(POST GAME) Mercer, Wed. Nov. 6, 6:30p, FS-1, 570 WMCA
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Just back from game and only disappointment was crowd size. I guess a lot of non believers. This is an entertaining team.
This time they did not start slow as they did against Queens. In the second half, they did and coach called only time out and read the riot act. Things changed. No one has mentioned the effort by Julius. It came as a surprise that he has started in the exhibition and now tonight but I watched him and he gets the defensive end (good switching) of the floor and does a good job rebounding. He will be a four year player and when he develops an outside shot he will be much more effective. The talking on the defensive end is very noticeable and the switching is done with a purpose unlike last year. The foot work on defense seems much better. LJ is incredibly quick and is all over the court.
Major take aways--
The 24 T/O's by Mercer don't tell the whole story--there were also quite a number of deflections that don't show up in the stats, but are effective at throwing a team off.
On the offensive side , we had 76 shots whereas last year we averaged 61 shots per game. In addition, despite the up tempo game, we only committed 9 T/O's and our ball movement was very crisp.
This time they did not start slow as they did against Queens. In the second half, they did and coach called only time out and read the riot act. Things changed. No one has mentioned the effort by Julius. It came as a surprise that he has started in the exhibition and now tonight but I watched him and he gets the defensive end (good switching) of the floor and does a good job rebounding. He will be a four year player and when he develops an outside shot he will be much more effective. The talking on the defensive end is very noticeable and the switching is done with a purpose unlike last year. The foot work on defense seems much better. LJ is incredibly quick and is all over the court.
Major take aways--
The 24 T/O's by Mercer don't tell the whole story--there were also quite a number of deflections that don't show up in the stats, but are effective at throwing a team off.
On the offensive side , we had 76 shots whereas last year we averaged 61 shots per game. In addition, despite the up tempo game, we only committed 9 T/O's and our ball movement was very crisp.
[quote="thetux1" post=362076]My biggest takeaway is that Rutherford can run this team. They were much better with him playing point than Williams who is my one negative. We need a lot more from Williams than what we got tonight.[/quote]
Not ready to write him off. Still young and some injuries, but it’s going to get more difficult for him if/when Dunn gets eligible. I love Greg Williams athleticism and effort. He’s not a PG though. Will need to get his minutes at other spots.
Not ready to write him off. Still young and some injuries, but it’s going to get more difficult for him if/when Dunn gets eligible. I love Greg Williams athleticism and effort. He’s not a PG though. Will need to get his minutes at other spots.
[quote="Tom H O'Toole" post=362036][quote="Paultzman" post=362031]Zach
St. John's forced 24 turnovers, leading to 36 fast-break points. Josh Roberts had 9 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks. Will never understand why he didn't play more last year. #sjubb[/quote]
Rutherford
25min, 14pnts, 8dimes, 3stls, 1blck, 1TO[/quote]and more importantly played like a PG who understands his limitations and his role. Did not look to “get his”. Was always looking to create for others
St. John's forced 24 turnovers, leading to 36 fast-break points. Josh Roberts had 9 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks. Will never understand why he didn't play more last year. #sjubb[/quote]
Rutherford
25min, 14pnts, 8dimes, 3stls, 1blck, 1TO[/quote]and more importantly played like a PG who understands his limitations and his role. Did not look to “get his”. Was always looking to create for others
Roger Rubin- Newsday
[URL]https://www.newsday.com/sports/college/st-johns/st-john-s-mercer-season-opener-1.38320822[/URL]
[URL]https://www.newsday.com/sports/college/st-johns/st-john-s-mercer-season-opener-1.38320822[/URL]
Redmen88
Well-known member
Nice to see effort for all 40 minutes. The team played hard all game and had nice ball movement. An encouraging start to the MA era. I’m sure we will take our share of lumps this year but I like the team play from top to bottom. I give them a beat my expectations for game 1.
Great start to the Anderson regime. Agree with just about everything everyone has said. Concerned about Sears. Got into foul trouble early and often. Think we'll need more from him awaiting Steere's return. I'll give Williams a pass, because of being slowed by the back and hand injuries.
