Guys on Matt’s Radar
- Thread starter paultzman
- Start date
[quote="redken" post=281900][quote="alexander salem" post=281896][quote="redken" post=281895][quote="panther2" post=281878][quote="redken" post=281867]So basically we've written off recruiting any metro-area HS guards for the '19 and '20 classes. And here I thought that building strong ties with local programs and keeping talent at home was supposed to be the backbone of the CM era.[/quote]
While having ties with local schools is good, the staff has to also go for the players they feel may make an impact. How many of you remember how Lavin was destroyed on this board for not recruiting Omar Calhoun and Jon Severe out of Christ The King. Then there were the lies put out by Arbitello that Lavin's staff did not enter his gym. The reason I can say this is a lie is because I went to CTK with Tony Chiles and Rico on a few occasions. I also sat next to Lavin when he watched Adonis play.
At the present time, Matt has established a great relationship with Coach Pollard from Jefferson, the school that blessed us with Shamorie. He has two guards, classes of 20 & 21 that are very good. Jalen Nesmith's father has contacted the staff and let them know that his son is interested in St Johns. He is also class of 20. What I am trying to say is New York is no longer producing stud players year after year.[/quote]
Panther, I always value your opinion and I agree that the NY talent pool isn't as deep as it once was, but I'm not blown away by adding Wright, and the fact that Earlington is our only metro-area recruit (in our less than stellar recruiting class) is very disappointing given the 2018 names that were being talked about at the start of the season. (And if we don't do well this season, all those 2019 names optimistically being bandied about will similarly take it elsewhere.) And the way the staff mishandled Luther Muhammad's recruitment as well as the failure to land a badly needed big man frustrates the hell out of me. For the record, I'm not anti-Mullin (although I'm not happy with some of what I've heard recently), but it's obvious our staff needs a change and/or the addition of another recruiter to go along with Matt. (Time for a Xanax.)[/quote]
How did the staff mishandle Muhammad's recruitment?[/quote]
By telling him he was our primary target but not being able to offer substantial PT because he'd be part of a possible six-man backcourt that included the new additions Dixon and Trimble as well as three returning starters. (At the time, LoVett was still with the team.)[/quote]
Muhammad is a stoned competitor and would not at all be afraid to compete for court time. He picked another school, a great school in a power conference, one with better resources and facilities and offering more of the "college experience."
While having ties with local schools is good, the staff has to also go for the players they feel may make an impact. How many of you remember how Lavin was destroyed on this board for not recruiting Omar Calhoun and Jon Severe out of Christ The King. Then there were the lies put out by Arbitello that Lavin's staff did not enter his gym. The reason I can say this is a lie is because I went to CTK with Tony Chiles and Rico on a few occasions. I also sat next to Lavin when he watched Adonis play.
At the present time, Matt has established a great relationship with Coach Pollard from Jefferson, the school that blessed us with Shamorie. He has two guards, classes of 20 & 21 that are very good. Jalen Nesmith's father has contacted the staff and let them know that his son is interested in St Johns. He is also class of 20. What I am trying to say is New York is no longer producing stud players year after year.[/quote]
Panther, I always value your opinion and I agree that the NY talent pool isn't as deep as it once was, but I'm not blown away by adding Wright, and the fact that Earlington is our only metro-area recruit (in our less than stellar recruiting class) is very disappointing given the 2018 names that were being talked about at the start of the season. (And if we don't do well this season, all those 2019 names optimistically being bandied about will similarly take it elsewhere.) And the way the staff mishandled Luther Muhammad's recruitment as well as the failure to land a badly needed big man frustrates the hell out of me. For the record, I'm not anti-Mullin (although I'm not happy with some of what I've heard recently), but it's obvious our staff needs a change and/or the addition of another recruiter to go along with Matt. (Time for a Xanax.)[/quote]
How did the staff mishandle Muhammad's recruitment?[/quote]
By telling him he was our primary target but not being able to offer substantial PT because he'd be part of a possible six-man backcourt that included the new additions Dixon and Trimble as well as three returning starters. (At the time, LoVett was still with the team.)[/quote]
Muhammad is a stoned competitor and would not at all be afraid to compete for court time. He picked another school, a great school in a power conference, one with better resources and facilities and offering more of the "college experience."
