LJ's Regression
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I had said pre game that we needed 35 points from Figgy and Heron vs SH . They had 34 . Of course , Figgy was on the Bench cheering during Crunch time .. Can’t score from there ... LJ seems to emulate the Marvin Clark style of defense ... Foul even when it’s useless to defend a play . Must have rubbed off on him from last year . Roberts played well., except you really can’t have a 33 percent foul shooter in the game down the stretch . 33 percent is awful for any BB player and at this level it’s disastrous . No matter how you slice it , it contributed to losing the game . It seemed to me that Steere took a misstep as he turned upcourt after his slam dunk and might have injured himself . It’s baffling why Anderson didn’t get him in the second half unless he was injured . Sometimes a Coach has to live with a Player, despite obvious misgivings , if he’s 6’9” tall ! Steere could have challenged Ramiro a bit anyway , even if he fouls out ., lastly , I wasn’t impressed with Anderson’s strategy in the last 2 close losses in the PC and Seton Hall games ..,. Heron got the ball vs the Friars but , there wasn’t a play or screen set up for him , other than the too early shot . Against Seton Hall , you would think a better play than Dunn dribbling to near half court and then passing to Earlington could have been set up ? No screen , no getting the ball to Heron, since Figgy was just watching . Why not ? Dunn and Rutherford , despite playing hard on every play , should never attempt a shot over 3 feet from the basket . They are not and will never be good shooters . They just don’t have that skill . The harshest reality for us St John’s fans is seeing SH get much better players consistently over the last decade . I wish I knew why ? Willard has obviously been a better recruiter than Lavin or Mullin . The jury is out on Anderson until we see if he can get the talent that the BE requires .
boo haarvey
Active member
[quote="SLYFOXX1968" post=373349]I had said pre game that we needed 35 points from Figgy and Heron vs SH . They had 34 . Of course , Figgy was on the Bench cheering during Crunch time .. Can’t score from there ... LJ seems to emulate the Marvin Clark style of defense ... Foul even when it’s useless to defend a play . Must have rubbed off on him from last year . Roberts played well., except you really can’t have a 33 percent foul shooter in the game down the stretch . 33 percent is awful for any BB player and at this level it’s disastrous . No matter how you slice it , it contributed to losing the game . It seemed to me that Steere took a misstep as he turned upcourt after his slam dunk and might have injured himself . It’s baffling why Anderson didn’t get him in the second half unless he was injured . Sometimes a Coach has to live with a Player, despite obvious misgivings , if he’s 6’9” tall ! Steere could have challenged Ramiro a bit anyway , even if he fouls out ., lastly , I wasn’t impressed with Anderson’s strategy in the last 2 close losses in the PC and Seton Hall games ..,. Heron got the ball vs the Friars but , there wasn’t a play or screen set up for him , other than the too early shot . Against Seton Hall , you would think a better play than Dunn dribbling to near half court and then passing to Earlington could have been set up ? No screen , no getting the ball to Heron, since Figgy was just watching . Why not ? Dunn and Rutherford , despite playing hard on every play , should never attempt a shot over 3 feet from the basket . They are not and will never be good shooters . They just don’t have that skill . The harshest reality for us St John’s fans is seeing SH get much better players consistently over the last decade . I wish I knew why ? Willard has obviously been a better recruiter than Lavin or Mullin . The jury is out on Anderson until we see if he can get the talent that the BE requires .[/quote]
Willard was not a better recruiter than Lavin and Seton Hall has not recruited better players the last ten years tha. us.
Read some of the posts on this board for an explanation of the Tiny Morton/Isiah Whitehead situation and you’ll get some perspective. Likely saved Willard’s job and cost Lavin his. Credit to Willard for keeping the momentum going.
Speaking of which, momentum is everything, and luck plays a part. Recruit a four star or transfer player that shines. Couple that with a good supporting cast and that breeds a successful year. Success breeds success and recruiting suddenly becomes easier. We need a break that will help us build some momentum.
Seemed like we started to do that with Lavin, but the cancer derailed things. Let’s see what happens with CMA. In basketball, it sometimes only takes one player to turn a program around. That player does not need to be a five star talent.
Willard was not a better recruiter than Lavin and Seton Hall has not recruited better players the last ten years tha. us.
