St. Mary's Game Thread

[beast of the east]

Well I just read another thread and I guess there at least some theory that he can play next year. Hopefully, that's the case, but this year is critical for us, so again, we are a bit deeper after last night,s introduction to him.

ADR could be using this time productively such as getting into the best shape of his life. Instead he looks heavier every game. WTF

Unfortunately ADR's problem is weight distribution. Sixty-five % of his weight is in his ass.

lol So was Barkley's.. or Ty's… Just have to get the other 35% in shape...

I recall one post game TV interview after a 76ers win, where Barkley praised the game Rick Mahorn had. Barkley continued, "I'm so glad he's on this team. On the same court, everyone can see he has the biggest butt in the NBA, and not me."

 

[room112]

One aspect of Lavin's style of coaching that I admire is the manner in which he speaks to his players. After watching so many coaches scream and belittle their players, it is such a pleasant contrast to hear how Lavin addresses his players -- even during emotionally charged moments in a time-out huddle. I watched a little of the Marquette game after the STJ win and was turned off by the way Wojo rips his players. That style of coaching seems far more typical in college sports. I guess each kid responds differently, but I would be more motivated by Lavin's approach. Some things are more important than winning. I hope he is extended.

Lavin made his values perfectly clear when he suspended D'lo. The kids are more important than wins.. more important, even, than an NCAA bid. Five seniors are graduating. Add to that the fact that the kids improve on the court (more than I can remember at St. John's in a looooong time), and I think there's a compelling case to extend him for as long as he wants to stay.

Whoa whoa whoa. While I agree with your premise here, and this season has been and will be a lot of fun, let's not forget about our future. Let's see how he lines that up first before signing him up for life.

 

[JohnnyFan]

As is well documented, I am a strong advocate for a coaching change. There are so many reasons for this and they all persist.

That said, I thought Steve Lavin coached a good game last night.

-His use of timeouts were good

-Substitution was good

-The gamble of playing CO and Jordan with four fouls (from the 6-minute mark) worked in our favor. That was gutsy.

Finally, if you were at the game, you could see our bench players were on their feet (as if it were a tournament game) often. There is intensity and comeraderie on this team. So, for someone who holds the head coach accountable for all aspects of the program, I have to give Lavin credit for what I saw Friday night.

 

[paultzman]

P

As is well documented, I am a strong advocate for a coaching change. There are so many reasons for this and they all persist.

That said, I thought Steve Lavin coached a good game last night.

-His use of timeouts were good

-Substitution was good

-The gamble of playing CO and Jordan with four fouls (from the 6-minute mark) worked in our favor. That was gutsy.

Finally, if you were at the game, you could see our bench players were on their feet (as if it were a tournament game) often. There is intensity and comeraderie on this team. So, for someone who holds the head coach accountable for all aspects of the program, I have to give Lavin credit for what I saw Friday night.

Gluing the Lavin Bobblehead back together?

 

[salty dog]

As is well documented, I am a strong advocate for a coaching change. There are so many reasons for this and they all persist.

That said, I thought Steve Lavin coached a good game last night.

-His use of timeouts were good

-Substitution was good

-The gamble of playing CO and Jordan with four fouls (from the 6-minute mark) worked in our favor. That was gutsy.

Finally, if you were at the game, you could see our bench players were on their feet (as if it were a tournament game) often. There is intensity and comeraderie on this team. So, for someone who holds the head coach accountable for all aspects of the program, I have to give Lavin credit for what I saw Friday night.

Bravo

 

[Class of 72]

Attendance: 4645. That's a disappointing number.

However, the people who were there (and I'm glad to say I was one of them) were great. That second half, especially when we were coming back, was as loud as I heard CA in a long, long time.

Great crowd considering 3000 dorm students went home for Christmas.

No reason why the game should not have been sold out. For starters most of the dorm students live within close proximity to the school. Secondly it was a Friday night game, so no excuse that people had to get up for work or school the next day. Thirdly we played one of the better teams that we are going to face at CA. Fourthly we are ranked in the top 20 and there's a buzz. I could go on, but I think you get the point. Game should have been easily sold out.

