

How am I backtracking you idiot? The next time Dom plays a ball screen properly will be his first. Dom's on ball defensive prowess is the most exaggerated thing I've encountered as a St. John's fan. He's a fantastic as a help defense and jump long passing lanes but he gets baked repeatedly by his man.

Balamou is the best. Period.

You're backtracking because you said Balamou's the best defender and then made excuses when he flamed against Y St. best player, who Dom helped shut down. If you think Balamou's a better defender than Dom then you're the idiot .

First of all, Lavin said the same thing.

Second, being the best on-ball defender on this St. John's team is like being the best high jumper in a colony of pygmies. We haven't stopped quick guards for three years. Dom gets baked more than any player on the team man-to-man and he has no idea how to handle screens.

Finally, I was in no way backtracking on my original comment that Balamou was our best on-ball defender just because I said he got lost in screens on two possessions in his ten minutes of action. Dom got lost in screens, as usual, all night long. I was simply pointing out that it happened and not to generalize his performance based on it.

 

[ccnobz]

I think you guys are forgetting Jordan is on the team, he is our best defender.

 

[Moose]

Balamou has the highest ceiling on the team other than Jordan and arguably Obekpa IMO. I'll agree he wasn't a world beater on defense yesterday, but if you watched the game he got lost in a series of screens and it was his first game back in almost a year. He was also playing against a nearly finished collegiate product that is on the NBA radar--a 6'0 PG at that.

For those of you saying he can't shoot or score, you obviously didn't see him in high school. He was a big scorer and he had a quick trigger from deep. I'm not saying he's a sharpshooter, but I think he is a kid that can see north of 35% with 4-5 attempts per game with good shot selection.

I liked the idea of having him here for three years after this season, but he can really help this year. It all has to start on defense and with rebounding/loose balls. That is his specialty. Also, for such an athletic freak, he plays under control seemingly at all times. Sampson, Obekpa, and Pointer could really learn from that.

Posters on this board love to make the Dom to Oladipo comparison, but I think it is Balamou that has that kind of breakout potential.

There you go backtracking. He's either the best defender on the team or he's not. Funny how Dom didn't get as lost in those screens and did a much better job of stopping the guy.

There are plenty of guys who are big scorers in HS who can't translate it to the next level. Maybe Felix has that potential, but right now he's the third option at either guard position, even though he started yesterday. With Dlo and Phil back next year and Branch and probably Sheed as well, where do you see him getting the time? He may contribute by his senior year, but barring injuries or transfers I don't see it happening before then.

I'll take Sampson, Pointer and Chris playing "out of control", as you say, over Felix playing under control.

How am I backtracking you idiot? The next time Dom plays a ball screen properly will be his first. Dom's on ball defensive prowess is the most exaggerated thing I've encountered as a St. John's fan. He's a fantastic as a help defense and jump long passing lanes but he gets baked repeatedly by his man.

Balamou is the best. Period.

You're backtracking because you said Balamou's the best defender and then made excuses when he flamed against Y St. best player, who Dom helped shut down. If you think Balamou's a better defender than Dom then you're the idiot .

First of all, Lavin said the same thing.

I don't think you want to use that to support your case.

 

[paultzman]

Balamou has the highest ceiling on the team other than Jordan and arguably Obekpa IMO. I'll agree he wasn't a world beater on defense yesterday, but if you watched the game he got lost in a series of screens and it was his first game back in almost a year. He was also playing against a nearly finished collegiate product that is on the NBA radar--a 6'0 PG at that.

For those of you saying he can't shoot or score, you obviously didn't see him in high school. He was a big scorer and he had a quick trigger from deep. I'm not saying he's a sharpshooter, but I think he is a kid that can see north of 35% with 4-5 attempts per game with good shot selection.

I liked the idea of having him here for three years after this season, but he can really help this year. It all has to start on defense and with rebounding/loose balls. That is his specialty. Also, for such an athletic freak, he plays under control seemingly at all times. Sampson, Obekpa, and Pointer could really learn from that.

Posters on this board love to make the Dom to Oladipo comparison, but I think it is Balamou that has that kind of breakout potential.

There you go backtracking. He's either the best defender on the team or he's not. Funny how Dom didn't get as lost in those screens and did a much better job of stopping the guy.

There are plenty of guys who are big scorers in HS who can't translate it to the next level. Maybe Felix has that potential, but right now he's the third option at either guard position, even though he started yesterday. With Dlo and Phil back next year and Branch and probably Sheed as well, where do you see him getting the time? He may contribute by his senior year, but barring injuries or transfers I don't see it happening before then.

I'll take Sampson, Pointer and Chris playing "out of control", as you say, over Felix playing under control.

How am I backtracking you idiot? The next time Dom plays a ball screen properly will be his first. Dom's on ball defensive prowess is the most exaggerated thing I've encountered as a St. John's fan. He's a fantastic as a help defense and jump long passing lanes but he gets baked repeatedly by his man.

Balamou is the best. Period.