[quote="gman" post=281880]I’m not a huge fan of signing another transfer especially a sophomore. Theoretically can’t this kid play one year and leave as a grad transfer?[/quote]
That's my understanding of the rule gman. A key and increasing risk of playing transfer game.
Granted, you have no-sit, no redshirt juniors that have only played for 1 school graduating after 3 years and leveraging this rule. So it's not just transfers.
But at least in that scenario you got a kid for 3 years.
Unless there is a restriction to the rule i'm not aware of, theoretically even a play 1, sit 1, play 1 transfer could be eligible to play immediately elsewhere as long as they graduated in the 3 years..
Let alone a play 2, sit 1, play 1 or play 1, sit 1, play 2. Both of those will likely almost always be at risk to leave for their last year.
That's my understanding of the rule gman. A key and increasing risk of playing transfer game.
Granted, you have no-sit, no redshirt juniors that have only played for 1 school graduating after 3 years and leveraging this rule. So it's not just transfers.
But at least in that scenario you got a kid for 3 years.
Unless there is a restriction to the rule i'm not aware of, theoretically even a play 1, sit 1, play 1 transfer could be eligible to play immediately elsewhere as long as they graduated in the 3 years..
Let alone a play 2, sit 1, play 1 or play 1, sit 1, play 2. Both of those will likely almost always be at risk to leave for their last year.
The starting lineup now could be:
Keita 6'9
Clark 6'7
Figueroa 6'5
Simon 6'4
Ponds 6'0
Another big for depth would have been nice but this is not a small college lineup. I'm optimistic, I think the staff did a very good job of getting maximum talent from the transfer process this year.
Keita 6'9
Clark 6'7
Figueroa 6'5
Simon 6'4
Ponds 6'0
Another big for depth would have been nice but this is not a small college lineup. I'm optimistic, I think the staff did a very good job of getting maximum talent from the transfer process this year.
While there's no argument on this board that we all wanted a big for next season, it is what it is at this point. I credit the staff for grabbing three players in a week. Caraher seems like the type of kid who kills us every year. Wright was a consensus Top 100 recruit coming out of high school. Maybe a change of scenery and some playing type revitalizes his career the way it has Simon. Being buddies with Keita can't hurt either. Figueroa was another Top 100 kid who had offers from good schools and was an All-American this past season as a freshman in JUCO. No reason to think he can't give us at worst what Ahmed did last year.
The roster balance is so-so. Of the 11 guys we'll have suiting up this year (not counting Wright, Caraher), it looks like this:
1-year eligibility left: Clark
2-year eligibility left: Ponds (counting him for now), Simon
3-year eligibility left: Figueroa, Dixon, Keita, Trimble
4-year eligibility left: Williams, Roberts, Diakite, Earlington.
I think that if Owens had stayed this board would be a lot more fired up; another big, roster balance, continuity, etc. Be that as it may, I think on paper we have a team that should be both deeper and better next season. How many wins/losses that translates to remains to be seen.
The roster balance is so-so. Of the 11 guys we'll have suiting up this year (not counting Wright, Caraher), it looks like this:
1-year eligibility left: Clark
2-year eligibility left: Ponds (counting him for now), Simon
3-year eligibility left: Figueroa, Dixon, Keita, Trimble
4-year eligibility left: Williams, Roberts, Diakite, Earlington.
I think that if Owens had stayed this board would be a lot more fired up; another big, roster balance, continuity, etc. Be that as it may, I think on paper we have a team that should be both deeper and better next season. How many wins/losses that translates to remains to be seen.
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Windy City Johnny Fan
Member
Still a bit of movement possible. Ponds still up in the air. And now with the Figueroa signing, you have to think Trimble is heading down to the bursar's office for transfer paperwork as we speak.