Read some of the posts on this board for an explanation of the Tiny Morton/Isiah Whitehead situation and you’ll get some perspective. Likely saved Willard’s job and cost Lavin his. Credit to Willard for keeping the momentum going.
Speaking of which, momentum is everything, and luck plays a part. Recruit a four star or transfer player that shines. Couple that with a good supporting cast and that breeds a successful year. Success breeds success and recruiting suddenly becomes easier. We need a break that will help us build some momentum.
Seemed like we started to do that with Lavin, but the cancer derailed things. Let’s see what happens with CMA. In basketball, it sometimes only takes one player to turn a program around. That player does not need to be a five star talent.
[quote="Boo Harvey" post=373353][quote="SLYFOXX1968" post=373349]I had said pre game that we needed 35 points from Figgy and Heron vs SH . They had 34 . Of course , Figgy was on the Bench cheering during Crunch time .. Can’t score from there ... LJ seems to emulate the Marvin Clark style of defense ... Foul even when it’s useless to defend a play . Must have rubbed off on him from last year . Roberts played well., except you really can’t have a 33 percent foul shooter in the game down the stretch . 33 percent is awful for any BB player and at this level it’s disastrous . No matter how you slice it , it contributed to losing the game . It seemed to me that Steere took a misstep as he turned upcourt after his slam dunk and might have injured himself . It’s baffling why Anderson didn’t get him in the second half unless he was injured . Sometimes a Coach has to live with a Player, despite obvious misgivings , if he’s 6’9” tall ! Steere could have challenged Ramiro a bit anyway , even if he fouls out ., lastly , I wasn’t impressed with Anderson’s strategy in the last 2 close losses in the PC and Seton Hall games ..,. Heron got the ball vs the Friars but , there wasn’t a play or screen set up for him , other than the too early shot . Against Seton Hall , you would think a better play than Dunn dribbling to near half court and then passing to Earlington could have been set up ? No screen , no getting the ball to Heron, since Figgy was just watching . Why not ? Dunn and Rutherford , despite playing hard on every play , should never attempt a shot over 3 feet from the basket . They are not and will never be good shooters . They just don’t have that skill . The harshest reality for us St John’s fans is seeing SH get much better players consistently over the last decade . I wish I knew why ? Willard has obviously been a better recruiter than Lavin or Mullin . The jury is out on Anderson until we see if he can get the talent that the BE requires .[/quote]
Willard was not a better recruiter than Lavin and Seton Hall has not recruited better players the last ten years tha. us.
Read some of the posts on this board for an explanation of the Tiny Morton/Isiah Whitehead situation and you’ll get some perspective. Likely saved Willard’s job and cost Lavin his. Credit to Willard for keeping the momentum going.
Speaking of which, momentum is everything, and luck plays a part. Recruit a four star or transfer player that shines. Couple that with a good supporting cast and that breeds a successful year. Success breeds success and recruiting suddenly becomes easier. We need a break that will help us build some momentum.
Seemed like we started to do that with Lavin, but the cancer derailed things. Let’s see what happens with CMA. In basketball, it sometimes only takes one player to turn a program around. That player does not need to be a five star talent.[/quote]
Let's also not forget Myles Powell decision to return for his senior year was huge for the Hall. We typically don't get breaks like that. Both Ponds and Simon left early just last year and LJ likely will do the same after this year.
Willard was not a better recruiter than Lavin and Seton Hall has not recruited better players the last ten years tha. us.
Read some of the posts on this board for an explanation of the Tiny Morton/Isiah Whitehead situation and you’ll get some perspective. Likely saved Willard’s job and cost Lavin his. Credit to Willard for keeping the momentum going.
Speaking of which, momentum is everything, and luck plays a part. Recruit a four star or transfer player that shines. Couple that with a good supporting cast and that breeds a successful year. Success breeds success and recruiting suddenly becomes easier. We need a break that will help us build some momentum.
