Another name to throw in from the early 1970s that often gets forgotten is Ed Searcy. Although only about 6'6" he played center for us. Was one of the best leapers I've ever seen and averaged a double double over 3 years, including 13 ppg and 14 rebounds in his junior year.
Soriano and St. John’s Big Men
- Thread starter MattyHoops
- Start date
For the life of me could not remember his name last night. He and Beaver Smith played so far above the rim that it seemed they could block shots in the rafters. I fell in lovevwith st. John's watching that team play. Too small to make my list, apologies to Wes Unseld but a great player here txfer from Duquesne to back home.
Also was part of that great Power Memorial team with Len Elmore. I hear you about height Beast, but he did play center for us for 3 years and frankly his three year stats at that position better than some of the others mentioned. Actually, I stand corrected he played center for us his last 2 years (his best two), his first year Bill Phillips played center. The team he played for in his junior was ranked in the top 20 from January on.
Those were during the years my Dad had season's tickets close behind the St. John's bench, have great memories of watching Searcy, Mel Davis, Glen Williams, Beaver Smith, Frankie Alagia etc.
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blackpeter24
Active member
No mention of Danny Cornelius.
Wasn't he also the long time host of Soul Train
Convincing argument, counselor. You win, and I admit he would have been on my list not for cobwebs in my head.
Panther, I don't remember him being around at games. Do you know him?
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A young Monte in his living room watching on his family's 25' Magnavox color TV dancing to the rhythms of Soul Train.
I don't remember Bill Smith - just before my time, but i think the other 4 you mentioned would have been key members of every single very good sju team sonce their playing days.
Great post. George Johnson played from 74 to 78 and was not really a center but did tear up Indiana's Kent Benson in a head to head match up.
Bill "Beaver" Smith, another great leaper.
I think you like the name Bill too much. I only knew Beaver. Passed too young. I think he had a twin brother who worked in rvc schools as custodial engineer for years - very nice guy.
Convincing argument, counselor. You win, and I admit he would have been on my list not for cobwebs in my head.
Panther, I don't remember him being around at games. Do you know him?
Ed Searcy has been my guest at a few games in recent years. He also attended the statue unveiling for Coach Carnesecca. Little known fact, Ed won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics.Convincing argument, counselor. You win, and I admit he would have been on my list not for cobwebs in my head.
Panther, I don't remember him being around at games. Do you know him?
Panther, you are SJU basketball royalty, and just about every former player is your friend. Elite in every way.
I would rank top Centers as :
1 Wennington , Soriano tie
2. Williams
3 . Zendon
4. Werdann
5 . Everybody else
Astoria STH
Well-known member
I'm 36, my memory goes back as early as Zendon. Joel is the best big man throughout my fandom and it isn't damn close. He is going to be cherished and appreciated for his talent and most importantly pride to wear the uniform. His passion to get this program back to the national stage is voiced in every press conference and screams out on the court. Senior day is going to be bitter sweet, he will be sorely missed when he's gone.
Joel is at 677 and counting. He should easily break into the Top10 all time in rebounding and likely be 6th all time by mid March passing Malik Sealy, Mel Davis, David Russell, Wayne McKoy and Charles Minland. In three years no less! If he was here all 4 years he would be chasing George Johnson for the program's all time rebounder crown. He is a legend fellas.
Joel is at 677 and counting. He should easily break into the Top10 all time in rebounding and likely be 6th all time by mid March passing Malik Sealy, Mel Davis, David Russell, Wayne McKoy and Charles Minland. In three years no less! If he was here all 4 years he would be chasing George Johnson for the program's all time rebounder crown. He is a legend fellas.
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Agreed. And would be huge for Joel to make the tourney to cement his legacy here.I'm 36, my memory goes back as early as Zendon. Joel is the best big man throughout my fandom and it isn't damn close. He is going to be cherished and appreciated for his talent and most importantly pride to wear the uniform. His passion to get this program back to the national stage is voiced in every press conference and screams out on the court. Senior day is going to be bitter sweet, he will be sorely missed when he's gone.
Joel is at 677 and counting. He should easily break into the Top10 all time in rebounding and likely be 6th all time by mid March passing Malik Sealy, Mel Davis, David Russell, Wayne McKoy and Charles Minland. In three years no less! If he was here all 4 years he would be the program's all time leading rebounder upwards of 1,300.
bill wennington - the man, the myth
is bill top 5 center, top 1 center, the best team player ever?
i believe bill to be the best team player ever. why? he had untapped ability and because he was surrounded by great and good players he sacrificed stats for wins.
he was never the 1st, nor 2nd, nor 3rd, nor ... option. as he had 2 POY guys - #20 and walter, 3 other future nbaers - jackson, rowan, jones, and 6 other future pros - glass, moses, stewart, shurina, bross, and cornegy. with only one basketball and a coach that did not like track meets.
yet he still scored 1000 plus points and 640 plus rebounds and 3 nba rings..
wayne mccoy was 6 ft 8 inches as an eight grader. never grew after that.
is bill top 5 center, top 1 center, the best team player ever?
i believe bill to be the best team player ever. why? he had untapped ability and because he was surrounded by great and good players he sacrificed stats for wins.
he was never the 1st, nor 2nd, nor 3rd, nor ... option. as he had 2 POY guys - #20 and walter, 3 other future nbaers - jackson, rowan, jones, and 6 other future pros - glass, moses, stewart, shurina, bross, and cornegy. with only one basketball and a coach that did not like track meets.
yet he still scored 1000 plus points and 640 plus rebounds and 3 nba rings..
wayne mccoy was 6 ft 8 inches as an eight grader. never grew after that.
Ed, a former Power Memorial guy, w Jap Trimble & Len Elmore in 1970. One of best trios in CHSAA history. More importantly, one of Panther’s 500 plus hoops buddies.