Isaiah Briscoe, PG

[MJDinkins]

StJohns is the leader for Briscoe.

Briscoe alone is not the answer for StJohns.

As the it's roster stands today St.Johns will have at most 7 scholarship players returning for the 2015/16 season meaning that there are 6 available scholarships during this 2015 recruiting cycle (7 or more available if Jordan or anyone else does not return). Over the past 15+/- months Lavin has received just one commitment from a high school prep player.

It is now well into the 2015 recruiting cycle and approximately one-third of the top 100 players in the 2015 class have already committed to other schools. Let's hope Lavin has, in addition to Briscoe, several other favorable commitment announcements in the next 3 months so StJohns does not have to play with a reduced roster as it will this season.

"Leading" for a recruit is just absolutely meaningless. Anyone who thinks Briscoe is a lock for SJU is just fooling themselves. That does not mean SJU is not seriously in the hunt and Lavin and staff have not done all they could in recruiting this cycle, I believe they have, but the competition is steep and ruthless. Lavin has obviously gone "all in" on this class so let's see what happens;IMO, if he strikes out we start over and Lavin goes directly to the SJU coaches graveyard with every other coach since Louie.

Even if we land a talented 2015 class, we will need someone who knows how to coach basketball. We have already seen what happens when the #3 recruiting class in the country plays free-for-all street ball.

If we can't get rid of Lavin, I would love to see a change in the assistant coach department.

Let's keep this thread about briscoe. No need to rehash the Lavin can't coach argument here.

Thank you, gman for putting a lid on it.

Oh! I feel very good where we are with Briscoe.

 

[MJDinkins]

First, a disclaimer: I had no private discussion with OTIS prior to posting the following:

How does a fan know your recruiting season was a bust? When we need to overanalyze the possible contributions of two walk ons.

 

[Andrew]

I am glad to see a poster who doesn't get immediately attacked admit that Rutgers is a serious player. I said that last week. Rutgers was terrible in the late 80's when they brought in players like Earl Duncan and a NY kid named Craig Carter. They went to the NCAA's two years in a row which is something we haven't done in I don't know how long. Things change quickly in recruiting and Rutgers now plays in the Big 10. I will say it again. Lavin's early recruiting success was a result of his ESPN notoriety. I wish we could recruit like Memphis who isn't in a power conference or Villanova or Georgetown for that matter. Anyway excited for the start of the season. This could be the last one we are competive in for a while.

 

[MJDinkins]

Rutgers was terrible in the late 80's when they brought in players like Earl Duncan and a NY kid named Craig Carter. They went to the NCAA's two years in a row which is something we haven't done in I don't know how long.

Do you see the contradiction in your post? Do you remember what we did in the 80's compared to Rutgers? Do you want to start comparing both programs, per the 80's? You're comparing what Rutgers did in the 80's versus to what we've done of late. When was the last time Rutgers have gone to two consecutive NCAA Tournaments? LOL

Besides, they didn't even go to the tournament two years in a row in the 80's. They went in in '89 and '91. I recall Earl Duncan being at Syracuse for a couple of seasons before going to Rutgers. He was a transfer, and not a player they initially brought in. Regardless, just a dumb post. I'm not surprised, though.

fordham is right about some of y'all going out of the way to pat another coach or team on the back, who also haven't done jack squat, but continue to piss on your own squad.

 

[austour]

Rutgers was terrible in the late 80's when they brought in players like Earl Duncan and a NY kid named Craig Carter. They went to the NCAA's two years in a row which is something we haven't done in I don't know how long.

Do you see the contradiction in your post? Do you remember what we did in the 80's compared to Rutgers? Do you want to start comparing both programs, per the 80's? You're comparing what Rutgers did in the 80's versus to what we've done of late. When was the last time Rutgers have gone to two consecutive NCAA Tournaments? LOL

Besides, they didn't even go to the tournament two years in a row in the 80's. They went in in '89 and '91. I recall Earl Duncan being at Syracuse for a couple of seasons before going to Rutgers. He was a transfer, and not a player they initially brought in. Regardless, just a dumb post. I'm not surprised, though.

fordham is right about some of y'all going out of the way to pat another coach or team on the back, who also haven't done jack squat, but continue to piss on your own squad.

Seriously, with regards to Rutgers and history what a dumb post. While Rutgers was going 2 years in a row STJ was finishing 7 years in a row but that's ancient history. The other ancient history is last time for STJ? 98/99/00 so now you know.