While I would have loved an SRO crowd, the 7 pm start made it difficult for Manhattan alums working and commuting. That was evident in the first half. FYI, a niece who is from the Albany area lives in the dorms. Most of the dorm residents live over 50 miles from campus. One third of the Queens campus kids live on campus and 31% are from out of state. Most dorm kids do not live near the Queens campus but that does not excuse the other 70%. They may have been on Friday night dates.
BTW, last year my niece had to commute from Manhattan housing because she was an in state resident. Preference for housing I think goes to out of state students first. They appear to be more supportive of sports events than the locals.

 

[beast of the east]

As is well documented, I am a strong advocate for a coaching change. There are so many reasons for this and they all persist.

That said, I thought Steve Lavin coached a good game last night.

-His use of timeouts were good

-Substitution was good

-The gamble of playing CO and Jordan with four fouls (from the 6-minute mark) worked in our favor. That was gutsy.

Finally, if you were at the game, you could see our bench players were on their feet (as if it were a tournament game) often. There is intensity and comeraderie on this team. So, for someone who holds the head coach accountable for all aspects of the program, I have to give Lavin credit for what I saw Friday night.

What I have been looking for from you (and the absent Tobingrad) is some objectivity in your intense criticism of Lavin to convince me you weren't some knucklehead. This post showed that. Like others, I need to be convinced this program is tracked and on the path to an NCAA bid this year and beyond before Lavin gets extended. You showed that we aren't that far apart. Thank you. Good job (about 250 negative karma points later)

 

[monte]

Attendance: 4645. That's a disappointing number.

However, the people who were there (and I'm glad to say I was one of them) were great. That second half, especially when we were coming back, was as loud as I heard CA in a long, long time.

Great crowd considering 3000 dorm students went home for Christmas.

No reason why the game should not have been sold out. For starters most of the dorm students live within close proximity to the school. Secondly it was a Friday night game, so no excuse that people had to get up for work or school the next day. Thirdly we played one of the better teams that we are going to face at CA. Fourthly we are ranked in the top 20 and there's a buzz. I could go on, but I think you get the point. Game should have been easily sold out.

While I would have loved an SRO crowd, the 7 pm start made it difficult for Manhattan alums working and commuting. That was evident in the first half. FYI, a niece who is from the Albany area lives in the dorms. Most of the dorm residents live over 50 miles from campus. One third of the Queens campus kids live on campus and 31% are from out of state. Most dorm kids do not live near the Queens campus but that does not excuse the other 70%. They may have been on Friday night dates.
BTW, last year my niece had to commute from Manhattan housing because she was an in state resident. Preference for housing I think goes to out of state students first. They appear to be more supportive of sports events than the locals.

My buddy and I both work in Manhattan. 7:00PM start on a Friday ain't all that difficult to make, especially during holiday season when people can usually cut out on time, if not early. Worst case people arrive a little late as many did. Considering the size of the student body, it was disappointing IMO. But I imagine, if we continue to play well and stay in the top 25, .we'll see some sell outs before long.

 

[monte]

As is well documented, I am a strong advocate for a coaching change. There are so many reasons for this and they all persist.

That said, I thought Steve Lavin coached a good game last night.

-His use of timeouts were good

-Substitution was good

-The gamble of playing CO and Jordan with four fouls (from the 6-minute mark) worked in our favor. That was gutsy.

Finally, if you were at the game, you could see our bench players were on their feet (as if it were a tournament game) often. There is intensity and comeraderie on this team. So, for someone who holds the head coach accountable for all aspects of the program, I have to give Lavin credit for what I saw Friday night.

Our bench players would have been on their feet even more if not for the refs continuosly coming over to Lavin and telling him to tell the players to sit down. I was sitting in the 4th row behind the bench so I saw it each time it happened. Some of the reprimands were during dead ball periods, so I couldn't fathom why they were doing that.

 

[beast of the east]

As is well documented, I am a strong advocate for a coaching change. There are so many reasons for this and they all persist.

That said, I thought Steve Lavin coached a good game last night.

-His use of timeouts were good

-Substitution was good

-The gamble of playing CO and Jordan with four fouls (from the 6-minute mark) worked in our favor. That was gutsy.

Finally, if you were at the game, you could see our bench players were on their feet (as if it were a tournament game) often. There is intensity and comeraderie on this team. So, for someone who holds the head coach accountable for all aspects of the program, I have to give Lavin credit for what I saw Friday night.

Our bench players would have been on their feet even more if not for the refs continuosly coming over to Lavin and telling him to tell the players to sit down. I was sitting in the 4th row behind the bench so I saw it each time it happened. Some of the reprimands were during dead ball periods, so I couldn't fathom why they were doing that.

