Louisville

[bucketshardy]

Caught the end of the game- i can say, it is a different mind set when you watch a game without having the expectation of winning. Do I try and play out scenarios where SJU can win every game, of course, but reality is LVille returned almost everyone from last year's final4 team and will most likely be back this year or atleast the elite8. Glad i wasn't tuned in when we close in the beginning of the 2nd half, would have made for a rough sleep. This was going to be a tough one from the start.

One thing that is still frustrating to see is the lack of half court offense...I know we didnt have Branch, but it has been a trend all year, it would be real interesting to see what goes on in our practices. I know jakarr had an off night, but I really think we can start kicking it to him downlow, he did well vs Cuse bigs, and if teams start collapasing- opens up Dlo Marco and Phil (ya, i saw the bank in three at the end- so it is possible for him to hit one lol)

On the bright side, good to see that people start to appreciate what Branch brought to the table, he will only get better with time- and I think it is going to be great to have him for a full year. I really like the PT that Marco is getting, and watching him at the end, other than an ill advised pass (insert any player there)- he did a good job rebounding, dribbling it up the floor and knocked down a trey. Really think is confidence is growing every game, just got to get him the ball in space (i know you can do it coaching staff!). Don't wish any of our players bad press, but if scouts saw this game from Jakarr, it bodes well for us getting him back next year.

We have 5 games left, much more winnable than our previous 4. Marquette and Pitt are going to be tough, ND has this thing with playing at home, Prov is no push over and USF basically plays the same way we do, we just have more talent. These will be tough but i think our chances of going 4-1 here were the same chances of going 1-3 in our last 4 games. Still don't think that get us in, we will still need a BE tourney win or two to dance.

Brighter days are ahead fellas- and I hear we are close to signing this recruit- 6'9 grizzly bear with only one year eligibility with an awesome name. He should help out next year.

 

[logen]

If you would have told me coming in that L'Ville would shoot 38% FG and 25% for the entire game, I would assume the game was either within 5 points, or that we won. How do we get blown out by a team shooting that terribly?

It was men against boys out there. They were beasts and we were bitties. They crashed the boards, we fell on our swords. They came to win, our effort was a sin.

I agree, this team just doesn't play hard every play. Guys jog back on D, stand around and reach rather then stick their nose in for loose balls, the lack of rebounding speaks for itself. Frankly, one of my least favorite Johnnie teams because of that and their refusal to trust each other and play as a team.

 

[Moose]

Syracuse and Louisville were the only teams i felt could blow us out... and they did. They bright side is we don't have to play them again. I think we can win or be very competitive in our last games. We need to hope the rest of the bubble teams struggle

Let's break it down..... Marquette is just as good as the Cuse and Louisville, if you agree with the statement, "you are what your record says you are", at ND.... Tough one as they just beat the Ville there. Pitt has been tough as of late. Providence is no slouch up there, and then there is South Florida home.....winnable. Realistically we may be looking at only one more win.

Funny you say that about Marquette. Their own coach has called them the least talented team he's had in awhile. And they are bad on the road.

 

[montyaloofah]

I've seen the jogging back on defense and it's frustrating to watch. Or Siva and Smith are so fast that we look like we're jogging. Hopefully Jamal gets well soon. his presence would have improved our turnover situation. We had too many right when we got caught up.

 

[Moose]

Look, seriously guys. Do you all recall that two seasons ago, we were flying high after the Pitt win, everything was breaking right, we were number 8 in the country, and then Brownlee breaks a finger, is never the same, Hardy returns to earth, and we limp into the NCAA for a one and out.

I recall JB32 breaking his finger a lot earlier in the year than Pitt, no?

 

[Moose]

Anybody suggesting that Sampson is a first round pick really needs to watch this game. He played horrific basketball all game long. Along with Pointer, he was completely sloppy with the basketball and repeatedly made bad decisions. But more concerning is his continued usage of the off balance jump shot. I don't know what he thinks he's doing, but taking a fadeaway jump shot from 15 to 18 feet when you're not even that great of a shooter is not the best decision. Set your feet and shoot. I think he's under the belief that he can knock down that shot consistently and I don't think he has made one all season long.

Until Sampson has another great game and everyone goes gaga over him. The pendulum continues.

 

[Moose]

If you would have told me coming in that L'Ville would shoot 38% FG and 25% for the entire game, I would assume the game was either within 5 points, or that we won. How do we get blown out by a team shooting that terribly?

