Loyola (Maryland), Tue. Nov. 6, 6:30p, FSN / 570 WMCA
- Thread starter Knight
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I expect we will struggle on offense and defense in the early going of these games as they get use to playing with each other and against competition other than themselves in practice.
I expect the majority of the minutes will go to the main rotation with a few possible minutes to others. The freshmen might not see much time but that does not mean that the more they practice and work out, they won’t be able to contribute later in the season. That does happen.
I expect the majority of the minutes will go to the main rotation with a few possible minutes to others. The freshmen might not see much time but that does not mean that the more they practice and work out, they won’t be able to contribute later in the season. That does happen.
JohnnyFever
Active member
Sorry to hear that, Bama. Hang in there man...hope we get a nice blowout win for you.
I'm guessing we win 78-66. I just don't think we are clicking on all cylinders yet and I assume they will keep it close at halftime likely within single digits. I can't even remember us being up 15-20+ points on a cupcake in the 1st half it always seems to be neck and neck by half. They rarely make it easy to watch, but I still expect a win of a double-digit margin. If we really get our hands up in their faces out on 3PT attempts we should not have issues dominating. That's the only factor where they can hang around all game and scares me. This team was in the MAAC not too long ago and recently moved to Patriot.
Things I will be looking/hoping for:
*Much better 3PT shooting from us. We have lethal shooters and we need to see signs of life there. These are seasoned guys...open 3's need to be made consistently.
*Much better 3PT defense...this is not a team that should in theory be able to bomb away from 3. If they do well in this regard, it's damning of our 3PT defense.
*Better communication on defense...didn't see much if any during the 2 exhibitions.
*I want to see Ponds getting his jumpers going. I miss the freshman year Ponds where I was confident every time he shot the ball. Must improve especially 3's.
*Using athleticism to our advantage and pushing the tempo. We have the horses to run them out of the gym. Don't let them get comfortable and create chaos. That's what happened with Nebraska and it turned into a dunk show.
*Settle for the easy points when available. We don't need showtime dunks...if the layup is there, take it.
*Set the intensity early on...we have a very concerning tendency to come out sleeping until the 2nd half in games regardless of opponent. I put a lot of that on the staff to show some energy and remind them that nothing is given. We have to take it from these cupcakes. Remind them this is the superbowl for some of the Loyola kids.
*If our shot is NOT falling, we must and I mean MUST drive to the rim and attack. We have 3 guards in Ponds, Heron, and Simon who can all do so at a high level. We also can't settle for contested jumpers early in the shot clock. Make them work.
Let's get a W! By the way, I like the hashtag Barstool started for us, so #RollJohnnies! Yes it's obviously copying Bama but screw it, sounds cool.
I'm guessing we win 78-66. I just don't think we are clicking on all cylinders yet and I assume they will keep it close at halftime likely within single digits. I can't even remember us being up 15-20+ points on a cupcake in the 1st half it always seems to be neck and neck by half. They rarely make it easy to watch, but I still expect a win of a double-digit margin. If we really get our hands up in their faces out on 3PT attempts we should not have issues dominating. That's the only factor where they can hang around all game and scares me. This team was in the MAAC not too long ago and recently moved to Patriot.
Things I will be looking/hoping for:
*Much better 3PT shooting from us. We have lethal shooters and we need to see signs of life there. These are seasoned guys...open 3's need to be made consistently.
*Much better 3PT defense...this is not a team that should in theory be able to bomb away from 3. If they do well in this regard, it's damning of our 3PT defense.
*Better communication on defense...didn't see much if any during the 2 exhibitions.
*I want to see Ponds getting his jumpers going. I miss the freshman year Ponds where I was confident every time he shot the ball. Must improve especially 3's.
*Using athleticism to our advantage and pushing the tempo. We have the horses to run them out of the gym. Don't let them get comfortable and create chaos. That's what happened with Nebraska and it turned into a dunk show.
*Settle for the easy points when available. We don't need showtime dunks...if the layup is there, take it.
*Set the intensity early on...we have a very concerning tendency to come out sleeping until the 2nd half in games regardless of opponent. I put a lot of that on the staff to show some energy and remind them that nothing is given. We have to take it from these cupcakes. Remind them this is the superbowl for some of the Loyola kids.