The bigger issue is whether Rutgers can grow into their B1G affiliation or just be a doormat wearing the costume of a major media market. (NY is pining for Rutgers football, ooooooooooh yeah). It will be interesting to see if the aura of a major football conference can eliminate the stench of NJ from Rutgers athletic department. I'm betting no.

 

[Marillac]

Is it really that hard for some of you to be positive about the program we all love? Rutgers doesn't compare to St. John's. Pick any decade you want. Too many of you go out of your way to build up other programs and and coaches. It seems like you guys want to be right about Lavin more than you want us to win. Nobody thinks Lavin is amazing.

Let's enjoy this season. We've got one of the best scorers in the program's history...a kid that took a huge chance on Lavin and on St. John's and stayed committed when most kids these days would have left without a second thought. We have one of the higest ranked and most exciting players we've ever had entering his all important second year. We have the #51 and the #35 recruits from 2011 entering their senior year...if just one of them lives up to their potential...wow. We have another gritty senior that has busted his balls for us for three years and get ridiculed on a dailly basis. We have the best shot-blocker in the history of the program entering his junior year (typically a key year for big men). We are coming of a 20 win season.

What is the point of being so negative? We have an amazing schedule...huge games to make a national statement. We are right there with the #9, #13, and #31 recruits in the country. Just enjoy the ride. Maybe they disappoint again, but can you glass-half-empty guys at least wait for the first loss? We just got picked to finish #2 in the conference and make the NCAA tournament.

 

[bamafan]

Is it really that hard for some of you to be positive about the program we all love? Rutgers doesn't compare to St. John's. Pick any decade you want. Too many of you go out of your way to build up other programs and and coaches. It seems like you guys want to be right about Lavin more than you want us to win. Nobody thinks Lavin is amazing.

Let's enjoy this season. We've got one of the best scorers in the program's history...a kid that took a huge chance on Lavin and on St. John's and stayed committed when most kids these days would have left without a second thought. We have one of the higest ranked and most exciting players we've ever had entering his all important second year. We have the #51 and the #35 recruits from 2011 entering their senior year...if just one of them lives up to their potential...wow. We have another gritty senior that has busted his balls for us for three years and get ridiculed on a dailly basis. We have the best shot-blocker in the history of the program entering his junior year (typically a key year for big men). We are coming of a 20 win season.

What is the point of being so negative? We have an amazing schedule...huge games to make a national statement. We are right there with the #9, #13, and #31 recruits in the country. Just enjoy the ride. Maybe they disappoint again, but can you glass-half-empty guys at least wait for the first loss? We just got picked to finish #2 in the conference and make the NCAA tournament.

Good post Marillac. Wish I shared your optimism for this season but at this point I just don't think we will be as good as you do. Hope we are and Lavin can pull in some big time recruits and make this an enjoyable year. You have to allow that some people want results and proof before they believe.

 

[doodyny33]

Is it really that hard for some of you to be positive about the program we all love? Rutgers doesn't compare to St. John's. Pick any decade you want. Too many of you go out of your way to build up other programs and and coaches. It seems like you guys want to be right about Lavin more than you want us to win. Nobody thinks Lavin is amazing.

Let's enjoy this season. We've got one of the best scorers in the program's history...a kid that took a huge chance on Lavin and on St. John's and stayed committed when most kids these days would have left without a second thought. We have one of the higest ranked and most exciting players we've ever had entering his all important second year. We have the #51 and the #35 recruits from 2011 entering their senior year...if just one of them lives up to their potential...wow. We have another gritty senior that has busted his balls for us for three years and get ridiculed on a dailly basis. We have the best shot-blocker in the history of the program entering his junior year (typically a key year for big men). We are coming of a 20 win season.

What is the point of being so negative? We have an amazing schedule...huge games to make a national statement. We are right there with the #9, #13, and #31 recruits in the country. Just enjoy the ride. Maybe they disappoint again, but can you glass-half-empty guys at least wait for the first loss? We just got picked to finish #2 in the conference and make the NCAA tournament.

Great post, Marillac. Let's enjoy what will probably be a fun year for this team.

 

[bobre45]

Is it really that hard for some of you to be positive about the program we all love? Rutgers doesn't compare to St. John's. Pick any decade you want. Too many of you go out of your way to build up other programs and and coaches. It seems like you guys want to be right about Lavin more than you want us to win. Nobody thinks Lavin is amazing.