It was men against boys out there. They were beasts and we were bitties. They crashed the boards, we fell on our swords. They came to win, our effort was a sin.

I agree, this team just doesn't play hard every play. Guys jog back on D, stand around and reach rather then stick their nose in for loose balls, the lack of rebounding speaks for itself. Frankly, one of my least favorite Johnnie teams because of that and their refusal to trust each other and play as a team.

Interesting to hear its one of your least favorite teams.

I do agree they don't reach for loose balls. There are incidents of not getting back on D but frankly too few to really consider it an epidemic. I still feel the zone D leaves everyone so far out of position that it becomes chickens with their heads cut off and often leads to the look of absolute confusion.

Last night I never once felt the effort wasn't there. Did they play smart basketball? No way. But the effort was there. Last night affirmed what I've felt for the last few months. We need a big body down low (ala Benehan) to offset the offensive weakness of Obekpa and the defenses then focusing on Karr knowing Chris can't score. And also we need a PG. I'm still not sold its Branch. Love him and love the way we play when he's healthy over Greene but still don't think he's a true PG. The kid Owootoah had a good game last night.

 

[MJDinkins]

If you would have told me coming in that L'Ville would shoot 38% FG and 25% for the entire game, I would assume the game was either within 5 points, or that we won. How do we get blown out by a team shooting that terribly?

It was men against boys out there. They were beasts and we were bitties. They crashed the boards, we fell on our swords. They came to win, our effort was a sin.

Guys jog back on D, stand around and reach rather then stick their nose in for loose balls, the lack of rebounding speaks for itself.

This is what bothers me.... They seem to be lollygagging far too often, IMO.

 

[MJDinkins]

Syracuse and Louisville were the only teams i felt could blow us out... and they did. They bright side is we don't have to play them again. I think we can win or be very competitive in our last games. We need to hope the rest of the bubble teams struggle

We did NOT GET BLOWN OUT

Come tournament time, the committee isn't going to sit down and say, "Well, St. John's was close at the 9 minute mark of the 2nd half." They are going to look at the final scores (19 to Syracuse, 14 to Louisville) and come to the conclusion that St. John's couldn't stay close with the better teams in our conference.

If they win 10 or 11 conference wins, then it's not gonna matter.

 

[ccnobz]

Look, seriously guys. Do you all recall that two seasons ago, we were flying high after the Pitt win, everything was breaking right, we were number 8 in the country, and then Brownlee breaks a finger, is never the same, Hardy returns to earth, and we limp into the NCAA for a one and out.

I recall JB32 breaking his finger a lot earlier in the year than Pitt, no?

It was DJ that hurt his knee vs Cuse in the BET- that is why we limped into the Ncaa's

 

[SJUalum98]

If you would have told me coming in that L'Ville would shoot 38% FG and 25% for the entire game, I would assume the game was either within 5 points, or that we won. How do we get blown out by a team shooting that terribly?

It was men against boys out there. They were beasts and we were bitties. They crashed the boards, we fell on our swords. They came to win, our effort was a sin.

I agree, this team just doesn't play hard every play. Guys jog back on D, stand around and reach rather then stick their nose in for loose balls, the lack of rebounding speaks for itself. Frankly, one of my least favorite Johnnie teams because of that and their refusal to trust each other and play as a team.

Interesting to hear its one of your least favorite teams.

I do agree they don't reach for loose balls. There are incidents of not getting back on D but frankly too few to really consider it an epidemic. I still feel the zone D leaves everyone so far out of position that it becomes chickens with their heads cut off and often leads to the look of absolute confusion.

Last night I never once felt the effort wasn't there. Did they play smart basketball? No way. But the effort was there. Last night affirmed what I've felt for the last few months. We need a big body down low (ala Benehan) to offset the offensive weakness of Obekpa and the defenses then focusing on Karr knowing Chris can't score. And also we need a PG. I'm still not sold its Branch. Love him and love the way we play when he's healthy over Greene but still don't think he's a true PG. The kid Owootoah had a good game last night.

With Kentucky coaches watching. I'd say we're a distant long shot for him. Very distant.

 

[Moose]

If you would have told me coming in that L'Ville would shoot 38% FG and 25% for the entire game, I would assume the game was either within 5 points, or that we won. How do we get blown out by a team shooting that terribly?

It was men against boys out there. They were beasts and we were bitties. They crashed the boards, we fell on our swords. They came to win, our effort was a sin.