*If our shot is NOT falling, we must and I mean MUST drive to the rim and attack. We have 3 guards in Ponds, Heron, and Simon who can all do so at a high level. We also can't settle for contested jumpers early in the shot clock. Make them work.
Let's get a W! By the way, I like the hashtag Barstool started for us, so #RollJohnnies! Yes it's obviously copying Bama but screw it, sounds cool.
Last edited:
dalydoseofhoops
Active member
MarkRedman
Well-known member
[quote="Jaden Daly" post=300522]Some pregame reading:
http://dalydoseofhoops.blogspot.com/2018/11/5-questions-for-st-johns.html[/quote]
I agree with most of what was said in the article except for the last point
Barring a major injury, the NIT is not an acceptable goal for this season
This team has the talent and experience to be an NCAA team
We've been patient until now - such should no longer be the case
NCAA or bust, Johnnies!!
http://dalydoseofhoops.blogspot.com/2018/11/5-questions-for-st-johns.html[/quote]
I agree with most of what was said in the article except for the last point
Barring a major injury, the NIT is not an acceptable goal for this season
This team has the talent and experience to be an NCAA team
We've been patient until now - such should no longer be the case
NCAA or bust, Johnnies!!
Loyola lost both its leading scorer and leading rebounder and is picked close to last in Patriot league. We win tonight by 20+. Regarding the Heron scoring prediction, I will say 10 points on suspicion that staff may ease him back into action after the injury.
Need to see a strong, focused performance from Shamorie tonight right from the opening tap.
Need to see a strong, focused performance from Shamorie tonight right from the opening tap.
Ray Morgan
Well-known member
My sincere condolences Bamafan.
JohnnyFever
Active member
[quote="Jaden Daly" post=300522]Some pregame reading:
http://dalydoseofhoops.blogspot.com/2018/11/5-questions-for-st-johns.html[/quote]
Also agree with a lot except the expectation. Last year after LoVett went down, the NIT was the expectation. This year we replace tiny LoVett with a 6'5 5* guard already proven from Auburn. Upgrades in rebounds, size, and overall talent. Not only do we have tons of talent, but we also have a lot of experience. IMO the NIT would mean poor coaching, poor chemistry (but you can attribute that to coaching too), or a significant injury. It's NCAA's or bust boys. That's more than fair for this team.
http://dalydoseofhoops.blogspot.com/2018/11/5-questions-for-st-johns.html[/quote]
Also agree with a lot except the expectation. Last year after LoVett went down, the NIT was the expectation. This year we replace tiny LoVett with a 6'5 5* guard already proven from Auburn. Upgrades in rebounds, size, and overall talent. Not only do we have tons of talent, but we also have a lot of experience. IMO the NIT would mean poor coaching, poor chemistry (but you can attribute that to coaching too), or a significant injury. It's NCAA's or bust boys. That's more than fair for this team.
Mike Zaun wrote: Also agree with a lot except the expectation. Last year after LoVett went down, the NIT was the expectation. This year we replace tiny LoVett with a 6'5 5* guard already proven from Auburn. Upgrades in rebounds, size, and overall talent. Not only do we have tons of talent, but we also have a lot of experience. IMO the NIT would mean poor coaching, poor chemistry (but you can attribute that to coaching too), or a significant injury. It's NCAA's or bust boys. That's more than fair for this team.
Mike, we often disagree, but I totally agree that anything less than NCAA this year (barring a major injury) would be a miss for this group. Aside from talent upgrade and good experience at Div 1 level, the team has much more depth. Coach, in a pre-season interview, emphasized that some of close losses last year were result of fatigue and guys playing too many minutes. Team has depth to avoid that problem this year so long as we use it. I am glad we have soft non-conference schedule though; I expect team to get much better as year goes on as melding this kind of talent can take a little time.
