Norvel Pelle

 Time to move on if he doesn't sign this week.

Never crazy about recruiting a kid that bounces around several high schools. Shows a complete lack of discipline on their part, which often translates to problems on the college level.
 
 I hate to sound paranoid, but yes. There have always been questions about Norvel's commitment and academics, but this just adds to the string of bad news we've gotten on the recruiting trail.

Anyone remember how we all felt at this time last year? Lav was involved with a dozen high ranked recruits and there was seemingly good news every day. I gotta say this year has been the exact opposite. I'm not being pessimistic, but that's a fact. What was the last good thing to happen recruiting-wise? Probably wood's commitment, and yet where's his LOI ?
 
I guess to some of you Lavin should have ignored that cancer thing and been out recruiting; I mean where is the guy's priorities?
 
 I hate to sound paranoid, but yes. There have always been questions about Norvel's commitment and academics, but this just adds to the string of bad news we've gotten on the recruiting trail.

Anyone remember how we all felt at this time last year? Lav was involved with a dozen high ranked recruits and there was seemingly good news every day. I gotta say this year has been the exact opposite. I'm not being pessimistic, but that's a fact. What was the last good thing to happen recruiting-wise? Probably wood's commitment, and yet where's his LOI ?
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I will agree with, in reference to the feeling we had last season around this time versus this season. Hopefully, the current team can perform well on the floor and destract away from the bad news we've been getting on the recruiting front.

It sucks and it feels like we've lost our recruiting momentum. The spring period is gonna be very imperative to our program. Hopefully, we can come away with Obekpa, Gathers and a JUCO player or two.

I have faith in the staff and feel they'll rectify the situation. Luckily, we have time to correct things in the spring.
 
 This should come as no surprise. If he wanted to gain spring eligibilty he would have been with Amir at BA. That was not going to happen.

The staff had to take risk with the '11 class and hit an absolute homerun. '12 will still be very, very good.
 
 Well, in another turn in the endless saga, Dave on JJ reporting that Norvel has now de-committed and opened his recruitment. Dare I say it's probably better to move on at this point. Time to recruit guys that take this stuff seriously. I hope we can find some more size up front. 
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Who's to say he didn't take this stuff seriously?

Try to look at it from his point of view for a minute.....he committed because he thought he was expecting to be here on time and be really part of something special (or for whatever reason he committed), he took the classes that he was probably advised to take, and then the NCAA tells him those classes aren't good enough. Yet, he still moves east to try to gain eligibility and works his butt off to do well in school. So he is at the school in Philly, meanwhile all his future teammates are enjoying the college lifestyle and getting to know each other and practicing together.

And what does he really have at his current school? He isn't playing sports at all, other than his own workouts..... And he probably isn't making too many friends. That's not a knock on him or his personality or anything, its the just the fact that he is a new guy in school that is only supposed to be there for a few months. In other words, it probably isn't the best scenario for him....

He did everything that was expected of him, so I wouldn't say that he didn't take it seriously. I think he is just a kid that was lonely and felt like he was getting lost in the shuffle...
 
 This should come as no surprise. If he wanted to gain spring eligibilty he would have been with Amir at BA. That was not going to happen.

The staff had to take risk with the '11 class and hit an absolute homerun. '12 will still be very, very good.
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2012 will be very, very good???
There has been no public announcement by SJ regarding the signing of any '12 prospects!
As far as Pelle, he was a big academic risk and I think it is doubtful he completes his full year on the east coast. His trip to Cali was telling in that he spent half his time down in San Diego where their pasty-faced coach specializes in luring transfers. I think the staff has distanced itself from Pelle after that trip.
Recruiting is cyclical (unless your name is Cal) but I think getting a decent class for 2012 is 50/50 and we may focus more on some east coast kids from now on. Just my opinion.
 
 Well, in another turn in the endless saga, Dave on JJ reporting that Norvel has now de-committed and opened his recruitment. Dare I say it's probably better to move on at this point. Time to recruit guys that take this stuff seriously. I hope we can find some more size up front. 
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Show him the door and lets move on. Rhere is bigger fish to fry out there
 
I have to agree with '72. At this point it's hard to say the 2012 class will be "very, very good".
I also think the staff might focus more on East Coast players, and just try to sure up some holes, while keeping an eye toward bigger fish in 2013.

If the staff can reel Wood in (officially), get one of Opeka/Gathers, and find a JUCO or foreign big man, I could see that being our 2012 class.

That would leave 3 or so openings for the 2013 class, where we seem to have laid more seeds, AND the staff can promise more playing time to the guys coming in 2 years from now.

This isn't based on any inside info, just my thoughts. I hope Lav can do some damage in the spring period. My only fear is that the talent available may be slim pickings by then.
 
 I'm not the type to panic with Lavin recruiting for us. We certainly have had some big setbacks for various reasons,few of which our staff could do much about. I really hope we can keep Gathers and Wood on board. Mid be fine adding one more big man to that class for a total of 3 guys. We're not far off from having a very good class IF we can keep Gathers and Wood.