Seemed like we started to do that with Lavin, but the cancer derailed things. Let’s see what happens with CMA. In basketball, it sometimes only takes one player to turn a program around. That player does not need to be a five star talent.[/quote]
Let's also not forget Myles Powell decision to return for his senior year was huge for the Hall. We typically don't get breaks like that. Both Ponds and Simon left early just last year and LJ likely will do the same after this year.
prjohnnies
Member
Very true. Lavin destroyed Willard in recruiting, and the results showed the first 5 years of their respective tenures. Willard sold his soul to Tiny and Antigua to avoid being canned, and it worked. Since the Whitehead/Delgado group, Willard's done a good job of limiting roster turnover and convincing his kids to stay 4 years. He's also done well developing under-the-radar kids, whether that be Desi (part of the Tiny contingent but not highly ranked), Sandro (who Dave on the other board says we could have had but passed on), or Romaro Gill who has been an absolute revelation and is keeping that 4-start transfer from FSU on the Hall's bench.
Since the Tiny/Antigua class, the Hall has recruited better. Powell was a 4 star kid who was under-recruited because he was 40 pounds heavier. He got in shape before his freshman year and was hyped as the best incoming kid in the BE besides Ponds. Cale was a 4 star kid. On top of that, a little luck goes a long way. Rare does a kid with Powell's ability and performance his junior year return to school. He did and is one of the best if not the best player in the country. Kudos to Willard for convincing the kid to return, and for Powell for being mature enough to realize the benefit of playing an extra year. He's the difference between the Hall being a really good team and being at the bottom of the league. You put Powell on this SJU group, and take out any of our players, and we are ranked and at the top of the league.
[quote="Boo Harvey" post=373353][quote="SLYFOXX1968" post=373349]I had said pre game that we needed 35 points from Figgy and Heron vs SH . They had 34 . Of course , Figgy was on the Bench cheering during Crunch time .. Can’t score from there ... LJ seems to emulate the Marvin Clark style of defense ... Foul even when it’s useless to defend a play . Must have rubbed off on him from last year . Roberts played well., except you really can’t have a 33 percent foul shooter in the game down the stretch . 33 percent is awful for any BB player and at this level it’s disastrous . No matter how you slice it , it contributed to losing the game . It seemed to me that Steere took a misstep as he turned upcourt after his slam dunk and might have injured himself . It’s baffling why Anderson didn’t get him in the second half unless he was injured . Sometimes a Coach has to live with a Player, despite obvious misgivings , if he’s 6’9” tall ! Steere could have challenged Ramiro a bit anyway , even if he fouls out ., lastly , I wasn’t impressed with Anderson’s strategy in the last 2 close losses in the PC and Seton Hall games ..,. Heron got the ball vs the Friars but , there wasn’t a play or screen set up for him , other than the too early shot . Against Seton Hall , you would think a better play than Dunn dribbling to near half court and then passing to Earlington could have been set up ? No screen , no getting the ball to Heron, since Figgy was just watching . Why not ? Dunn and Rutherford , despite playing hard on every play , should never attempt a shot over 3 feet from the basket . They are not and will never be good shooters . They just don’t have that skill . The harshest reality for us St John’s fans is seeing SH get much better players consistently over the last decade . I wish I knew why ? Willard has obviously been a better recruiter than Lavin or Mullin . The jury is out on Anderson until we see if he can get the talent that the BE requires .[/quote]
Willard was not a better recruiter than Lavin and Seton Hall has not recruited better players the last ten years tha. us.
Read some of the posts on this board for an explanation of the Tiny Morton/Isiah Whitehead situation and you’ll get some perspective. Likely saved Willard’s job and cost Lavin his. Credit to Willard for keeping the momentum going.
Speaking of which, momentum is everything, and luck plays a part. Recruit a four star or transfer player that shines. Couple that with a good supporting cast and that breeds a successful year. Success breeds success and recruiting suddenly becomes easier. We need a break that will help us build some momentum.
Seemed like we started to do that with Lavin, but the cancer derailed things. Let’s see what happens with CMA. In basketball, it sometimes only takes one player to turn a program around. That player does not need to be a five star talent.[/quote]
Since the Tiny/Antigua class, the Hall has recruited better. Powell was a 4 star kid who was under-recruited because he was 40 pounds heavier. He got in shape before his freshman year and was hyped as the best incoming kid in the BE besides Ponds. Cale was a 4 star kid. On top of that, a little luck goes a long way. Rare does a kid with Powell's ability and performance his junior year return to school. He did and is one of the best if not the best player in the country. Kudos to Willard for convincing the kid to return, and for Powell for being mature enough to realize the benefit of playing an extra year. He's the difference between the Hall being a really good team and being at the bottom of the league. You put Powell on this SJU group, and take out any of our players, and we are ranked and at the top of the league.
