Off-season talk

[Moose]

Justin is the fun story.  Who know if he would have popped for SJU if CMA was coach.  He committed to Pitt before we had CMA.

A nice story would be coming home for one year taking the hometown SJU back to the top of the BE and him and his brother both leaving for the Association then.  (Because I don't see Julian around for 4 years either).

I'd sign up for that.  

 

[Ray Morgan]

I have only see Justin play once. He seemed to be a much more explosive athlete and more agressive than Julian. However, Julian is the better shooter.

 

[Ray Morgan]

My offseason wish list;

Posh/Wusu - stay in the gym all summer and get up a minimum of 500 shots a day.  Both these 2 need to develop consistant jump shots

Cole/Moore - both need a serious weight training and weight gaining program.  These 2 need to get in the gym and do the big boy exercises to put on some mass - squats, deadlifts, bench press etc.  They also need to be taking weight gainer shakes and eating peanut butter and jelly sandwhiches all summer.

Earlington - Id like to see Earlington work on his foot speed and jumping ability.  Duke needs to hit the jump rope, calf raises and hit the vertimax to increase his vertical.

Greg Williams - lower back extensions 3 days a week to strengthen that back up.  Also aggressiveness and aplha male training so he becomes more assertive on offesne.

Champy - similiar to Earlington.  He should be working to become quicker and more explosive.  Maybe some lower body weight training and plyometrics

I like your list Duke.  They set forth what areas players need to improve. However, I'm more of a nature vs. nurture person.  If a player is not an elite athlete by high school, they are not going to become one in the weight room. It may help, but we all have limits based upon genetics.  The coaches tried for 2 years to get Tariq Owens to gain weight. He tried, but thin is his body type.

What I would like to see is Cole work on his shot fake and shot selection. His shot fakes rarely get the defense off balance.  Yesterday, he shot faked from 3 with no one guarding him. They also look so different than his normal mechanics.  All the Villanova players are taught to get defenses off balance from shot fakes from 3. This skill doesn't require fighting genetics. It is a skill that will get better with proper instruction and repetition.
 

 

[Mean Gene]

I know we also want Justin Champagnie. But I imagine if he declared he's transferring, every single blue blood
would come calling. 

Absolutely, but the brothers have said they want to make a decision next year. They could, theoretically, chance it and both transfer to a blue blood, but I don't see that happening for a few reasons. They know SJU and CMA's system, and they've seen that Julian can thrive in it. Leaving to a new system, both could have off years which would hurt their NBA prospects. You can't discount that it would bring the brothers back together, and at home. Ultimately, I think if they both play college next year, it will be at SJU. 

Never thought of that.... If Justin doesnt get a first round guarantee... with the free transfer rule, they both can have the Program of their choice- similar to the Martin twins (Nc state -> Nevada)- but these two are better. What college wouldnt sign first team ACC/BE players. One team/Coach comes to mind if they want exposure for their draft status...Kentucky.

Hopefully I just jinxed that scenario and we end up with the best set of twins since the Morris's at Kansas.


All this talk about the Champagnie brothers playing together here is fun but obviously premature at this point. But, if they are going to play together it's going to be at St.John's, not at another school. Their father played  on St. John's National Champion soccer team so the family has strong ties to the university. If this happens and we can land this Blocker kid, I honestly think that we will win the Big East with the roster we have right now along with the three guys we have coming in. We will be a highly ranked team. Justin fills one of our most glaring needs , the ability to crash the glass and rebound the basketball along with his scoring ability, watch out. We would still be lacking height a little with just Moore and Niywe at 6'10 but we would be so skilled everywhere else it would more than make up for it. Alabama this year only has one guy over 6'9 and he's a freshman. Yet, they are ranked #8 in the Nation because they are just so skilled everywhere else they overcome the lack of height. They also play a fast freewheeling type of system. Alabama was 16-15 last year and this season made the jump to a Top 10 team. I think we could do the same if Justin comes here and we can  land Blocker

 

[Mean Gene]

I know we also want Justin Champagnie. But I imagine if he declared he's transferring, every single blue blood
would come calling. 

Absolutely, but the brothers have said they want to make a decision next year. They could, theoretically, chance it and both transfer to a blue blood, but I don't see that happening for a few reasons. They know SJU and CMA's system, and they've seen that Julian can thrive in it. Leaving to a new system, both could have off years which would hurt their NBA prospects. You can't discount that it would bring the brothers back together, and at home. Ultimately, I think if they both play college next year, it will be at SJU. 

Never thought of that.... If Justin doesnt get a first round guarantee... with the free transfer rule, they both can have the Program of their choice- similar to the Martin twins (Nc state -> Nevada)- but these two are better. What college wouldnt sign first team ACC/BE players. One team/Coach comes to mind if they want exposure for their draft status...Kentucky.

Hopefully I just jinxed that scenario and we end up with the best set of twins since the Morris's at Kansas.


