Orlando Sanchez

[logen]

No doubt you can fault the staff for not having a back-up plan (though they might have thought Christian Jones was) . . . again. Can't fault them for the failings of the NCAA.

Seems the staff is less willing to take on role players to fill needs than recruit the best available regardless of position. Of course having Gathers signed early then having him renege didn't help. But seems most teams have a raw 4 year center that should be able to play solid d and rebound every couple of classes just in case.

Lavin tried to grab Nolan as well and he went to uconn, although he's quite raw. Bottom line thoughts that Gathers was plan A and screwed us after Lavin put a lot of time into getting a rebounder like that. Sanchez had some risk but I think that Lavin and Co. Thought he'd be eligible already. Point is that we did have backup plans after a few dominoes fell different directions. A bit of bad luck as well. I dont mind Lavin taking risks. We won't get ahead without doing that and will always be mired in mediocrity. The one thing I do fault Lavin for is redshirting Gift because we've needed him thus far, but I'm guessing he has some reasoning as to why it was done.

Most coaches take risks but we do not have to become the UNLV of the Big East. To get "commitments" from 7 high risk players is rolling the dice one too many times. It is how we end up with an over-hyped Christian Jones not ready to play D1 ball, how we get 2 verbals from a Darrick Wood who still cannot qualify and how a Norvel Pelle (who is still out there for us to sign) floats from coast-to-coast.
All the gambling by Lavin has not payed dividends and I've not read one good report on our team to date by the national media and the local media has us behind Stony Brook. That is totally unacceptable with 7 top 100 sophs and frosh.
Let's hope Sanchez becomes eligible as rumored and Branch starts playing or things could get ugly on Union Turnpike. I think in year 3 the die-hard fans deserved more than the 12th best team in the Big East.

Except in essence this is his second year as he could do very little to build the program coaching NR's seniors. So in my mind, essentially Lavin spent his "1st" year recovering from cancer but let's not let facts get in the way of a good whine. Yes, Lavin has taken chances but but I think I think circumstances dictated much of that. As for what die-hard fans "deserve", well in essence nothing but 100% effort. If you feel thqt you "deserve" more than that I would respectfully suggest you are slightly out of touch with reality.

 

[logen]

No doubt you can fault the staff for not having a back-up plan (though they might have thought Christian Jones was) . . . again. Can't fault them for the failings of the NCAA.

Seems the staff is less willing to take on role players to fill needs than recruit the best available regardless of position. Of course having Gathers signed early then having him renege didn't help. But seems most teams have a raw 4 year center that should be able to play solid d and rebound every couple of classes just in case.

Lavin tried to grab Nolan as well and he went to uconn, although he's quite raw. Bottom line thoughts that Gathers was plan A and screwed us after Lavin put a lot of time into getting a rebounder like that. Sanchez had some risk but I think that Lavin and Co. Thought he'd be eligible already. Point is that we did have backup plans after a few dominoes fell different directions. A bit of bad luck as well. I dont mind Lavin taking risks. We won't get ahead without doing that and will always be mired in mediocrity. The one thing I do fault Lavin for is redshirting Gift because we've needed him thus far, but I'm guessing he has some reasoning as to why it was done.

Most coaches take risks but we do not have to become the UNLV of the Big East. To get "commitments" from 7 high risk players is rolling the dice one too many times. It is how we end up with an over-hyped Christian Jones not ready to play D1 ball, how we get 2 verbals from a Darrick Wood who still cannot qualify and how a Norvel Pelle (who is still out there for us to sign) floats from coast-to-coast.
All the gambling by Lavin has not payed dividends and I've not read one good report on our team to date by the national media and the local media has us behind Stony Brook. That is totally unacceptable with 7 top 100 sophs and frosh.
Let's hope Sanchez becomes eligible as rumored and Branch starts playing or things could get ugly on Union Turnpike. I think in year 3 the die-hard fans deserved more than the 12th best team in the Big East.

Given our history over the past decade and empty recruiting cupboard Lavin inherited, there was little option but to take some chances. And while not all of them worked out, we have a lot more talent now than we've seen in years.