Again, we have a fantastic base of players and there are still good players out there to be had for spring signing. A lot of others will come to the forefront wi their play during the season. We don't need a ton of kids. We need 3-4 guys. We already have 2 in the fold. I really want Gathers here and i think we can keep. Wish we didn't have to wait til spring to know where we stand with him though.
 
Why would Gathers want to go to LSU ? They just got pounded by Coastal. LSU is a falling program. As for K. Anderson, look at UCLA, they are 0-2 and are calling for the coaches head. Why would KA not be part of the rise of St Johns ? Oh how about San Diego St ? Another program going nowhere, good choice Polee, you would of been a stud here. Im so glad Amir is dedicated to being a Johnnie, and im instantly a fan of his for his dedication. As for Pelle, i dont understand what these kids want. Pelle would get plenty of PT, he will be on prime time TV a lot, and playing in a huge TV market for publicity, not to mention " The Garden". Go play at Oregon, or Washington like you had listed before. You will be another who made a mistake. As for Coach Lav, lets be on the offensive, go get Reeves Nelson ( 6-8 PF ) from UCLA, who will be transfering, and also Stacy Poole ( 6-4 G ) from Kentucky who wants out. Ill take those guys. As far as the JUCO route goes, The Johnnies have had plenty of success getting some gems from JUCO, continue the tradition..........just some thoughts from me, but in the end, I have never had more faith in a SJU recruiter than Coach Lav and his staff. We will be fine.....and remember....We Are St Johns !!!! Go Johnnies !!!!!!!!!!!! 
 
Why would Gathers want to go to LSU ? They just got pounded by Coastal. LSU is a falling program. As for K. Anderson, look at UCLA, they are 0-2 and are calling for the coaches head. Why would KA not be part of the rise of St Johns ? Oh how about San Diego St ? Another program going nowhere, good choice Polee, you would of been a stud here. Im so glad Amir is dedicated to being a Johnnie, and im instantly a fan of his for his dedication. As for Pelle, i dont understand what these kids want. Pelle would get plenty of PT, he will be on prime time TV a lot, and playing in a huge TV market for publicity, not to mention " The Garden". Go play at Oregon, or Washington like you had listed before. You will be another who made a mistake. As for Coach Lav, lets be on the offensive, go get Reeves Nelson ( 6-8 PF ) from UCLA, who will be transfering, and also Stacy Poole ( 6-4 G ) from Kentucky who wants out. Ill take those guys. As far as the JUCO route goes, The Johnnies have had plenty of success getting some gems from JUCO, continue the tradition..........just some thoughts from me, but in the end, I have never had more faith in a SJU recruiter than Coach Lav and his staff. We will be fine.....and remember....We Are St Johns !!!! Go Johnnies !!!!!!!!!!!! 
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Agree with all except taking reeves Nelson. We don't need problem children here.
 
I think it's a formality to open his commitment back since he will not play this year - the same with Sampson.


Going forward Lavin's best recruiting tool this year is the success of the team. If he can get us playing well and into the tournament then we could get back most of the lost players.
 
TheRecruitScoopAlex Kline





Former St. John's commit Norvel Pelle is not yet qualified, per a source. This was a major factor in his decommitment.

2 hours agoFavoriteRetweetReply 
 
Why would Gathers want to go to LSU ? They just got pounded by Coastal. LSU is a falling program. As for K. Anderson, look at UCLA, they are 0-2 and are calling for the coaches head. Why would KA not be part of the rise of St Johns ? Oh how about San Diego St ? Another program going nowhere, good choice Polee, you would of been a stud here. Im so glad Amir is dedicated to being a Johnnie, and im instantly a fan of his for his dedication. As for Pelle, i dont understand what these kids want. Pelle would get plenty of PT, he will be on prime time TV a lot, and playing in a huge TV market for publicity, not to mention " The Garden". Go play at Oregon, or Washington like you had listed before. You will be another who made a mistake. As for Coach Lav, lets be on the offensive, go get Reeves Nelson ( 6-8 PF ) from UCLA, who will be transfering, and also Stacy Poole ( 6-4 G ) from Kentucky who wants out. Ill take those guys. As far as the JUCO route goes, The Johnnies have had plenty of success getting some gems from JUCO, continue the tradition..........just some thoughts from me, but in the end, I have never had more faith in a SJU recruiter than Coach Lav and his staff. We will be fine.....and remember....We Are St Johns !!!! Go Johnnies !!!!!!!!!!!! 
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Agree with all except taking reeves Nelson. We don't need problem children here.
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Reeves won't be transferring. He was gone after this year no matter what. I'ts HIS scholie they're holding for Tony Parker (or whoever)....
 
I have to agree with '72. At this point it's hard to say the 2012 class will be "very, very good".
I also think the staff might focus more on East Coast players, and just try to sure up some holes, while keeping an eye toward bigger fish in 2013.