[quote="Boo Harvey" post=373353][quote="SLYFOXX1968" post=373349]I had said pre game that we needed 35 points from Figgy and Heron vs SH . They had 34 . Of course , Figgy was on the Bench cheering during Crunch time .. Can’t score from there ... LJ seems to emulate the Marvin Clark style of defense ... Foul even when it’s useless to defend a play . Must have rubbed off on him from last year . Roberts played well., except you really can’t have a 33 percent foul shooter in the game down the stretch . 33 percent is awful for any BB player and at this level it’s disastrous . No matter how you slice it , it contributed to losing the game . It seemed to me that Steere took a misstep as he turned upcourt after his slam dunk and might have injured himself . It’s baffling why Anderson didn’t get him in the second half unless he was injured . Sometimes a Coach has to live with a Player, despite obvious misgivings , if he’s 6’9” tall ! Steere could have challenged Ramiro a bit anyway , even if he fouls out ., lastly , I wasn’t impressed with Anderson’s strategy in the last 2 close losses in the PC and Seton Hall games ..,. Heron got the ball vs the Friars but , there wasn’t a play or screen set up for him , other than the too early shot . Against Seton Hall , you would think a better play than Dunn dribbling to near half court and then passing to Earlington could have been set up ? No screen , no getting the ball to Heron, since Figgy was just watching . Why not ? Dunn and Rutherford , despite playing hard on every play , should never attempt a shot over 3 feet from the basket . They are not and will never be good shooters . They just don’t have that skill . The harshest reality for us St John’s fans is seeing SH get much better players consistently over the last decade . I wish I knew why ? Willard has obviously been a better recruiter than Lavin or Mullin . The jury is out on Anderson until we see if he can get the talent that the BE requires .[/quote]
Willard was not a better recruiter than Lavin and Seton Hall has not recruited better players the last ten years tha. us.
Read some of the posts on this board for an explanation of the Tiny Morton/Isiah Whitehead situation and you’ll get some perspective. Likely saved Willard’s job and cost Lavin his. Credit to Willard for keeping the momentum going.
Speaking of which, momentum is everything, and luck plays a part. Recruit a four star or transfer player that shines. Couple that with a good supporting cast and that breeds a successful year. Success breeds success and recruiting suddenly becomes easier. We need a break that will help us build some momentum.
Seemed like we started to do that with Lavin, but the cancer derailed things. Let’s see what happens with CMA. In basketball, it sometimes only takes one player to turn a program around. That player does not need to be a five star talent.[/quote]
Excluding Whitehead , which was a controversial situation . Carrington, Delgado, Rodriguez, Neizi, Powell, McKnight, Mamu, Ramiro Gill, Thompson , Cale , Rhoden, etc . Could arguably be better recruits than ours as a body of work over that 10 year period . It’s a question anyway and certainly the Hall has outperformed us over that time frame . Lavin has that first year great Class with Harrison , Harkless, Pointer , Sampson , Greene, etc . But , even given those players , we didn’t deliver the results the Hall did . Later on , Jordan and Obepka were Lavin recruits but , we got only 2 years out of them . and , only 1 with Harkless and 2 for Sampson , I think . Mullin got Ponds , neutralized by Powell as a elite player and Simon and Clark . Both , highly recruited but , having key flaws in their game . Simon was a poor shooter and Clark. Poor defender . That’s not to say they didn’t contribute but , delivered inconsistent results in their 2 years . Hopefully Anderson will get the depth of BE talent that is required to compete and Win championships .
Would love to see LJ in the high post when teams zone us. Think he can draw some fouls going to the hole.
Booksnball
Member
As a long time "observer" who doesn't post many times ( I was never a frequent contributor) I've found this year to be one of the best years of well thought out contributions. The insults are way, way down & the analysis much better. That said, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Which may or may not be a good thing. LOL - Just kidding.