STJ11Redmen
Active member
Great effort, not much more to say. We got a break with their best player being out and we took it to them. Not a fan of the new PA announcer, his 3 point call was brutal. That’s my only criticism.
Moose
Well-known member
[quote="SJU11Redmen" post=362093]Great effort, not much more to say. We got a break with their best player being out and we took it to them. Not a fan of the new PA announcer, his 3 point call was brutal. That’s my only criticism.[/quote]
Sorry if u missed it but where was their best player
Sorry if u missed it but where was their best player
STJ11Redmen
Active member
[quote="Moose" post=362094][quote="SJU11Redmen" post=362093]Great effort, not much more to say. We got a break with their best player being out and we took it to them. Not a fan of the new PA announcer, his 3 point call was brutal. That’s my only criticism.[/quote]
Sorry if u missed it but where was their best player[/quote]
Ross Cummings who averaged 17 ppg last year and was 2nd team all conference was in street clothes with an injury.
Sorry if u missed it but where was their best player[/quote]
Ross Cummings who averaged 17 ppg last year and was 2nd team all conference was in street clothes with an injury.
PharmDJohnnie11
Member
Couple of points I wanted to make about the game tonight:
1. I was very pleasantly surprised how we played tonight. I didn't at all expect to shatter 100 points (albeit against a bad team). LJ and Heron look like all conference caliber players. Loved how they pushed the tempo, and how aggressive they were on defense. Such a breath of fresh air to have an actual head coach.
2.I found it so odd that we had players who were limited contributors last year start to look like they were starting to develop into solid players (Roberts, Earlington, G). I don't think we've seen something like this since the Jarvis days. This is how normal college programs function. Glad to see we're starting to follow suit.
3. As stated above, the new PA announcer is painful to listen to. I literally cringed every time he did his three point call. Someone's gotta sit him down, and let him know to stop.
4. What the heck happened to the scoreboard above the court, and the retired jersey numbers??
5. Only 3,354 fans showed up. The top section was completely empty. Hopefully Cragg begins to realize raising season ticket prices over 100% was a bad idea. I gave up my season tickets and bought tickets in the seatback section 4 rows behind the SJU bench for cheap. This seems like a way better option than paying double for my worse season ticket seats from the last few years.
1. I was very pleasantly surprised how we played tonight. I didn't at all expect to shatter 100 points (albeit against a bad team). LJ and Heron look like all conference caliber players. Loved how they pushed the tempo, and how aggressive they were on defense. Such a breath of fresh air to have an actual head coach.
2.I found it so odd that we had players who were limited contributors last year start to look like they were starting to develop into solid players (Roberts, Earlington, G). I don't think we've seen something like this since the Jarvis days. This is how normal college programs function. Glad to see we're starting to follow suit.
3. As stated above, the new PA announcer is painful to listen to. I literally cringed every time he did his three point call. Someone's gotta sit him down, and let him know to stop.
4. What the heck happened to the scoreboard above the court, and the retired jersey numbers??
5. Only 3,354 fans showed up. The top section was completely empty. Hopefully Cragg begins to realize raising season ticket prices over 100% was a bad idea. I gave up my season tickets and bought tickets in the seatback section 4 rows behind the SJU bench for cheap. This seems like a way better option than paying double for my worse season ticket seats from the last few years.
Figgy- thank god he’s back
Heron- thank god he’s back. Didn’t try force things and play bully ball tonight.
Rutherford- can’t get in foul trouble. Liked the defense and floor vision. Impressed by the twitch. Looks like a man out there.
Roberts- frenetic player. Lots of energy and activity. Not playing on skates like he did at times last season.
Earlington- one of those “no no no Yes!!” players. Looks lIke he’s worked really hard. Scored in a variety of ways. Will need to keep it under control against better comp. Could end up being Sean Evans
Greg Williams- I see progress from last season. Will be miscast as primary ball handler but love the athleticism and effort level.