Let's enjoy this season. We've got one of the best scorers in the program's history...a kid that took a huge chance on Lavin and on St. John's and stayed committed when most kids these days would have left without a second thought. We have one of the higest ranked and most exciting players we've ever had entering his all important second year. We have the #51 and the #35 recruits from 2011 entering their senior year...if just one of them lives up to their potential...wow. We have another gritty senior that has busted his balls for us for three years and get ridiculed on a dailly basis. We have the best shot-blocker in the history of the program entering his junior year (typically a key year for big men). We are coming of a 20 win season.

What is the point of being so negative? We have an amazing schedule...huge games to make a national statement. We are right there with the #9, #13, and #31 recruits in the country. Just enjoy the ride. Maybe they disappoint again, but can you glass-half-empty guys at least wait for the first loss? We just got picked to finish #2 in the conference and make the NCAA tournament.

Great post, Marillac. Let's enjoy what will probably be a fun year for this team.

I'm expecting a good year too. It's hard to be totally positive though in view of the recruiting that's happened. Nothing a couple of quality commitments wouldn't cure however. Sports has a way of surprising you if you hang in there. I was crushed after my Dodgers got whipped 9-0 by the Giants the other day then last night they come back and win 17-0 with 24 hits and life is good again. Been rooting for them since the Ebbets field days and the 1955 miracle series. That's why I'm springing for SJU tickets again and hoping for the best. Just a slow learner I guess.

 

[otis]

Nothing a couple of quality commitments wouldn't cure however.

This recruiting cycle St.John's needs more than a "couple" of recruits. St.John's needs both quantity and quality recruits to remain competitive in the Big East.

St.John's has 6 scholarships to award this cycle. 7 scholarships if Rasheed Jordan leaves.

The available pool of high school talent is dwindling. 63 of Rivals top 100 high school seniors and 91 of the top 150 players have already committed to another school.

The 2014 and 2015 recruiting cycles do not provide evidence that Lavin will be able to find six 3* or better recruits to fill its roster. According to Rivals St.John's has made 30 offers to high schoolers during the 2014 & 2015 cycles and only 1 player (ADR) has accepted Lavin's offer to play at St.John's. These 30 offers reported by Rivals do not include the many offers which St.Johns made to junior college and transfers.

Ra-Ra-Rah.

 

[paultzman]

Nothing a couple of quality commitments wouldn't cure however.

This recruiting cycle St.John's needs more than a "couple" of recruits. St.John's needs both quantity and quality recruits to remain competitive in the Big East.

St.John's has 6 scholarships to award this cycle. 7 scholarships if Rasheed Jordan leaves.

The available pool of high school talent is dwindling. 63 of Rivals top 100 high school seniors and 91 of the top 150 players have already committed to another school.

The 2014 and 2015 recruiting cycles do not provide evidence that Lavin will be able to find six 3* or better recruits to fill its roster. According to Rivals St.John's has made 30 offers to high schoolers during the 2014 & 2015 cycles and only 1 player (ADR) has accepted Lavin's offer to play at St.John's. These 30 offers reported by Rivals do not include the many offers which St.Johns made to junior college and transfers.

Ra-Ra-Rah.

Safe to assume you won't be attending Maui Classic next year Otis?

 

[mkras99]

" Briscoe has two official visits planned in the coming weeks.

In fact, Briscoe has now scheduled his first two official visits. Per his father George, 6-foot-3 floor general will see Connecticut on the weekend of Sept. 26 and Missouri on the weekend of Oct. 10.

What is most interesting about these two visits is that both the Huskies and Tigers were absent from the five finalists that Briscoe listed in early August: Arizona, Rutgers, Seton Hall, Villanova and St. John's. Not only has he set those official visits to UConn and Mizzou, Briscoe has set an in-home visit with Kentucky for Thursday of this week and he will host Missouri on Sunday. So far, those are the only two in-home visits set -- Seton Hall did have one set a few weeks ago but it hasn't been rescheduled yet -- per Briscoe's father.

So what does this all mean? What it most likely means is that Briscoe looks to be on the path toward sticking with a spring decision. Arizona not looking to pursue another guard and Villanova landing Jalen Brunson has changed things, and that's why schools that weren't on his final five have been able to make their way into the picture. Briscoe's father didn't rule out an early decision, but the way this sets up it is pretty clear that Briscoe is looking real close at exactly who is landing where and then in the spring who will be leaving and returning to the programs recruiting him. Bottom line, a decision from Briscoe does not look to be imminent."

