Rivals - St. John's hones in on prime targets

[MJDinkins]

I'm not arguing that Lavin can out recruit Norm in his sleep and that he already has. I'm also not arguing that we have a bunch of star players on this team and we needed some role players. I just don't like when we start over-hyping everyone we bring in. I hope Sanchez is better than Hardy and Brownlee but I would be surprised if he is. I hope Bourgault is more than a reliable shooter off the bench but I would be surprised if he is. Again neither has to be because the overall talent level on the team is far superior than what he had under Norm so these two really only need to contribute and let Harrison and Jakar handle the scoring load. Let's not forget that Hardy and Brownlee were our 2 best players on a 20 + win NCAA tourney team. I just dont want everyone to expect that these two JUCOs will have the same impact. I hope they do but we dont need them to because we already have a star in DeAngelo and potential stars in Jakar, Branch, Pointer, Garrett, etc.

Here's a JUCO ranking I found online. Brownlee is # 4 and Hardy is # 10.

http://bigwest.yuku.com/topic/4844

Below is from restormsports profile of Hardy:

At Indian Hills: Led Indian Hills to an incredible 58-13 record over the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons ... started a combined 70 career games and scored 1,163 points in two years ... a NJCAA All-Region 11 first team selection in 2007-08 as a freshman and 2008-09 as a sophomore ... finished his career as the school's single-season and career leader in 3-point field goals and 3-point attempts ... connected on a record 102 long-distance shots as a freshman in 2007-08, totaling 173 3-pointers in two seasons ... a NJCAA all-tournament selection in 2008 after scoring at a 30.3 ppg clip across four games.http://www.redstormsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/hardy_dwight00.html

If someone can show me where Sanchez is ranked higher than # 4 and Bourgault is ranked anywhere, I would appreciate it. Regardless I don't think anyone can agrue that either player put up the numbers Hardy did. Let's just agree that we're much more talented and hope all our recruits meet or exceed expectations.

Thanks.

 

I'm not sure what Bourgault will bring to the table from an overall standpoint, but I had the chance to see him play a solid game out in Hutchinson. He was also one season removed from an ACL tear. Most people know it generally takes a couple of seasons before a player is fully recovered from such an injury. I don't look for him to have the same impact as Hardy or Brownlee, but I believe we'll get a chance to see him at his full capacity over the next two or three seasons. What will that be? We'll soon see.

Sanchez is similiar to a guy like Brownlee, but he has about 3 inches over Brownlee. Not to mention, Sanchez may have an overall better game than Brownlee. Before anyone think I'm knocking Brownlee's game.... I'm not! I loved what Brownlee brought to the table. But, I think Sanchez can bring more to the table. Quite frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if he is better than Brownlee. Hardy? I'd be surprised. Sanchez can rebound, shoot the mid-range jumper, handle the ball, block shots and deftly pass (that could be his strongest asset). Have you watched Sanchez play, Russ? Just curiously asking.

I haven't seen any updated JUCO rankings, but I'm willing to bet Sanchez would be amongst the top 10-15 players. I'm not familiar with Mike Huguenin's work, but he considers Sanchez to have the biggest impact amongst all JUCO players coming in next season. IMO, he's gonna have an affect on the game in some way, shape or form. I was only able to watch a couple of his games, but I truly liked what he was able to bring to the game. I think Sanchez could've showed more from a scoring standpoint, but he's very unselfish and Monroe's guards generally dominated the ball. He brings a solid, all-around game to the table. 

 

[redstorm80]

 Thanks for your post.

I am as optimistic as you are for the current recruiting class except I feel that Michael Chandler is more vital, to us, than you seem to feel, although you acknowledge his importance.

I have one more deep concern.

Jamal Branch was an highly regarded recruit two years ago. Then, this past season, he had a down year at Texas A & M.

Everyone seems so sure that he will surface again and play commensurately with his top # 60 rating.

Why do most feel so sure that the real Branch is the top 60 guy and not last year's Texas A&M's player ?

Thanks, in advance, for your comments,

ALLNET

 

Branch played what? 10 games? Our kids weren't the same in the first 10 games as they were after that. Look at Garrett as an example as the season went along.