All this talk about the Champagnie brothers playing together here is fun but obviously premature at this point. But, if they are going to play together it's going to be at St.John's, not at another school. Their father played  on St. John's National Champion soccer team so the family has strong ties to the university. If this happens and we can land this Blocker kid, I honestly think that we will win the Big East with the roster we have right now along with the three guys we have coming in. We will be a highly ranked team. Justin fills one of our most glaring needs , the ability to crash the glass and rebound the basketball along with his scoring ability, watch out. We would still be lacking height a little with just Moore and Niywe at 6'10 but we would be so skilled everywhere else it would more than make up for it. Alabama this year only has one guy over 6'9 and he's a freshman. Yet, they are ranked #8 in the Nation because they are just so skilled everywhere else they overcome the lack of height. They also play a fast freewheeling type of system. Alabama was 16-15 last year and this season made the jump to a Top 10 team. I think we could do the same if Justin comes here and we can  land Blocker

 

[L J S A]

I'm shocked that some posters expect Roberts here next season.

It seems like I'm in the minority, but I expect a purge. I think Roberts is gone. I think Cole is gone. I think Earlington is gone. I think McGriff is gone. Up until recently I thought Moore was a lock to come back, but now I'm not so sure.

I'm trying to keep a level head, but if Justin actually 1) left Pitt, and 2) came here, I think we'd get a talented big man observing what was forming and decide to come aboard as well. It would be the most talented team here in years . . . but again, trying to keep a level head and not get my hopes up.

 

[Sjugrad13]

I'm shocked that some posters expect Roberts here next season.

It seems like I'm in the minority, but I expect a purge. I think Roberts is gone. I think Cole is gone. I think Earlington is gone. I think McGriff is gone. Up until recently I thought Moore was a lock to come back, but now I'm not so sure.

I'm trying to keep a level head, but if Justin actually 1) left Pitt, and 2) came here, I think we'd get a talented big man observing what was forming and decide to come aboard as well. It would be the most talented team here in years . . . but again, trying to keep a level head and not get my hopes up.


I disagree about the most talented team in years. I still think the Ponds, Simon, Heron & Clarke team would be more talented. They just got did in because Mullin was a terrible coach. 
 

 

[NCJohnnie]

LJSA wrote:
I'm shocked that some posters expect Roberts here next season.

It seems like I'm in the minority, but I expect a purge. I think Roberts is gone. I think Cole is gone. I think Earlington is gone. I think McGriff is gone. Up until recently I thought Moore was a lock to come back, but now I'm not so sure.

I'm trying to keep a level head, but if Justin actually 1) left Pitt, and 2) came here, I think we'd get a talented big man observing what was forming and decide to come aboard as well. It would be the most talented team here in years . . . but again, trying to keep a level head and not get my hopes up.

I for one definitely want Earlington back. He has proven himself to be a BE level player and a guy who when he plays his game and does what he does well is invaluable.

 

[MakingPlays]

I'm shocked that some posters expect Roberts here next season.

It seems like I'm in the minority, but I expect a purge. I think Roberts is gone. I think Cole is gone. I think Earlington is gone. I think McGriff is gone. Up until recently I thought Moore was a lock to come back, but now I'm not so sure.

I'm trying to keep a level head, but if Justin actually 1) left Pitt, and 2) came here, I think we'd get a talented big man observing what was forming and decide to come aboard as well. It would be the most talented team here in years . . . but again, trying to keep a level head and not get my hopes up.

I highly doubt there's that much turnover, I'd be shocked if it was more than 2 guys that left for transfer. CMA likes this team a lot and he needs the majority of that core to return to continue to build on what he started this year.  You talk about losing 2 guys to graduation, then add another 5 guys to transfer that you mentioned, you've now lost over half your roster that gave you a winning season in the Big East, that's not a good receipe for next year's success.  In my original post I was just refering to guys that could be candidates for those 1 or 2 guys that could possibly leave, I think it's a real good chance the overwhelming majority return.  I don't see Cole or Earlington going anywhere, both had a big role this year, and will have even bigger roles their senior year.
 

 

[Mullins Revenge]

I'm shocked that some posters expect Roberts here next season.

It seems like I'm in the minority, but I expect a purge. I think Roberts is gone. I think Cole is gone. I think Earlington is gone. I think McGriff is gone. Up until recently I thought Moore was a lock to come back, but now I'm not so sure.

I'm trying to keep a level head, but if Justin actually 1) left Pitt, and 2) came here, I think we'd get a talented big man observing what was forming and decide to come aboard as well. It would be the most talented team here in years . . . but again, trying to keep a level head and not get my hopes up.

I highly doubt there's that much turnover, I'd be shocked if it was more than 2 guys that left for transfer. CMA likes this team a lot and he needs the majority of that core to return to continue to build on what he started this year.  You talk about losing 2 guys to graduation, then add another 5 guys to transfer that you mentioned, you've now lost over half your roster that gave you a winning season in the Big East, that's not a good receipe for next year's success.  In my original post I was just refering to guys that could be candidates for those 1 or 2 guys that could possibly leave, I think it's a real good chance the overwhelming majority return.  I don't see Cole or Earlington going anywhere, both had a big role this year, and will have even bigger roles their senior year.

 

Agreed.  Out side of a personality thing like with Moore, I dont see anyone who was a major contributor leaving.  These kids seemed to love playing for this team and coach.  They aint going anywhere.