- See more at:=1681630#sthash.ApBsPT90.dpuf

This seems like not so good news for us. Can someone please cut and paste the standard Otis post to this thread?

 

[kranmars]

How about this, give or take a hint of sarcasm:

Coach Lavin has missed on 3,567 recruits with at least a three star ranking since puberty. With six scholarships available, seven if Jordan declares for the NBA, Mr. Lavin has yet to garner a single commitment.

Messrs Jay Wright and John Thompson have signed multiple recruits. Many of which already know how to dribble a basketball.

But we must not harp on this, instead we must hope Mr. Lavin can reverse the current trend. According to Disney basketball 365, St. John's needs recruits, or they will not have players, and without enough players, the chances of winning is 25 percent.

 

[fordham96]

How about this, give or take a hint of sarcasm:

Coach Lavin has missed on 3,567 recruits with at least a three star ranking since puberty. With six scholarships available, seven if Jordan declares for the NBA, Mr. Lavin has yet to garner a single commitment.

Messrs Jay Wright and John Thompson have signed multiple recruits. Many of which already know how to dribble a basketball.

But we must not harp on this, instead we must hope Mr. Lavin can reverse the current trend. According to Disney basketball 365, St. John's needs recruits, or they will not have players, and without enough players, the chances of winning is 25 percent.

I sure hope this is followed by the usual condemnation by certain posters who somehow find the time to post their defense of out friend otis anytime I reply to his posts.

 

[JackofVirginia]

Is it really that hard for some of you to be positive about the program we all love? Rutgers doesn't compare to St. John's. Pick any decade you want. Too many of you go out of your way to build up other programs and and coaches. It seems like you guys want to be right about Lavin more than you want us to win. Nobody thinks Lavin is amazing.

Let's enjoy this season. We've got one of the best scorers in the program's history...a kid that took a huge chance on Lavin and on St. John's and stayed committed when most kids these days would have left without a second thought. We have one of the higest ranked and most exciting players we've ever had entering his all important second year. We have the #51 and the #35 recruits from 2011 entering their senior year...if just one of them lives up to their potential...wow. We have another gritty senior that has busted his balls for us for three years and get ridiculed on a dailly basis. We have the best shot-blocker in the history of the program entering his junior year (typically a key year for big men). We are coming of a 20 win season.

What is the point of being so negative? We have an amazing schedule...huge games to make a national statement. We are right there with the #9, #13, and #31 recruits in the country. Just enjoy the ride. Maybe they disappoint again, but can you glass-half-empty guys at least wait for the first loss? We just got picked to finish #2 in the conference and make the NCAA tournament.

Great post, Marillac. Let's enjoy what will probably be a fun year for this team.

I'm expecting a good year too. It's hard to be totally positive though in view of the recruiting that's happened. Nothing a couple of quality commitments wouldn't cure however. Sports has a way of surprising you if you hang in there. I was crushed after my Dodgers got whipped 9-0 by the Giants the other day then last night they come back and win 17-0 with 24 hits and life is good again. Been rooting for them since the Ebbets field days and the 1955 miracle series. That's why I'm springing for SJU tickets again and hoping for the best. Just a slow learner I guess.

Slow learner? Didn't realize anyone rooted for the Bklyn Dodgers once they left N.Y. Hope they blow the playoffs.

 

[logen]

@jeffborzello: Hearing Missouri planning huge weekend for Oct. 10. Thomas Bryant, Isaiah Briscoe, trying for Antonio Blakeney, maybe one more five-star.

Would be quite the pOTISitive sign if Mizzou gets him on campus for their MM on 10/10 and we can't get him to ours on 10/17. Folks still feeling good about this one?

Nice creativity, and no I have never felt good about Briscoe, Diallo, etc.; we are in the conversation but when push comes to shove I don't think SJU is a fit for this level player anymore. No one's fault, just the brave new world of college sports IMO.

Where is Ben Simmons going, the #1 player on some lists? Not every player is going to Kentucky/Kansas etc.. There are other factors and I believe in Coach.

Mike asked for opinions and I gave mine; you are certainly entitled to yours. Agreed every player is not going to the Kentucky's, etc. but when you target that level player that is who you are competing with so your comment is irrelevant. I also said it is no one's fault if we do not get those recruits so belief in Lavin has nothing to do with my feelings on the matter.