Why? Because these refs were the kids who ratted on you when the teacher assigned one kid to keep the class quiet when he/she had to leave the room. Yes, there's a rule, but no it doesn't have to be enforced by refs who should be watching what happens on the court and not college appropriate enthusiasm on the bench. These are the same guys who would tell your boss you left 15 minutes early to get to CA for a 7 pm game

 

[JohnnyFan]

As is well documented, I am a strong advocate for a coaching change. There are so many reasons for this and they all persist.

That said, I thought Steve Lavin coached a good game last night.

-His use of timeouts were good

-Substitution was good

-The gamble of playing CO and Jordan with four fouls (from the 6-minute mark) worked in our favor. That was gutsy.

Finally, if you were at the game, you could see our bench players were on their feet (as if it were a tournament game) often. There is intensity and comeraderie on this team. So, for someone who holds the head coach accountable for all aspects of the program, I have to give Lavin credit for what I saw Friday night.

Our bench players would have been on their feet even more if not for the refs continuosly coming over to Lavin and telling him to tell the players to sit down. I was sitting in the 4th row behind the bench so I saw it each time it happened. Some of the reprimands were during dead ball periods, so I couldn't fathom why they were doing that.

I saw that too. Wish we met, I was siting a few rows over your right shoulder (near Louie).

 

[monte]

As is well documented, I am a strong advocate for a coaching change. There are so many reasons for this and they all persist.

That said, I thought Steve Lavin coached a good game last night.

-His use of timeouts were good

-Substitution was good

-The gamble of playing CO and Jordan with four fouls (from the 6-minute mark) worked in our favor. That was gutsy.

Finally, if you were at the game, you could see our bench players were on their feet (as if it were a tournament game) often. There is intensity and comeraderie on this team. So, for someone who holds the head coach accountable for all aspects of the program, I have to give Lavin credit for what I saw Friday night.

Our bench players would have been on their feet even more if not for the refs continuosly coming over to Lavin and telling him to tell the players to sit down. I was sitting in the 4th row behind the bench so I saw it each time it happened. Some of the reprimands were during dead ball periods, so I couldn't fathom why they were doing that.

I saw that too. Wish we met, I was siting a few rows over your right shoulder (near Louie).

Next time JF, although I am starting to worry about you going to over to the dark side with respect to your feelings about Lavin's coaching abilities. Ha.

 

[monte]

As is well documented, I am a strong advocate for a coaching change. There are so many reasons for this and they all persist.

That said, I thought Steve Lavin coached a good game last night.

-His use of timeouts were good

-Substitution was good

-The gamble of playing CO and Jordan with four fouls (from the 6-minute mark) worked in our favor. That was gutsy.

Finally, if you were at the game, you could see our bench players were on their feet (as if it were a tournament game) often. There is intensity and comeraderie on this team. So, for someone who holds the head coach accountable for all aspects of the program, I have to give Lavin credit for what I saw Friday night.

Our bench players would have been on their feet even more if not for the refs continuosly coming over to Lavin and telling him to tell the players to sit down. I was sitting in the 4th row behind the bench so I saw it each time it happened. Some of the reprimands were during dead ball periods, so I couldn't fathom why they were doing that.

Why? Because these refs were the kids who ratted on you when the teacher assigned one kid to keep the class quiet when he/she had to leave the room. Yes, there's a rule, but no it doesn't have to be enforced by refs who should be watching what happens on the court and not college appropriate enthusiasm on the bench. These are the same guys who would tell your boss you left 15 minutes early to get to CA for a 7 pm game

Good point about refs. But in fairness to 72' I guess I should have mentioned that I'm my own boss

 

[rawdognyc]

Ummm..ok..I thought there was more than one post :silly:

 

[Moose]

Ummm..ok..I thought there was more than one post :silly:

I restored it but for some reason only a few posts are showing. I have no idea how to fix it. I asked Paul.

*Should be good now.

 

[Jnaw17]

As is well documented, I am a strong advocate for a coaching change. There are so many reasons for this and they all persist.

That said, I thought Steve Lavin coached a good game last night.

-His use of timeouts were good

-Substitution was good

-The gamble of playing CO and Jordan with four fouls (from the 6-minute mark) worked in our favor. That was gutsy.