From this recent topic & resulting comments, I come away with a few observations. The coaching & style of play the team has displayed is the best I've seen in years. From conversations with several long time (some retired, some legends) PSAL & CHSAA coaches their comments have universally agreed. They REALLY like the job Coach Mike Anderson & staff is doing. He promised "40 minutes of hell" & his team's commitment (EFFORT-EFFORT-EFFORT) to DEFENSE, to me has been inspirational. Many of the posters here on this topic have mentioned recruiting & getting commitments from BETTER players & obviously that is the key to any program being successful. I have the feeling that this coach & the solid staff he has assembled is going to deliver that for St. John's fans.
H.S. coaches & their players watching St. John's compete have to be impressed & know that they'll be playing a style of play in a great conference that will benefit any aspirations they have about playing at the next level. (99% are thinking about that) Just look at the effort CMA is getting from last years "forgotten 3+" players. Players respond to being challenged (I've heard SJU's practices are VERY competitive) & treated fairly. The word/reputation on that will pay future dividends for sure.
As for the comments about LJF & Heron I think the most on target one is about the effort LJ is expanding on D is affecting him on the offensive end. IF he just cuts back on the needless fouls he'll be out there more often at crunch time. For Heron, I agree that he rushes his shot too much at key moments & IF he trust his instincts & his TEAMmates more, HE & SJU will be better for it. LJ would benefit from having a similar mind set & reducing the pressure on himself will result in seeing his shooting % return to last years + level.
The BIG EAST Tournament is 7+ weeks away & that's a lot of time for players & the TEAM to improve in the areas many of you have mentioned. I'm betting that these coaches & players will prove me correct. Be well - Stay well all !
From this recent topic & resulting comments, I come away with a few observations. The coaching & style of play the team has displayed is the best I've seen in years. From conversations with several long time (some retired, some legends) PSAL & CHSAA coaches their comments have universally agreed. They REALLY like the job Coach Mike Anderson & staff is doing. He promised "40 minutes of hell" & his team's commitment (EFFORT-EFFORT-EFFORT) to DEFENSE, to me has been inspirational. Many of the posters here on this topic have mentioned recruiting & getting commitments from BETTER players & obviously that is the key to any program being successful. I have the feeling that this coach & the solid staff he has assembled is going to deliver that for St. John's fans.
H.S. coaches & their players watching St. John's compete have to be impressed & know that they'll be playing a style of play in a great conference that will benefit any aspirations they have about playing at the next level. (99% are thinking about that) Just look at the effort CMA is getting from last years "forgotten 3+" players. Players respond to being challenged (I've heard SJU's practices are VERY competitive) & treated fairly. The word/reputation on that will pay future dividends for sure.
As for the comments about LJF & Heron I think the most on target one is about the effort LJ is expanding on D is affecting him on the offensive end. IF he just cuts back on the needless fouls he'll be out there more often at crunch time. For Heron, I agree that he rushes his shot too much at key moments & IF he trust his instincts & his TEAMmates more, HE & SJU will be better for it. LJ would benefit from having a similar mind set & reducing the pressure on himself will result in seeing his shooting % return to last years + level.
The BIG EAST Tournament is 7+ weeks away & that's a lot of time for players & the TEAM to improve in the areas many of you have mentioned. I'm betting that these coaches & players will prove me correct. Be well - Stay well all !
[quote="Room112" post=373354][quote="Boo Harvey" post=373353][quote="SLYFOXX1968" post=373349]I had said pre game that we needed 35 points from Figgy and Heron vs SH . They had 34 . Of course , Figgy was on the Bench cheering during Crunch time .. Can’t score from there ... LJ seems to emulate the Marvin Clark style of defense ... Foul even when it’s useless to defend a play . Must have rubbed off on him from last year . Roberts played well., except you really can’t have a 33 percent foul shooter in the game down the stretch . 33 percent is awful for any BB player and at this level it’s disastrous . No matter how you slice it , it contributed to losing the game . It seemed to me that Steere took a misstep as he turned upcourt after his slam dunk and might have injured himself . It’s baffling why Anderson didn’t get him in the second half unless he was injured . Sometimes a Coach has to live with a Player, despite obvious misgivings , if he’s 6’9” tall ! Steere could have challenged Ramiro a bit anyway , even if he fouls out ., lastly , I wasn’t impressed with Anderson’s strategy in the last 2 close losses in the PC and Seton Hall games ..,. Heron got the ball vs the Friars but , there wasn’t a play or screen set up for him , other than the too early shot . Against Seton Hall , you would think a better play than Dunn dribbling to near half court and then passing to Earlington could have been set up ? No screen , no getting the ball to Heron, since Figgy was just watching . Why not ? Dunn and Rutherford , despite playing hard on every play , should never attempt a shot over 3 feet from the basket . They are not and will never be good shooters . They just don’t have that skill . The harshest reality for us St John’s fans is seeing SH get much better players consistently over the last decade . I wish I knew why ? Willard has obviously been a better recruiter than Lavin or Mullin . The jury is out on Anderson until we see if he can get the talent that the BE requires .[/quote]
Willard was not a better recruiter than Lavin and Seton Hall has not recruited better players the last ten years tha. us.