Over-hyped Christian Jones? Nobody knew a thing about him until a couple of big games early in the season when this board got a little too excited about a freshman with a big body. Whose fault is that?

And the hollow rankings of the local media? Your posts suggest you know too much about basketball to seriously include that as a credible fact in the debate.

Yes, we need to see some improvement. I hope we see that tonight. But all things considered, I like where we are now better than I did two years ago.

A breath of fresh air; a voice of reason and intelligence!! Good stuff, thanks.

 

[Class of 72]

Firestorm writes:
"Over-hyped Christian Jones? Nobody knew a thing about him until a couple of big games early in the season when this board got a little too excited about a freshman with a big body. Whose fault is that?

Yes, we need to see some improvement. I hope we see that tonight. But all things considered, I like where we are now better than I did two years ago."

True about Jones insofar as we fans are concerned ...we knew little about him or his potential until the Lavin accolades......to the point he made him a "starter"!! Whose fault is that?
Last year was a disaster but this year we supposedly have a nationally ranked recruiting class.....our second. That is why we expect results.
The media can make or break a team in the NY metro area. The national media has tossed us to the bottom of the Big East heap.
I agree...we need to see Improvement.......tonight!

 

[logen]

Firestorm writes:
"Over-hyped Christian Jones? Nobody knew a thing about him until a couple of big games early in the season when this board got a little too excited about a freshman with a big body. Whose fault is that?

Yes, we need to see some improvement. I hope we see that tonight. But all things considered, I like where we are now better than I did two years ago."

True about Jones insofar as we fans are concerned ...we knew little about him or his potential until the Lavin accolades......to the point he made him a "starter"!! Whose fault is that?
Last year was a disaster but this year we supposedly have a nationally ranked recruiting class.....our second. That is why we expect results.
The media can make or break a team in the NY metro area. The national media has tossed us to the bottom of the Big East heap.
I agree...we need to see Improvement.......tonight!

And of course it is not possible Lavin talked up Jones to light a fire under someone else; I mean coaches never use the media to send a message.

 

[ras]

Firestorm writes:
"Over-hyped Christian Jones? Nobody knew a thing about him until a couple of big games early in the season when this board got a little too excited about a freshman with a big body. Whose fault is that?

Yes, we need to see some improvement. I hope we see that tonight. But all things considered, I like where we are now better than I did two years ago."

True about Jones insofar as we fans are concerned ...we knew little about him or his potential until the Lavin accolades......to the point he made him a "starter"!! Whose fault is that?
Last year was a disaster but this year we supposedly have a nationally ranked recruiting class.....our second. That is why we expect results.
The media can make or break a team in the NY metro area. The national media has tossed us to the bottom of the Big East heap.
I agree...we need to see Improvement.......tonight!

There comes a point ,despite the media, a team has to get the job done. Winning creates positive buzz, loosing,neg buzz.

 

[boo haarvey]

Firestorm writes:
"Over-hyped Christian Jones? Nobody knew a thing about him until a couple of big games early in the season when this board got a little too excited about a freshman with a big body. Whose fault is that?

Yes, we need to see some improvement. I hope we see that tonight. But all things considered, I like where we are now better than I did two years ago."

True about Jones insofar as we fans are concerned ...we knew little about him or his potential until the Lavin accolades......to the point he made him a "starter"!! Whose fault is that?
Last year was a disaster but this year we supposedly have a nationally ranked recruiting class.....our second. That is why we expect results.
The media can make or break a team in the NY metro area. The national media has tossed us to the bottom of the Big East heap.
I agree...we need to see Improvement.......tonight!

And of course it is not possible Lavin talked up Jones to light a fire under someone else; I mean coaches never use the media to send a message.

Which of our many talented big men was Lavin trying to ignite by talking up Jones? Was it God's Gift? Did Lavin detect that Gift was not demonstrating the proper enthusiasm from the bench. Couldn't have been Sanchez. Obekpa? I can't think of any other bigs.

 

[logen]

Firestorm writes:
"Over-hyped Christian Jones? Nobody knew a thing about him until a couple of big games early in the season when this board got a little too excited about a freshman with a big body. Whose fault is that?

