(POST GAME) Monmouth, Thu., Dec. 9, 8:30p, FS-1

[guinness77]

I only got to see the last 4 minutes of the game due to being at work, so I can’t comment on the game as a whole, but as tough as Posh is (and the guy could give Len Dykstra a run for the nickname Nails) Wusu is right there with him. These two will will us a few victories in the future for sure. They are both incredibly mentally tough from the outside looking in. 

Champagnie is a great player, there’s no doubt about that, and he’s a pure shooter, but I hope Posh and Wusu’s intensity can rub off on him at the end of games like this. 

 

[redmanwest]

Brief observations from last night game:

6.  The only thing I can say about Posh (other than "my goodness!!") is that he is without question the toughest player I've seen in a St John's uniform since Anthony Glover.  If you saw Glover play then you know that is saying something.  And Posh is doing it as a (short) guard, which is even more jaw dropping.  Just wow.

 

[MarkRedman]

We've said it before and last night solidified it - Champ may be our best player but Posh is our MVP. He is playing at an incredibly high level and is an absolute pleasure to watch. Nobody plays harder than he does!!

While I'm pleased with the win, I'm disappointed in our defensive rebounding, our carelessness with the ball in key situations and our inability to finish "bunnies" at the rim. I am really encouraged by the development of Wusu. Some thought he was a "throw in" to get Posh but this kid can certainly play at this level. I also like the way that Smith and Mathis are blending in. Would love to see Coburn and Wheeler do so as well. Nyiwe is raw but I believe that he has the potential to help. Soriano doesn't look like he has the goods to be an inside force at the BE level. I like Pinzon's potential.

Looking forward to seeing a 9-2 record heading into Big East play. I still think this team can get it together and compete for an NCAA berth but it's going to be more of a challenge than I initially thought. Fingers crossed that we get there. Let's all enjoy the ride. There will be some ups and downs and some bumpy spots but it should be a fun season and hopefully a successful one.

 

[Mean Gene]

The best thing I can say is at least we won. Posh saved us. Wusu another strong game, Mathis had his moments. No way Champ makes the league next year. He should come back but he won’t.

LOL, Scouts don't look at one game.  They look at potential and the entire body of work.  Champ is 6'8, can shoot the ball, can play multiple positions, and has improved greatly defensively, which was the one knock on his game.  He could sit out the rest of the season and at the very worst he's going to get a 2-way contract.  He's a future NBA player that's not even debatable.  

Making plays, while I love Champ as a college player and we definitely could not get by without him, I don’t think Champ could guard very many players in the NBA one on one. Look what Braun from Kansas did to him. He continually has trouble guarding players straight up at the college level. Yes, he has size and can shoot the ball but the NBA is much more of a one on one , Mano e Mano game and I don’t know if Champ has the quickness to thrive in that type game. Like I said , he has trouble guarding players , some of them not even elite, at this level.

 

[BigRed]

It’s almost as if we didn’t beat a team that had won 7 in a row and was smokin hot. 

This team is coming together. Still meshing out the bench. Need one more shooter to really open the floor up. Still scoring at a high clip. 

A lot of teams that look good right now, will not look good later. And a lot of teams that are looking like they are struggling, will start to catch fire come conference time. 

Still cleaning it up, but I can see what’s forming. We will be there when it’s all said and done.

 

[Mean Gene]

Brief observations from last night game:

1.  Unlike far too many of our "fans," I actually went to the game.  Our fan base is very disappointing.

2.  Coach is playing the effort guys, which I heartily approve of.  For an Anderson team to win, it has to compete the full length of the floor from wire to wire.  So he is properly starting and giving most of the playing time to the players who are willing to do that.

3.  Interesting decision to play Wusu at the point and Posh off the ball.  I am honestly not sure what that gets us - I don't think Posh can do anything off the ball that Wusu can't, and Posh is a better ball handler.  It wasn't a disaster against Monmouth, and I'm not saying that I hate it, but it just seemed odd.  Posh and Wusu obviously play very well together regardless of who brings the ball up, though.

4.  Champagnie has been off all year and continues to be off.  I would speculate that it relates to his audition for the pros and that he's either feeling pressure or trying too hard to be something he isn't.  It could also be that the new players don't know how/when to feed him so he isn't getting the looks he wants, but I don't think that's it.  Hopefully he will settle in and just play his game - we are going to need it if we are going anywhere this season.