 

[GardenCity62]

With the number of players transferring in the next few months the staff may welcome a few defections.

 

[JohnnyFan]

Stanley is really about 6'7 & Traore about same size, with great reach. Both can help at forward, but let's not delude ourselves, neither will fill big man void. If Texas Tech transfer materializes he too lacks the bulk to guard the post and seems a hybrid with some defensive skills. Also, it will be interesting to see if he sticks here.

Josh seems great kid, but really not a BE level player. Touting him increasing his strength or blossoming is folly. Beating the dead horse, we don't need Shaq, but for goodness sake, it is essential to shore up the middle with strength, size and competence. This void has gone on far too long and with fertile transfer market it is time to land someone. It is the missing link on a team that has all other ingredients to make noise next year.

I was going to post something similar but couldn't have said it better than this.  As we embark upon our decade-long offseason tradition of looking for a big man, please let this year be different.
 

 

[Eric2]

My offseason wish list;

Posh/Wusu - stay in the gym all summer and get up a minimum of 500 shots a day.  Both these 2 need to develop consistant jump shots

Cole/Moore - both need a serious weight training and weight gaining program.  These 2 need to get in the gym and do the big boy exercises to put on some mass - squats, deadlifts, bench press etc.  They also need to be taking weight gainer shakes and eating peanut butter and jelly sandwhiches all summer.

Earlington - Id like to see Earlington work on his foot speed and jumping ability.  Duke needs to hit the jump rope, calf raises and hit the vertimax to increase his vertical.

Greg Williams - lower back extensions 3 days a week to strengthen that back up.  Also aggressiveness and aplha male training so he becomes more assertive on offesne.

Champy - similiar to Earlington.  He should be working to become quicker and more explosive.  Maybe some lower body weight training and plyometrics.


Agree on Posh/Wusu 
I think Cole and   Champ also have to improve their ball handling and ability to drive to the hoop(create their own shots) .  Teams play Champ way too close on perimeter and he has to make them pay by driving and finishing or passing to the open man without turning it over.  I think that would be Champ's biggest weakness skill wise if he wants to be a pro.  He has to be able to beat guys off the dribble to keep the defense off him.  Most guys have to improve their jumper to keep defenses honest, Champ's the opposite.  Improving quickness and explosiveness will help in that area also.
Moore also should improve his midrange jumper.
I like Greg's game, just needs to continue to work on overall game and just be more aggressive in looking for his shot.  I think Greg is our best all around player when healthy.
Lastly, the whole team needs to work on consistently boxing out for rebounds.


 

 

[SLYFOXX1968]

Seeing the G'Town - SH game and the Hoyas winning and now in the Finals is somewhat bitter sweet . Not because both these teams were, like us , original BE Teams  but , more like it just accentuates how long it's been for our Program  to be continually on the outside looking in ... of the Original BE teams still in the Conference , we have had the longest drought of being in contention . Nova , SH , GTown , Providence and now , UConn again have all won or been in a BE final in the last 20 years .  
 

 

[ohiofan]

My perfect off season would be one where we don't complain about the players, suggest who should be transferring and who isn't good enough, etc.

The players, recruits and their families read or hear about all these conversations and it doesn't help, in fact it is counter-productive.

 

[mjmaherjr]

My perfect off season would be one where we don't complain about the players, suggest who should be transferring and who isn't good enough, etc.

The players, recruits and their families read or hear about all these conversations and it doesn't help, in fact it is counter-productive.

But you still wanna know who got the vaccine right ?

 

[ras]

I'm shocked that some posters expect Roberts here next season.

It seems like I'm in the minority, but I expect a purge. I think Roberts is gone. I think Cole is gone. I think Earlington is gone. I think McGriff is gone. Up until recently I thought Moore was a lock to come back, but now I'm not so sure.

I'm trying to keep a level head, but if Justin actually 1) left Pitt, and 2) came here, I think we'd get a talented big man observing what was forming and decide to come aboard as well. It would be the most talented team here in years . . . but again, trying to keep a level head and not get my hopes up.


I disagree about the most talented team in years. I still think the Ponds, Simon, Heron & Clarke team would be more talented. They just got did in because Mullin was a terrible coach. 

---Mullin wasn't the best coach, but that team also had no true big and no depth.

 

 

[Delaware]

Could u imagine having posh, wusu, julian, justin and the dukd on the floor at the same time???

The other team wouldnt score.

Do you drink a lot?

 

[MakingPlays]

My perfect off season would be one where we don't complain about the players, suggest who should be transferring and who isn't good enough, etc.

The players, recruits and their families read or hear about all these conversations and it doesn't help, in fact it is counter-productive.

You do realize every school in the nation has message boards that discuss the players and their performance right?  I've never heard of a kid transferring from a school, listing the reason "They said I should transfer on an unoffical school message board."  These guys signed up to play D1 basketball on national TV every night and have aspirations to be pro players, people are going to talk about their performance and critic their game, they know that, it comes with the terriority. 

 

[PharmDJohnnie11]

Ugh.... you guys are really making me get my hopes up about getting Justin Champagnie??