Justin Simon
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Ray Morgan
Well-known member
That, without question, is 5 star athleticism. Simon takes a lot of heat for not being a better outside threat, but his numbers were actually OK. Looking forward to Simon and some other hungry players with a lot to prove having a big season that leads right to the big dance.
[quote="Ray Morgan" post=289202]That, without question, is 5 star athleticism. Simon takes a lot of heat for not being a better outside threat, but his numbers were actually OK. Looking forward to Simon and some other hungry players with a lot to prove having a big season that leads right to the big dance.[/quote]
Simon played a brilliant season. He took good shots and didn't force. That is a rare thing for guys with exceptional athleticism. His shot form can look a little mechanical and flat but I'm thinking that is from a lot of work on it because he did just about everything right and that only comes from discipline and a lot of work.
Simon played a brilliant season. He took good shots and didn't force. That is a rare thing for guys with exceptional athleticism. His shot form can look a little mechanical and flat but I'm thinking that is from a lot of work on it because he did just about everything right and that only comes from discipline and a lot of work.
[quote="Ray Morgan" post=289202]That, without question, is 5 star athleticism. Simon takes a lot of heat for not being a better outside threat, but his numbers were actually OK. Looking forward to Simon and some other hungry players with a lot to prove having a big season that leads right to the big dance.[/quote]
His 3 point shooting was not great, but he picked his spots effectively. OTOH, his foul shooting was horrendous at times. He needs to work on that.
His 3 point shooting was not great, but he picked his spots effectively. OTOH, his foul shooting was horrendous at times. He needs to work on that.
I said it last year, we are so fortunate to have this kid. Super athletic and with a year's BE experience, expect the turnovers to drop. Just hope we let him show his passing and ball handling skills rather than put him in PF forward position so he is more likely to return for his senior year. My favorite player from last year's team.
[quote="NCJohnnie" post=289211]I said it last year, we are so fortunate to have this kid. Super athletic and with a year's BE experience, expect the turnovers to drop. Just hope we let him show his passing and ball handling skills rather than put him in PF forward position so he is more likely to return for his senior year. My favorite player from last year's team.[/quote]
Excellent point on Simon’s pro aspirations and need to have opportunity to exhibit improved ball handling and passing skills. He is clearly the best athlete on the team and has a hybrid game that works well for SJU, but getting next level opportunities will require improvement in outside shooting & areas noted.
He is such an asset on college level though. Keeping him for his senior year would be important in sustaining a winning program if we do get it going this season.
Excellent point on Simon’s pro aspirations and need to have opportunity to exhibit improved ball handling and passing skills. He is clearly the best athlete on the team and has a hybrid game that works well for SJU, but getting next level opportunities will require improvement in outside shooting & areas noted.
He is such an asset on college level though. Keeping him for his senior year would be important in sustaining a winning program if we do get it going this season.
Windy City Johnny Fan
Member
Love him. My favorite Johnny in quite some time.
We're all super curious if he 'smoothed' out his jumper form during the off-season; Also, if he's been able to tighten up the handle / improve on the 'pg' skills. We'll all rooting like crazy for him. He's got a great heart / hustle on the court. Can't wait for the season to start.
[quote="Paultzman" post=289221][quote="NCJohnnie" post=289211]I said it last year, we are so fortunate to have this kid. Super athletic and with a year's BE experience, expect the turnovers to drop. Just hope we let him show his passing and ball handling skills rather than put him in PF forward position so he is more likely to return for his senior year. My favorite player from last year's team.[/quote]
Excellent point on Simon’s pro aspirations and need to have opportunity to exhibit improved ball handling and passing skills. He is clearly the best athlete on the team and has a hybrid game that works well for SJU, but getting next level opportunities will require improvement in outside shooting & areas noted.
He is such an asset on college level though. Keeping him for his senior year would be important in sustaining a winning program if we do get it going this season.[/quote]
In terms of compete, win, character, leadership, etc. factors give me 13 guys like Justin Simon every year.
Anticipate Simon's versatility will continue to be among the most unique in conference, and would not be surprised if we saw an uptick in offensive volumes even if it's with a small decrease in efficiency, which were frankly off the charts last year from a guard at 47.3% / 41.7%. As Paul alluded to above this was driven largely by Simon really playing within himself and being selective, especially at the 3 line.
But this year, particularly if Heron is eligible, Simon's ability to space the floor especially to the corners when on floor with Ponds/Heron, perhaps approx. double the attempts from 36 to closer to 80, and knock down mid-high 30s% could be real value add for team. Not just directly in terms of points on board from Simon 3s, but indirectly in terms of knock-on effects of defenses needing to pay attention to Simon there, instead of being able to leave a guy who might attempt a three per game or so and make one every other game give or take. With what Simon brings to almost every other area of the game if he is able to take 2-3 open 3s a game and make at a representative clip, he takes D and 3 to a pretty high octane level for a college player.