5.  Unfortunately the team overall is a work in progress, and I don't think it's ready for league play at the moment.  There are too many turnovers, too many empty possessions, not enough rebounding, not good enough defense.  I don't think any of those things are due to a lack of ability or players - I think that in trying to play the style and pace Coach wants the new pieces are just slightly out of sync and that is root of the problem.  I had hoped they would be further along at this point but they're running out of time.  Hopefully it will click in.

6.  The only thing I can say about Posh (other than "my goodness!!") is that he is without question the toughest player I've seen in a St John's uniform since Anthony Glover.  If you saw Glover play then you know that is saying something.  And Posh is doing it as a (short) guard, which is even more jaw dropping.  Just wow.

Tyrone Grant was pretty tough also!!

 

[monte]

Brief observations from last night game:

1.  Unlike far too many of our "fans," I actually went to the game.  Our fan base is very disappointing.

2.  Coach is playing the effort guys, which I heartily approve of.  For an Anderson team to win, it has to compete the full length of the floor from wire to wire.  So he is properly starting and giving most of the playing time to the players who are willing to do that.

3.  Interesting decision to play Wusu at the point and Posh off the ball.  I am honestly not sure what that gets us - I don't think Posh can do anything off the ball that Wusu can't, and Posh is a better ball handler.  It wasn't a disaster against Monmouth, and I'm not saying that I hate it, but it just seemed odd.  Posh and Wusu obviously play very well together regardless of who brings the ball up, though.

4.  Champagnie has been off all year and continues to be off.  I would speculate that it relates to his audition for the pros and that he's either feeling pressure or trying too hard to be something he isn't.  It could also be that the new players don't know how/when to feed him so he isn't getting the looks he wants, but I don't think that's it.  Hopefully he will settle in and just play his game - we are going to need it if we are going anywhere this season.

5.  Unfortunately the team overall is a work in progress, and I don't think it's ready for league play at the moment.  There are too many turnovers, too many empty possessions, not enough rebounding, not good enough defense.  I don't think any of those things are due to a lack of ability or players - I think that in trying to play the style and pace Coach wants the new pieces are just slightly out of sync and that is root of the problem.  I had hoped they would be further along at this point but they're running out of time.  Hopefully it will click in.

6.  The only thing I can say about Posh (other than "my goodness!!") is that he is without question the toughest player I've seen in a St John's uniform since Anthony Glover.  If you saw Glover play then you know that is saying something.  And Posh is doing it as a (short) guard, which is even more jaw dropping.  Just wow.

Tyrone Grant was pretty tough also!!

Matt Brust pretty tough too. And, of course, Ron/Metta damn tough. Though, none had the combo of energy and toughness that Posh has. 

 

[Redzing1969]

1)Give credit to Coach for recruiting both Posh and Wusu! I liked Posh without the ball focusing more on scoring v because he IS a scoring machine! No misses underneath from a 6’ guard! His outside shot off last nite but he is an offensive threat to be reckoned with!

 

[Redmen88]

We've said it before and last night solidified it - Champ may be our best player but Posh is our MVP. He is playing at an incredibly high level and is an absolute pleasure to watch. Nobody plays harder than he does!!

While I'm pleased with the win, I'm disappointed in our defensive rebounding, our carelessness with the ball in key situations and our inability to finish "bunnies" at the rim. I am really encouraged by the development of Wusu. Some thought he was a "throw in" to get Posh but this kid can certainly play at this level. I also like the way that Smith and Mathis are blending in. Would love to see Coburn and Wheeler do so as well. Nyiwe is raw but I believe that he has the potential to help. Soriano doesn't look like he has the goods to be an inside force at the BE level. I like Pinzon's potential.

Looking forward to seeing a 9-2 record heading into Big East play. I still think this team can get it together and compete for an NCAA berth but it's going to be more of a challenge than I initially thought. Fingers crossed that we get there. Let's all enjoy the ride. There will be some ups and downs and some bumpy spots but it should be a fun season and hopefully a successful one.

All good points.  If we can finish the bunnies, of which we lost around 8 points, carelessness for the ball and squeezing defensive rebounds than I think we can have a successful season.  We have to be stronger with that ball.  I also think I would put the ball in Posh hands at the end of games.  Enough with keeping him off the ball with a minute to play and the game still in the balance.  I want the ball in my best ball handlers hands.  He would have been gaining valuable experience even if the outcome of Indiana was the same.
 

 

[mm52]

Brief observations from last night game:

1.  Unlike far too many of our "fans," I actually went to the game.  Our fan base is very disappointing.

 

While I was surprised by the sparse turnout, it was good to see a good amount of students there.  I guess the late start prevented people with school-age children from attending.  I think Father Shanley was there for the first half.