Also remember Branch signed to play for Turgeon and he left and went to Maryland. Gave it a shot for a semester then decided to move on because it wasn't right.

 

Agree, Moose. Branch was barely around A&M to accurately gauge his game.

 

I'm expecting really big things from Branch. Recently watched the Texas A&M game against us and he definitely got game. Perfect man to run the point for us

 

[bamafan]

Hey redstorm, how did you recently watch it? Thanks. 

 

[redstorm80]

Hey redstorm, how did you recently watch it? Thanks. 

 



=relmfu

 

[MCNPA]

Good to hear..we need some big time recruits in 2013 we gotta enough bemch/ role players in the Norm Roberts recruting mold this past class to just build depth..

 

Jakaar Sampson and Branch are rated a million times higher than any player Norm Brought in.
Bourgault and Sanchez are rated as high as Hardy and Brownlee.
Darrick Wood is rated as high as Mason Jr. who was probably the highest ranked high school player Norm brought in.
Felix Belamou appears to have Paris Horne written all over his game and is ranked comparably.
Other than those slight differences Coach Lavin brought in 6 role players in this class and may still get Chandler which would mean he brought in 3 top 50 players in the class of 2011 who had a year to get bigger , stronger and better.
This is an excellent class on paper.

 

I'm sure Sanchez will be a fine player but him and Bourgault are not ranked the same as Hardy and Brownlee. Not they have to be but let's not go overboard here.

 


You are correct RUSS Sanchez is ranked higher than Brownlee and Hardy were. Additionally, Bourgault has 3 years left as a result of his injury and notwithstanding was ranked as high as JB2 and Hardy.

 

I'm not arguing that Lavin can out recruit Norm in his sleep and that he already has. I'm also not arguing that we have a bunch of star players on this team and we needed some role players. I just don't like when we start over-hyping everyone we bring in. I hope Sanchez is better than Hardy and Brownlee but I would be surprised if he is. I hope Bourgault is more than a reliable shooter off the bench but I would be surprised if he is. Again neither has to be because the overall talent level on the team is far superior than what he had under Norm so these two really only need to contribute and let Harrison and Jakar handle the scoring load. Let's not forget that Hardy and Brownlee were our 2 best players on a 20 + win NCAA tourney team. I just dont want everyone to expect that these two JUCOs will have the same impact. I hope they do but we dont need them to because we already have a star in DeAngelo and potential stars in Jakar, Branch, Pointer, Garrett, etc.

Here's a JUCO ranking I found online. Brownlee is # 4 and Hardy is # 10.

http://bigwest.yuku.com/topic/4844

Below is from restormsports profile of Hardy:

At Indian Hills: Led Indian Hills to an incredible 58-13 record over the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons ... started a combined 70 career games and scored 1,163 points in two years ... a NJCAA All-Region 11 first team selection in 2007-08 as a freshman and 2008-09 as a sophomore ... finished his career as the school's single-season and career leader in 3-point field goals and 3-point attempts ... connected on a record 102 long-distance shots as a freshman in 2007-08, totaling 173 3-pointers in two seasons ... a NJCAA all-tournament selection in 2008 after scoring at a 30.3 ppg clip across four games.http://www.redstormsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/hardy_dwight00.html

If someone can show me where Sanchez is ranked higher than # 4 and Bourgault is ranked anywhere, I would appreciate it. Regardless I don't think anyone can agrue that either player put up the numbers Hardy did. Let's just agree that we're much more talented and hope all our recruits meet or exceed expectations.

Thanks.

 

Sanchez was an honorable mention All American last season. I expect a big impact from him in our system. Sanchez is big, fast athletic and skilled.

 

[Sherman Sheridan & Grant]

I'm sitting here at night (I'm an early riser and not the late poster as some etc.) and browsing through this site which I haven't done in a while.

How wonderful with the discussion and speculation and bickering above!!!

We're talking big time; shades of differences among top talent; how high our recruiting will be rated and where we might realistically fall with 2012-13 rankings and results.

I also like the comment that the only thing that counts is production on the court not speculative blue chip numbers on paper.

Last time I recall it was Mike Jarvis with Fran F. players who made it to the elite eight and could have gone further but for a subpar game against Texas (I think).