Hopefully it won't be as critical as retaining Ponds was this year due to program / roster stability more broadly, but really agree retaining Simon for 19/20 could be our most important personnel variable. 12/7/5, with good efficiency, that can guard 1-3 and maybe 4, with a bigtime motor and high character/leadership clearly doesn't grow on trees, so I imagine with that or better performance this year all but maybe the top ~15-20 programs in the country would be interested in Simon as a grad transfer. Hopefully a positive this year for Simon and SJU with positive outlook for 19-20 makes SJU attractive for Simon's last season of college hoops.
Excellent point on Simon’s pro aspirations and need to have opportunity to exhibit improved ball handling and passing skills. He is clearly the best athlete on the team and has a hybrid game that works well for SJU, but getting next level opportunities will require improvement in outside shooting & areas noted.
He is such an asset on college level though. Keeping him for his senior year would be important in sustaining a winning program if we do get it going this season.[/quote]
In terms of compete, win, character, leadership, etc. factors give me 13 guys like Justin Simon every year.
Anticipate Simon's versatility will continue to be among the most unique in conference, and would not be surprised if we saw an uptick in offensive volumes even if it's with a small decrease in efficiency, which were frankly off the charts last year from a guard at 47.3% / 41.7%. As Paul alluded to above this was driven largely by Simon really playing within himself and being selective, especially at the 3 line.
But this year, particularly if Heron is eligible, Simon's ability to space the floor especially to the corners when on floor with Ponds/Heron, perhaps approx. double the attempts from 36 to closer to 80, and knock down mid-high 30s% could be real value add for team. Not just directly in terms of points on board from Simon 3s, but indirectly in terms of knock-on effects of defenses needing to pay attention to Simon there, instead of being able to leave a guy who might attempt a three per game or so and make one every other game give or take. With what Simon brings to almost every other area of the game if he is able to take 2-3 open 3s a game and make at a representative clip, he takes D and 3 to a pretty high octane level for a college player.
Hopefully it won't be as critical as retaining Ponds was this year due to program / roster stability more broadly, but really agree retaining Simon for 19/20 could be our most important personnel variable. 12/7/5, with good efficiency, that can guard 1-3 and maybe 4, with a bigtime motor and high character/leadership clearly doesn't grow on trees, so I imagine with that or better performance this year all but maybe the top ~15-20 programs in the country would be interested in Simon as a grad transfer. Hopefully a positive this year for Simon and SJU with positive outlook for 19-20 makes SJU attractive for Simon's last season of college hoops.
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He is one of my favorites. I'm surprised he wound up shooting almost 42% from 3-point range, albeit on limited chances. Backcourt of Ponds, Heron (if eligible) and Simon would be one of the best we've had. I think Figueroa and Dixon will give much needed depth so these guys don't have to play 30-35 minutes a game. Hopefully, it will help Ponds' poor 3-point percentage (25%).
[quote="KG 44" post=289226]He is one of my favorites. I'm surprised he wound up shooting almost 42% from 3-point range, albeit on limited chances. Backcourt of Ponds, Heron (if eligible) and Simon would be one of the best we've had. I think Figueroa and Dixon will give much needed depth so these guys don't have to play 30-35 minutes a game. Hopefully, it will help Ponds' poor 3-point percentage (25%).[/quote]
With the "if" on Heron, those 5 will see court time as a unit.
With the "if" on Heron, those 5 will see court time as a unit.
[quote="Logen" post=289238][quote="KG 44" post=289226]He is one of my favorites. I'm surprised he wound up shooting almost 42% from 3-point range, albeit on limited chances. Backcourt of Ponds, Heron (if eligible) and Simon would be one of the best we've had. I think Figueroa and Dixon will give much needed depth so these guys don't have to play 30-35 minutes a game. Hopefully, it will help Ponds' poor 3-point percentage (25%).[/quote]
With the "if" on Heron, those 5 will see court time as a unit.[/quote]
Stands to reason. If Clark and Keita get 30 minutes a game, there will be stretches with 4 guards and sometimes 5. Both LJ and Dixon are sight unseen for me. I’m fairly comfortable LJ can produce immediately given his recruiting pedigree and the numbers he put up at JUCO (48% from 3). Not sure about Dixon. He had a poor assist/turnover ratio (about 1.0) against a weak level of competition. That doesn’t bode well for a smallish guard in the Big East.
With the "if" on Heron, those 5 will see court time as a unit.[/quote]
Stands to reason. If Clark and Keita get 30 minutes a game, there will be stretches with 4 guards and sometimes 5. Both LJ and Dixon are sight unseen for me. I’m fairly comfortable LJ can produce immediately given his recruiting pedigree and the numbers he put up at JUCO (48% from 3). Not sure about Dixon. He had a poor assist/turnover ratio (about 1.0) against a weak level of competition. That doesn’t bode well for a smallish guard in the Big East.
