Jamal Branch

[SJUalum98]

Until Branch shows that in-game he can hit a midrange jumper, I'm taking Lavin's comments with a grain of salt.

I thought Branch looked great when he first was cleared to play. Great court vision. But then he struggled running the team in the halfcourt. Part of that comes from him not being a threat when he got the ball back.

Branch is a great assist guy and we really don't need him to score the ball. But that threat still needs to be there because teams are going to pack it in on Orlando and Jakarr.

 

[SJUalum98]

So Darrick Martin did earn his coin this past year. I'm shocked to hear this.

@patokeefe12: Lavin credits former NBA PG Darrick Martin for working with Branch on his game and leading to his vast improvement. #SJUBB

 

[Andrew]

This is absolutely great news. Branch was a highly recruited high school player and is probably motivated by all the hype around Jordan. Two strong point guards is a key.

 

[Section3]

Until Branch shows that in-game he can hit a midrange jumper, I'm taking Lavin's comments with a grain of salt.

I thought Branch looked great when he first was cleared to play. Great court vision. But then he struggled running the team in the halfcourt. Part of that comes from him not being a threat when he got the ball back.

Branch is a great assist guy and we really don't need him to score the ball. But that threat still needs to be there because teams are going to pack it in on Orlando and Jakarr.

He shot fine prior to his injury...I sat with one of our past PGs who mentioned that Jamal asked if he could work with him during the summer...not sure if they connected but shows the kid wants to improve...hopefullly having recuperated he will back to form

 

[SJUalum98]

Until Branch shows that in-game he can hit a midrange jumper, I'm taking Lavin's comments with a grain of salt.

I thought Branch looked great when he first was cleared to play. Great court vision. But then he struggled running the team in the halfcourt. Part of that comes from him not being a threat when he got the ball back.

Branch is a great assist guy and we really don't need him to score the ball. But that threat still needs to be there because teams are going to pack it in on Orlando and Jakarr.

He shot fine prior to his injury...I sat with one of our past PGs who mentioned that Jamal asked if he could work with him during the summer...not sure if they connected but shows the kid wants to improve...hopefullly having recuperated he will back to form

I assume you're talking about Boothe.

And you're right. He did drop off after the injury.
I'm just hoping he can be capable from the perimeter if need be. I'm not sold on that part of his game yet but here's hoping.

 

[MarkRedman]

Until Branch shows that in-game he can hit a midrange jumper, I'm taking Lavin's comments with a grain of salt.

I thought Branch looked great when he first was cleared to play. Great court vision. But then he struggled running the team in the halfcourt. Part of that comes from him not being a threat when he got the ball back.

Branch is a great assist guy and we really don't need him to score the ball. But that threat still needs to be there because teams are going to pack it in on Orlando and Jakarr.

He shot fine prior to his injury...I sat with one of our past PGs who mentioned that Jamal asked if he could work with him during the summer...not sure if they connected but shows the kid wants to improve...hopefullly having recuperated he will back to form

I assume you're talking about Boothe.

And you're right. He did drop off after the injury.
I'm just hoping he can be capable from the perimeter if need be. I'm not sold on that part of his game yet but here's hoping.

Boothe was a hard worker and a high energy guy
But, if Branch wants Boothe to help him with his shooting, we shouldn't expect to see much improvement from him next year
Here's a thought - Why not work with guys who actually CAN shoot the ball (ie: Marco or Max)?

 

[Section3]

Until Branch shows that in-game he can hit a midrange jumper, I'm taking Lavin's comments with a grain of salt.

I thought Branch looked great when he first was cleared to play. Great court vision. But then he struggled running the team in the halfcourt. Part of that comes from him not being a threat when he got the ball back.

Branch is a great assist guy and we really don't need him to score the ball. But that threat still needs to be there because teams are going to pack it in on Orlando and Jakarr.

Wasn't Boothe...much older, pass first PG from yesteryear
He shot fine prior to his injury...I sat with one of our past PGs who mentioned that Jamal asked if he could work with him during the summer...not sure if they connected but shows the kid wants to improve...hopefullly having recuperated he will back to form

I assume you're talking about Boothe.

And you're right. He did drop off after the injury.
I'm just hoping he can be capable from the perimeter if need be. I'm not sold on that part of his game yet but here's hoping.

Boothe was a hard worker and a high energy guy
But, if Branch wants Boothe to help him with his shooting, we shouldn't expect to see much improvement from him next year
Here's a thought - Why not work with guys who actually CAN shoot the ball (ie: Marco or Max)?

