LJ Status
- Thread starter boo haarvey
- Start date
MarkRedman
Well-known member
[quote="Monte" post=383549]Normally I think LJ would most likely be headed overseas. But with things being as they are now, another year in school till the dust settles on this virus would seem to me to be a better option. I would say that if it were own kid. Regardless I wish LJ the best in whatever he decides to do.[/quote]
I couldn't agree more with you, Monte
I wouldn't want my son to go overseas to play under current conditions
It would probably be wiser and safer to stay another year and then go overseas if need be
I couldn't agree more with you, Monte
I wouldn't want my son to go overseas to play under current conditions
It would probably be wiser and safer to stay another year and then go overseas if need be
St. John’s hasn’t lost any key contributors to the transfer wire, but there is a possibility the professional ranks could take away an important component.
LJ Figueroa, the Red Storm’s leading scorer, announced his intentions on Saturday to enter the NBA draft while keeping his options open of returning to school for his senior year. In a press release, St. John’s said the 6-foot-6 wing isn’t going to hire an agent and sources close to Figueroa, who turned 22 on Saturday, told The Post he is making this decision to get evaluated by NBA executives and scouts.
“These past two years at St. John’s have presented me with tremendous opportunities for growth both on and off the court,” Figueroa said in a statement. “My family, coaches, teammates and my hometown Lawrence, Massachusetts, have helped me develop into the man I am today, and I cannot begin to thank everyone enough. After speaking with my family and coaching staff, I have decided to declare for the 2020 NBA Draft. I intend to keep all of my options open and look forward to the learning experience this process will offer.”
Figueroa had an up-and-down junior season, adjusting to being the focal point of the offense after thriving in his first season in Queens. He averaged 14.5 points per game, but shot just 37.9 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from 3-point range, both down from a year ago. He led the Big East in steals at 1.9 per game and averaged 4.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists per contest. Like his teammates, Figueroa finished strong, scoring 15.7 points on 44.8 percent shooting in the Red Storm’s last four games, three of them wins.
“We support LJ’s decision to pursue his lifelong dream,” St. John’s coach Mike Anderson said. “This is an opportunity to gain valuable information by going through the NBA pre-draft process to make the best decision for his future.”
If Figueroa doesn’t return, it would open up a second scholarship for Anderson. At the moment, St. John’s focus is on adding a big man who can immediately contribute. The Red Storm are recruiting a number of graduate transfer and junior college prospects. They may not know about Figueroa for a while, either, since the expectation is the cutoff date of June 3 for the NBA draft will be pushed back due to the coronavirus pandemic that has postponed the season.
“St. John’s, LJ’s family and LJ all are on the same page. Everyone’s in it for LJ to succeed, and the door is open for him to come back for his senior year,” advisor Alex Arias said in a phone interview. “They have been very, very patient during this process. We’ve been working hand in hand.”
https://nypost.com/2020/03/28/lj-figueroa-to-enter-2020-nba-draft-but-may-return-to-st-johns/
LJ Figueroa, the Red Storm’s leading scorer, announced his intentions on Saturday to enter the NBA draft while keeping his options open of returning to school for his senior year. In a press release, St. John’s said the 6-foot-6 wing isn’t going to hire an agent and sources close to Figueroa, who turned 22 on Saturday, told The Post he is making this decision to get evaluated by NBA executives and scouts.
“These past two years at St. John’s have presented me with tremendous opportunities for growth both on and off the court,” Figueroa said in a statement. “My family, coaches, teammates and my hometown Lawrence, Massachusetts, have helped me develop into the man I am today, and I cannot begin to thank everyone enough. After speaking with my family and coaching staff, I have decided to declare for the 2020 NBA Draft. I intend to keep all of my options open and look forward to the learning experience this process will offer.”
