UMBC, Mon. Nov. 16, 7pm, FS1 & WNYM 970 AM

First chance to see the team live this year. Sima was an absolute steal by the staff! I know the competition is weak but when was the last time we had a center that could make an impact on both ends like this kid has the potential to do?
Mussini is one of those under recruited kids that usually ends up at a mid major that leads his team on a run in March. Very crafty and resourceful player. I love the way he plays. Both of these guys will be fan favorites and big pieces of our rebuild no matter who we add to the mix over the next couple years.

Nice ball movement / unselfish play. We need to do a better job defending the 3 as a good shooting team would have had a field day with all the open looks. Johnson finally came to life for us. Ron made a lot of good plays but also too many bad ones. Hopefully he cleans it up a little and the balance is more towards the good. If so he'll be an asset and help us win some games.
 
@NYPost_Brazille: Johnson and Mvouika lead way in #sjubb rout of UMBC:
 
The team plays together, especially on offense, with everyone sharing the ball. You can see coach Mullin's imprint on this team already. Play under control, and look to set up your teammates and not just yourself. If we can 2 of the 3 major targets for 2016, this will get interesting real fast. Where every Lavin squad looked and played like underachievers, this team looks like they will be overachievers.
 
Just got home from the game. Hard to believe I actually enjoy watching St. John's basketball again.......after so many years. I would rather watch a less talented team who plays good ball, then a more talented team who plays poor ball. Was at the STAC game and was not nearly as concerned about that blow out loss as many. Love the heart and camaraderie on this team. Sima is a better basketball player already than Obekpa ever was//is. Going to enjoy watching him develop in to one of the best big men we've ever had here. Mvouka a steadying influence on the rest of the team and a good solid ballplayer. Mussini a right handed Ernie D, for those old enough to remember. Great court awareness and can put the ball in the hold. Jones playing with the fire in his belly that had been lacking in the past, I like the versatility of Williams and Johnson. Both can score from inside or outside, Still concerned about the team D. To many missed assignments and open looks. Also need to box out better. Have no doubt Chris and the staff will have the team working on those aspects of the game in practice tomorrow. The staff has not only done an incredible job putting this team together in such a short period of time, but also getting the to play like a cohesive unit. Highlight of my night was sitting next to TRabinowitz, and getting to meet and chat with the legendary Paultzman. Looking to go 3-0 on Thursday!!!!
 
Was at the game tonite as well as the STAC game, and I cannot believe the transformation in CM! He seemed so much more engaged in the game as opposed to the opener. I don't think he sat down once the entire game, yelling out instructions the entire time! I got to he honest, after the first game I was deeply concerned about his performance. I can can tell you now, that is NO LONGER AN ISSUE!
Let's have some fun this year and enjoy the ups and downs this exciting team will provide us with!
 
Yeah, this will be a long season but thus far it has been enjoyable watching these kids and new coach develop. This team with limited talent plays an enjoyable style of ball.

Mullin has 2 keepers on which to build his program: Mussini and Sima.

IMO Mullin is doing a very good job coaching this expansion type team.

Beat Rutgers !
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I wouldn't give up on Ellison yet. He wasn't hitting his shots but he had a good amount of rebounds even though it was an off game
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Agreed. Over time, I think Ellison will develop in to a very good 2G at this level,. Honestly, does he look any worse than Sir Dom did in his freshman year here? And he turned out to be a pretty damn good ballplayer.,
 
The team is shooting 41% from the three-point line for the first two games (16 for 39). That's very promising. You can stay in (and win) a lot of games shooting 41% from three.

I know that % will drop quite a bit as the competition gets tougher, but as a way of comparison, 41% from three would have been #4 in country last year out of 347 teams in Division I.

If we can be in the top quartile in three point %, that'd be a huge turn-around for this program, as we have regularly been in the bottom half (and often right at the very bottom) of Division I teams for three-point shooting probably for a long time now.

