Jamal Branch to STJ

 http://www.zagsblog.com/2012/01/09/jamal-branch-to-st-johns/

“I chose St. John’s because I think it’s a perfect fit for me,” Branch told SNY.tv by text.

“They have a great coaching staff who I feel can help me a lot with my game. Those guys are like teachers in a classroom but teachers of the game. They know so much about the game.”


Branch will have to sit a year per NCAA regulations, and could suit up in December 2012. In the meantime, he can practice as soon as he enrolls and could help freshmen guards Phil Greene and D’Angelo Harrison improve.

“The players there are pretty cool and with me knowing D’Angelo helped me make my decision,” Branch said. “That’s like my little brother and we always wanted to play with each other. Me and him click well and are looking forward to doing big things here at St. John’s.

“They have a really great team and I think we could compete with anyone in the future.”
 
:cheer:
 http://www.zagsblog.com/2012/01/09/jamal-branch-to-st-johns/

“I chose St. John’s because I think it’s a perfect fit for me,” Branch told SNY.tv by text.

“They have a great coaching staff who I feel can help me a lot with my game. Those guys are like teachers in a classroom but teachers of the game. They know so much about the game.”


Branch will have to sit a year per NCAA regulations, and could suit up in December 2012. In the meantime, he can practice as soon as he enrolls and could help freshmen guards Phil Greene and D’Angelo Harrison improve.

“The players there are pretty cool and with me knowing D’Angelo helped me make my decision,” Branch said. “That’s like my little brother and we always wanted to play with each other. Me and him click well and are looking forward to doing big things here at St. John’s.

“They have a really great team and I think we could compete with anyone in the future.”
Click to expand...

"Compete with anyone in the future," you said it Jamal. Wow! I needed this. Now, onto Gathers. Make my year!
 
Figured he had to know D'Angelo well, and that would be an advantage for us. Sounds like they will form a nice chemistry together.
 
 http://www.zagsblog.com/2012/01/09/jamal-branch-to-st-johns/

“I chose St. John’s because I think it’s a perfect fit for me,” Branch told SNY.tv by text.

“They have a great coaching staff who I feel can help me a lot with my game. Those guys are like teachers in a classroom but teachers of the game. They know so much about the game.”


Branch will have to sit a year per NCAA regulations, and could suit up in December 2012. In the meantime, he can practice as soon as he enrolls and could help freshmen guards Phil Greene and D’Angelo Harrison improve.

“The players there are pretty cool and with me knowing D’Angelo helped me make my decision,” Branch said. “That’s like my little brother and we always wanted to play with each other. Me and him click well and are looking forward to doing big things here at St. John’s.

“They have a really great team and I think we could compete with anyone in the future.”
Click to expand...
 

Great comments. All the negativity on these boards this season is going to look really silly when we are in the Sweet 16 next year with a group of sophs.

Looks like Lavin's got his groove back :) Sensational pickup. Gathers...Sampson...you guys ready to recommit?
 
This is great news. If Gathers and Sampson sign, and one nice outside threat (Wood?) then SJU games will be one tough ticket for the next 3 years at least.
 
 http://www.zagsblog.com/2012/01/09/jamal-branch-to-st-johns/

“I chose St. John’s because I think it’s a perfect fit for me,” Branch told SNY.tv by text.

“They have a great coaching staff who I feel can help me a lot with my game. Those guys are like teachers in a classroom but teachers of the game. They know so much about the game.”...
Click to expand...

Can you imagine what it was like for him watching the game yesterdeay with Coach Lavin---obviously he was impressed.

Great get and welcome St. John's, Jamal 
 
Finally some good news ... no, make that great news!

In addition to getting a sorely needed quality point guard -- when's the last time we had one of those? -- it sends a message about the health of Coach Lavin and the health of the program to Gathers, Sampson, et al.

The best I've felt about our future in months.
 
In a lot of ways this reminds me of the Harkless commitment. Moe opened up the floodgates for top players to consider SJU and Lavin. Hopefully, after being down a little, Branch does the same. A top 50 prospect and top 10 PG from Texas wants to come play for SJU, after already starting his career elsewhere. This also makes the Nuri departure less of a big deal, since we were not winning a Natl Title this year with him, since he stunk anyway, and now our other guys get more PT and more experience. Insert a true PG for BE play next year, and potentially another big body, and this team is primed for a run next year and for the future.  
 
Sounds like he is a big time defender. Once we field a full team, we can get back to the 40 minutes of hell pressure with him, Dom, and Amir as the catalysts. Welcome Jamal. 
 
Little refresher. He's number 11 in this video. After the initial highlights watch till the end because he reappears with some sweet floaters in the lane.

 
Talented players will attract the same kind -  compare the current situation with the Jarvis/Roberts atmosphere and what talented Bball player would choose SJU back then?

We were hoping against hope circa 1999-1009 and now with don't need hope - we have reality as in the best players are and will consider the Storm.

Time to be grateful as opposed to grating.

all the best
 
Little refresher. He's number 11 in this video. After the initial highlights watch till the end because he reappears with some sweet floaters in the lane.

Click to expand...
 

Just to add one thing. This kid has great vision and feel, which is apparent in some of those amazing passes. Besides his 6'3" frame, long arms and athleticism, it is one of those skills that just can NOT be taught in any way. Great vision is an intangible trait. This kid just has it. I love Phil Greene and think he will be an excellent 4-year player for us, but he really does fill that "combo-guard" moniker quite well. Good thing for Greene is that he'll hardly lose any time, but rather just share time at PG and SG. I have no doubt in my mind that Branch will transition to our "starting" PG role come December next year. It will actually be good for Phil's game as well, because he can really score and is a bit stunted scoring-wise as a PG. 
 
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