I see him playing period. Pitino is far from many here in that his system is not married to 1-5 designations, definitions and restricted roles. As to players roles, since most fans, including me, have not seen anyone but Soriano play enough to have an informed opinion, I will hold my comments until I have had that opportunity.
SJU Practices & Player Development
- Thread starter paultzman
- Start date
As far as I can tell, Pitino is simply managing what I'd call the 14-5-1 dilemma in basketball. I used to call this 12-5-1.
14 players. Only 5 can play at a time. Only 1 can have the ball.
In this portion of the season there is lots of teaching, with 14 guys going hard after 5 coveted roles, and beyond that, being the 10 or 11 guys in the rotation.
I'm not even sure that I believe that Rick will go to a 10/11 rotation but for now it works since it keeps guys like Drissa playing his ass off and is a cautionary message to anyone not to fall below that 10th spot.
We may go 10/11 vs a UCONN or Houston but I tend to doubt it.
Rick is a brilliant coach and motivator, and even at the open practice, which could have been almost like a non-contact football practice for fans, bodies were flying.
I love the biblical verse "iron sharpens iron" so Rich declaring wide open competition rotation spots, praising different guys daily, is designed to bring out the very best in 14 young men.
Not quite a championship roster (yet) but intense practices remind me of collegiate Bill Walton's comment when asked who the best center he had played against in college, answered without hesitating, "Swen Nater". After a pro career averaging 12.4 pts and 11.6 rebounds, it wasn't a gratuitous comment.
I wouldn't bet on our record or chances to dance, but I would bet on Rick and staff getting the most out of every player on the roster.
Not comparing teams but I haven't been this excited preseason since I ran into Chris Mullin outside of Alumni Hall late one afternoon in 84 when I arrived early for grad school and he told me how excited he was to learn Walter Berry was coming. that fall.
14 players. Only 5 can play at a time. Only 1 can have the ball.
In this portion of the season there is lots of teaching, with 14 guys going hard after 5 coveted roles, and beyond that, being the 10 or 11 guys in the rotation.
I'm not even sure that I believe that Rick will go to a 10/11 rotation but for now it works since it keeps guys like Drissa playing his ass off and is a cautionary message to anyone not to fall below that 10th spot.
We may go 10/11 vs a UCONN or Houston but I tend to doubt it.
Rick is a brilliant coach and motivator, and even at the open practice, which could have been almost like a non-contact football practice for fans, bodies were flying.
I love the biblical verse "iron sharpens iron" so Rich declaring wide open competition rotation spots, praising different guys daily, is designed to bring out the very best in 14 young men.
Not quite a championship roster (yet) but intense practices remind me of collegiate Bill Walton's comment when asked who the best center he had played against in college, answered without hesitating, "Swen Nater". After a pro career averaging 12.4 pts and 11.6 rebounds, it wasn't a gratuitous comment.
I wouldn't bet on our record or chances to dance, but I would bet on Rick and staff getting the most out of every player on the roster.
Not comparing teams but I haven't been this excited preseason since I ran into Chris Mullin outside of Alumni Hall late one afternoon in 84 when I arrived early for grad school and he told me how excited he was to learn Walter Berry was coming. that fall.
This is the exact kind of kid where having Pitino as his coach vs some other guy will be the entire difference in his career. Elite physical gifts and a high motor but basketball skills/IQ- Pitino's specialty- lagging behind. By the time CRP is done with this kid he's going to be a star.
St. John’s Zuby Ejiofor impressing Rick Pitino: ‘He goes full bore’
If the season was starting now, Zuby Ejiofor would “100 percent” be a starter, St. John’s coach Pitino said.nypost.com
And for kids coming into the program going forward, he'll be one of the guys to pass on and implement the culture. When one of your best players goes balls out every day at practice, you're not coming in as a frosh or a transfer and slackassing.