[quote="KG 44" post=289240][quote="Logen" post=289238][quote="KG 44" post=289226]He is one of my favorites. I'm surprised he wound up shooting almost 42% from 3-point range, albeit on limited chances. Backcourt of Ponds, Heron (if eligible) and Simon would be one of the best we've had. I think Figueroa and Dixon will give much needed depth so these guys don't have to play 30-35 minutes a game. Hopefully, it will help Ponds' poor 3-point percentage (25%).[/quote]
With the "if" on Heron, those 5 will see court time as a unit.[/quote]
Stands to reason. If Clark and Keita get 30 minutes a game, there will be stretches with 4 guards and sometimes 5. Both LJ and Dixon are sight unseen for me. I’m fairly comfortable LJ can produce immediately given his recruiting pedigree and the numbers he put up at JUCO (48% from 3). Not sure about Dixon. He had a poor assist/turnover ratio (about 1.0) against a weak level of competition. That doesn’t bode well for a smallish guard in the Big East.[/quote]
Would be shocked if Clark and Keita combine for 60 minutes. Would be surprised if they combine for more than 50.
With the "if" on Heron, those 5 will see court time as a unit.[/quote]
Stands to reason. If Clark and Keita get 30 minutes a game, there will be stretches with 4 guards and sometimes 5. Both LJ and Dixon are sight unseen for me. I’m fairly comfortable LJ can produce immediately given his recruiting pedigree and the numbers he put up at JUCO (48% from 3). Not sure about Dixon. He had a poor assist/turnover ratio (about 1.0) against a weak level of competition. That doesn’t bode well for a smallish guard in the Big East.[/quote]
Would be shocked if Clark and Keita combine for 60 minutes. Would be surprised if they combine for more than 50.
Simon is the perfect supporting star in college. He'll be the best "non scorer" in the BE this season and he'll still wind up getting you double digits on most nights. If he stays for his fifth year, and by all accounts he loves it here, he could have one of the best all around seasons weve seen. 12,7,5 as is is pretty incredible for a college player.
[quote="Amaseinyourface" post=289252][quote="KG 44" post=289240][quote="Logen" post=289238][quote="KG 44" post=289226]He is one of my favorites. I'm surprised he wound up shooting almost 42% from 3-point range, albeit on limited chances. Backcourt of Ponds, Heron (if eligible) and Simon would be one of the best we've had. I think Figueroa and Dixon will give much needed depth so these guys don't have to play 30-35 minutes a game. Hopefully, it will help Ponds' poor 3-point percentage (25%).[/quote]
With the "if" on Heron, those 5 will see court time as a unit.[/quote]
Stands to reason. If Clark and Keita get 30 minutes a game, there will be stretches with 4 guards and sometimes 5. Both LJ and Dixon are sight unseen for me. I’m fairly comfortable LJ can produce immediately given his recruiting pedigree and the numbers he put up at JUCO (48% from 3). Not sure about Dixon. He had a poor assist/turnover ratio (about 1.0) against a weak level of competition. That doesn’t bode well for a smallish guard in the Big East.[/quote]
Would be shocked if Clark and Keita combine for 60 minutes. Would be surprised if they combine for more than 50.[/quote]
Agree Amasein.
Last year, Ponds average ~37mins/game, SImon ~31, Carl & Owens ~30 each as well.
They were in great shape, but were all gassed late in the 2nd half.
Hoping Mustapha plays, I'm guessing our 'starters' will range between 25 - 30 mins / game in most games, and key guys and/or 'starters' like Clark, Figgy, Keita, Dixon will average 20 - 25, with the balance of minutes left for Trimble, Williams, Earlington, and Roberts.
Can't wait for the season.
Let's go Johnnies.
With the "if" on Heron, those 5 will see court time as a unit.[/quote]
Stands to reason. If Clark and Keita get 30 minutes a game, there will be stretches with 4 guards and sometimes 5. Both LJ and Dixon are sight unseen for me. I’m fairly comfortable LJ can produce immediately given his recruiting pedigree and the numbers he put up at JUCO (48% from 3). Not sure about Dixon. He had a poor assist/turnover ratio (about 1.0) against a weak level of competition. That doesn’t bode well for a smallish guard in the Big East.[/quote]
Would be shocked if Clark and Keita combine for 60 minutes. Would be surprised if they combine for more than 50.[/quote]
Agree Amasein.
Last year, Ponds average ~37mins/game, SImon ~31, Carl & Owens ~30 each as well.
They were in great shape, but were all gassed late in the 2nd half.
Hoping Mustapha plays, I'm guessing our 'starters' will range between 25 - 30 mins / game in most games, and key guys and/or 'starters' like Clark, Figgy, Keita, Dixon will average 20 - 25, with the balance of minutes left for Trimble, Williams, Earlington, and Roberts.
Can't wait for the season.
Let's go Johnnies.