Figueroa had an up-and-down junior season, adjusting to being the focal point of the offense after thriving in his first season in Queens. He averaged 14.5 points per game, but shot just 37.9 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from 3-point range, both down from a year ago. He led the Big East in steals at 1.9 per game and averaged 4.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists per contest. Like his teammates, Figueroa finished strong, scoring 15.7 points on 44.8 percent shooting in the Red Storm’s last four games, three of them wins.
“We support LJ’s decision to pursue his lifelong dream,” St. John’s coach Mike Anderson said. “This is an opportunity to gain valuable information by going through the NBA pre-draft process to make the best decision for his future.”
If Figueroa doesn’t return, it would open up a second scholarship for Anderson. At the moment, St. John’s focus is on adding a big man who can immediately contribute. The Red Storm are recruiting a number of graduate transfer and junior college prospects. They may not know about Figueroa for a while, either, since the expectation is the cutoff date of June 3 for the NBA draft will be pushed back due to the coronavirus pandemic that has postponed the season.
“St. John’s, LJ’s family and LJ all are on the same page. Everyone’s in it for LJ to succeed, and the door is open for him to come back for his senior year,” advisor Alex Arias said in a phone interview. “They have been very, very patient during this process. We’ve been working hand in hand.”
https://nypost.com/2020/03/28/lj-figueroa-to-enter-2020-nba-draft-but-may-return-to-st-johns/
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If LJ comes back I think the expectation should be an NCAA berth, at the very minimum. I think having a true floor general next year will really allow him to flourish offensively.
But, if some overseas teams wants to offer you six figures over multiple years, secure the bag my boy!
But, if some overseas teams wants to offer you six figures over multiple years, secure the bag my boy!
Maybe the scouts tell him lay off the floaters and forced 3's. Get back to your 1st year style and you have a good sr year it will open eyes
Anderson doesn't seem like he'd put up with selfishness. If LJ's biggest offensive gap is shot selection, less floaters and trying to get to the rim, this is much more palatable than watching Ponds try to become John Stockton for parts of games.
We need LJ back.
We need LJ back.
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It will be what it will be. I've been critical of LJ at times, mainly because I don't think he always plays smart, but would love to have him back. He's got to make the call that is best for him, and as with Simon & Ponds, I won't question his decision. Wish him the best one way or the other.
[quote="Logen" post=383576]Personally, I have seen enough with Sampson and Ponds “working on their games” to want to see another season sabotaged with a player more concerned about impressing scouts than winning. Come back to play the team game and help us win or go.[/quote]
I think this year he felt the need to try and do too much because of our lack of offensive firepower. That hopefully won’t be the case next year. Agree about Ponds and Sampson, but I would not put LJ in that category. IMO he’s always been a “team first” kind of kid, and I would expect more of that if he returns next year.
I think this year he felt the need to try and do too much because of our lack of offensive firepower. That hopefully won’t be the case next year. Agree about Ponds and Sampson, but I would not put LJ in that category. IMO he’s always been a “team first” kind of kid, and I would expect more of that if he returns next year.
[quote="Knight" post=383574]My 2 cents: Too many wholes in his game to turn pro at this juncture. Get evaluated and return and work on his game is the best choice.[/quote]
See this point of view comes up all of the time and it's very flawed. The NBA is all about drafting on potential. Why do you think so many freshman are taken in the first round? Many of them have more holes in their game than LJ. If LJ was an NBA prospect at this point, he would be drafted as such. Very few seniors ever get drafted anymore.
See this point of view comes up all of the time and it's very flawed. The NBA is all about drafting on potential. Why do you think so many freshman are taken in the first round? Many of them have more holes in their game than LJ. If LJ was an NBA prospect at this point, he would be drafted as such. Very few seniors ever get drafted anymore.
JackofVirginia
Active member
LJ announced yesterday he will try for an NBA evaluation but hold off with hiring an agent. Unfortunately with the Coronavirus it delays another open spot for a recruit.