Yes, we need to see some improvement. I hope we see that tonight. But all things considered, I like where we are now better than I did two years ago."

True about Jones insofar as we fans are concerned ...we knew little about him or his potential until the Lavin accolades......to the point he made him a "starter"!! Whose fault is that?
Last year was a disaster but this year we supposedly have a nationally ranked recruiting class.....our second. That is why we expect results.
The media can make or break a team in the NY metro area. The national media has tossed us to the bottom of the Big East heap.
I agree...we need to see Improvement.......tonight!

And of course it is not possible Lavin talked up Jones to light a fire under someone else; I mean coaches never use the media to send a message.

Which of our many talented big men was Lavin trying to ignite by talking up Jones? Was it God's Gift? Did Lavin detect that Gift was not demonstrating the proper enthusiasm from the bench. Couldn't have been Sanchez. Obekpa? I can't think of any other bigs.

Gee, it could have been meant for anyone. Why did it have to be a "big."? Maybe it was about attitude or effort or who knows. Maybe he was trying something to try to get through to Harrison. My point is that all you self-proclaimed experts don't have a real clue and neither do I. I am not in practice, in meetings, on the bus, etc. so I have no idea why Lavin or any coach does what he does. The way you guys analyze, Tom Coughlin was a great coach and an utter failure four different times each this year. One last point, IM"humble"O, GG was red-shirted this year to improve his game because I think he proved last year he is not ready for big-time hoops. I could be wrong but that is what I think. Any of you who think he would be some kind of saviour are just blowing smoke.

 

[boo haarvey]

Firestorm writes:
"Over-hyped Christian Jones? Nobody knew a thing about him until a couple of big games early in the season when this board got a little too excited about a freshman with a big body. Whose fault is that?

Yes, we need to see some improvement. I hope we see that tonight. But all things considered, I like where we are now better than I did two years ago."

True about Jones insofar as we fans are concerned ...we knew little about him or his potential until the Lavin accolades......to the point he made him a "starter"!! Whose fault is that?
Last year was a disaster but this year we supposedly have a nationally ranked recruiting class.....our second. That is why we expect results.
The media can make or break a team in the NY metro area. The national media has tossed us to the bottom of the Big East heap.
I agree...we need to see Improvement.......tonight!

And of course it is not possible Lavin talked up Jones to light a fire under someone else; I mean coaches never use the media to send a message.

Which of our many talented big men was Lavin trying to ignite by talking up Jones? Was it God's Gift? Did Lavin detect that Gift was not demonstrating the proper enthusiasm from the bench. Couldn't have been Sanchez. Obekpa? I can't think of any other bigs.

Gee, it could have been meant for anyone. Why did it have to be a "big."? Maybe it was about attitude or effort or who knows. Maybe he was trying something to try to get through to Harrison. My point is that all you self-proclaimed experts don't have a real clue and neither do I. I am not in practice, in meetings, on the bus, etc. so I have no idea why Lavin or any coach does what he does. The way you guys analyze, Tom Coughlin was a great coach and an utter failure four different times each this year. One last point, IM"humble"O, GG was red-shirted this year to improve his game because I think he proved last year he is not ready for big-time hoops. I could be wrong but that is what I think. Any of you who think he would be some kind of saviour are just blowing smoke.

I don't think any rational person, SJU fan or otherwise, thinks that GG would have been a saviour this year. Many of us, however, think that he would have provided some sorely needed rebounding and toughness underneath.

And I fundamentally disagree with your premise that GG proved last year that he was not ready for big time hoops. I thought GG clearly demonstrated that, while not a featured player, he could be a solid contributor in the right role. Certainly he was no less impressive than Pointer or Garrett and I don't hear anybody suggesting that either of them should be red shirted.

 

[Section3]

Fire Lavin

Absolutely!!!

 

[redmannorth]

Firestorm writes:
"Over-hyped Christian Jones? Nobody knew a thing about him until a couple of big games early in the season when this board got a little too excited about a freshman with a big body. Whose fault is that?

Yes, we need to see some improvement. I hope we see that tonight. But all things considered, I like where we are now better than I did two years ago."

