July Recruiting Evaluation Period

Sounds like the five names we keep hearing the most are Heron, Alkins, Ponds, Ahmed and Yakwe. IMO, we need to get at least 3 of these guys for the 16 class, and Heron/Alkins need to be one of the three.
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Just how on Earth can you even have expectations like this? Be happy with at least 1 of the top recruits signing with us. Do people live in lala land on here? At this juncture 1 would be a start.
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The best part about recruiting in July is optimism! Good to temper expectations but a positive outlook is never a bad thing. I see a staff that is absolutely killing it on the trail and I'd like to give them the benefit of the doubt when they show that sort of effort.
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Of course you have to close out on recruits or all the offers mean squat. That said, I see at least a top 15 class for 2016 with potentially better results in subsequent two years. Staff in a short time has really established positive relationships with solid AAU programs & made offers to outstanding players in 17 & 18. I threw my rose colored glasses away years ago & actually, feel relative to bringing in talent, staff is working hard. Obviously you have to produce on the coaching end & year one will have some bumps. All in all to me the future seems bright. Beats whining. :)
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From fans on the message boards?
Or does a hardworking staff beat a whining one?
 
I know it's an outdoor summer game at Rucker, but impressive that Shamorie was able to put up those #s against that trio of beasts when the biggest knock on him is his slight build.
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There have been many smaller guys who played in the NBA.
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I think Ponds is clearly going to be very good, but I was also wondering what a backcourt with both Lovett and Ponds potentially playing at the same time would look like. Both guys are 6ft. It would definitely be offensively explosive but it'd be interesting to see how they'd do defensively against some of the bigger backcourts out there. That being said, it'd be really entertaining at the very least and I'd sign up for it right away.
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Remember that Uconn team that won it all two years ago? How bout in 2001 ;)

Sorry just saw, marillac and section 9 beat me to it.
 
I know it's an outdoor summer game at Rucker, but impressive that Shamorie was able to put up those #s against that trio of beasts when the biggest knock on him is his slight build.
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There have been many smaller guys who played in the NBA.
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I think Ponds is clearly going to be very good, but I was also wondering what a backcourt with both Lovett and Ponds potentially playing at the same time would look like. Both guys are 6ft. It would definitely be offensively explosive but it'd be interesting to see how they'd do defensively against some of the bigger backcourts out there. That being said, it'd be really entertaining at the very least and I'd sign up for it right away.
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Yukon won their last championship with 6' guards, and one of 'em is playing in the NBA
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Believe Boatwright has great chance to make an NBA roster if not now at some point and Kemba Walker and I believe Shabazz Napier is in the league so that would actually make 3 small guards in the NBA>
 
Sounds like the five names we keep hearing the most are Heron, Alkins, Ponds, Ahmed and Yakwe. IMO, we need to get at least 3 of these guys for the 16 class, and Heron/Alkins need to be one of the three.
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Just how on Earth can you even have expectations like this? Be happy with at least 1 of the top recruits signing with us. Do people live in lala land on here? At this juncture 1 would be a start.
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I think you will be surprised, hopefully happily. :)
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Almost all of us would be ecstatic but I don't think anything regarding SJU would make Chris 7 happy. :(
 
With the disclaimer that I have never been paid a dollar to evaluate high school basketball players I give some thoughts on some SJU targets from watching two days at the Adidas Uprising Camp.

2016

Alkins - There were a lot of really good players at the camp and he dominated most everyone he played against. It is fine that he is waiting until the spring to decide, because he is so good that no matter where he picks they will make room. I didn't expect to see as many good passes from him as I did. He won't be in college long

Heron - Like Alkins very strong, but not as good a shooter. Reminds me of Harrison in every other aspect of his game, including rebounding. Contact doesn't bother him, he almost seems to enjoy it. Will make an impact as a freshman wherever he goes, how much will depend on how good his outside shot becomes.

Ponds - I loved this guy. Sure, he is not at the level of Alkins and Heron, but few are. And yes, he is small, but quick, and his hands are extremely so. Unlimited range on his jumper, and because he can leap and has great body control he gets shots off in traffic that you wouldn't expect from him. Better yet, they go in, this kid finishes. I don't think he dominates day one, but he can contribute as a freshman and projects as a four year player. He is going to tear apart the PSAL this winter.

2017

Rafus - Crazy skinny. I didn't like his shot at all, and although defense wasn't exactly the focus this week Rafus played less than zero. Couldn't finish and seemed afraid of contact, which makes sense when you look at him. Can really jump, not just high but a fast leaper. Of course he is a 2017, but at this point I wasn't terribly impressed.

Tucker - He looked great, and has a lot of range. Hard to believe he is also a 2017, he has a polished post-up and face-up game, handles the ball well, boxes out, I couldn't find anything to quibble with.

Alvarado - Under control floor general, with decent size and a soild jump shot. Can break down his man and penetrate and dish. Defended more than a lot of other kids did.

Among other players at the camp, Adebayo is a man among boys, Kyle Guy looked very good, Kobi Simmons did not stand out, and Matthew Moyer was fluid and was able to get to the rim in the half court pretty easily. Overall, a lot of good talent.

I did not make it to Rucker, I heard that game was great.
 
@Justin_Albers: Rawle Alkins tells me he won't be with his NY Rens in Vegas this week. #iubb
 
@NYPost_Brazille: Entire #sjubb staff will be in Las Vegas this week for live period starting tonight.
 
Paultz-What's the reason for not allowing contact throughout the offseason?
 
To see Yakwe among others in NJ;

@Joshua_Newman: St. John's assistant Matt Abdelmassih among the first coaches here at Battle of the Borders. PSA Cardinals-WE R1 get it going at 5.
 
@jeffborzello: Boeheim, Turgeon, Lorenzo Romar, Duke, Kentucky, UNC, St. John's, Florida St, Miami, Auburn, Pitt, Nova, Fla., more here @BattleofBorders.
 
@AdamZagoria: Seton Hall's Shaheen Holloway & St. John's Matt Abdelmassih among those at the @WeR1Basketball event for Mohamed Bamba, Trevon Duval, etc.
 
@Joshua_Newman: We R1 leads PSA Cardinals, 43-39, at the half. No Ty Jerome or Kassoum Yakwe for PSA.

@jmverlin: WE R1 with a 43-39 lead on PSA Cardinals at the half. Nine triples for @WeR1Basketball making the difference; Eric Ayala with three.

@inRecruit: Travis Atson leading the way so far offensively for PSA Cardinals 17s @BattleofBorders
10 points at half.
 
@AdamZagoria: St. John's Slice is in Vegas watching the NY Rens featuring Mustapha Heron but not Rawle Alkins. Chris Mullin arrives tomorrow.
 
@AdamZagoria: St. John's Slice is in Vegas watching the NY Rens featuring Mustapha Heron but not Rawle Alkins. Chris Mullin arrives tomorrow.
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Odd time for Alkins to miss squaring up against the other championship AAU team after he called them out two weeks ago.

Good chance for Devonte Green to step up and show he's a top 100 kid.
 
With Maverick doubtful and Yakwe still in class of 2016, are we in the hunt for anyone else for the upcoming season?
 
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