Read some of the posts on this board for an explanation of the Tiny Morton/Isiah Whitehead situation and you’ll get some perspective. Likely saved Willard’s job and cost Lavin his. Credit to Willard for keeping the momentum going.
Speaking of which, momentum is everything, and luck plays a part. Recruit a four star or transfer player that shines. Couple that with a good supporting cast and that breeds a successful year. Success breeds success and recruiting suddenly becomes easier. We need a break that will help us build some momentum.
Seemed like we started to do that with Lavin, but the cancer derailed things. Let’s see what happens with CMA. In basketball, it sometimes only takes one player to turn a program around. That player does not need to be a five star talent.[/quote]
Let's also not forget Myles Powell decision to return for his senior year was huge for the Hall. We typically don't get breaks like that. Both Ponds and Simon left early just last year and LJ likely will do the same after this year.[/quote] "Kansas has two NBA lottery picks coming back next year. Our guys get a contract from Islamabad, and they're gone!" - Tim Floyd. Oy! I only imagine that the kid from Brentwood might be intersted in Seton Hall, after hearing their fans, during that comeback yesterday. No inside info on that, just speculating. Didn't that happen once under Norm? I think he brought 3 or 4 kids to a game against Syracuse, MSG was a sea of Orange, and the kids wanted to talk to Boeheim after the game. Because they were our guests, Boeheim wouldn't do it. Anderson ( or any coach we get) may have to perform an act like Willard did, to get the ball rolling recruting wise. I supported Lavin not doing that at the time, but time has proven that to have been a mistake. Sometimes, lotalty can be your worst asset.
Willard was not a better recruiter than Lavin and Seton Hall has not recruited better players the last ten years tha. us.
Read some of the posts on this board for an explanation of the Tiny Morton/Isiah Whitehead situation and you’ll get some perspective. Likely saved Willard’s job and cost Lavin his. Credit to Willard for keeping the momentum going.
Speaking of which, momentum is everything, and luck plays a part. Recruit a four star or transfer player that shines. Couple that with a good supporting cast and that breeds a successful year. Success breeds success and recruiting suddenly becomes easier. We need a break that will help us build some momentum.
Seemed like we started to do that with Lavin, but the cancer derailed things. Let’s see what happens with CMA. In basketball, it sometimes only takes one player to turn a program around. That player does not need to be a five star talent.[/quote]
Let's also not forget Myles Powell decision to return for his senior year was huge for the Hall. We typically don't get breaks like that. Both Ponds and Simon left early just last year and LJ likely will do the same after this year.[/quote] "Kansas has two NBA lottery picks coming back next year. Our guys get a contract from Islamabad, and they're gone!" - Tim Floyd. Oy! I only imagine that the kid from Brentwood might be intersted in Seton Hall, after hearing their fans, during that comeback yesterday. No inside info on that, just speculating. Didn't that happen once under Norm? I think he brought 3 or 4 kids to a game against Syracuse, MSG was a sea of Orange, and the kids wanted to talk to Boeheim after the game. Because they were our guests, Boeheim wouldn't do it. Anderson ( or any coach we get) may have to perform an act like Willard did, to get the ball rolling recruting wise. I supported Lavin not doing that at the time, but time has proven that to have been a mistake. Sometimes, lotalty can be your worst asset.
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