You're backtracking because you said Balamou's the best defender and then made excuses when he flamed against Y St. best player, who Dom helped shut down. If you think Balamou's a better defender than Dom then you're the idiot .

First of all, Lavin said the same thing.

I don't think you want to use that to support your case.

 

[firestorm]

+1!

Well played. That gave me my morning laugh...

 

[Marillac]

Balamou has the highest ceiling on the team other than Jordan and arguably Obekpa IMO. I'll agree he wasn't a world beater on defense yesterday, but if you watched the game he got lost in a series of screens and it was his first game back in almost a year. He was also playing against a nearly finished collegiate product that is on the NBA radar--a 6'0 PG at that.

For those of you saying he can't shoot or score, you obviously didn't see him in high school. He was a big scorer and he had a quick trigger from deep. I'm not saying he's a sharpshooter, but I think he is a kid that can see north of 35% with 4-5 attempts per game with good shot selection.

I liked the idea of having him here for three years after this season, but he can really help this year. It all has to start on defense and with rebounding/loose balls. That is his specialty. Also, for such an athletic freak, he plays under control seemingly at all times. Sampson, Obekpa, and Pointer could really learn from that.

Posters on this board love to make the Dom to Oladipo comparison, but I think it is Balamou that has that kind of breakout potential.

There you go backtracking. He's either the best defender on the team or he's not. Funny how Dom didn't get as lost in those screens and did a much better job of stopping the guy.

There are plenty of guys who are big scorers in HS who can't translate it to the next level. Maybe Felix has that potential, but right now he's the third option at either guard position, even though he started yesterday. With Dlo and Phil back next year and Branch and probably Sheed as well, where do you see him getting the time? He may contribute by his senior year, but barring injuries or transfers I don't see it happening before then.

I'll take Sampson, Pointer and Chris playing "out of control", as you say, over Felix playing under control.

How am I backtracking you idiot? The next time Dom plays a ball screen properly will be his first. Dom's on ball defensive prowess is the most exaggerated thing I've encountered as a St. John's fan. He's a fantastic as a help defense and jump long passing lanes but he gets baked repeatedly by his man.

Balamou is the best. Period.

You're backtracking because you said Balamou's the best defender and then made excuses when he flamed against Y St. best player, who Dom helped shut down. If you think Balamou's a better defender than Dom then you're the idiot .

First of all, Lavin said the same thing.

I don't think you want to use that to support your case.

Haha this is funny.

 

[tom in salem]

I just don't see Felix being much of a contributor any time soon. I hope I'm wrong and you guys are right.

You are wrong The kid is a beast. He instantly becomes our best offensive rebounder and defender. He plays with great pace and I think he will be one of our top outside shooters as well as one of the best threats on the baseline. Time to turn up the pressure!

And you gathered all this player insight from his first 10 minutes of the season where he shot 0-1 and grabbed 1 rebound? What offensive rebounds? I counted 16 for Youngstown and 9 for us. Some unknown snowflake named Hain out rebounded Gift, Obekpa and Sanchez.

I saw him plenty last season and I watched about 10 games of his in high school. The kid skies for blocks and rebounds like he's 6'9.

I understand you are the ultimate glass half-empty guy, but I would think even you couldn't deny Balamou's obvious tenacity on the glass and defensive end.

As a team our offensive rebounding has been awful. Sampson spends too much time forgetting that he cannot be stopped on the offensive glass when he wants it. Sanchez could also be force if he played closer to the basket.

I am a glass half full kind of guy and I really like Felix since he plays with a pair of balls while a couple of guys play like they have none but do not be fooled by the smoke screen of his starting a game.
I am more concerned that Obekpa has been relegated as a sub which should do wonders for his NBA draft stock and the utter failure of Jamal Branch as "the" point guard or Primo playing defense as soft as flan. If this team were not so dysfunctional, Felix would be a great 7th man. A starter? Those practices must be really effed up a third of the season in!

I concur with much of your post.
I think with Branch's minutes dwindling (down to 13 mpg), Lavin see Felix as his 4th best back court option now.
As he likes the 3 guard look, Felix does provide more than Branch.
BE play is 9 days away and I'd suspect Felix will get more minutes than Branch come league play.
Just hoping Jordan returns soon as right now he's probably the 3rd best player on this team.

I would like to retract my Felix comments.
After today, I have to assume this kid has no future with the current team.

 

[SJUISBACK]

So last week Rysheed goes home to Philly, and Lavin suits up Balamou.
Today Rysheed played and Balamou doesn`t play one minute.

So activating Balamou had nothing to do with Rysheed going home? Yeah right
Lavin will defend the decision by saying oh Balamou didn`t have a good practice this week or something.

 

[thetux1]

this might be the 1st time ever a guy got activated to sit the year on the bench. Great use of a year of eligibility. The Mets don't call up pitchers like Harvey and Wheeler that they can actually use till sometime in June so as not to start their free agency clock yet we piss away a year for a guy that we aren't gonna play unless something unforeseen happens in the future.