I agree, this team just doesn't play hard every play. Guys jog back on D, stand around and reach rather then stick their nose in for loose balls, the lack of rebounding speaks for itself. Frankly, one of my least favorite Johnnie teams because of that and their refusal to trust each other and play as a team.

Interesting to hear its one of your least favorite teams.

I do agree they don't reach for loose balls. There are incidents of not getting back on D but frankly too few to really consider it an epidemic. I still feel the zone D leaves everyone so far out of position that it becomes chickens with their heads cut off and often leads to the look of absolute confusion.

Last night I never once felt the effort wasn't there. Did they play smart basketball? No way. But the effort was there. Last night affirmed what I've felt for the last few months. We need a big body down low (ala Benehan) to offset the offensive weakness of Obekpa and the defenses then focusing on Karr knowing Chris can't score. And also we need a PG. I'm still not sold its Branch. Love him and love the way we play when he's healthy over Greene but still don't think he's a true PG. The kid Owootoah had a good game last night.

With Kentucky coaches watching. I'd say we're a distant long shot for him. Very distant.

Kentucky has watched plenty of kids. Watching and offering are different things. I think his coach is former Wildcat Rodrick Rhodes. Yeah he has heavy hitters on him. I don't even know Cal's scholarship situation. Just saying he's a PG and he's out there.

 

[Jack Williams]

If you would have told me coming in that L'Ville would shoot 38% FG and 25% for the entire game, I would assume the game was either within 5 points, or that we won. How do we get blown out by a team shooting that terribly?

It was men against boys out there. They were beasts and we were bitties. They crashed the boards, we fell on our swords. They came to win, our effort was a sin.

I agree, this team just doesn't play hard every play. Guys jog back on D, stand around and reach rather then stick their nose in for loose balls, the lack of rebounding speaks for itself. Frankly, one of my least favorite Johnnie teams because of that and their refusal to trust each other and play as a team.

Interesting to hear its one of your least favorite teams.

I do agree they don't reach for loose balls. There are incidents of not getting back on D but frankly too few to really consider it an epidemic. I still feel the zone D leaves everyone so far out of position that it becomes chickens with their heads cut off and often leads to the look of absolute confusion.

Last night I never once felt the effort wasn't there. Did they play smart basketball? No way. But the effort was there. Last night affirmed what I've felt for the last few months. We need a big body down low (ala Benehan) to offset the offensive weakness of Obekpa and the defenses then focusing on Karr knowing Chris can't score. And also we need a PG. I'm still not sold its Branch. Love him and love the way we play when he's healthy over Greene but still don't think he's a true PG. The kid Owootoah had a good game last night.

With Kentucky coaches watching. I'd say we're a distant long shot for him. Very distant.

Kentucky has watched plenty of kids. Watching and offering are different things. I think his coach is former Wildcat Rodrick Rhodes. Yeah he has heavy hitters on him. I don't even know Cal's scholarship situation. Just saying he's a PG and he's out there.

Lets wait for Jordans decision

 

[logen]

If you would have told me coming in that L'Ville would shoot 38% FG and 25% for the entire game, I would assume the game was either within 5 points, or that we won. How do we get blown out by a team shooting that terribly?

It was men against boys out there. They were beasts and we were bitties. They crashed the boards, we fell on our swords. They came to win, our effort was a sin.

I agree, this team just doesn't play hard every play. Guys jog back on D, stand around and reach rather then stick their nose in for loose balls, the lack of rebounding speaks for itself. Frankly, one of my least favorite Johnnie teams because of that and their refusal to trust each other and play as a team.

Interesting to hear its one of your least favorite teams.

I do agree they don't reach for loose balls. There are incidents of not getting back on D but frankly too few to really consider it an epidemic. I still feel the zone D leaves everyone so far out of position that it becomes chickens with their heads cut off and often leads to the look of absolute confusion.

Last night I never once felt the effort wasn't there. Did they play smart basketball? No way. But the effort was there. Last night affirmed what I've felt for the last few months. We need a big body down low (ala Benehan) to offset the offensive weakness of Obekpa and the defenses then focusing on Karr knowing Chris can't score. And also we need a PG. I'm still not sold its Branch. Love him and love the way we play when he's healthy over Greene but still don't think he's a true PG. The kid Owootoah had a good game last night.

