LJ in Transfer Portal?

[quote="Paultzman" post=388034]Unnecessary cheap shot by Powell imo;

https://twitter.com/myles_mbp_23/status/1265268340982939651?s=21[/quote]

Powell's still bitter about SJU apparently not recognizing his 2000th point in the "proper" manner. Call me old fashioned, but a player that won a single tournament game in his career and may not get drafted should probably be focusing on other stuff than what happens with SJU player movement. Powell was a very good college player but why these kids feel the need to "air" the stuff they do on Twitter is mind-boggling.
 
honestly, it doesn't matter.

there likely won't be a season....

and if there is, why play in an empty CA.

(keep in mind we were already going to play less games at MSG next season. now with covid, i can't see the school spending the money to play any games there)

why put your body at risk and future at risk.

at this point, if you're going to play in an empty arena, at least make some money.

the whole transfer thing i can't see happening.

he's g-league or europe bound.

good luck to him. he was frustrating to watch at times, but no on can deny he played hard and he won us some games.

i'll miss him.
 
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[quote="NCJohnnie" post=388066]Suspect he'll try hardship waiver route and if that doesn't work leave wherever he transfers to and play overseas or in G league.[/quote]

That's exactly what he'll do and I'm sure whatever school(s) are in his ear are aware of that and have told him they believe he can get the waiver. My guess is the waiver won't be granted and we won't see him at the college level again, but who knows with the NCAA.
 
Unless there is definitive answer from the School or LJ, all we are doing is speculating about reasons or motives . I think LJ was more comfortable playing for CM than Coach A . It’s not unusual for players to transfer when a Coaching change occurs . The fact he considered it last year was indicative of that possibility . In my opinion , he and Herron were close as friends and players and might have thought they would be a great 1-2 tandem last year . It didn’t happen . Herron played hurt all season , after being injured in the Pan Am games and then sustained a season ending injury . We were all disappointed for him and the Team . I don’t buy the idea that he’s skills regressed . He played hurt . As for Figgy , his game was better utilized by Mullin . Coach A positioned him way too far from the basket, where he hoisted the 30 footers and tried his floaters to the basket . Mullin had him closer to the Basket , where he could shoot the 15-20 footer , a better shot for him and also go to the hoop from that distance . He’s not quick enough to beat his defender off the dribble from 30 feet . During the season , it was apparent a disconnect had happened . Figgy showed displeasure a few times when Dunn took the last shot or fumbled the ball away in last second losses . Of course , there was a time or 2 where Figgy had plenty of time and hoisted a way too far out bomb , which missed . So , the Chemistry wasn’t there with Coach A and Figgy to begin with . Sometimes it just happens and no fault assigned , to Coach or player . What is upsetting is that this decision should have been made in April, not almost June . Speculating as to why that happened is anyone’s guess . He will be missed . Replacing 14.5 points a game in the BE is tough . He’s a very good BE or top Conference player, if he transfers to a program that can spotlight his strengths . Good luck to him . Sorry it didn’t work out for both , Team and Player .
 
I can't see the NCAA denying too many waivers. If they do I think we could finally put a fork in them. To me that is beside the point. Go pro or transfer. OK your choice. Also your choice how (and when) you do it. To me that is the point. Love him as a player. Team leader entering the transfer portal at the end of May. Not a good look.
 
Not a problem, better to leave now no matter what the reason(s). He will play somewhere - maybe hardship waiver to play at a Boston area school, maybe he gets his credits to graduate, Europe, G-League. I don't see him sitting. The virus will likely cause more turbulence in the transfer portal over the next few weeks/months, and I have a feeling we'll end up filling that 'ship. Best of luck to LJ.
 
[quote="Paul Massell" post=388075]I can't see the NCAA denying too many waivers. If they do I think we could finally put a fork in them. To me that is beside the point. Go pro or transfer. OK your choice. Also your choice how (and when) you do it. To me that is the point. Love him as a player. Team leader entering the transfer portal at the end of May. Not a good look.[/quote]
Agree, easier for NCAA to be lenient at this time and change rules in January.
 