Finally, if you were at the game, you could see our bench players were on their feet (as if it were a tournament game) often. There is intensity and comeraderie on this team. So, for someone who holds the head coach accountable for all aspects of the program, I have to give Lavin credit for what I saw Friday night.

Our bench players would have been on their feet even more if not for the refs continuosly coming over to Lavin and telling him to tell the players to sit down. I was sitting in the 4th row behind the bench so I saw it each time it happened. Some of the reprimands were during dead ball periods, so I couldn't fathom why they were doing that.

I saw that too. Wish we met, I was siting a few rows over your right shoulder (near Louie).

My son and I must have been right near you, as well. We were 6 seats over from Looie.

 

[SJU1512]

Great win on Friday. Come March this one is much better in the W column and allows us to keep our positive ranking momentum going today. Probably the difference between falling out of the rankings entirely and getting into the mid-high teens. That matters a lot more to a program like ours trying to get back to consistent relevancy than it does to a Mich. St., etc. where all that matters is March results.

The coaching has been masterful of late. Switching SDP to Waldow and allowing CO to help wasn't a minor adjustment. That was a big risk - with downside, as if Waldow gets a few easy buckets and 15 turns into 20 we have a higher mountain to climb - and it could not have been more effective, changing the game completely in the 2nd half. Brilliance from Lavin and staff.

Speaking of D, the way we help - textbook/airtight - I think SDP defending the main big should become a primary strategy. CO is a solid post defender, but nowhere near what he is as a help defender. A big part of his affect is the uncertainty of where he's coming from. When he's on the ball, some of that is removed. SDP is ferocious working to win fronts, as is D'Angelo. With them doing that, and CO being able to roam, St. Mary's was hesitant to even try to enter the ball to Waldow over the top in the 2nd half. I'd much prefer this than CO playing traditional D, allowing the big the catch and then playing 1 on 1.

Of our main 6, we have pretty nice balance right now defensively. Jordan, D'Angelo, and Pointer (especially on a big) are terrific on-ball defenders. We know what Obekpa can do help-wise because it shows up in the stat column, but more subtle is what Branch and Greene are doing. One of them is usually on the weakest offensive player on the court, and they take full advantage by playing exaggerated help and still recovering. There were times Friday night when Branch's man was on the weak side and he had both feet on the strong side of basket line. When you have guys playing that unselfishly it really opens up your options defensively, and right now we are doing this at near 100% capacity. Beautiful to watch.

 

[JacStorm]

Great win on Friday. Come March this one is much better in the W column and allows us to keep our positive ranking momentum going today. Probably the difference between falling out of the rankings entirely and getting into the mid-high teens. That matters a lot more to a program like ours trying to get back to consistent relevancy than it does to a Mich. St., etc. where all that matters is March results.

The coaching has been masterful of late. Switching SDP to Waldow and allowing CO to help wasn't a minor adjustment. That was a big risk - with downside, as if Waldow gets a few easy buckets and 15 turns into 20 we have a higher mountain to climb - and it could not have been more effective, changing the game completely in the 2nd half. Brilliance from Lavin and staff.

Speaking of D, the way we help - textbook/airtight - I think SDP defending the main big should become a primary strategy. CO is a solid post defender, but nowhere near what he is as a help defender. A big part of his affect is the uncertainty of where he's coming from. When he's on the ball, some of that is removed. SDP is ferocious working to win fronts, as is D'Angelo. With them doing that, and CO being able to roam, St. Mary's was hesitant to even try to enter the ball to Waldow over the top in the 2nd half. I'd much prefer this than CO playing traditional D, allowing the big the catch and then playing 1 on 1.

Of our main 6, we have pretty nice balance right now defensively. Jordan, D'Angelo, and Pointer (especially on a big) are terrific on-ball defenders. We know what Obekpa can do help-wise because it shows up in the stat column, but more subtle is what Branch and Greene are doing. One of them is usually on the weakest offensive player on the court, and they take full advantage by playing exaggerated help and still recovering. There were times Friday night when Branch's man was on the weak side and he had both feet on the strong side of basket line. When you have guys playing that unselfishly it really opens up your options defensively, and right now we are doing this at near 100% capacity. Beautiful to watch.

Great post. Couldn't agree more. And we show that same unselfishness on offense as well. Beautiful to watch indeed.

 

[paultzman]

Great win on Friday. Come March this one is much better in the W column and allows us to keep our positive ranking momentum going today. Probably the difference between falling out of the rankings entirely and getting into the mid-high teens. That matters a lot more to a program like ours trying to get back to consistent relevancy than it does to a Mich. St., etc. where all that matters is March results.