I have to respectfully disagree; I realize I am very old school but jogging back ONCE on D when I played got you an extended seat next to the coach. Effort is really the only thing a player controls and busting it should be an always thing. How many breakaways did we get last night compared to Lville? That was the game essentially, they got easy baskets and we got none. IMO we have too many players that take plays off and when you expect close games (at best) every play counts. I also am an old point guard and our guard play is just the pits, it is difficult to even watch. Clearly we still lack players so my expectations are lower than many on the board but playing hard all the time and playing together are things all players can do and we do neither IMO. We ALWAYS take the first shot that shows regardless if someone might have or get a better one with one or two more passes. We have no chemistry and worse, I don't feel this group of players is committed to developing that chemistry, we just keep playing that same helter skelter unorganized ball. I could be wrong but I don't believe that is what is being planned and worked on in practice.

 

[Moose]

If you would have told me coming in that L'Ville would shoot 38% FG and 25% for the entire game, I would assume the game was either within 5 points, or that we won. How do we get blown out by a team shooting that terribly?

It was men against boys out there. They were beasts and we were bitties. They crashed the boards, we fell on our swords. They came to win, our effort was a sin.

I agree, this team just doesn't play hard every play. Guys jog back on D, stand around and reach rather then stick their nose in for loose balls, the lack of rebounding speaks for itself. Frankly, one of my least favorite Johnnie teams because of that and their refusal to trust each other and play as a team.

Interesting to hear its one of your least favorite teams.

I do agree they don't reach for loose balls. There are incidents of not getting back on D but frankly too few to really consider it an epidemic. I still feel the zone D leaves everyone so far out of position that it becomes chickens with their heads cut off and often leads to the look of absolute confusion.

Last night I never once felt the effort wasn't there. Did they play smart basketball? No way. But the effort was there. Last night affirmed what I've felt for the last few months. We need a big body down low (ala Benehan) to offset the offensive weakness of Obekpa and the defenses then focusing on Karr knowing Chris can't score. And also we need a PG. I'm still not sold its Branch. Love him and love the way we play when he's healthy over Greene but still don't think he's a true PG. The kid Owootoah had a good game last night.

I have to respectfully disagree; I realize I am very old school but jogging back ONCE on D when I played got you an extended seat next to the coach. Effort is really the only thing a player controls and busting it should be an always thing. How many breakaways did we get last night compared to Lville? That was the game essentially, they got easy baskets and we got none. IMO we have too many players that take plays off and when you expect close games (at best) every play counts. I also am an old point guard and our guard play is just the pits, it is difficult to even watch. Clearly we still lack players so my expectations are lower than many on the board but playing hard all the time and playing together are things all players can do and we do neither IMO. We ALWAYS take the first shot that shows regardless if someone might have or get a better one with one or two more passes. We have no chemistry and worse, I don't feel this group of players is committed to developing that chemistry, we just keep playing that same helter skelter unorganized ball. I could be wrong but I don't believe that is what is being planned and worked on in practice.

We don't get breakaways because we don't run. At least when Branch isn't playing we don't. Phil stops. Dom stops for fear of turning it over. And Lville is probably the team that runs the most in the country arguably. I know our guard play is the pits. You would get no argument from me there. No floor general at all. We don't always take the first shot as you say. I hope your just trying to drive the point home and not be literal. But we do take A LOT of bad shots.

There are plenty of issues present but I don't think were far off. Again a big body and PG and were in business.

 

[doodyny33]

If you would have told me coming in that L'Ville would shoot 38% FG and 25% for the entire game, I would assume the game was either within 5 points, or that we won. How do we get blown out by a team shooting that terribly?

It was men against boys out there. They were beasts and we were bitties. They crashed the boards, we fell on our swords. They came to win, our effort was a sin.

I agree, this team just doesn't play hard every play. Guys jog back on D, stand around and reach rather then stick their nose in for loose balls, the lack of rebounding speaks for itself. Frankly, one of my least favorite Johnnie teams because of that and their refusal to trust each other and play as a team.

No better example than the last play of the 1st half

I watched Siva blow by 5 players who didn't even try to get in his way

 

[NYCShowtime]

This team will never be a top 25 team until they start playing like a team and making the extra pass to the wide open man. This is how the team two years ago with Hardy finally started winning games!! They would seem to have a descent shot lined up but would make that extra pass for either the wide open look or easy layup... We also have no one on this team that crashes the boards on the offensive side of the ball ala Harkless and Burrell.

Last night I just was pulling my hair out at how many times Greene, Harrison and Sampson threw up highly contested shots when one of our guys was standing wide open.