[quote="Monte" post=383587][quote="Logen" post=383576]Personally, I have seen enough with Sampson and Ponds “working on their games” to want to see another season sabotaged with a player more concerned about impressing scouts than winning. Come back to play the team game and help us win or go.[/quote]
I think this year he felt the need to try and do too much because of our lack of offensive firepower. That hopefully won’t be the case next year. Agree about Ponds and Sampson, but I would not put LJ in that category. IMO he’s always been a “team first” kind of kid, and I would expect more of that if he returns next year.[/quote]
Monte, to clarify, I agree with your assessment of Figueroa and my comment was meant to be directed to those posters who seem to use ‘working on your game for the pros” as a rationale for him to return, not LJ at all.
I think this year he felt the need to try and do too much because of our lack of offensive firepower. That hopefully won’t be the case next year. Agree about Ponds and Sampson, but I would not put LJ in that category. IMO he’s always been a “team first” kind of kid, and I would expect more of that if he returns next year.[/quote]
Monte, to clarify, I agree with your assessment of Figueroa and my comment was meant to be directed to those posters who seem to use ‘working on your game for the pros” as a rationale for him to return, not LJ at all.
[quote="sjc88" post=383541]Before this season I really thought LJ was a legitimate NBA prospect.
After the season a fair evaluator would say he is headed for the undrafted NBA development league. Too many games he just disappeared. Shot selection was iffy and shot itself was inconsistent. Defense will be a problem at next level.
No matter what he decides I wish him the best of luck. He has represented St. John’s well. By all accounts he is a good kid.[/quote]
I thought he was disappointing for most of the season but have too say that at the end of the season he started to play, for the most part, within the flow of the game - and started to thrive.
If he stays and continues as he ended. . ..he has potential to have a big season
After the season a fair evaluator would say he is headed for the undrafted NBA development league. Too many games he just disappeared. Shot selection was iffy and shot itself was inconsistent. Defense will be a problem at next level.
No matter what he decides I wish him the best of luck. He has represented St. John’s well. By all accounts he is a good kid.[/quote]
I thought he was disappointing for most of the season but have too say that at the end of the season he started to play, for the most part, within the flow of the game - and started to thrive.
If he stays and continues as he ended. . ..he has potential to have a big season
Lambsbball
Member
LJ's mistakes last season will hurt his draft opportunities. He needs to play next season and show the scouts what he can do in a team with a more talented offense.
LJ would thrive playing with Jalen Harris at PG. He played one year for CMA and one year for Musselman. Jalen would be a dream Grad transfer for St John's. He's way,way better than Rutherford was. Jalen has 2 years top level D1 experience.
[URL]https://www.nwahomepage.com/sp...-leaving-arkansas-will-enter-transfer-portal/[/URL]
I think Jalen Harris,LJ, Champagnie and Dunn could lead St John's into the Sweet 16.
Jalen thrived under CMA's system.
5th in the SEC in total assists (189)
Tri-captain on Mike's team
15th in NCAA • 2nd in the SEC in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.86) — 189 assists vs 67 turnovers
Check out his record playing for CMA 2018-19. B)
[URL]https://arkansasrazorbacks.com/roster/jalen-harris/[/URL]
I hope TJ Cleveland and Mike are fighting hard to recruit Jalen Harris as a grad transfer. A experienced PG like this could convince LJ that it's worth returning.
LJ would thrive playing with Jalen Harris at PG. He played one year for CMA and one year for Musselman. Jalen would be a dream Grad transfer for St John's. He's way,way better than Rutherford was. Jalen has 2 years top level D1 experience.
[URL]https://www.nwahomepage.com/sp...-leaving-arkansas-will-enter-transfer-portal/[/URL]
I think Jalen Harris,LJ, Champagnie and Dunn could lead St John's into the Sweet 16.
Jalen thrived under CMA's system.