Again, it seems like if you want to play for Anderson, you have to be willing to forget everything you've learned in the past, and do it his way. While his way is very exciting for most, it could lead to certain issues re: player selection/recruiting. This was an issue with the Arkansas brass, apparently, so I'll be watching this closely.

That being said, I'm glad we got this past year out of LJ. I didn't want another 10 win season. 17-15 is still at least something to build on, and something to sell to recruits.
 
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Damn. A lot of people are downplaying this, but really bad look for everyone.

Currently we're not recruiting 4 star talent so we need to do well on the court. LJ was expected to be a big part of that. If we miss the Tournament next year and don't pick up some major pieces then enthusiasm will plummet quickly. Staff should try keeping him (however unlikely he is to return) because we're not replacing 15 PPG on the transfer market.
 
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[quote="Adam" post=388080]Damn. A lot of people are downplaying this, but really bad look for everyone.

Currently we're not recruiting 4 star talent so we need to do well on the court. LJ was expected to be a big part of that. If we miss the Tournament next year and don't pick up some major pieces then enthusiasm will plummet quickly. Staff should try keeping him because we're not replacing 15 PPG on the transfer market.[/quote]

I disagree. I think Cole by himself will make up the 15 ppg.

LJ, like Heron before him, will not make a big difference. We will be just fine and possibley better w/o him.
 
[quote="Adam" post=388080]Damn. A lot of people are downplaying this, but really bad look for everyone.

Currently we're not recruiting 4 star talent so we need to do well on the court. LJ was expected to be a big part of that. If we miss the Tournament next year and don't pick up some major pieces then enthusiasm will plummet quickly. Staff should try keeping him because we're not replacing 15 PPG on the transfer market.[/quote]

The kid came to play for Mullin and the system he played. He did not sign on to play as CMA plays. In my mind the mistake was he knew this 2 months ago and should have let the staff know his plans a lot sooner.
In today's college basketball kids are transferring all the time. I don't buy into the "bad look" scenario
 
John Fanta on alleged LJ Covid waiver rationale;

1. This is totally unsurprising, but schools using a pandemic’s impact as part of their strategy to get a kid sums up the transfer environment. 2. This will be one of many coronavirus-related transfer cases. How that gets handled is going to be something to keep an eye on.
 
Cole is a walking bucket, He can have all of LJ’s ill-advised shots. Good luck to LJ, he gave it his all when he was here. Unfortunately he was very selfish in this situation. He could have explored these options a month ago. He’s getting bad advise from his handlers. Honestly, transferring would be a huge mistake, unless he’s going to Iona, where he can chuck up 30 shots a game, it’s pointless for him to transfer. At this point, I would not welcome him back and it pains for me to say that but just too many people in his ear. I like the guys we have coming back and the new guys we have coming in. If you do not like our culture, good riddance.
 
[quote="Paultzman" post=388058]Source close to LJ Figueroa: "Everything is on the table." Meaning NBA, G-League, overseas, transferring. #sjubb
Zach

Tiring[/quote]


The NBA is not on the table
Not an option for him
 
[quote="Adam" post=388080]Damn. A lot of people are downplaying this, but really bad look for everyone.

Currently we're not recruiting 4 star talent so we need to do well on the court. LJ was expected to be a big part of that. If we miss the Tournament next year and don't pick up some major pieces then enthusiasm will plummet quickly. Staff should try keeping him (however unlikely he is to return) because we're not replacing 15 PPG on the transfer market.[/quote]

Agreed, although I've always viewed this upcoming year as another year of adjustment, anyway. Year 3 was the biggie, for me.

However, anybody we lose seems to be a blow. A lot of people, myself included, didn't think McGriff's injury was going to be a big blow last year. However, he might have been the closest thing we had to a true point guard, so he may have helped with some of the problems we had with late game offense last year.

Our problem is twofold. We are not going to be able to win until we recruit/retain great players, and we are not going to be able to recruit/retain great players, until we start winning. I mean, I guess it could be done without getting sleazy, but it's very, very hard. That's something I resigned myself to a long time ago.
 
