Is Obekpa Next? No! He's staying!

[MJDinkins]

If true, this would be exponentially worse than losing Sampson IMO.

Probably had a lot to do with Sampson leaving.
He saw what happened when Harkless had to play center.

The difference is Harkless had an offensive game and was a solid rebounder. Obekpa doesn't have the former (although, it's slowly coming along, but still not close to Harkless) and somewhat inconsistent with the latter.

I think Obekpa's leaving has to do with him almost going pro last season. There is probably some dissension with he and the staff, so he's likely killing two birds with one stone.... Trying his hand at the professional ranks and getting away from the staff. This isn't based on any, actual fact. Just an assumption.

 

[paultzman]

If true, this would be exponentially worse than losing Sampson IMO.

Probably had a lot to do with Sampson leaving.
He saw what happened when Harkless had to play center.

The difference is Harkless had an offensive game and was a solid rebounder. Obekpa doesn't have the former (although, it's slowly coming along, but still not close to Harkless) and somewhat inconsistent with the latter.

I think Obekpa's leaving has to do with him almost going pro last season. There is probably some dissension with he and the staff, so he's likely killing two birds with one stone.... Trying his hand at the professional ranks and getting away from the staff. This isn't based on any, actual fact. Just an assumption.

A solid assumption I believe.

 

[frank61]

Hopefully, this latest bantor is related to April Fools Day???

 

[TonyinFairfield]

FWIW...Hear from a very credible souce that is is definitely leaving.

WOW. I guess he really meant it when he said he wasn't going back in. There goes our entire front line from last season. Big Big Big trouble.

Damnit Kevin, this had better not be an April Fools joke.

I wish it was.

You know that I almost never post on whether or not a young man is commiting to us, staying, transferring, whatever.

I know only too well, Kevin. Therefore, I do believe you are right. Unfortunately. :-(

 

[shamsman2]

the tough part of this, is that we have lost any momentum of what little we had. Sampson and Obekpa showed potential and improved somewhat, but not to the level where they had a major impact.

Steve's back is against the wall now, what's going to happen?

 

[MJDinkins]

Hopefully, this latest bantor is related to April Fools Day???

I don't think so. This has been brewing.

 

[1and1sju]

If true, this would be exponentially worse than losing Sampson IMO.

Probably had a lot to do with Sampson leaving.
He saw what happened when Harkless had to play center.

The difference is Harkless had an offensive game and was a solid rebounder. Obekpa doesn't have the former (although, it's slowly coming along, but still not close to Harkless) and somewhat inconsistent with the latter.

I think Obekpa's leaving has to do with him almost going pro last season. There is probably some dissension with he and the staff, so he's likely killing two birds with one stone.... Trying his hand at the professional ranks and getting away from the staff. This isn't based on any, actual fact. Just an assumption.

+1
I think that's likely it.

 

[beast of the east]

The collective effect of losing two big men (Sanchez and GG) to graduation, and two more (Obekpa and Sampson) to leaving wipes out our entire front line. Can't imagine fielding a competitive team next season. Can Jordan be far behind?

 

[1and1sju]

Maybe we'll bounce back in a year or two, but this stinks. Hard to have much enthusiasm about next season now.

 

[MJDinkins]

the tough part of this, is that we have lost any momentum of what little we had. Sampson and Obekpa showed potential and improved somewhat, but not to the level where they had a major impact.

Unfortunately, "Uncle Mo" has left the building. This will not be good. It'll put too much pressure on the backcourt. Jordan, Harrison, Branch and Greene (??) will have to have a strong back of a Silverback Gorilla with the load they'll have to carry.

Steve's back is against the wall now, what's going to happen?

He better come out swinging like a prize fighter. :fight: Obekpa's leaving will probably create a negative groundswell in the media.

 

[jumbo_peanuts]

Not saying it's not true....but I'll believe it when it becomes official. Until then, I will still believe that he is coming back.

 

[Andrew]

The collective effect of losing two big men (Sanchez and GG) to graduation, and two more (Obekpa and Sampson) to leaving wipes out our entire front line. Can't imagine fielding a competitive team next season. Can Jordan be far behind?

From the youngest team in America to the shortest.

 

[monte]

Maybe we'll bounce back in a year or two, but this stinks. Hard to have much enthusiasm about next season now.

I think the bigger question is: where will be bounce back to?

 

[beast of the east]

The collective effect of losing two big men (Sanchez and GG) to graduation, and two more (Obekpa and Sampson) to leaving wipes out our entire front line. Can't imagine fielding a competitive team next season. Can Jordan be far behind?

From the youngest team in America to the shortest.

Who needs a front line when your guards make such a high %?

 

[MJDinkins]

Can Jordan be far behind?

I'm hoping there isn't any, kind of domino effect.

 

[paultzman]

The collective effect of losing two big men (Sanchez and GG) to graduation, and two more (Obekpa and Sampson) to leaving wipes out our entire front line. Can't imagine fielding a competitive team next season. Can Jordan be far behind?

From the youngest team in America to the shortest.

Hervé Villechaize Jr. is rumored to be joining staff to work with our "bigs". :dry:

 

[stjohnschris]

the tough part of this, is that we have lost any momentum of what little we had. Sampson and Obekpa showed potential and improved somewhat, but not to the level where they had a major impact.

Steve's back is against the wall now, what's going to happen?

I don't think either of them would have had a major impact next season. They both need a different coaching/training environment, and another year at SJU would likely have the same stagnant results. JUCO transfers might fit SL's lack of coaching better (I expected Sanchez to be that kind of player). We need players who have BB IQ and can find their own role on this team. Jordan did that midway through the season. The rest are lost sheep, and Lavin can't help them. As it's been said before, we run an NBA style offense with a handful of potentials, and underachievers. The silver lining would be that most agree that recruiting is Lavin's strength, so the next few weeks are pivotal to have any shot at a successful season next year.

 

[Red.Fans]

PGIV is going to play point guard and center. Lavin speak will characterize this as a genius move and take credit for coining the phrase "point center." (C)

 

[stjohnschris]

The collective effect of losing two big men (Sanchez and GG) to graduation, and two more (Obekpa and Sampson) to leaving wipes out our entire front line. Can't imagine fielding a competitive team next season. Can Jordan be far behind?

From the youngest team in America to the shortest.

Hervé Villechaize Jr. is rumored to be joining staff to work with our "bigs". :dry:

He's gonna have a lot of free time on his hands

 

[paultzman]

The collective effect of losing two big men (Sanchez and GG) to graduation, and two more (Obekpa and Sampson) to leaving wipes out our entire front line. Can't imagine fielding a competitive team next season. Can Jordan be far behind?

From the youngest team in America to the shortest.

Hervé Villechaize Jr. is rumored to be joining staff to work with our "bigs". :dry:

He's gonna have a lot of free time on his hands

Meant the "point centers" Paul referenced. Small ball!