5th in the SEC in total assists (189)
Tri-captain on Mike's team
15th in NCAA • 2nd in the SEC in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.86) — 189 assists vs 67 turnovers
Check out his record playing for CMA 2018-19. B)
[URL]https://arkansasrazorbacks.com/roster/jalen-harris/[/URL]
I hope TJ Cleveland and Mike are fighting hard to recruit Jalen Harris as a grad transfer. A experienced PG like this could convince LJ that it's worth returning.
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MarkRedman
Well-known member
CMA thinks LJ should return for his senior year
So do I
[URL]https://www.newsday.com/sports/college/st-johns/mike-anderson-st-johns-basketball-1.43608952[/URL]
So do I
[URL]https://www.newsday.com/sports/college/st-johns/mike-anderson-st-johns-basketball-1.43608952[/URL]
[quote="James Ray Lamb" post=383690]LJ's mistakes last season will hurt his draft opportunities. He needs to play next season and show the scouts what he can do in a team with a more talented offense.
LJ would thrive playing with Jalen Harris at PG. He played one year for CMA and one year for Musselman. Jalen would be a dream Grad transfer for St John's. He's way,way better than Rutherford was. Jalen has 2 years top level D1 experience.
[URL]https://www.nwahomepage.com/sp...-leaving-arkansas-will-enter-transfer-portal/[/URL]
I think Jalen Harris,LJ, Champagnie and Dunn could lead St John's into the Sweet 16.
Jalen thrived under CMA's system.
5th in the SEC in total assists (189)
Tri-captain on Mike's team
15th in NCAA • 2nd in the SEC in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.86) — 189 assists vs 67 turnovers
Check out his record playing for CMA 2018-19. B)
[URL]https://arkansasrazorbacks.com/roster/jalen-harris/[/URL]
I hope TJ Cleveland and Mike are fighting hard to recruit Jalen Harris as a grad transfer. A experienced PG like this could convince LJ that it's worth returning.[/quote]
Jalen would be good for us, but Rutherfords ruggedness and toughness is something that we needed this year. Jalen while talented, is not a shooter, and wouldn’t bring that energizer energy and change the game on a dime like Nick could. I think we’ll be fine with the pgs and guards we have. Maybe one more of a spot opens up, but otherwise I’m good on Jalen Harris. Probably why the coaches aren’t trying to recruit him as well.
LJ would thrive playing with Jalen Harris at PG. He played one year for CMA and one year for Musselman. Jalen would be a dream Grad transfer for St John's. He's way,way better than Rutherford was. Jalen has 2 years top level D1 experience.
[URL]https://www.nwahomepage.com/sp...-leaving-arkansas-will-enter-transfer-portal/[/URL]
I think Jalen Harris,LJ, Champagnie and Dunn could lead St John's into the Sweet 16.
Jalen thrived under CMA's system.
5th in the SEC in total assists (189)
Tri-captain on Mike's team
15th in NCAA • 2nd in the SEC in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.86) — 189 assists vs 67 turnovers
Check out his record playing for CMA 2018-19. B)
[URL]https://arkansasrazorbacks.com/roster/jalen-harris/[/URL]
I hope TJ Cleveland and Mike are fighting hard to recruit Jalen Harris as a grad transfer. A experienced PG like this could convince LJ that it's worth returning.[/quote]
Jalen would be good for us, but Rutherfords ruggedness and toughness is something that we needed this year. Jalen while talented, is not a shooter, and wouldn’t bring that energizer energy and change the game on a dime like Nick could. I think we’ll be fine with the pgs and guards we have. Maybe one more of a spot opens up, but otherwise I’m good on Jalen Harris. Probably why the coaches aren’t trying to recruit him as well.
beast of the east
Active member
No better than 50-50 at this point.
There is some interest in making money overseas. I believe he know the NBA is a long shot at this point.
There is some interest in making money overseas. I believe he know the NBA is a long shot at this point.
MarkRedman
Well-known member
The fact that LJ just turned 22 years old may factor in his decision as well