 

[bamafan]

@jeffborzello: Hearing Missouri planning huge weekend for Oct. 10. Thomas Bryant, Isaiah Briscoe, trying for Antonio Blakeney, maybe one more five-star.

Would be quite the pOTISitive sign if Mizzou gets him on campus for their MM on 10/10 and we can't get him to ours on 10/17. Folks still feeling good about this one?

Slick move, Mike.

I still feel good about our prospects to land Briscoe (per what I heard), but I'd be lying if I said my confidence isn't as high as it was a couple weeks ago. UK being a viable option for Briscoe is a bit concerning to say the least. Not to mention, UK, Mizzou, and Georgia Tech are all Nike schools (not sure that's actually an angle or not).

We're certainly gonna continue to be a player for him, but the competition has gotten a wee bit tougher.

Double negative so what you are saying is your confidence is as high as it was a few weeks ago. Hope you are right.

 

[MJDinkins]

@jeffborzello: Hearing Missouri planning huge weekend for Oct. 10. Thomas Bryant, Isaiah Briscoe, trying for Antonio Blakeney, maybe one more five-star.

Would be quite the pOTISitive sign if Mizzou gets him on campus for their MM on 10/10 and we can't get him to ours on 10/17. Folks still feeling good about this one?

Slick move, Mike.

I still feel good about our prospects to land Briscoe (per what I heard), but I'd be lying if I said my confidence isn't as high as it was a couple weeks ago. UK being a viable option for Briscoe is a bit concerning to say the least. Not to mention, UK, Mizzou, and Georgia Tech are all Nike schools (not sure that's actually an angle or not).

We're certainly gonna continue to be a player for him, but the competition has gotten a wee bit tougher.

Double negative so what you are saying is your confidence is as high as it was a few weeks ago. Hope you are right.

No.... I'm saying, I was extremely confident at one point, whereas I'm now only mildly confident. Comprende'?

 

[bamafan]

@jeffborzello: Hearing Missouri planning huge weekend for Oct. 10. Thomas Bryant, Isaiah Briscoe, trying for Antonio Blakeney, maybe one more five-star.

Would be quite the pOTISitive sign if Mizzou gets him on campus for their MM on 10/10 and we can't get him to ours on 10/17. Folks still feeling good about this one?

Slick move, Mike.

I still feel good about our prospects to land Briscoe (per what I heard), but I'd be lying if I said my confidence isn't as high as it was a couple weeks ago. UK being a viable option for Briscoe is a bit concerning to say the least. Not to mention, UK, Mizzou, and Georgia Tech are all Nike schools (not sure that's actually an angle or not).

We're certainly gonna continue to be a player for him, but the competition has gotten a wee bit tougher.

Double negative so what you are saying is your confidence is as high as it was a few weeks ago. Hope you are right.

No.... I'm saying, I was extremely confident at one point, whereas I'm now only mildly confident. Comprende'?

Reread your original post-you said you Would be lying if you said your confidence ISN'T as high as it was a couple of weeks ago! Capeche?

 

[MJDinkins]

@jeffborzello: Hearing Missouri planning huge weekend for Oct. 10. Thomas Bryant, Isaiah Briscoe, trying for Antonio Blakeney, maybe one more five-star.

Would be quite the pOTISitive sign if Mizzou gets him on campus for their MM on 10/10 and we can't get him to ours on 10/17. Folks still feeling good about this one?

Slick move, Mike.

I still feel good about our prospects to land Briscoe (per what I heard), but I'd be lying if I said my confidence isn't as high as it was a couple weeks ago. UK being a viable option for Briscoe is a bit concerning to say the least. Not to mention, UK, Mizzou, and Georgia Tech are all Nike schools (not sure that's actually an angle or not).

We're certainly gonna continue to be a player for him, but the competition has gotten a wee bit tougher.

Double negative so what you are saying is your confidence is as high as it was a few weeks ago. Hope you are right.

No.... I'm saying, I was extremely confident at one point, whereas I'm now only mildly confident. Comprende'?

Reread your original post-you said you Would be lying if you said your confidence ISN'T as high as it was a couple of weeks ago! Capeche?

I still stated that I was confident in some way, shape or form earlier ("feel good about our prospects"), right? Like I said in my previous post.... My confidence was extremely high at one point, but only mildly high now. Make sure you reread and comprehend.