 

[IDRAFT]

Brief observations from last night game:

1.  Unlike far too many of our "fans," I actually went to the game.  Our fan base is very disappointing.


 

While I was surprised by the sparse turnout, it was good to see a good amount of students there.  I guess the late start prevented people with school-age children from attending.  I think Father Shanley was there for the first half.

My niece is a freshman and visited me at halftime. She is dorming and her and her two roommates have went to almost every game. So that's nice to see. FWIW she raved about the UBS game, and how nice it was at UBS and how fast the buses got them there from the school. She's hoping they continue to play games there, and her roommates were nodding enthusiastically.

Don't shoot the messenger!

 

[BrookJersey Redmen]

Hearts of a Lion, Anthony, Tyronne, Brust, but #1 Posh, if he doesn't steal the ball and throw it off the leg, we might be lamenting a "L"!

(We have had other players who left it all out there on the floor, Jayson did too, David Cain his senior year, D'Angelo, DJ, and of course for the old timers, Mel Davis, Beaver Smith, Frank Alaggia, et al.)

I credit the Monmouth "W" to Posh Alexander, loved his sly smile in the huddle when they were reviewing the steal!

 

 

[usguard]

Actually thought their guards were faster and the kid think it was Reynolds not sure  was a better shooter than anyone on our team 

 

[lawmanfan]

Actually thought their guards were faster and the kid think it was Reynolds not sure  was a better shooter than anyone on our team 
 

Shavar Reynolds, 5th year player, transfer from Seton Hall.  Yes he lit it up and Monmouth is a good and well-coached team.  We did a good job of limiting everyone else but Reynolds filled it up in the first half.  When we focused more on him in the second half (I think he had 19 in the first half and 4 in the second) their other players stepped up. 

 

[BOB BARKER]

REYNOLDS BEAT SJ WITH BUZZER SHOT ...3 YRS AGO..

 

[ras]

Posh is God.  Just back and can say I have never seen a more relentless player at St John's over many seasons.  I would love to see a stat on the number of times he dives to the floor.  He is truly unique and you must see him in person to appreciate the all out effort.  Him and Dylan are like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid--they play off each other on both ends.
———
There not bigs, but both r junkyard dogs.
 

 

[jr49]

Before this game NET ratings:

Monmouth 44
SJU 111

I call that a good win.

Nothing good about it. we dont board, protect the rim, or get back on D. SJU the only team i root for, but to much dead wood that must depend on. Even Mike can't  get much out of these guys.

 

[MCNPA]

Brief observations from last night game:

1.  Unlike far too many of our "fans," I actually went to the game.  Our fan base is very disappointing.

2.  Coach is playing the effort guys, which I heartily approve of.  For an Anderson team to win, it has to compete the full length of the floor from wire to wire.  So he is properly starting and giving most of the playing time to the players who are willing to do that.

3.  Interesting decision to play Wusu at the point and Posh off the ball.  I am honestly not sure what that gets us - I don't think Posh can do anything off the ball that Wusu can't, and Posh is a better ball handler.  It wasn't a disaster against Monmouth, and I'm not saying that I hate it, but it just seemed odd.  Posh and Wusu obviously play very well together regardless of who brings the ball up, though.

4.  Champagnie has been off all year and continues to be off.  I would speculate that it relates to his audition for the pros and that he's either feeling pressure or trying too hard to be something he isn't.  It could also be that the new players don't know how/when to feed him so he isn't getting the looks he wants, but I don't think that's it.  Hopefully he will settle in and just play his game - we are going to need it if we are going anywhere this season.

5.  Unfortunately the team overall is a work in progress, and I don't think it's ready for league play at the moment.  There are too many turnovers, too many empty possessions, not enough rebounding, not good enough defense.  I don't think any of those things are due to a lack of ability or players - I think that in trying to play the style and pace Coach wants the new pieces are just slightly out of sync and that is root of the problem.  I had hoped they would be further along at this point but they're running out of time.  Hopefully it will click in.

6.  The only thing I can say about Posh (other than "my goodness!!") is that he is without question the toughest player I've seen in a St John's uniform since Anthony Glover.  If you saw Glover play then you know that is saying something.  And Posh is doing it as a (short) guard, which is even more jaw dropping.  Just wow.

Good post lawman

Point #3. Posh is averaging 22 points these past two games while playing off the ball. I don’t think that’s a coincidence. On the other hand wusu has had 18 assists and 4 TOs. So added scoring punch and no let down in passing in this small sample size.  

