Should the Johnnies make the Dance this year, in year four of the Anderson regime? And if not, then what?
- Thread starter Johnny Rapper
- Start date
Johnny Rapper
Well-known member
I would think that the only thing that would keep this staff in place if a Dance invite does not happen would be a stellar recruiting class but so far there is but one landed recruit. And all of those individuals who put their hopes on the transfer portal are playing with fools gold. Sure we got Jones but that was a unique situation due to a international connection with some players. Do you really think St Johns has the NIL deals to compete with the better transfers? The future is with the high school player market and unless some more high caliber players come aboard, the program may never contend for anything.
Johnny Rapper
Well-known member
I don’t think we are talking about the “big boys” here. We are talking about competing against Big East programs at the same level with similar resources which makes it reasonable to expect a level of success that yields an NCAA invite.
Disagree if we can leverage the NIL it gets us back in the conversation at least. I said it several months ago and this is just an example it’s not a Repole wishfest but if we were able to get him back involved I’d much rather have his NIL contribution or anyone like him then a new arena or even air conditioning. And everyone who knows me here knows if I’m willing to give up air conditioning dream in Carnesseca that’s a huge deal
Johnny Rapper
Well-known member
Agree Mike but then we have to look at the Repole debacle, what transpired and what is being done about it? While I have no "insider" information, what I do know is that Mr. Cragg has allot to do with the running of the athletic department and the success of the basketball program. In light of the importance of the NIL factor when it comes to recruiting as you so accurately pointed out, should he not be making a concerted effort here to renew ties with Mr. Repole? If he has, great, but if not, what could be more important in his function as the AD in todays D1 Sports landscape then that?????
If I was Repole, St Johns would already have all the NIL money it needs. The real question is, does Repole want a relationship with St Johns? The reality is that it ain't our money. It appears as if we are looking for Repole to lead us to the Promised Land. None of us knows what is going through Repole's mind.
I am looking at the situation from another perspective. Our team is going to perform very well this year and since we are in NYC, a lot of corporations will be looking to support us going forward.
Way too rational a take for this board to consume lol
Anthony Mattia
Well-known member
To me, the difference in going to Repole for money for NIL is different than in the past. He received nothing tangible in return for any past donations, real or hoped for. With NIL he will receive something in return. He will have these kids selling his products on social media, television, print ads, etc. It is literally marketing dollars, not just a donation.
dont ya wanna see how this season plays out?
Johnny Rapper
Well-known member
I certainly hope you are right about that Panther but if the future is to as bright as what you perceive this season to be, with the level of recruiting and the new coaches that other Big East teams are bringing in, then we have to bring in suitable replacements for the better players we currently have and an upgrade in talent to the weaker ones. Hopefully, as you mention, the corporations come on board.
NIL deals will only be lucrative if it actually gets the corps a profit. SJU is not a school that has boosters willing to throw around millions of dollars for the sake of the program. The corps that do get involved will want to see a decent ROI. Unfortunately, CBB has not been NYC sport since Prince Akeem said "in the face!".
When I said we are broke it comes straight from the mouth of AD Cragg. It is too expensive to renovate Alumni. They can't afford an AC nor seatbacks and we are to think that there is this magical fountain of money?
Proof is in the pudding (not Tapioca though. Blech!). We all want what is best for the program but we never did under the table deals as well as others and we are now to believe they can do straight deals better than others?
When I said we are broke it comes straight from the mouth of AD Cragg. It is too expensive to renovate Alumni. They can't afford an AC nor seatbacks and we are to think that there is this magical fountain of money?
Proof is in the pudding (not Tapioca though. Blech!). We all want what is best for the program but we never did under the table deals as well as others and we are now to believe they can do straight deals better than others?
I have no interest in making a decision on what our response should be if we don't make the tournament. At this point, I would imagine Mike Cragg and Father Shanley feel the same.
For now, I appreciative the culture CMA has established and I am highly encouraged by the current roster. I am looking forward to the season and plan to enjoy it!
For now, I appreciative the culture CMA has established and I am highly encouraged by the current roster. I am looking forward to the season and plan to enjoy it!
Astoria STH
Well-known member
Amen.
- Jones' tenacity, versatility and strength being able to play/guard close to 4 positions is going to shock many, he is a force. Couple his physicality w program guys in Posh, Dylan and Soriano and we have a solid identity that should hold up over the marathon months.
- Agreed on the big question mark, shooting. I look towards Dylan finally off the ball as a 40% shooter and improved shot making from Pinzon.
- Take what you can get from Curbelo, if his confidence rises back to where it once was, watch out.
- This is the deepest we've been since 2014 w promising prospects that can take off at any time (Stanley, Pinzon, King).
I like the enthusiasm and I see potential. But man that is a lot to ask.
Much better chance of us making sweet sixteen than hiring Pitino!
Boo Harvey
Well-known member
I raised this in an earlier thread, but was dismissed out of hand. Doesn’t it affect recruiting of CMA is on the hot seat?
With a few key new pieces in Curbelo and Jones and loss of some production, the best I can do is project a middle of pack bubble team. I have reservations about Cubelo impact and meshing with Posh, but hoping. We tend to expect a lot from freshmen out of the gate, so I think like most they will need time. We can see improvement in holdovers like Wusu, Stanley and Pinzon of course. Many posters seem to be very high on Pinzon this season. I believe he has nice size, versatility offensively, but as noted by others before, he really has to evidence much better defensive ability or lose minutes. I tip my hat to Joel getting in great shape, but not ready to conclude he will be an excellent big in competitive Big East. Good, perhaps solid, works for me.
The Big East is filled with excellent coaches and very good players. I can’t be as optimistic as my good friend Sterling, but I tend to be moderate in expectations to probably not set myself up for disappointment. Gun shy
Go Johnnies!
The Big East is filled with excellent coaches and very good players. I can’t be as optimistic as my good friend Sterling, but I tend to be moderate in expectations to probably not set myself up for disappointment. Gun shy
Go Johnnies!
Boo Harvey
Well-known member
I don’t think anybody on this Board is looking for us to be Duke or Kentucky. To the contrary, I think most of us would be thrilled if we regularly made the dance with a decent run every five years or so.