[quote="IDRAFT" post=281909]The starting lineup now could be:
Keita 6'9
Clark 6'7
Figueroa 6'5
Simon 6'4
Ponds 6'0
Another big for depth would have been nice but this is not a small college lineup. I'm optimistic, I think the staff did a very good job of getting maximum talent from the transfer process this year.[/quote] Not a bad lineup. Keita gives us more rebounds and better inside game than Owens IMO, and Dixon will make a nice 6 th man,
Keita 6'9
Clark 6'7
Figueroa 6'5
Simon 6'4
Ponds 6'0
Another big for depth would have been nice but this is not a small college lineup. I'm optimistic, I think the staff did a very good job of getting maximum talent from the transfer process this year.[/quote] Not a bad lineup. Keita gives us more rebounds and better inside game than Owens IMO, and Dixon will make a nice 6 th man,
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Windy City Johnny Fan
Member
Plus Diakite still a total unknown. Feels like roster not totally set yet.
Pressure on with some very good talent. Taking advantage of this window of opportunity to change perception of program is important.
Personally, I don’t like the Wright commitment, but LJ seems like a good one. I hope they get Burke who can play same point like Dixon, both combo guards. That will help a bit filling Ponds void when he leaves next season. It will also give a kid like Gaffney time to break in at PG if we get him.
Lastly on the absence of big men this cycle, they did whiff on Femi and apparently had a kid from Africa in their sites, but it did not materialize. I too am disappointed in the 2 year drought on bigs. Well the ball is in Mullin’s hands to prove this can work. Sending Keita for pre healing in Lourdes may also be a good idea.
Personally, I don’t like the Wright commitment, but LJ seems like a good one. I hope they get Burke who can play same point like Dixon, both combo guards. That will help a bit filling Ponds void when he leaves next season. It will also give a kid like Gaffney time to break in at PG if we get him.
Lastly on the absence of big men this cycle, they did whiff on Femi and apparently had a kid from Africa in their sites, but it did not materialize. I too am disappointed in the 2 year drought on bigs. Well the ball is in Mullin’s hands to prove this can work. Sending Keita for pre healing in Lourdes may also be a good idea.
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tom in salem
Well-known member
[quote="IDRAFT" post=281909]The starting lineup now could be:
Keita 6'9
Clark 6'7
Figueroa 6'5
Simon 6'4
Ponds 6'0
Another big for depth would have been nice but this is not a small college lineup. I'm optimistic, I think the staff did a very good job of getting maximum talent from the transfer process this year.[/quote]
Mullin's not a big position guy.
I suspect he'll start his best 5 and Keita most likely is not in that group.
Ponds is a terrific rebounding guard and with the conference playing more small ball, this might be a successful season.
Keita 6'9
Clark 6'7
Figueroa 6'5
Simon 6'4
Ponds 6'0
Another big for depth would have been nice but this is not a small college lineup. I'm optimistic, I think the staff did a very good job of getting maximum talent from the transfer process this year.[/quote]
Mullin's not a big position guy.
I suspect he'll start his best 5 and Keita most likely is not in that group.
Ponds is a terrific rebounding guard and with the conference playing more small ball, this might be a successful season.
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jerseyshorejohnny
Well-known member
[quote="Logen" post=281907][quote="redken" post=281900][quote="alexander salem" post=281896][quote="redken" post=281895][quote="panther2" post=281878][quote="redken" post=281867]So basically we've written off recruiting any metro-area HS guards for the '19 and '20 classes. And here I thought that building strong ties with local programs and keeping talent at home was supposed to be the backbone of the CM era.[/quote]
While having ties with local schools is good, the staff has to also go for the players they feel may make an impact. How many of you remember how Lavin was destroyed on this board for not recruiting Omar Calhoun and Jon Severe out of Christ The King. Then there were the lies put out by Arbitello that Lavin's staff did not enter his gym. The reason I can say this is a lie is because I went to CTK with Tony Chiles and Rico on a few occasions. I also sat next to Lavin when he watched Adonis play.
