STONY BROOK, Tue., Nov. 7, 7p, FS-1

Before the game ran into five or six former season ticket holders who are back. The atmosphere was like a joyous high school reunion where all the old students actually liked each other. People are VERY excited - it’s not just the hard core. And as he inferred, my seats are literally next to ejoyce, who upps the intensity of the entire section.

As for the game, it was just what was wanted as a solid game one. Not a masterpiece, and didn’t need one, but a disciplined performance - there weren’t numerous dopey attempts to make a highlight play. That wasn’t only a problem last year. The players who look like the actual core eight or nine were the major contributors, and the results allowed everyone to play.

One down.
 
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Not sure if it was mentioned but the athletic department had commemorative 1st game tickets printed for the pitino era. Also a great letter from Rick Pitino about how excited he is to be here, how much he identifies with bring a New Yorker as being one of us. I'm not even paraphrasing, just trying to communicate the essence of his emotions.

Could someone please post a copy of the ticket and letter?

Forget about the greatness, the in game coaching, the c attention to the smallest details of lifting this program - it's all there! But being around this guy - prob 10 times already, and listening to him, how polite and patient and engaging he is, I'd be thrilled that he is here even if he wasn't one of the best of all time.

After all, he IS ONE OF US, and every day he seems to realize and exoress this more and more.
 
Beasts of the East said:
Not sure if it was mentioned but the athletic department had commemorative 1st game tickets printed for the pitino era. Also a great letter from Rick Pitino about how excited he is to be here, how much he identifies with bring a New Yorker as being one of us. I'm not even paraphrasing, just trying to communicate the essence of his emotions.

Could someone please post a copy of the ticket and letter?

Forget about the greatness, the in game coaching, the c attention to the smallest details of lifting this program - it's all there! But being around this guy - prob 10 times already, and listening to him, how polite and patient and engaging he is, I'd be thrilled that he is here even if he wasn't one of the best of all time.

After all, he IS ONE OF US, and every day he seems to realize and exoress this more and more.
Click to expand...
 
I hate comparing but defense was such a mess last season. How nice was it seeing guys defending the dribble and 3 point line?

Hallmark was always defend for 25 seconds and give up an open 3. I’m confident Pitino won’t allow that.

Dingle was special. Missing a few weeks of Pitino practices must set u back big time. Dingle was so smooth.

Interesting comments about Wilcher and the pick and roll from Pitino post game. He’s going to be a special player.

Finally a shout out to Drissa who stuck around, got better, battled and will contribute this season.
 
This morning I woke up thinking of one particular play I loved from Ledlum in the 2nd half where he drained a three and then instead of flexing, putting 3 fingers to his head or playing to the crowd he rushed back on D and deflected the ball which led to one of Dingle’s drives and finishes. He did this even though they were up by 15 or 16 at the the time. If Pitino can keep them that focused we’ll be in good shape.
 
Amazing how college kids can make shots when they take good shots, square up and have balance. In the last few years we took bad shots, off balance and contested. I think watching last night for me highlighted this. Credit to coaching for that. You see the difference in playing offensively with purpose.
 
Definitely a more exciting and attention to detail brand of basketball we have seen in the past. Looking forward to the teams first big test with a power 5 conference opponent,Michigan, who are also off to a great start. Win or lose, for the first time in many years, there’s a sense of hope and reward for a fan base that has suffered for far too many years.😎👍
 
I get the concern with Daniss and the high dribble but of his 6 turnovers last night, 5 were in the first half and early; suspect there might have been a little bit of early jitters involved. Over an entire season, he averaged 4.9 assists to 2.2 turnovers, a pretty damn good ratio.
Still, will be interesting to watch Posh go after him with those quick hands when we play Butler, looking forward to that one down the road.
 
My wife and I had a great time at the game last night. Awesome crowd, and a real cool experience. Everyone in my section was into the game and had some knowledge of the program. Very refreshing to see the hope and pride in everyones eyes.

Ledlum had a hell of a game. That kid hustles! He was chasing down loose balls, getting boards, taking dudes to the hole, etc. Gritty player, and I am happy we got him.

Soriano was a floor general, helping direct players, etc. He was the clear leader of the team, and a true physical specimen. Watching him pop those threes from the top of the arch was awesome. Rick clearly wasn't lying when he said Soriano will take threes.

Jenkins had a great day in the stat column. Needs to minimize the sloppy passes and work on tightening up his handle. But overall, he had a really good game.

Was fun seeing Wilcher and Dunlap get some run. You could tell they need more time in the weight room, and in the system before they can be relied on...

Dingle is going to be a problem for opposing Ds. Can't wait to see him over the course of the season.

I think we went 100% from the line last night, could be wrong but I remember seeing us at 100% midway through the second half.

Well, I can ramble all day.... The Pitino era has officially begun. It was great to see us get the win...

Big thank you and shout out to @SJU85 for the tix. Mucho appreciated, hermano.
 