It is totally clear to me that the coaches absolutely NEED to get Bourgault more shots and continue to increase his playing time. He is clearly the most intelligent player on the court when it comes to the decisions he makes (did you see the rebound that he knew was going to be tough to pull down and so instead he tipped it to one of our other players to grab?) Add to this the fact that since he has been getting PT the last five games he is shooting 43% from 3 (9 for 21); take away the one crappy game at Cuse and he is shooting 50% from 3... It is my opinion he should be taking 10 to 15 shots a game.

Just can't see why Phil or D or Branch can't penetrate, the defense collapses and Marco is sitting for a high percentage look on the wing... Why is this so difficult??

 

[doodyny33]

Anybody suggesting that Sampson is a first round pick really needs to watch this game. He played horrific basketball all game long. Along with Pointer, he was completely sloppy with the basketball and repeatedly made bad decisions. But more concerning is his continued usage of the off balance jump shot. I don't know what he thinks he's doing, but taking a fadeaway jump shot from 15 to 18 feet when you're not even that great of a shooter is not the best decision. Set your feet and shoot. I think he's under the belief that he can knock down that shot consistently and I don't think he has made one all season long.

Until Sampson has another great game and everyone goes gaga over him. The pendulum continues.

Don't get me wrong, Sampson is a very talented player. And it would be foolish to say he doesn't have a career ahead of him because he clearly does. But there 2 aspects of his game that are severely lacking. The first is he does not take care of the basketball. There was a point during yesterday's game where it looked like him and Pointer were just throwing the ball around. Errant passes, trying to dribble through 2 or 3 opposing players, etc. The second is Jakarr is 100% confident in himself that he can hit an off balance 15 to 18 footer. It's almost like he has watched videos of Marcus Hatten and Dwight Hardy and thought to himself, "I can do that." The only problem is he can't. He is not a great shooter and he's an even worst shooter when he doesn't set his feet. If he wants to take an open look from 15 feet, I completely support him. He's shown he can knock it down. But launching an off balance fadeaway (which he does every single game and misses) is not his shot.

 

[Moose]

If you would have told me coming in that L'Ville would shoot 38% FG and 25% for the entire game, I would assume the game was either within 5 points, or that we won. How do we get blown out by a team shooting that terribly?

It was men against boys out there. They were beasts and we were bitties. They crashed the boards, we fell on our swords. They came to win, our effort was a sin.

I agree, this team just doesn't play hard every play. Guys jog back on D, stand around and reach rather then stick their nose in for loose balls, the lack of rebounding speaks for itself. Frankly, one of my least favorite Johnnie teams because of that and their refusal to trust each other and play as a team.

No better example than the last play of the 1st half

I watched Siva blow by 5 players who didn't even try to get in his way

That last play was a typical maddening STJ moment. Shot too early. Its like they don't see the clock or staff isn't telling them or nobody is leading on the court. Then they stand around like they are thinking Lville must not have heard the imaginary buzzer going off. Baffling.

 

[ccnobz]

Anybody suggesting that Sampson is a first round pick really needs to watch this game. He played horrific basketball all game long. Along with Pointer, he was completely sloppy with the basketball and repeatedly made bad decisions. But more concerning is his continued usage of the off balance jump shot. I don't know what he thinks he's doing, but taking a fadeaway jump shot from 15 to 18 feet when you're not even that great of a shooter is not the best decision. Set your feet and shoot. I think he's under the belief that he can knock down that shot consistently and I don't think he has made one all season long.

Until Sampson has another great game and everyone goes gaga over him. The pendulum continues.

Don't get me wrong, Sampson is a very talented player. And it would be foolish to say he doesn't have a career ahead of him because he clearly does. But there 2 aspects of his game that are severely lacking. The first is he does not take care of the basketball. There was a point during yesterday's game where it looked like him and Pointer were just throwing the ball around. Errant passes, trying to dribble through 2 or 3 opposing players, etc. The second is Jakarr is 100% confident in himself that he can hit an off balance 15 to 18 footer. It's almost like he has watched videos of Marcus Hatten and Dwight Hardy and thought to himself, "I can do that." The only problem is he can't. He is not a great shooter and he's an even worst shooter when he doesn't set his feet. If he wants to take an open look from 15 feet, I completely support him. He's shown he can knock it down. But launching an off balance fadeaway (which he does every single game and misses) is not his shot.

Good points.