If the staff can reel Wood in (officially), get one of Opeka/Gathers, and find a JUCO or foreign big man, I could see that being our 2012 class.

That would leave 3 or so openings for the 2013 class, where we seem to have laid more seeds, AND the staff can promise more playing time to the guys coming in 2 years from now.

This isn't based on any inside info, just my thoughts. I hope Lav can do some damage in the spring period. My only fear is that the talent available may be slim pickings by then.
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As far as the early signing period, 2012 has been a bust...capital "B". That does not mean we do not get a couple of solid commitments from top 100 kids in the Spring.
As far as Norvel Pelle, his utter lack of academics alone tell me to cut him loose. As for Jakarr, as soon as he got back to Brewster people were in his ear and decommitting was as much a PR move by his handlers to minimize his academic lackings as it was to bolster his chances at an offer from the big programs that called him the day after he decommitted.
Personally, I want kids that previously signed with SJ to re-commit immediately. If they do not, they should be cut loose since getting burned twice by recruits is only going to be used by other schools as a negative image of SJ.
Time to focus on kids east of the Mississippi and close down the west coast pipeline until it proves worthwile.
 
Time to focus on kids east of the Mississippi and close down the west coast pipeline until it proves worthwile.
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You had me 'til this particular quote. Yes, we lost Polee after one season and it seems like the probability is high on losing out altogether with Pelle.

IMO, it seems you're cutting off the nose to spite the face. You continue evaluate and recruit nationwide like you have been doing. Just be more selective from here on out.

So, we should stop recruiting Ishmail Wainwright (east of the 'Ole Miss) and Parker Jackson-Cartwright (Cali kid)? No way! We stay on those kids, as every situation is different and it will eventually pay off.
 
 I think you must recruit, the players that have no problems coming to new york. with pelle it seemed he always talked about wanting to be home. Lavin should continue to recruit the best players available no matter where they are from.
 
Why would Gathers want to go to LSU ? They just got pounded by Coastal. LSU is a falling program. As for K. Anderson, look at UCLA, they are 0-2 and are calling for the coaches head. Why would KA not be part of the rise of St Johns ? Oh how about San Diego St ? Another program going nowhere, good choice Polee, you would of been a stud here. Im so glad Amir is dedicated to being a Johnnie, and im instantly a fan of his for his dedication. As for Pelle, i dont understand what these kids want. Pelle would get plenty of PT, he will be on prime time TV a lot, and playing in a huge TV market for publicity, not to mention " The Garden". Go play at Oregon, or Washington like you had listed before. You will be another who made a mistake. As for Coach Lav, lets be on the offensive, go get Reeves Nelson ( 6-8 PF ) from UCLA, who will be transfering, and also Stacy Poole ( 6-4 G ) from Kentucky who wants out. Ill take those guys. As far as the JUCO route goes, The Johnnies have had plenty of success getting some gems from JUCO, continue the tradition..........just some thoughts from me, but in the end, I have never had more faith in a SJU recruiter than Coach Lav and his staff. We will be fine.....and remember....We Are St Johns !!!! Go Johnnies !!!!!!!!!!!! 
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There are a few reasons as to why Gathers would want to go to LSU, KA ucla, and polee SDSU:

Gathers going to LSU : He gets to play in front of family and friends all the time. LSU's football program makes everything more exciting there. He will also be big man on campus as far as basketball goes. Yes, they are a struggling program right now, but that could prove to be a win-win situation for him. If they don't win, the excuse will be that the talent around him just isn't good enough (not his fault). If they do win, it will be because he carried them and was a "program changer"....

Kyle Anderson to UCLA: See above minus the family and football program. There is also the rich basketball tradition there. And I don't think he wants to be "part" of the rise of a program. I think he wants to be the "reason" for the rise of the program. They also have much nicer weather in CA as well.

Polee to SDSU - He cited family reasons and this was closer to home. They have also made at least the NIT or tournament every year for the past 5yrs (a lot more than we can say). Polee was also in a bad situation during his time here. Last year he was the young guy on a senior heavy team, and was often forgotten. And as soon as we started to get all of the commitments, all the talk around our program was about our recruiting class. He, along with stith is some sense, sort of got lost in the shuffle....

Pelle - He is kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place.....and if he did find out he was ruled ineligible for the spring, why not re-open his recruitment

You can't really fault any of the kids for their choices....

Also, I don't think that playing as MSG has the same glamor that it has had in the past. For starters, we aren't the only team that plays there anymore. Just look at the Duke-Michigan State game last night. High profile programs are still getting games there, and ones that are on national tv on prime-time. Also, I think that playing so many games at MSG can potentially hurt us in recruiting. I compare it to having season tickets vs. only going to one or two games a year. When you have season tickets, the games and whole experience can tend to lose their flavor after a while. After a while, certain things get very repetitive and lose their appeal. But if you only get the chance to go one or two games, I think it is more memorable and meaningful.
 
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