My son is a junior and we're doing the SAT, college, outrageous tuition thing. This post is like comparing 1200 versus 1250 and 1300 board scores; Vanderbilt, Maryland, UMass, Stony Brook - top 10-0 type schools as opposed to the drag the bottom situation we had with Jarvis and Roberts (not my favorites for different reasons).

We are exxxxtremely fortunate to have Coach Lavin, his staff, the allumni and $$$

we are back in the big, relevant time and what more could we ask for.

all the best & thanks for the discussion. 

 

[usguard]

I'm sitting here at night (I'm an early riser and not the late poster as some etc.) and browsing through this site which I haven't done in a while.

How wonderful with the discussion and speculation and bickering above!!!

We're talking big time; shades of differences among top talent; how high our recruiting will be rated and where we might realistically fall with 2012-13 rankings and results.

I also like the comment that the only thing that counts is production on the court not speculative blue chip numbers on paper.

Last time I recall it was Mike Jarvis with Fran F. players who made it to the elite eight and could have gone further but for a subpar game against Texas (I think).

My son is a junior and we're doing the SAT, college, outrageous tuition thing. This post is like comparing 1200 versus 1250 andy quite 1300 board scores; Vanderbilt, Maryland, UMass, Stony Brook - top 10-0 type schools as opposed to tuiting over the last few weeks has been verecrhe drag the bottom situation we had with Jarvis and Roberts (not my favorites for different reasons).

We are exxxxtremely fortunate to have Coach Lavin, his staff, the allumni and $$$

we are back in the big, relevant time and what more could we ask for.

all the best & thanks for the discussion. 

 

Nice positive .post . Sure hope we get Candler He would really lift.the class Good luck on the SATs.

 

[Marillac]

Hey redstorm, how did you recently watch it? Thanks. 

 



=relmfu

 

Thanks, Redstorm80, this is awesome. It's pretty cool to have video of a kid that will likely be here for 3 1/2 years playing in MSG against his teammates.

A few observations after watching this game again...I can't express how happy I am that Lindsey is no longer a part of the team. Also, as I said last summer, it's really a wonder how Phil Greene wasn't a top 75 guy. I don't get what he didn't have that the experts felt 75 or 100 other kids did. I'm thrilled to have that kid on the roster the next three years, and I am going to guarantee he hits over 30% from deep (probably in the 33-36% range) next season with his form and release. I don't think he is going to bow down easily to anyone. His floater could be flatout devestating if he puts in the work. His effort on the court is inspiring, and he's a real easy kid to root for. There might not be a backcourt in the countrybetter than what STJ will have in two years. Harrison's got it all...call me a homer, but there's not a single 2G in the country I would take over him. His basketball IQ is off the charts.

Branch looks like he'll be a good facilitator in an uptempto style. He showed some good vision and it looks like he's thinking a couple of passess ahead. Like most of our roster,he needs some weight to him. Good upside.

 

[boo haarvey]

Hey redstorm, how did you recently watch it? Thanks. 

 



=relmfu

 

Thanks, Redstorm80, this is awesome. It's pretty cool to have video of a kid that will likely be here for 3 1/2 years playing in MSG against his teammates.

A few observations after watching this game again...I can't express how happy I am that Lindsey is no longer a part of the team. Also, as I said last summer, it's really a wonder how Phil Greene wasn't a top 75 guy. I don't get what he didn't have that the experts felt 75 or 100 other kids did. I'm thrilled to have that kid on the roster the next three years, and I am going to guarantee he hits over 30% from deep (probably in the 33-36% range) next season with his form and release. I don't think he is going to bow down easily to anyone. His floater could be flatout devestating if he puts in the work. His effort on the court is inspiring, and he's a real easy kid to root for. There might not be a backcourt in the countrybetter than what STJ will have in two years. Harrison's got it all...call me a homer, but there's not a single 2G in the country I would take over him. His basketball IQ is off the charts.

Branch looks like he'll be a good facilitator in an uptempto style. He showed some good vision and it looks like he's thinking a couple of passess ahead. Like most of our roster,he needs some weight to him. Good upside.