 Both him and Wusu are great passers but they do it in different ways. Posh makes great passes when he is able to attack the basket. And playing him away from the ball has freed him up to attack more. Wusu can make more “general” passes to wings and cutters from the top of the key that sometimes posh struggles to see because of his height. Just my opinion. But it’s clear theyre a damn good duo regardless who’s at the 1/2 and they certainly enjoy playing together.

Agree with this wholeheartedly and I think it’s very accurate.  I think cma went with the taller guy up top and is using Posh is a way we used Rasheem Dunn in the past, as he could do a lot of damage off the ball with his speed of penetration.  

UConn did it effectively with Boatright off the ball and his explosion.  I’ll add that we also assume that Wusu is a SG as he gets pigeonholed but really is that combo-type.  His 18 assists in the last  few games is no easy feat and those numbers are indicative that he has more distributing ability than initially thought.  

Out team is improving because we are starting to sort out the right players to get minutes at the right spots as time goes on.  Defense is improving and that too is helping.  We haven’t put it all together yet, and had some stinkers but so far only a loss to top 6 Kansas and a narrow reffing-lose hose job vs Indiana.  Could be better but could be a lot worse.  Let’s beat a good Colgate team and get tuned up for league play. 

 

[MCNPA]

Brief observations from last night game:

1.  Unlike far too many of our "fans," I actually went to the game.  Our fan base is very disappointing.

2.  Coach is playing the effort guys, which I heartily approve of.  For an Anderson team to win, it has to compete the full length of the floor from wire to wire.  So he is properly starting and giving most of the playing time to the players who are willing to do that.

3.  Interesting decision to play Wusu at the point and Posh off the ball.  I am honestly not sure what that gets us - I don't think Posh can do anything off the ball that Wusu can't, and Posh is a better ball handler.  It wasn't a disaster against Monmouth, and I'm not saying that I hate it, but it just seemed odd.  Posh and Wusu obviously play very well together regardless of who brings the ball up, though.

4.  Champagnie has been off all year and continues to be off.  I would speculate that it relates to his audition for the pros and that he's either feeling pressure or trying too hard to be something he isn't.  It could also be that the new players don't know how/when to feed him so he isn't getting the looks he wants, but I don't think that's it.  Hopefully he will settle in and just play his game - we are going to need it if we are going anywhere this season.

5.  Unfortunately the team overall is a work in progress, and I don't think it's ready for league play at the moment.  There are too many turnovers, too many empty possessions, not enough rebounding, not good enough defense.  I don't think any of those things are due to a lack of ability or players - I think that in trying to play the style and pace Coach wants the new pieces are just slightly out of sync and that is root of the problem.  I had hoped they would be further along at this point but they're running out of time.  Hopefully it will click in.

6.  The only thing I can say about Posh (other than "my goodness!!") is that he is without question the toughest player I've seen in a St John's uniform since Anthony Glover.  If you saw Glover play then you know that is saying something.  And Posh is doing it as a (short) guard, which is even more jaw dropping.  Just wow.

Good post lawman

Point #3. Posh is averaging 22 points these past two games while playing off the ball. I don’t think that’s a coincidence. On the other hand wusu has had 18 assists and 4 TOs. So added scoring punch and no let down in passing in this small sample size.  

 Both him and Wusu are great passers but they do it in different ways. Posh makes great passes when he is able to attack the basket. And playing him away from the ball has freed him up to attack more. Wusu can make more “general” passes to wings and cutters from the top of the key that sometimes posh struggles to see because of his height. Just my opinion. But it’s clear theyre a damn good duo regardless who’s at the 1/2 and they certainly enjoy playing together.

Agree with this wholeheartedly and I think it’s very accurate.  I think cma went with the taller guy up top and is using Posh is a way we used Rasheem Dunn in the past, as he could do a lot of damage off the ball with his speed of penetration.  

UConn did it effectively with Boatright off the ball and his explosion.  I’ll add that we also assume that Wusu is a SG as he gets pigeonholed but really is that combo-type.  His 18 assists in the last  few games is no easy feat and those numbers are indicative that he has more distributing ability than initially thought.  

Out team is improving because we are starting to sort out the right players to get minutes at the right spots as time goes on.  Defense is improving and that too is helping.  We haven’t put it all together yet, and had some stinkers but so far only a loss to top 6 Kansas and a narrow reffing-lose hose job vs Indiana.  Could be better but could be a lot worse.  Let’s beat a good Colgate team and get tuned up for league play. 

 

[qcredman]

Last night for the first time this season I saw an adhesive mobile defense that can leave the opposition in disarray, create turnovers and keep us in contention against any team.

The rotation is solidifying. Fit in with the system or sit. Very encouraged by what I saw.