 

[usguard]

Great Shooting is a god given talent if you are a bad shooter you can. .practice and it will make you better But probably never be great that's .why players stress their other talents to compensate to play at a higher level

 

[simplyred]

Until Branch shows that in-game he can hit a midrange jumper, I'm taking Lavin's comments with a grain of salt.

I thought Branch looked great when he first was cleared to play. Great court vision. But then he struggled running the team in the halfcourt. Part of that comes from him not being a threat when he got the ball back.

Branch is a great assist guy and we really don't need him to score the ball. But that threat still needs to be there because teams are going to pack it in on Orlando and Jakarr.

He shot fine prior to his injury...I sat with one of our past PGs who mentioned that Jamal asked if he could work with him during the summer...not sure if they connected but shows the kid wants to improve...hopefullly having recuperated he will back to form

I assume you're talking about Boothe.

And you're right. He did drop off after the injury.
I'm just hoping he can be capable from the perimeter if need be. I'm not sold on that part of his game yet but here's hoping.

Boothe was a hard worker and a high energy guy
But, if Branch wants Boothe to help him with his shooting, we shouldn't expect to see much improvement from him next year
Here's a thought - Why not work with guys who actually CAN shoot the ball (ie: Marco or Max)?

The poster didn't say that Branch wanted Boothe (assuming that's who it was) to help him with his shooting. I would assume he wanted help with running the offense and making the right passes.

 

[Redfaced]

This is absolutely great news. Branch was a highly recruited high school player and is probably motivated by all the hype around Jordan. Two strong point guards is a key.

Agree! This level of competition on the squad is a rarity at any position. As long as individual egos don't evolve, this will be great for both players. Now, freeing Phil Green up to play the 2 will ablso be great or both he and DLo. A little competition goes a long way.

 

[Section3]

Until Branch shows that in-game he can hit a midrange jumper, I'm taking Lavin's comments with a grain of salt.

I thought Branch looked great when he first was cleared to play. Great court vision. But then he struggled running the team in the halfcourt. Part of that comes from him not being a threat when he got the ball back.

Branch is a great assist guy and we really don't need him to score the ball. But that threat still needs to be there because teams are going to pack it in on Orlando and Jakarr.

He shot fine prior to his injury...I sat with one of our past PGs who mentioned that Jamal asked if he could work with him during the summer...not sure if they connected but shows the kid wants to improve...hopefullly having recuperated he will back to form

I assume you're talking about Boothe.

And you're right. He did drop off after the injury.
I'm just hoping he can be capable from the perimeter if need be. I'm not sold on that part of his game yet but here's hoping.

Boothe was a hard worker and a high energy guy
But, if Branch wants Boothe to help him with his shooting, we shouldn't expect to see much improvement from him next year
Here's a thought - Why not work with guys who actually CAN shoot the ball (ie: Marco or Max)?

The poster didn't say that Branch wanted Boothe (assuming that's who it was) to help him with his shooting. I would assume he wanted help with running the offense and making the right passes.

Guys..sorry I opened the can of worms...was just trying to make the point that Branch wants to improve and wanted to take action but disn't want to drop names...That said, it was NOT Boothe...

 

[Sherman Sheridan & Grant]

My son played on Malik Booth's summer camp team a few years ago - he teased and told Joe he was a twin and whenever Joe would approach him, he'd respond "that wasn't me it was my brother" etc.

anyway

I had the pleasure of meeting Malik at an MSG game last season - I like him a lot a person

I have no comments on his game but surely if he had a better team around him, his task would have been easier. GThe obvious = who wouldn't benefit by better talent - that we now enjoy.

all the best and
I'm looking forward to a good year!

 

[bk8664]

Guys..sorry I opened the can of worms...was just trying to make the point that Branch wants to improve and wanted to take action but disn't want to drop names...That said, it was NOT Boothe...

Barkley?

 

[beast of the east]

My son played on Malik Booth's summer camp team a few years ago - he teased and told Joe he was a twin and whenever Joe would approach him, he'd respond "that wasn't me it was my brother" etc.

anyway

I had the pleasure of meeting Malik at an MSG game last season - I like him a lot a person

I have no comments on his game but surely if he had a better team around him, his task would have been easier. GThe obvious = who wouldn't benefit by better talent - that we now enjoy.

all the best and
I'm looking forward to a good year!

As a player I loved Boothe - he was tough as nails and strong as a bull. I think he was short on the talent end for high D1 bball, but despite being a little injury prone, he was a tough defender. But I just don't think he is Branch's class as a player - no disrespecting his character or how he gave it all on the court.