 

Gotta love the homers at Redmen.com. Branch's meager numbers at A&M should be discounted b/c: (1) he only played ten games or so; and (2) played for a different coach than the one who recruited him. As for Lindsey (who played the same amount of games as Branch and also played for a different coach than the one who recurituted him), the "fans" saw enough to realize that he stinks. Good riddins to that bum!

 

[MCNPA]

Hey redstorm, how did you recently watch it? Thanks. 

 



=relmfu

 

Thanks, Redstorm80, this is awesome. It's pretty cool to have video of a kid that will likely be here for 3 1/2 years playing in MSG against his teammates.

A few observations after watching this game again...I can't express how happy I am that Lindsey is no longer a part of the team. Also, as I said last summer, it's really a wonder how Phil Greene wasn't a top 75 guy. I don't get what he didn't have that the experts felt 75 or 100 other kids did. I'm thrilled to have that kid on the roster the next three years, and I am going to guarantee he hits over 30% from deep (probably in the 33-36% range) next season with his form and release. I don't think he is going to bow down easily to anyone. His floater could be flatout devestating if he puts in the work. His effort on the court is inspiring, and he's a real easy kid to root for. There might not be a backcourt in the countrybetter than what STJ will have in two years. Harrison's got it all...call me a homer, but there's not a single 2G in the country I would take over him. His basketball IQ is off the charts.

Branch looks like he'll be a good facilitator in an uptempto style. He showed some good vision and it looks like he's thinking a couple of passess ahead. Like most of our roster,he needs some weight to him. Good upside.

 

Gotta love the homers at Redmen.com. Branch's meager numbers at A&M should be discounted b/c: (1) he only played ten games or so; and (2) played for a different coach than the one who recruited him. As for Lindsey (who played the same amount of games as Branch and also played for a different coach than the one who recurituted him), the "fans" saw enough to realize that he stinks. Good riddins to that bum!

 

Not quite the same thing. Branch was a freshman on that team and a highly ranked prospect, but was still the backup PG. Texas A&M was picked to finish ahead of Kansas and #1 in the Big 12 by many last season. Branch wasn't a problem player. Lindsey was a problem from accounts. Two totally different scenarios. People would have loved for Lindsey to stay had he not been detrimental to the team. I thought he would have turned out to be a good one had he honed his shooting above zero percent from the outside.

 

[MCNPA]

 I'll add that even from Branch's first game vs Nuri, you can tell they're very different types of players. Branch has size and skill set that I think will really help us. Those pining for a "pure pg" will get one who is big and has requisite skill set. Once again, if great benefit is that he has already been working with Dunlap, Rico and Lavs since he transferred in after first semester. He should know the offenses and defenses inside and out before he takes the court.

 

[Marillac]

Hey redstorm, how did you recently watch it? Thanks. 

 



=relmfu

 

Thanks, Redstorm80, this is awesome. It's pretty cool to have video of a kid that will likely be here for 3 1/2 years playing in MSG against his teammates.

A few observations after watching this game again...I can't express how happy I am that Lindsey is no longer a part of the team. Also, as I said last summer, it's really a wonder how Phil Greene wasn't a top 75 guy. I don't get what he didn't have that the experts felt 75 or 100 other kids did. I'm thrilled to have that kid on the roster the next three years, and I am going to guarantee he hits over 30% from deep (probably in the 33-36% range) next season with his form and release. I don't think he is going to bow down easily to anyone. His floater could be flatout devestating if he puts in the work. His effort on the court is inspiring, and he's a real easy kid to root for. There might not be a backcourt in the countrybetter than what STJ will have in two years. Harrison's got it all...call me a homer, but there's not a single 2G in the country I would take over him. His basketball IQ is off the charts.

Branch looks like he'll be a good facilitator in an uptempto style. He showed some good vision and it looks like he's thinking a couple of passess ahead. Like most of our roster,he needs some weight to him. Good upside.

 

Gotta love the homers at Redmen.com. Branch's meager numbers at A&M should be discounted b/c: (1) he only played ten games or so; and (2) played for a different coach than the one who recruited him. As for Lindsey (who played the same amount of games as Branch and also played for a different coach than the one who recurituted him), the "fans" saw enough to realize that he stinks. Good riddins to that bum!