At the present time, Matt has established a great relationship with Coach Pollard from Jefferson, the school that blessed us with Shamorie. He has two guards, classes of 20 & 21 that are very good. Jalen Nesmith's father has contacted the staff and let them know that his son is interested in St Johns. He is also class of 20. What I am trying to say is New York is no longer producing stud players year after year.[/quote]
Panther, I always value your opinion and I agree that the NY talent pool isn't as deep as it once was, but I'm not blown away by adding Wright, and the fact that Earlington is our only metro-area recruit (in our less than stellar recruiting class) is very disappointing given the 2018 names that were being talked about at the start of the season. (And if we don't do well this season, all those 2019 names optimistically being bandied about will similarly take it elsewhere.) And the way the staff mishandled Luther Muhammad's recruitment as well as the failure to land a badly needed big man frustrates the hell out of me. For the record, I'm not anti-Mullin (although I'm not happy with some of what I've heard recently), but it's obvious our staff needs a change and/or the addition of another recruiter to go along with Matt. (Time for a Xanax.)[/quote]
How did the staff mishandle Muhammad's recruitment?[/quote]
By telling him he was our primary target but not being able to offer substantial PT because he'd be part of a possible six-man backcourt that included the new additions Dixon and Trimble as well as three returning starters. (At the time, LoVett was still with the team.)[/quote]
Muhammad is a stoned competitor and would not at all be afraid to compete for court time. He picked another school, a great school in a power conference, one with better resources and facilities and offering more of the "college experience."[/quote]
And lots of PT. (We may not be in a power conference, but we are in one that's powerful.)
While having ties with local schools is good, the staff has to also go for the players they feel may make an impact. How many of you remember how Lavin was destroyed on this board for not recruiting Omar Calhoun and Jon Severe out of Christ The King. Then there were the lies put out by Arbitello that Lavin's staff did not enter his gym. The reason I can say this is a lie is because I went to CTK with Tony Chiles and Rico on a few occasions. I also sat next to Lavin when he watched Adonis play.
At the present time, Matt has established a great relationship with Coach Pollard from Jefferson, the school that blessed us with Shamorie. He has two guards, classes of 20 & 21 that are very good. Jalen Nesmith's father has contacted the staff and let them know that his son is interested in St Johns. He is also class of 20. What I am trying to say is New York is no longer producing stud players year after year.[/quote]
Panther, I always value your opinion and I agree that the NY talent pool isn't as deep as it once was, but I'm not blown away by adding Wright, and the fact that Earlington is our only metro-area recruit (in our less than stellar recruiting class) is very disappointing given the 2018 names that were being talked about at the start of the season. (And if we don't do well this season, all those 2019 names optimistically being bandied about will similarly take it elsewhere.) And the way the staff mishandled Luther Muhammad's recruitment as well as the failure to land a badly needed big man frustrates the hell out of me. For the record, I'm not anti-Mullin (although I'm not happy with some of what I've heard recently), but it's obvious our staff needs a change and/or the addition of another recruiter to go along with Matt. (Time for a Xanax.)[/quote]
How did the staff mishandle Muhammad's recruitment?[/quote]
By telling him he was our primary target but not being able to offer substantial PT because he'd be part of a possible six-man backcourt that included the new additions Dixon and Trimble as well as three returning starters. (At the time, LoVett was still with the team.)[/quote]
Muhammad is a stoned competitor and would not at all be afraid to compete for court time. He picked another school, a great school in a power conference, one with better resources and facilities and offering more of the "college experience."[/quote]
And lots of PT. (We may not be in a power conference, but we are in one that's powerful.)
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[quote="Paultzman" post=281914]
Personally, I don’t like the Wright commitment...
Lastly on the absence of big men this cycle, they did whiff on Femi and apparently had a kid from Africa in their sites, but it did not materialize. I too am disappointed in the 2 year drought on bigs. Well the ball is in Mullin’s hands to prove this can work. Sending Keita for pre healing in Lourdes may also be a good idea.[/quote]
Keita: "Coach I got this friend and I want him to play here with me."
Coach: "I don't know. We need to add some front court depth"
Keita: "He's good."
Coach: "Best I can do is take a few weeks to think about it."
Keita: "I see we have a big game in December before conference play starts. I hope I don't get injured."
Coach: "I love small ball. "Let's get your buddy!"
Personally, I don’t like the Wright commitment...
Lastly on the absence of big men this cycle, they did whiff on Femi and apparently had a kid from Africa in their sites, but it did not materialize. I too am disappointed in the 2 year drought on bigs. Well the ball is in Mullin’s hands to prove this can work. Sending Keita for pre healing in Lourdes may also be a good idea.