We were #128 in 2014-2015
We were #180 in 2013-2014
We were #341 in 2012-2013
We were #333 in 2011-2012
We were #234 in 2010-2011
We were #230 in 2009-2010
We were #320 in 2008-2009
We were #243 in 2007-2008
We were #193 in 2006-2007
We were #333 in 2005-2006

That's a lot of bad outside shooting.
 
The team is shooting 41% from the three-point line for the first two games (16 for 39). That's very promising. You can stay in (and win) a lot of games shooting 41% from three.

I know that % will drop quite a bit as the competition gets tougher, but as a way of comparison, 41% from three would have been #4 in country last year out of 347 teams in Division I.

If we can be in the top quartile in three point %, that'd be a huge turn-around for this program, as we have regularly been in the bottom half (and often right at the very bottom) of Division I teams for three-point shooting probably for a long time now.

We were #128 in 2014-2015
We were #180 in 2013-2014
We were #341 in 2012-2013
We were #333 in 2011-2012
We were #234 in 2010-2011
We were #230 in 2009-2010
We were #320 in 2008-2009
We were #243 in 2007-2008
We were #193 in 2006-2007
We were #333 in 2005-2006

That's a lot of bad outside shooting.
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The lack of good outside shooters has plagued SJU basketball for years. It is quite obvious that Coach Mullin will not tolerate that ever again. We actually have 4 or 5 guys that can make 3s. With Ponds on the way, we can be a top tier 3 point shooting team next season. That's why, to many of us, the prior teams looked like they were playing a sport other than basketball, even when they won. Unlike every coach we have had since the 3 point rule went into effect, Mullin actually understands that 3 points is worth 50% more than 2.
 
Was at the game tonite as well as the STAC game, and I cannot believe the transformation in CM! He seemed so much more engaged in the game as opposed to the opener. I don't think he sat down once the entire game, yelling out instructions the entire time! I got to he honest, after the first game I was deeply concerned about his performance. I can can tell you now, that is NO LONGER AN ISSUE!
Let's have some fun this year and enjoy the ups and downs this exciting team will provide us with!
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Especially got a kick out him coming back to the bench and playfully rubbing Mitch Redmond's head...the kids all support each other and appear to really like Mullin...this is the key for 2015...demonstrate player development and create an atmoshphere that kids want to be part of
 
Some game notes:

1) Mussini is a player and will be a fan favorite before long. His handle which looked shaky in game 1, looked a lot better. After some shaky communication between coach and players last game, Mussini is now totally zoned into Mullin, who appears to have taken on the pet project of turning him into a point and coach on the floor. The kid can shoot, and he worked out of some collapsing presses by calmly whipping a pass to an open Johnny upcourt. And yes, the boy can shoot, and doesn't need much room or time to get it off.

2) Durand Johnson had no problem slicing up these mid major defenses. I think he will be a factor when the going gets tough.

3) Ron M. can play. Period.

4) Agree with previous comments. Sima is long, and blocks shots simply by being there, not by skying out of the gym. Better offensive player after two games than CO after 3 years, plus he can shoot FTs.

5) The kids are working on spacing and it shows. Mullin already seems to have them playing with more purpose than Lavin had with his seniors.

6) Christian Jones has some value. At this point Amar has shown little, but I think we will hear from him before all is said and done.

7) It's nice to have a roster with an actual front line, and not guards masquerading as forwards.

8) It will still be a long season, but fans so far have the right attitude. Students are out in force for a team that won't win much. GREAT sign, and I hope the school rewards these kids when the team takes off.

9) GREAT BIG shout out to the guy in my section who coached the special ed kids at halftime. Fans were amazing, and they exploded each time a kid made a shot. One kid almost blew a gasket exhorting herself and the crowd after nailing a shot. I'm embarrassed not to know his name since he sits next to me at CA, but he is part of a small mob from the Rockaways. His 13 year old kid (who is a great kid) helped out on the court. For me, highlight of the night - SJU has some great fans and some great people as fans.