 

You are responding to the wrong poster when you talk about Nuri. I blasted the kid and fought with posters for a year about him. He's brain-dead on the court. I never liked his style. He can get to the basket like few others, but he was awful on defense, was one of the worst shooters I've seen play the sport, and his ceiling was right about where his head was. I almost threw up on my keyboard when I saw guys posting about him and the NBA.

As for Branch, he was a freshman that played 10 games for a (then) top 25 team with a senior at his position. He averaged 20 mpg and, if you noticed, was on the court at the end of the game. The fact that Branch put up his #'s for a coach other than the one who recruited him is irrelevant to me. The fact that he left because of that situation seems pretty obvious to me. I would have left the second my coach hired the father of a kid at my position. No way he would have gotten a fair shake with that conflict of interest...and, to be honest, Reese is a filthy, filthy player. That kid is going to be special and is waaaaaaay better than his ranking.

 

[Amaseinyourface]

Hey redstorm, how did you recently watch it? Thanks. 

 



=relmfu

 

I was impressed with branch watching this game again. Although I admit I dont really remember him from the first time I watched it live. Hes quick with the ball, plays good man to man D, and most importantly you can tell hes played the point guard position his whole life. He knows how to spread the ball around and doesnt hold onto it for longer than he has to.

On a side note, watching this game you can see how much guys like Moe and Deangelo improved as the year went on.

 

[boo haarvey]

Hey redstorm, how did you recently watch it? Thanks. 

 



=relmfu

 

Thanks, Redstorm80, this is awesome. It's pretty cool to have video of a kid that will likely be here for 3 1/2 years playing in MSG against his teammates.

A few observations after watching this game again...I can't express how happy I am that Lindsey is no longer a part of the team. Also, as I said last summer, it's really a wonder how Phil Greene wasn't a top 75 guy. I don't get what he didn't have that the experts felt 75 or 100 other kids did. I'm thrilled to have that kid on the roster the next three years, and I am going to guarantee he hits over 30% from deep (probably in the 33-36% range) next season with his form and release. I don't think he is going to bow down easily to anyone. His floater could be flatout devestating if he puts in the work. His effort on the court is inspiring, and he's a real easy kid to root for. There might not be a backcourt in the countrybetter than what STJ will have in two years. Harrison's got it all...call me a homer, but there's not a single 2G in the country I would take over him. His basketball IQ is off the charts.

Branch looks like he'll be a good facilitator in an uptempto style. He showed some good vision and it looks like he's thinking a couple of passess ahead. Like most of our roster,he needs some weight to him. Good upside.

 

Gotta love the homers at Redmen.com. Branch's meager numbers at A&M should be discounted b/c: (1) he only played ten games or so; and (2) played for a different coach than the one who recruited him. As for Lindsey (who played the same amount of games as Branch and also played for a different coach than the one who recurituted him), the "fans" saw enough to realize that he stinks. Good riddins to that bum!

 

Not quite the same thing. Branch was a freshman on that team and a highly ranked prospect, but was still the backup PG. Texas A&M was picked to finish ahead of Kansas and #1 in the Big 12 by many last season. Branch wasn't a problem player. Lindsey was a problem from accounts. Two totally different scenarios. People would have loved for Lindsey to stay had he not been detrimental to the team. I thought he would have turned out to be a good one had he honed his shooting above zero percent from the outside.

 

Fair points. I liked Lindsey's game, notwithstanding his shooting woes. As for his being a problem player, I never heard anything about it other than conjecture from some of the folks on this site who were trying to justify his leaving. That's not to say it's not true, however. I suspect if you went on to an A&M fan board around the time of Branch leaving, there were a few character assasinations directed to Branch.

 

[boo haarvey]

 I'll add that even from Branch's first game vs Nuri, you can tell they're very different types of players. Branch has size and skill set that I think will really help us. Those pining for a "pure pg" will get one who is big and has requisite skill set. Once again, if great benefit is that he has already been working with Dunlap, Rico and Lavs since he transferred in after first semester. He should know the offenses and defenses inside and out before he takes the court.

 

Agree that Nuri was not a pure point. Nuri reminded me of a Marcus Hatten type player. Other than the game against us last year, I haven't seen Branch play. Hopefully he will be a good one.