True about Jones insofar as we fans are concerned ...we knew little about him or his potential until the Lavin accolades......to the point he made him a "starter"!! Whose fault is that?
Last year was a disaster but this year we supposedly have a nationally ranked recruiting class.....our second. That is why we expect results.
The media can make or break a team in the NY metro area. The national media has tossed us to the bottom of the Big East heap.
I agree...we need to see Improvement.......tonight!

And of course it is not possible Lavin talked up Jones to light a fire under someone else; I mean coaches never use the media to send a message.

Which of our many talented big men was Lavin trying to ignite by talking up Jones? Was it God's Gift? Did Lavin detect that Gift was not demonstrating the proper enthusiasm from the bench. Couldn't have been Sanchez. Obekpa? I can't think of any other bigs.

Gee, it could have been meant for anyone. Why did it have to be a "big."? Maybe it was about attitude or effort or who knows. Maybe he was trying something to try to get through to Harrison. My point is that all you self-proclaimed experts don't have a real clue and neither do I. I am not in practice, in meetings, on the bus, etc. so I have no idea why Lavin or any coach does what he does. The way you guys analyze, Tom Coughlin was a great coach and an utter failure four different times each this year. One last point, IM"humble"O, GG was red-shirted this year to improve his game because I think he proved last year he is not ready for big-time hoops. I could be wrong but that is what I think. Any of you who think he would be some kind of saviour are just blowing smoke.

I don't think any rational person, SJU fan or otherwise, thinks that GG would have been a saviour this year. Many of us, however, think that he would have provided some sorely needed rebounding and toughness underneath.

And I fundamentally disagree with your premise that GG proved last year that he was not ready for big time hoops. I thought GG clearly demonstrated that, while not a featured player, he could be a solid contributor in the right role. Certainly he was no less impressive than Pointer or Garrett and I don't hear anybody suggesting that either of them should be red shirted.

Logen I hate to disagree with you but I must say that I have to agree with every word Boo Harvey has written in this last post. He really hit the nail on the head.

 

[ras]

Nobody thinks Gift would be a savior this year or next. Hes a contributer who would provide depth and some rebounds, which might translate to a couple more wins. If we were a bubble team that might make the difference w the NCAA tourny.I dont think we are a bubble team anyway. But who knows if Branch steps up and Sanchez is cleared soon, stranger things have happened. Like Dinkens said sports is funny. Look at the Giants last year, a team that was lucky to make the playoffs,winning the superbowl and UCONN w a 500 BE record 2 years ago winning the NCAA tourny. Even look at us 2 years ago I dont think Gift is that good that he will make a difference next year.IMO.he should have been playing and replaced w another JUCO big.

 

[JackofVirginia]

Firestorm writes:
"Over-hyped Christian Jones? Nobody knew a thing about him until a couple of big games early in the season when this board got a little too excited about a freshman with a big body. Whose fault is that?

Yes, we need to see some improvement. I hope we see that tonight. But all things considered, I like where we are now better than I did two years ago."

True about Jones insofar as we fans are concerned ...we knew little about him or his potential until the Lavin accolades......to the point he made him a "starter"!! Whose fault is that?
Last year was a disaster but this year we supposedly have a nationally ranked recruiting class.....our second. That is why we expect results.
The media can make or break a team in the NY metro area. The national media has tossed us to the bottom of the Big East heap.
I agree...we need to see Improvement.......tonight!

And of course it is not possible Lavin talked up Jones to light a fire under someone else; I mean coaches never use the media to send a message.

Which of our many talented big men was Lavin trying to ignite by talking up Jones? Was it God's Gift? Did Lavin detect that Gift was not demonstrating the proper enthusiasm from the bench. Couldn't have been Sanchez. Obekpa? I can't think of any other bigs.

Gee, it could have been meant for anyone. Why did it have to be a "big."? Maybe it was about attitude or effort or who knows. Maybe he was trying something to try to get through to Harrison. My point is that all you self-proclaimed experts don't have a real clue and neither do I. I am not in practice, in meetings, on the bus, etc. so I have no idea why Lavin or any coach does what he does. The way you guys analyze, Tom Coughlin was a great coach and an utter failure four different times each this year. One last point, IM"humble"O, GG was red-shirted this year to improve his game because I think he proved last year he is not ready for big-time hoops. I could be wrong but that is what I think. Any of you who think he would be some kind of saviour are just blowing smoke.