Soriano- slimmer and more athletic
Should have huge year

Ledlum-unlike previous undersized St John’s power forwards Ledlum is actually a good athlete. I do think he will have problems when facing BE teams with bigger front lines.

Conway- Ironically on previous teams he would have fit perfectly. Posh/ JC / Wherler team for example.This team just has too much talent and people that need minutes for him to play.

Dingle-outside of being banged up not sure what the issue is.
Clearly our most talented perimeter player.
He is going to have to be at least 1B for us to do the things we all think / hope we can do.

Jenkins- much more talented than I thought. It is nice to have a point guard that can make a shot. Does need to clean up handle and a little careless. Reminds me of Kevin Williams. Maybe he tries to fight the big goof on Creighton.
Do think Posh may terrorize him the first game.

Alleyne- solid guy. Some games will be one of our best players, others he will just play D and knock down a three or two.

Taylor- really liked what I saw. Needs to play more. Again the Conway starting affects him.

Zuby-is strong, threw nice pass and hit two free throws. Believe none of that outplayed Soriano gobbydegook.

Wilcher/ Dunlap- by end of year one or both will get quality minutes. Liked that neither forced it too much in limited mins.

Davis-reminds me of Derek Brown. Like to see him get Conway mins until Luis gets back.
 
Beautiful sight looking up at the crowd and NOT seeing empty rows up top... It certainly looked like a sellout- didn't quite sound like it. There weren't too many alley-oops/dunks/back2back 3s that typically ignite the crowd.... For was was essentially a 20+ pt game at the 3 min mark... didnt really feel like a blow out... maybe that's a good thing.

Realization of how razor thin we are down low was evident last night... Zuby is very, very... raw. Ledlum is good - but we are going to be in trouble in BE play if something happens to Joel...

Great seeing Dingle last night- can see how he's a natural scorer and will be getting heavy minutes as the season progresses.

Key takeaways:
1.Musical chairs... I thought those last two kids were going to the hospital as they were charging each other...Props to the kid who stole the chair... didn't hear any rules you couldnt move the chair... he has a career in Finance.
2. Parking lot post-game.... Pitino effect... 30 mins to get out
 
Takeaways:
-Need Dingle and Jenkins to start. Will need two ball handlers, especially against more pressure oriented/full length pick up teams
-Dingle should be best our best player/end of game alpha. Very strong through contact. Outside shot will fall
-Enjoyed Jenkins flash and court vision. Ability to shoot will greatly improve spacing. Taking care of the ball will be the biggest issue. Will benefit from sharing backcourt with Dingle.
-Ledlum is the glue guy. A junkyard dog with a shooting touch
-Soriano: kudos to him to improving every single year. Like the three as a spacing weapon, but hopefully doesn't fall in love
-Davis: sneaky, sparkplug energy. Played with aggression and confidence.
-Alleyne: Reminds me of Mathis.
-Zuby: Going to be frustrating minutes. Close your eyes and hope he takes a leap next year
-Taylor: TBD. Needs to find the right role
-Wilcher: quick first step. Will be a tenacious defender. Learned what he can and can't get away with last night. Welcome to D1. Will be just fine.
-Dunlap: Saw it's not as easy to get separation. Will need screens set
-Conway: Can serve a purpose in the rotation. Helps spacing. Worry about feet/speed on D.
-Luis: sounds like the missing piece. Look forward to seeing what the team looks like with him

Coaching: Like nothing I've seen in a long long time. Offensive sets! Mov't with a purpose. Still working out the kinks, but I felt like I was watching real basketball for the first time in decades.
 
Larry Wright said:
Soriano- slimmer and more athletic
Should have huge year

Ledlum-unlike previous undersized St John’s power forwards Ledlum is actually a good athlete. I do think he will have problems when facing BE teams with bigger front lines.

Conway- Ironically on previous teams he would have fit perfectly. Posh/ JC / Wherler team for example.This team just has too much talent and people that need minutes for him to play.

Dingle-outside of being banged up not sure what the issue is.
Clearly our most talented perimeter player.
He is going to have to be at least 1B for us to do the things we all think / hope we can do.

Jenkins- much more talented than I thought. It is nice to have a point guard that can make a shot. Does need to clean up handle and a little careless. Reminds me of Kevin Williams. Maybe he tries to fight the big goof on Creighton.
Do think Posh may terrorize him the first game.

Alleyne- solid guy. Some games will be one of our best players, others he will just play D and knock down a three or two.

Taylor- really liked what I saw. Needs to play more. Again the Conway starting affects him.

Zuby-is strong, threw nice pass and hit two free throws. Believe none of that outplayed Soriano gobbydegook.

Wilcher/ Dunlap- by end of year one or both will get quality minutes. Liked that neither forced it too much in limited mins.

Davis-reminds me of Derek Brown. Like to see him get Conway mins until Luis gets back.
Click to expand...
Conway will be more useful than you make him out to be. He can hit outside shots. As the team becomes more familiar with the offense, the spacing will continue to improve.

It will give players like Conway some very good looks from the outside.
 
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