Mike, we often disagree, but I totally agree that anything less than NCAA this year (barring a major injury) would be a miss for this group. Aside from talent upgrade and good experience at Div 1 level, the team has much more depth. Coach, in a pre-season interview, emphasized that some of close losses last year were result of fatigue and guys playing too many minutes. Team has depth to avoid that problem this year so long as we use it. I am glad we have soft non-conference schedule though; I expect team to get much better as year goes on as melding this kind of talent can take a little time.
we are sju
Active member
[quote="Mike Zaun" post=300528][quote="Jaden Daly" post=300522]Some pregame reading:
http://dalydoseofhoops.blogspot.com/2018/11/5-questions-for-st-johns.html[/quote]
Also agree with a lot except the expectation. Last year after LoVett went down, the NIT was the expectation. This year we replace tiny LoVett with a 6'5 5* guard already proven from Auburn. Upgrades in rebounds, size, and overall talent. Not only do we have tons of talent, but we also have a lot of experience. IMO the NIT would mean poor coaching, poor chemistry (but you can attribute that to coaching too), or a significant injury. It's NCAA's or bust boys. That's more than fair for this team.[/quote]
Hold up wait a minute! Are you saying that if things go south this year, it will be because of poor coaching? I would not have thought you felt that way.
http://dalydoseofhoops.blogspot.com/2018/11/5-questions-for-st-johns.html[/quote]
Also agree with a lot except the expectation. Last year after LoVett went down, the NIT was the expectation. This year we replace tiny LoVett with a 6'5 5* guard already proven from Auburn. Upgrades in rebounds, size, and overall talent. Not only do we have tons of talent, but we also have a lot of experience. IMO the NIT would mean poor coaching, poor chemistry (but you can attribute that to coaching too), or a significant injury. It's NCAA's or bust boys. That's more than fair for this team.[/quote]
Hold up wait a minute! Are you saying that if things go south this year, it will be because of poor coaching? I would not have thought you felt that way.
[quote="bamafan" post=300476][quote="bamafan" post=300460]Cannot attend the game due to death in family. PM me for two tickets at no charge.[/quote]
Tickets spoken for. Thanks to all for condolences.[/quote]
Sorry for your loss, Bama. My prayers to you and your family. Hang in there.
Tickets spoken for. Thanks to all for condolences.[/quote]
Sorry for your loss, Bama. My prayers to you and your family. Hang in there.
SJU2000alum15
Well-known member
I think this team is going to be much better then a lot of the experts think. Look how well they played down the stretch last year with a 6 man team even beating Butler without Ponds! I do not think Figueroa is getting enough respect , He had a tremendous year in JC last year and watching him last week he is a tremendously talented player. I think he can give us much more then Amed did last year. I understand cause we have been bad for awhile people are taking a wait and see approach with predicting our season but I think this team will get better and better the more they play together. I think we will finish top 3 in the Big East and go dancing this year.
ManhattAn1
Active member
Just waiting on the theo post looking for 1 ticket.
[quote="SJU61982" post=300542]ESPN, with their BPI Matchup Predictor, gives us a 93.2% chance of victory tonight, FWIW.
Yeah, I know, some of you don't like it when I start pulling those numbers out, but it gives us something to talk about around here.[/quote]
I actually like seeing those numbers, thanks for sharing them, I know you did all of last year too.
Yeah, I know, some of you don't like it when I start pulling those numbers out, but it gives us something to talk about around here.[/quote]
I actually like seeing those numbers, thanks for sharing them, I know you did all of last year too.
[quote="Room112" post=300545][quote="SJU61982" post=300542]ESPN, with their BPI Matchup Predictor, gives us a 93.2% chance of victory tonight, FWIW.
Yeah, I know, some of you don't like it when I start pulling those numbers out, but it gives us something to talk about around here.[/quote]
I actually like seeing those numbers, thanks for sharing them, I know you did all of last year too.[/quote]
Yeah, I love crazy stuff like that. Makes it fun.
I think we had something like a 2.4% chance to win at Villanova last year, and that was after a slight increase following the Duke game (which is why I usually wait until day of game to give that stuff).
Yeah, I know, some of you don't like it when I start pulling those numbers out, but it gives us something to talk about around here.[/quote]
I actually like seeing those numbers, thanks for sharing them, I know you did all of last year too.[/quote]
Yeah, I love crazy stuff like that. Makes it fun.
I think we had something like a 2.4% chance to win at Villanova last year, and that was after a slight increase following the Duke game (which is why I usually wait until day of game to give that stuff).