G.G. doesn't have to be a savior just grab some rebounds. And why shouldn't he improve after a years experience?

 

[doodyny33]

GG should have been playing from day one this season

No matter how you try to spin it, it was a very poor coaching decision from Lavin. I'm guessing he thought the Sanchez situation would clear up by mid-December and it completely blew up in his face. And at this stage in the game, it is too late to bring GG back into the fold so we are going to be stuck with poor rebounding and poor interior defense the rest of the way.

 

[redmanwest]

Major miscalculation on Lavin's part. Especially if it was motivated by assuring that GG would be available next year. That's trying to be a bit too cute, IMHO. And, it is presumptuous on a number of levels.

You have to worry about THIS year before you worry about the next.

But, we have what we have, and I think we can still be pretty competitive, and improve as the season goes on. The big hole in the middle will be a continuing issue, but we have played with smaller teams successfully in the past, so let's hope for the best.

 

[thetux1]

GG should have been playing from day one this season

No matter how you try to spin it, it was a very poor coaching decision from Lavin. I'm guessing he thought the Sanchez situation would clear up by mid-December and it completely blew up in his face. And at this stage in the game, it is too late to bring GG back into the fold so we are going to be stuck with poor rebounding and poor interior defense the rest of the way.

That was painfully obvious last night as we only have 2 "bigs"(if you wanna call Sampson a big)who are both skinny and nobody on the bench to back them up. Even with Sanchez we could use God.

 

[fuchsia]

I asked in another post (not sure if on here or the jungle), If GG has his degree and a year of eligibility, can he move no strings attached to any team in the country?... particularly with very strong academics?

 

[1and1sju]

I asked in another post (not sure if on here or the jungle), If GG has his degree and a year of eligibility, can he move no strings attached to any team in the country?... particularly with very strong academics?

Yes, if he graduates and still has a year of eligibility he can transfer to any school that has a graduate program SJU doesn't offer. So, if he wants to, he can leave and get a masters in agricultural engineering or w/e and play right away.

 

[SJUalum98]

GG should have been playing from day one this season

No matter how you try to spin it, it was a very poor coaching decision from Lavin. I'm guessing he thought the Sanchez situation would clear up by mid-December and it completely blew up in his face. And at this stage in the game, it is too late to bring GG back into the fold so we are going to be stuck with poor rebounding and poor interior defense the rest of the way.

That was painfully obvious last night as we only have 2 "bigs"(if you wanna call Sampson a big)who are both skinny and nobody on the bench to back them up. Even with Sanchez we could use God.

We countered a lineup that was being demolished by Pinkston by sticking Amir on him at our 5-spot, giving up 50 lbs.

Same "strategy" we used during the Baylor loss.

And no sign of Christian Jones, our only post option.

I just SMH.

 

[Class of 72]

I asked in another post (not sure if on here or the jungle), If GG has his degree and a year of eligibility, can he move no strings attached to any team in the country?... particularly with very strong academics?

Yes, if he graduates and still has a year of eligibility he can transfer to any school that has a graduate program SJU doesn't offer. So, if he wants to, he can leave and get a masters in agricultural engineering or w/e and play right away.

Is this the "Gift to Iowa State" rumor already?
It would be one way to get even with Lav for sitting him! LOL!

 

[ccnobz]

GG should have been playing from day one this season

No matter how you try to spin it, it was a very poor coaching decision from Lavin. I'm guessing he thought the Sanchez situation would clear up by mid-December and it completely blew up in his face. And at this stage in the game, it is too late to bring GG back into the fold so we are going to be stuck with poor rebounding and poor interior defense the rest of the way.

I couldnt agree more, I didnt agree with that decision from day 1. And it was glaring last night that we could have used Gift. I love Lavin but he really missed this one.... Also down 2 with the ball approx 25 seconds left and he doesn't call timeout-- and lets it rip-- luckily Harrison got fouled w/ 4.5 seconds left -- but no time out there?