 

[boo haarvey]

Hey redstorm, how did you recently watch it? Thanks. 

 



=relmfu

 

Thanks, Redstorm80, this is awesome. It's pretty cool to have video of a kid that will likely be here for 3 1/2 years playing in MSG against his teammates.

A few observations after watching this game again...I can't express how happy I am that Lindsey is no longer a part of the team. Also, as I said last summer, it's really a wonder how Phil Greene wasn't a top 75 guy. I don't get what he didn't have that the experts felt 75 or 100 other kids did. I'm thrilled to have that kid on the roster the next three years, and I am going to guarantee he hits over 30% from deep (probably in the 33-36% range) next season with his form and release. I don't think he is going to bow down easily to anyone. His floater could be flatout devestating if he puts in the work. His effort on the court is inspiring, and he's a real easy kid to root for. There might not be a backcourt in the countrybetter than what STJ will have in two years. Harrison's got it all...call me a homer, but there's not a single 2G in the country I would take over him. His basketball IQ is off the charts.

Branch looks like he'll be a good facilitator in an uptempto style. He showed some good vision and it looks like he's thinking a couple of passess ahead. Like most of our roster,he needs some weight to him. Good upside.

 

Gotta love the homers at Redmen.com. Branch's meager numbers at A&M should be discounted b/c: (1) he only played ten games or so; and (2) played for a different coach than the one who recruited him. As for Lindsey (who played the same amount of games as Branch and also played for a different coach than the one who recurituted him), the "fans" saw enough to realize that he stinks. Good riddins to that bum!

 

You are responding to the wrong poster when you talk about Nuri. I blasted the kid and fought with posters for a year about him. He's brain-dead on the court. I never liked his style. He can get to the basket like few others, but he was awful on defense, was one of the worst shooters I've seen play the sport, and his ceiling was right about where his head was. I almost threw up on my keyboard when I saw guys posting about him and the NBA.

As for Branch, he was a freshman that played 10 games for a (then) top 25 team with a senior at his position. He averaged 20 mpg and, if you noticed, was on the court at the end of the game. The fact that Branch put up his #'s for a coach other than the one who recruited him is irrelevant to me. The fact that he left because of that situation seems pretty obvious to me. I would have left the second my coach hired the father of a kid at my position. No way he would have gotten a fair shake with that conflict of interest...and, to be honest, Reese is a filthy, filthy player. That kid is going to be special and is waaaaaaay better than his ranking.

 

Marillac -- I think I remember your posting that you had watched Nuri play the year before he joined SJU and that he had horrible shooting form and would be a horrible shooter. It seems that you were spot on. But boy can he drive to the hoop! I don't know enough about Branch to judge him -- we need a pure pg in the worst way. Hopefully he will fit the bill.

 

[MJDinkins]

Not quite the same thing. Branch was a freshman on that team and a highly ranked prospect, but was still the backup PG. Texas A&M was picked to finish ahead of Kansas and #1 in the Big 12 by many last season. Branch wasn't a problem player. Lindsey was a problem from accounts. Two totally different scenarios. People would have loved for Lindsey to stay had he not been detrimental to the team. I thought he would have turned out to be a good one had he honed his shooting above zero percent from the outside.

 

Fair points. I liked Lindsey's game, notwithstanding his shooting woes. As for his being a problem player, I never heard anything about it other than conjecture from some of the folks on this site who were trying to justify his leaving. That's not to say it's not true, however. I suspect if you went on to an A&M fan board around the time of Branch leaving, there were a few character assasinations directed to Branch.

 

I had no problem with Lindsey's game either, other than he couldn't shoot a bull in the arse. He's not a pure PG and not being able to shoot stunts his game. He has pretty good quickness; can get to the hole like no one's business; and has excellent body control. If he was a pure PG, then you'd see a heckuva player, and not just a good player.

Finally, the situation with Lindsey wasn't just conjecture. No one was gonna badmouth the guy in the media. I'm sure there were another issue or so, but problems were arising.

He's gone now, and maybe he gets things on track at Rider. 