Champagne- good body control and feel for the game. May end up as a poor man’s LJ
Caraher- not afraid to mix it up. Good court vision. Will need to be able to hit open shot. Glue type guy.
Team- what a difference coaching makes. Team was unselfish. Played smart. Didn’t try to make highlight play constantly. Kept the foot on the gas. Will have to do a better job stopping ball penetration. Thought the perimeter close outs were ok. Mercer just hit some shots. Need Steere and Dunn
Heron- thank god he’s back. Didn’t try force things and play bully ball tonight.
Rutherford- can’t get in foul trouble. Liked the defense and floor vision. Impressed by the twitch. Looks like a man out there.
Roberts- frenetic player. Lots of energy and activity. Not playing on skates like he did at times last season.
Earlington- one of those “no no no Yes!!” players. Looks lIke he’s worked really hard. Scored in a variety of ways. Will need to keep it under control against better comp. Could end up being Sean Evans
Greg Williams- I see progress from last season. Will be miscast as primary ball handler but love the athleticism and effort level.
Champagne- good body control and feel for the game. May end up as a poor man’s LJ
Caraher- not afraid to mix it up. Good court vision. Will need to be able to hit open shot. Glue type guy.
Team- what a difference coaching makes. Team was unselfish. Played smart. Didn’t try to make highlight play constantly. Kept the foot on the gas. Will have to do a better job stopping ball penetration. Thought the perimeter close outs were ok. Mercer just hit some shots. Need Steere and Dunn
[quote="SJU11Redmen" post=362097][quote="Moose" post=362094][quote="SJU11Redmen" post=362093]Great effort, not much more to say. We got a break with their best player being out and we took it to them. Not a fan of the new PA announcer, his 3 point call was brutal. That’s my only criticism.[/quote]
Sorry if u missed it but where was their best player[/quote]
Ross Cummings who averaged 17 ppg last year and was 2nd team all conference was in street clothes with an injury.[/quote]
I just watched the archive of the broadcast on Fox Sports Go. They mentioned that he's gone 6 weeks, with an ankle injury. That's probably why our BPI win chance for this game went up 5 percentage points, yesterday.
Sorry if u missed it but where was their best player[/quote]
Ross Cummings who averaged 17 ppg last year and was 2nd team all conference was in street clothes with an injury.[/quote]
I just watched the archive of the broadcast on Fox Sports Go. They mentioned that he's gone 6 weeks, with an ankle injury. That's probably why our BPI win chance for this game went up 5 percentage points, yesterday.
MakingPlays
Well-known member
Is there somewhere to watch the post game press conference?
[quote="Making Plays" post=362102]Is there somewhere to watch the post game press conference?[/quote]
https://redstormsports.com/sports/2019/11/6/postgame-quotes-st-johns-vs-mercer.aspx
here are Mercers HC quotes:
Mercer Head Coach Greg Gary
On St. John’s...
“Coach [Mike] Anderson’s teams play hard. They play good defense, they’re physical and they’re going to make you earn everything they get. I thought they did a great job and knocking us from a physical standpoint out on the floor and getting in the passing lanes and turning turnovers into points, which we knew when they're that athletic and they play hard like that and get in the passing lanes and trap that that's their offense, is getting turnovers and being able to score. They had 30 points off of turnovers, that's a lot of turnovers. That's why the score was the way it was because of what they did really well.”
https://redstormsports.com/sports/2019/11/6/postgame-quotes-st-johns-vs-mercer.aspx
here are Mercers HC quotes:
Mercer Head Coach Greg Gary
On St. John’s...
“Coach [Mike] Anderson’s teams play hard. They play good defense, they’re physical and they’re going to make you earn everything they get. I thought they did a great job and knocking us from a physical standpoint out on the floor and getting in the passing lanes and turning turnovers into points, which we knew when they're that athletic and they play hard like that and get in the passing lanes and trap that that's their offense, is getting turnovers and being able to score. They had 30 points off of turnovers, that's a lot of turnovers. That's why the score was the way it was because of what they did really well.”
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