 

[westchesterjoe]

Assuming Jordan is injury free, I'm thinking Lavin has to start him from day 1. I don't think you recruit a kid with his credentials and tell him, he's going to play behind Branch or Harrison. Jordan can play both the PG and SG SLOTS.. And, who says DLO starts , after returning from suspension?

Lavin is the master of hyping his players pre-season and his comments on Branch need to be taken that way.

 

[SJUalum98]

Assuming Jordan is injury free, I'm thinking Lavin has to start him from day 1. I don't think you recruit a kid with his credentials and tell him, he's going to play behind Branch or Harrison. Jordan can play both the PG and SG SLOTS.. And, who says DLO starts , after returning from suspension?

Lavin is the master of hyping his players pre-season and his comments on Branch need to be taken that way.

I don't want Sheed playing SG. Not even in a 3-guard lineup. I want him at point.

The kid has NBA potential and the skillsets to run a team. To make that jump, he needs as much time on the ball as possible. It's Lavin's responsibility to figure out the minutes and Sheed/Branch's responsibility to keep their egos in check.

 

[westchesterjoe]

IMHO, Jordan starts from day 1.. Regardless..

 

[beast of the east]

IMHO, Jordan starts from day 1.. Regardless..

If what you say is correct, which in this era of one and done, a top 20 recruit is likely not going to want to wait for his chance. If that be the case, you could probably make a pretty good argument for Harrison coming off the bench for instant offense, as opposed to Branch, who would provide solid PG play but not as much firepower. I don't think having Harrison coming off the bench would be good for his ego, and would be a huge test for his new and improved attitude. Interesting call though on your part.

 

[westchesterjoe]

IMHO, Jordan starts from day 1.. Regardless..

If what you say is correct, which in this era of one and done, a top 20 recruit is likely not going to want to wait for his chance. If that be the case, you could probably make a pretty good argument for Harrison coming off the bench for instant offense, as opposed to Branch, who would provide solid PG play but not as much firepower. I don't think having Harrison coming off the bench would be good for his ego, and would be a huge test for his new and improved attitude. Interesting call though on your part.

Beastie, how are you? Hard to believe Stout's get together was over 5 years ago.

Actually, I think Lavin has a few options.. Start Sampson, Sanchez, CO, Jordan, DLO or, Sampson, Sanchez, Jordan,DLO and Branch ..But, there's only 1 basketbaLL.. i was curious to see how other posters might react to the notion of DLO, not starting.

I agree that DLO starts unless Lavin wants to use not starting as a teaching point for a few games.. I think Jordan is the man with the ball and Branch comes off the bench, with lots of minutes, if he shows he's developed a jumper.. Jordan has to play himself out of the starting line up, in my opinion and, don't think that happens. Early on, Jordan will be on a short leash but, only so Steve can pull him for a teaching point during the game.. He'll be right back in, after that. Unless foul trouble dictates otherwise.

 

[beast of the east]

IMHO, Jordan starts from day 1.. Regardless..

If what you say is correct, which in this era of one and done, a top 20 recruit is likely not going to want to wait for his chance. If that be the case, you could probably make a pretty good argument for Harrison coming off the bench for instant offense, as opposed to Branch, who would provide solid PG play but not as much firepower. I don't think having Harrison coming off the bench would be good for his ego, and would be a huge test for his new and improved attitude. Interesting call though on your part.

Beastie, how are you? Hard to believe Stout's get together was over 5 years ago.

Actually, I think Lavin has a few options.. Start Sampson, Sanchez, CO, Jordan, DLO or, Sampson, Sanchez, Jordan,DLO and Branch ..But, there's only 1 basketbaLL.. i was curious to see how other posters might react to the notion of DLO, not starting.

I agree that DLO starts unless Lavin wants to use not starting as a teaching point for a few games.. I think Jordan is the man with the ball and Branch comes off the bench, with lots of minutes, if he shows he's developed a jumper.. Jordan has to play himself out of the starting line up, in my opinion and, don't think that happens. Early on, Jordan will be on a short leash but, only so Steve can pull him for a teaching point during the game.. He'll be right back in, after that. Unless foul trouble dictates otherwise.

Stouts couldn't have been 5 years ago, could it? I'm thinking that the starting five will be Sampson, Pointer, Obekpa, Harrison, Jordan. Off the bench initially will be Sanchez, GG, Branch, Phil . Beyond that there won't be many minutes unless someone breaks through, gets injured, or falters.