The coaching has been masterful of late. Switching SDP to Waldow and allowing CO to help wasn't a minor adjustment. That was a big risk - with downside, as if Waldow gets a few easy buckets and 15 turns into 20 we have a higher mountain to climb - and it could not have been more effective, changing the game completely in the 2nd half. Brilliance from Lavin and staff.

Speaking of D, the way we help - textbook/airtight - I think SDP defending the main big should become a primary strategy. CO is a solid post defender, but nowhere near what he is as a help defender. A big part of his affect is the uncertainty of where he's coming from. When he's on the ball, some of that is removed. SDP is ferocious working to win fronts, as is D'Angelo. With them doing that, and CO being able to roam, St. Mary's was hesitant to even try to enter the ball to Waldow over the top in the 2nd half. I'd much prefer this than CO playing traditional D, allowing the big the catch and then playing 1 on 1.

Of our main 6, we have pretty nice balance right now defensively. Jordan, D'Angelo, and Pointer (especially on a big) are terrific on-ball defenders. We know what Obekpa can do help-wise because it shows up in the stat column, but more subtle is what Branch and Greene are doing. One of them is usually on the weakest offensive player on the court, and they take full advantage by playing exaggerated help and still recovering. There were times Friday night when Branch's man was on the weak side and he had both feet on the strong side of basket line. When you have guys playing that unselfishly it really opens up your options defensively, and right now we are doing this at near 100% capacity. Beautiful to watch.

Solid post. Before the game I had a chance to watch Whitesell working with the team in wam up period. He was very acitive and precise when leading drills. At one point he called team together to urge them to use the time more productively. I think clearly he has helped the team become more organized and attentive to details. During timeouts, he is quite active as well, talking to players individually & passing on observations to SL. I think he has a lot to do with team's better spacing, passing & help defense. In year two, I believe he has become more comfortable with his role.

 

[SJU1512]

Great win on Friday. Come March this one is much better in the W column and allows us to keep our positive ranking momentum going today. Probably the difference between falling out of the rankings entirely and getting into the mid-high teens. That matters a lot more to a program like ours trying to get back to consistent relevancy than it does to a Mich. St., etc. where all that matters is March results.

The coaching has been masterful of late. Switching SDP to Waldow and allowing CO to help wasn't a minor adjustment. That was a big risk - with downside, as if Waldow gets a few easy buckets and 15 turns into 20 we have a higher mountain to climb - and it could not have been more effective, changing the game completely in the 2nd half. Brilliance from Lavin and staff.

Speaking of D, the way we help - textbook/airtight - I think SDP defending the main big should become a primary strategy. CO is a solid post defender, but nowhere near what he is as a help defender. A big part of his affect is the uncertainty of where he's coming from. When he's on the ball, some of that is removed. SDP is ferocious working to win fronts, as is D'Angelo. With them doing that, and CO being able to roam, St. Mary's was hesitant to even try to enter the ball to Waldow over the top in the 2nd half. I'd much prefer this than CO playing traditional D, allowing the big the catch and then playing 1 on 1.

Of our main 6, we have pretty nice balance right now defensively. Jordan, D'Angelo, and Pointer (especially on a big) are terrific on-ball defenders. We know what Obekpa can do help-wise because it shows up in the stat column, but more subtle is what Branch and Greene are doing. One of them is usually on the weakest offensive player on the court, and they take full advantage by playing exaggerated help and still recovering. There were times Friday night when Branch's man was on the weak side and he had both feet on the strong side of basket line. When you have guys playing that unselfishly it really opens up your options defensively, and right now we are doing this at near 100% capacity. Beautiful to watch.

Solid post. Before the game I had a chance to watch Whitesell working with the team in wam up period. He was very acitive and precise when leading drills. At one point he called team together to urge them to use the time more productively. I think clearly he has helped the team become more organized and attentive to details. During timeouts, he is quite active as well, talking to players individually & passing on observations to SL. I think he has a lot to do with team's better spacing, passing & help defense. In year two, I believe he has become more comfortable with his role.

Really agree here, Paultz. Attention to detail is a great way to put it. We are doing those little things that make great teams great. And they are being done second nature in games, which points to perfection being asked of the players in practice. I love it, and agree Whitesell may have a lot to do with it.