[quote="Lopez_13" post=388084]Cole is a walking bucket, He can have all of LJ’s ill-advised shots. Good luck to LJ, he gave it his all when he was here. Unfortunately he was very selfish in this situation. He could have explored these options a month ago. He’s getting bad advise from his handlers. Honestly, transferring would be a huge mistake, unless he’s going to Iona, where he can chuck up 30 shots a game, it’s pointless for him to transfer. At this point, I would not welcome him back and it pains for me to say that but just too many people in his ear. I like the guys we have coming back and the new guys we have coming in. If you do not like our culture, good riddance.[/quote]

You are correct sir. Earlngton has become a walking bucket, champaignie is getting there. This is exciting. I cant wait to watch this team next year.
 
[quote="Duke of Earlington" post=388081][quote="Adam" post=388080]Damn. A lot of people are downplaying this, but really bad look for everyone.

Currently we're not recruiting 4 star talent so we need to do well on the court. LJ was expected to be a big part of that. If we miss the Tournament next year and don't pick up some major pieces then enthusiasm will plummet quickly. Staff should try keeping him because we're not replacing 15 PPG on the transfer market.[/quote]

I disagree. I think Cole by himself will make up the 15 ppg.

LJ, like Heron before him, will not make a big difference. We will be just fine and possibley better w/o him.[/quote]

I agree that what you're saying is possible, I just don't think it's probable. Generally fan bases are more biased than the typical outsider, and all the headlines for this are saying it's a massive blow. He'll be considered one of the top transfers in the nation and I can't see that as a good thing.

If he were coming back nearly everyone on here would be on thrilled.
 
[quote="Adam" post=388089][quote="Duke of Earlington" post=388081][quote="Adam" post=388080]Damn. A lot of people are downplaying this, but really bad look for everyone.

Currently we're not recruiting 4 star talent so we need to do well on the court. LJ was expected to be a big part of that. If we miss the Tournament next year and don't pick up some major pieces then enthusiasm will plummet quickly. Staff should try keeping him because we're not replacing 15 PPG on the transfer market.[/quote]

I disagree. I think Cole by himself will make up the 15 ppg.

LJ, like Heron before him, will not make a big difference. We will be just fine and possibley better w/o him.[/quote]

I agree that what you're saying is possible, I just don't think it's probable. Generally fan bases are more biased than the typical outsider, and all the headlines for this are saying it's a massive blow. He'll be considered one of the top transfers in the nation and I can't see that as a good thing.

If he were coming back nearly everyone on here would be on thrilled.[/quote]

You are right. But we would also have been thrilled if heron came back last year but in reality, it didnt matter much.

In Mike Anderson's system, losing one guy is not that big of a deal because we have 4 guys(Earlington, Champaignie, Cole and Williams) who will now have to play bigger roles.

And I think them having bigger roles will produce better results then what LJ would have.
 
[quote="fan5577" post=388082][quote="Adam" post=388080]Damn. A lot of people are downplaying this, but really bad look for everyone.

Currently we're not recruiting 4 star talent so we need to do well on the court. LJ was expected to be a big part of that. If we miss the Tournament next year and don't pick up some major pieces then enthusiasm will plummet quickly. Staff should try keeping him because we're not replacing 15 PPG on the transfer market.[/quote]

The kid came to play for Mullin and the system he played. He did not sign on to play as CMA plays. In my mind the mistake was he knew this 2 months ago and should have let the staff know his plans a lot sooner.
In today's college basketball kids are transferring all the time. I don't buy into the "bad look" scenario[/quote]

I agree that he absolutely should have told the staff 2 months ago. That's why a lot of us are so frustrated.

How is this not a bad look for us though? We have been mostly irrelevant forever and now we're losing someone who was being penciled in on the All BE First team. This is not an ordinary transfer, this is someone who pre-season would be our best player by every analyst out there.

Whether he actually would have been our best player is certainly debatable, but pre-season he would've been considered that by sports writers and thus it's bad for perception.
 
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This late decision looks bad and could have been avoided if LJ made his decision just a few weeks ago. SJU, Anderson, Salnave and LJ would all be better off.
 
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