10) I was really annoyed a bunch of years ago when Norm's staff took primo seats right behind the bench for their families and extended families. Now Mullin is the most heralded guy in the gym, and we don't have any of that when his family shows up, they sit where they've always sat - nice seats but nothing great. A quiet testimony to who they are as people - no special treatment, no pretenses.
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Agree with almost all of this but Jones still frustrates me. He never boxes out and has a very low basketball IQ. I would rather see Williams and Amar getting some more minutes.
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"Matador Defense" by Jones is in contrast to his offensive improvement.
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I wont call him a good defender but a terrible one he is not. Williams on the other hand..
 
There was one sequence in the first half where Ellison made a nice pass to Mussini, who drove and made the extra pass that led to a sima layup. Looking forward to these 3 playing ball for us the next few years
 
The team is shooting 41% from the three-point line for the first two games (16 for 39). That's very promising. You can stay in (and win) a lot of games shooting 41% from three.

I know that % will drop quite a bit as the competition gets tougher, but as a way of comparison, 41% from three would have been #4 in country last year out of 347 teams in Division I.

If we can be in the top quartile in three point %, that'd be a huge turn-around for this program, as we have regularly been in the bottom half (and often right at the very bottom) of Division I teams for three-point shooting probably for a long time now.

We were #128 in 2014-2015
We were #180 in 2013-2014
We were #341 in 2012-2013
We were #333 in 2011-2012
We were #234 in 2010-2011
We were #230 in 2009-2010
We were #320 in 2008-2009
We were #243 in 2007-2008
We were #193 in 2006-2007
We were #333 in 2005-2006

That's a lot of bad outside shooting.
Click to expand...

Good ball movement(IE the extra pass, etc) results in a higher 3 pt shooting %. Many of the outside shots made tonight were a result of good ball movement. Clearly not a hallmark of the Lavin coached teams.
 
Just looked at the box score, they had 17 offensive rebounds tonight. That has to get better against good competition, absolutely cannot happen. I know they were chucking up 3's most of the game but still need to do a better job.
 
Great getting to sit with monte tonight and catching up with paultz and other.

Just 12 days ago, we lost to a D2 team by 34 points. Really impressed by the improvements all around. Yes, we left the arc open too much defensively, but I really enjoyed the TEAM defense and rotations that we saw tonight.

Sima has the chance to be an absolute stud. Not only will he be a much better offensive big than Obekpa was, but he'll be a better one-on-one defender against bigs. While Obekpa had other-worldly shot blocking ability, he wasn't a great one-on-one defender against big. Sima is really solid and knows how to go straight up and stay between himself between the offensive player and the rim.

Mvouika is up and down but it really looks like he's a solid leader out there.

Ellison wasn't good tonight but I still really think he'll be good. Needs to foul less and tighten up his handle.

I'm also once again impressed by how good those guys are at sharing the ball. Durand Johnson appears to definitely be streaky but his hot streak came at crucial moments tonight for us. Also important to keep in mind that DJ, Mvouika and Darien Williams all didn't play for extended periods because of injuries and such. I only expect them to get better as they round into game shape and get their feel back.

One of the biggest things I've been impressed with has been our ability to close out games. In our first 2 games, we've outscored our competition 32-15 in the last 5 minutes of the game.
 
Just got home from the game. Hard to believe I actually enjoy watching St. John's basketball again.......after so many years. I would rather watch a less talented team who plays good ball, then a more talented team who plays poor ball. Was at the STAC game and was not nearly as concerned about that blow out loss as many. Love the heart and camaraderie on this team. Sima is a better basketball player already than Obekpa ever was//is. Going to enjoy watching him develop in to one of the best big men we've ever had here. Mvouka a steadying influence on the rest of the team and a good solid ballplayer. Mussini a right handed Ernie D, for those old enough to remember. Great court awareness and can put the ball in the hold. Jones playing with the fire in his belly that had been lacking in the past, I like the versatility of Williams and Johnson. Both can score from inside or outside, Still concerned about the team D. To many missed assignments and open looks. Also need to box out better. Have no doubt Chris and the staff will have the team working on those aspects of the game in practice tomorrow. The staff has not only done an incredible job putting this team together in such a short period of time, but also getting the to play like a cohesive unit. Highlight of my night was sitting next to TRabinowitz, and getting to meet and chat with the legendary Paultzman. Looking to go 3-0 on Thursday!!!!
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Old enough to remember Ernie D and sorry Monte but also young enough to remember that he like Mussini was right handed. :) Another pleasure is now being able to watch a St John's game without witnessing a mindless substitution pattern.
 