I’ve been saying it from the beginning. Rick Pitino loves Zuby the player. Go back and read his quotes when he signed. I know some think he is hyping the kid. That may be true but RP has been consistent. Zuby is going to get an opportunity to see significant minutes. What he does with that opportunity who knows?
Definitely not hype, using Zuby’s hard work & physicality to motivate others and set the bar
I agree that Rick has been positive about Zuby from Day 1, saying that when he came for his visit and Rick worked him out, he was much better than he had anticipated. Also keep in mind though that just about a week ago at the basketball dinner Rick said two things - no one on the squad can play defense, and no one has a high motor. He then went on to say that by the time the season begins his expectation is anyone who plays, plays defense, and all of his players develop a high motor. So if he is praising Zuby's motor a week later, it;s doubtful he developed a high motor in such a short time.
With Rick, I tend not to think of what he said, but why he said it. I don't worry about his words, because with Rick he knows what he is doing and there is always an objective.
Nice meeting you at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. I also clearly remember how excited I was to learn that Walter Berry was coming to St. John’s. He’s in my all-time starting five. I remember meeting John Thompson at a 1984 Olympic basketball game in LA (I worked for ABC). I told him that Mullin and Berry are going to come get you this year. He said, “We’ll be waiting!” It was great to beat them at Georgetown that season. But it was so frustrating to see we had no answers for the box and one at the 2 MSG games and the final four. I was at all three of those games. I’m retired now, living in South Fort Myers, but I was a season ticket holder for decades. I don’t post a lot, but I look forward to meeting many of you in Charleston.
Hey Gabelmc ….. don’t be a stranger.
Your future posts are welcomed and encouraged.
See you in Charleston.
Cruz Davis and RJ Luis both sat out today’s practice and both wearing what appeared to be similar “wraps” on their left hands. Luis’ injury has been reported hopefully will be back in time for the Charleston Tournament. I hadn’t heard anything about Davis being injured. No speculation from me as to what the injury is other than it has to do with the left hand.
Other observations.
There is plenty of movement during practices. A lot of running the whole practice, whether it is during drills or scrimmaging, just constant action and yet the players never appeared tired or out of breathe. They are all in great shape.
Dunlap is a player. He definitely can drill from three, can bring it up on a fast break (using the off hand) and will go inside.
Ayo hit a couple of open threes and was impressive. Soriano and Leslum also hit some threes.
Drissa looked much improved. Conway hit a three but didn’t shoot well overall (could have been just an off day).
Jenkins can run a club. Very tough and can make shots. Wilcher has talent and is very quick.
Dingle hit a couple of big threes during ”game situations“ where his team was down or tied with seconds left on the clock.
Alleyne didn’t stand out one way or the other.
It looked to me like everyone went all out during practice, can’t wait till the games start,
Zuby has no problem challenging anyone at the rim.
Just my observations and admit there was times I was distracted talking to others.
Can’t wait for the season to begin.
Other observations.
There is plenty of movement during practices. A lot of running the whole practice, whether it is during drills or scrimmaging, just constant action and yet the players never appeared tired or out of breathe. They are all in great shape.
Dunlap is a player. He definitely can drill from three, can bring it up on a fast break (using the off hand) and will go inside.
Ayo hit a couple of open threes and was impressive. Soriano and Leslum also hit some threes.
Drissa looked much improved. Conway hit a three but didn’t shoot well overall (could have been just an off day).
Jenkins can run a club. Very tough and can make shots. Wilcher has talent and is very quick.
Dingle hit a couple of big threes during ”game situations“ where his team was down or tied with seconds left on the clock.
Alleyne didn’t stand out one way or the other.
It looked to me like everyone went all out during practice, can’t wait till the games start,
Zuby has no problem challenging anyone at the rim.
Just my observations and admit there was times I was distracted talking to others.
Can’t wait for the season to begin.
Last edited:
Nice report. Thanks!!
St. John’s star Joel Soriano ready to pull his weight — or lack thereof
During St. John’s media day, coach Rick Pitino didn’t name Joel Soriano the team’s strarting center.
nypost.com