[/quote]Keita: "Coach I got this friend and I want him to play here with me."
Coach: "I don't know. We need to add some front court depth"
Keita: "He's good."
Coach: "Best I can do is take a few weeks to think about it."
Keita: "I see we have a big game in December before conference play starts. I hope I don't get injured."
Coach: "I love small ball. "Let's get your buddy!"
I like all the players we have signed. However, I don't share the "aw shucks" attitude toward our puzzling inability to add a big man. I mean, we literally couldn't find on big man over the course of two years?
Folks can talk themselves into how the incoming talent will soften the need, but we have all seen this episode before. I am sure we can rip through the non-conference schedule looking strong. But, without some kind of consistent threat under the basket, we place undo pressure on our perimeter players.
I am still waiting in hopes the staff is continuing to "work" on this issue. Hopefully we will soon hear of another departure (i.e. Diakite or Trimble) and land a player that can help balance our offensive attack.
Folks can talk themselves into how the incoming talent will soften the need, but we have all seen this episode before. I am sure we can rip through the non-conference schedule looking strong. But, without some kind of consistent threat under the basket, we place undo pressure on our perimeter players.
I am still waiting in hopes the staff is continuing to "work" on this issue. Hopefully we will soon hear of another departure (i.e. Diakite or Trimble) and land a player that can help balance our offensive attack.
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I like Caraher, think he can develop into a nice stretch 3 (Luke Hancock type). I think Greg Williams will be a solid rotation player in year 1. Figueroa is clearly the best of the incoming frosh/transfers. Will play immediately and will probably start. Wright I am agnostic about, not excited but can see how he may provide depth. Earlington, not expecting much. Roberts will probably see the court unless he is a total stiff. Solid 9 man rotation: Ponds, Simon, LJ, Clark, Keita with Dixon, Williams, Roberts and Trimble off the bench.
Don't expect anything out of Earlington or Diakite and Wright and Caraher have to sit. Will see if something opens up for Burke.
Then 2019 becomes a huge class.
Don't expect anything out of Earlington or Diakite and Wright and Caraher have to sit. Will see if something opens up for Burke.
Then 2019 becomes a huge class.
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[quote="Paul Massell" post=281921][quote="Paultzman" post=281914]
Personally, I don’t like the Wright commitment...
Lastly on the absence of big men this cycle, they did whiff on Femi and apparently had a kid from Africa in their sites, but it did not materialize. I too am disappointed in the 2 year drought on bigs. Well the ball is in Mullin’s hands to prove this can work. Sending Keita for pre healing in Lourdes may also be a good idea.[/quote]
Keita: "Coach I got this friend and I want him to play here with me."
Coach: "I don't know. We need to add some front court depth"
Keita: "He's good."
Coach: "Best I can do is take a few weeks to think about it."
Keita: "I see we have a big game in December before conference play starts. I hope I don't get injured."
Coach: "I love small ball. "Let's get your buddy!"[/quote]
Clever
Personally, I don’t like the Wright commitment...
Lastly on the absence of big men this cycle, they did whiff on Femi and apparently had a kid from Africa in their sites, but it did not materialize. I too am disappointed in the 2 year drought on bigs. Well the ball is in Mullin’s hands to prove this can work. Sending Keita for pre healing in Lourdes may also be a good idea.
[/quote]Keita: "Coach I got this friend and I want him to play here with me."
Coach: "I don't know. We need to add some front court depth"
Keita: "He's good."
Coach: "Best I can do is take a few weeks to think about it."
Keita: "I see we have a big game in December before conference play starts. I hope I don't get injured."
Coach: "I love small ball. "Let's get your buddy!"[/quote]
Clever
[quote="jerseyshorejohnny" post=281917][URL][URL]https://www.rumbleinthega...52360/st-johns-commit-lj-figueroa-juco-scorer[/URL][/URL][/quote]
Good news. This one excites me. A scorer, good shooter, 3 years of eligibility and available immediately.
Good news. This one excites me. A scorer, good shooter, 3 years of eligibility and available immediately.