 

[Marillac]

Not quite the same thing. Branch was a freshman on that team and a highly ranked prospect, but was still the backup PG. Texas A&M was picked to finish ahead of Kansas and #1 in the Big 12 by many last season. Branch wasn't a problem player. Lindsey was a problem from accounts. Two totally different scenarios. People would have loved for Lindsey to stay had he not been detrimental to the team. I thought he would have turned out to be a good one had he honed his shooting above zero percent from the outside.

 

Fair points. I liked Lindsey's game, notwithstanding his shooting woes. As for his being a problem player, I never heard anything about it other than conjecture from some of the folks on this site who were trying to justify his leaving. That's not to say it's not true, however. I suspect if you went on to an A&M fan board around the time of Branch leaving, there were a few character assasinations directed to Branch.

 

I had no problem with Lindsey's game either, other than he couldn't shoot a bull in the arse. He's not a pure PG and not being able to shoot stunts his game. He has pretty good quickness; can get to the hole like no one's business; and has excellent body control. If he was a pure PG, then you'd see a heckuva player, and not just a good player.

Finally, the situation with Lindsey wasn't just conjecture. No one was gonna badmouth the guy in the media. I'm sure there were another issue or so, but problems were arising.

He's gone now, and maybe he gets things on track at Rider. 

 

He would have been a good weapon off the bench, but no more. Too bad his ego would never allow that. I can't imagine he'll be at Drexel for long.

 

[MJDinkins]

Not quite the same thing. Branch was a freshman on that team and a highly ranked prospect, but was still the backup PG. Texas A&M was picked to finish ahead of Kansas and #1 in the Big 12 by many last season. Branch wasn't a problem player. Lindsey was a problem from accounts. Two totally different scenarios. People would have loved for Lindsey to stay had he not been detrimental to the team. I thought he would have turned out to be a good one had he honed his shooting above zero percent from the outside.

 

Fair points. I liked Lindsey's game, notwithstanding his shooting woes. As for his being a problem player, I never heard anything about it other than conjecture from some of the folks on this site who were trying to justify his leaving. That's not to say it's not true, however. I suspect if you went on to an A&M fan board around the time of Branch leaving, there were a few character assasinations directed to Branch.

 

I had no problem with Lindsey's game either, other than he couldn't shoot a bull in the arse. He's not a pure PG and not being able to shoot stunts his game. He has pretty good quickness; can get to the hole like no one's business; and has excellent body control. If he was a pure PG, then you'd see a heckuva player, and not just a good player.

Finally, the situation with Lindsey wasn't just conjecture. No one was gonna badmouth the guy in the media. I'm sure there were another issue or so, but problems were arising.

He's gone now, and maybe he gets things on track at Rider. 

 

He would have been a good weapon off the bench, but no more. Too bad his ego would never allow that. I can't imagine he'll be at Drexel for long.

 

If he was a true lead or PG, then he would've been more than a weapon off the bench. It is too bad that his ego got the best of him.

 

[Moose]

Not quite the same thing. Branch was a freshman on that team and a highly ranked prospect, but was still the backup PG. Texas A&M was picked to finish ahead of Kansas and #1 in the Big 12 by many last season. Branch wasn't a problem player. Lindsey was a problem from accounts. Two totally different scenarios. People would have loved for Lindsey to stay had he not been detrimental to the team. I thought he would have turned out to be a good one had he honed his shooting above zero percent from the outside.

 

Fair points. I liked Lindsey's game, notwithstanding his shooting woes. As for his being a problem player, I never heard anything about it other than conjecture from some of the folks on this site who were trying to justify his leaving. That's not to say it's not true, however. I suspect if you went on to an A&M fan board around the time of Branch leaving, there were a few character assasinations directed to Branch.

 

I had no problem with Lindsey's game either, other than he couldn't shoot a bull in the arse. He's not a pure PG and not being able to shoot stunts his game. He has pretty good quickness; can get to the hole like no one's business; and has excellent body control. If he was a pure PG, then you'd see a heckuva player, and not just a good player.

Finally, the situation with Lindsey wasn't just conjecture. No one was gonna badmouth the guy in the media. I'm sure there were another issue or so, but problems were arising.

He's gone now, and maybe he gets things on track at Rider. 

 

He would have been a good weapon off the bench, but no more. Too bad his ego would never allow that. I can't imagine he'll be at Drexel for long.

 

Rider