Just got home from the game. Hard to believe I actually enjoy watching St. John's basketball again.......after so many years. I would rather watch a less talented team who plays good ball, then a more talented team who plays poor ball. Was at the STAC game and was not nearly as concerned about that blow out loss as many. Love the heart and camaraderie on this team. Sima is a better basketball player already than Obekpa ever was//is. Going to enjoy watching him develop in to one of the best big men we've ever had here. Mvouka a steadying influence on the rest of the team and a good solid ballplayer. Mussini a right handed Ernie D, for those old enough to remember. Great court awareness and can put the ball in the hold. Jones playing with the fire in his belly that had been lacking in the past, I like the versatility of Williams and Johnson. Both can score from inside or outside, Still concerned about the team D. To many missed assignments and open looks. Also need to box out better. Have no doubt Chris and the staff will have the team working on those aspects of the game in practice tomorrow. The staff has not only done an incredible job putting this team together in such a short period of time, but also getting the to play like a cohesive unit. Highlight of my night was sitting next to TRabinowitz, and getting to meet and chat with the legendary Paultzman. Looking to go 3-0 on Thursday!!!!
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Old enough to remember Ernie D and sorry Monte but also young enough to remember that he like Mussini was right handed. :) Another pleasure is now being able to watch a St John's game without witnessing a mindless substitution pattern.
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An inexcusable faux pas! Thank you for the correction.
 
Was at the game tonite as well as the STAC game, and I cannot believe the transformation in CM! He seemed so much more engaged in the game as opposed to the opener. I don't think he sat down once the entire game, yelling out instructions the entire time! I got to he honest, after the first game I was deeply concerned about his performance. I can can tell you now, that is NO LONGER AN ISSUE!
Let's have some fun this year and enjoy the ups and downs this exciting team will provide us with!
Click to expand...

Especially got a kick out him coming back to the bench and playfully rubbing Mitch Redmond's head...the kids all support each other and appear to really like Mullin...this is the key for 2015...demonstrate player development and create an atmoshphere that kids want to be part of
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Redmond or Richmond? lol

I was there tonight. They have improved alot from the stac games, and are looking fun to watch.
Lets kick Rutgers asses now.
 
The team is shooting 41% from the three-point line for the first two games (16 for 39). That's very promising. You can stay in (and win) a lot of games shooting 41% from three.

I know that % will drop quite a bit as the competition gets tougher, but as a way of comparison, 41% from three would have been #4 in country last year out of 347 teams in Division I.

If we can be in the top quartile in three point %, that'd be a huge turn-around for this program, as we have regularly been in the bottom half (and often right at the very bottom) of Division I teams for three-point shooting probably for a long time now.

We were #128 in 2014-2015
We were #180 in 2013-2014
We were #341 in 2012-2013
We were #333 in 2011-2012
We were #234 in 2010-2011
We were #230 in 2009-2010
We were #320 in 2008-2009
We were #243 in 2007-2008
We were #193 in 2006-2007
We were #333 in 2005-2006

That's a lot of bad outside shooting.
Click to expand...

Good ball movement(IE the extra pass, etc) results in a higher 3 pt shooting %. Many of the outside shots made tonight were a result of good ball movement. Clearly not a hallmark of the Lavin coached teams.
Click to expand...

Just think if Lovett was on the floor how much better Mussini would be? the team would be elevated. Next season special with Ponds and Yawke Nice to see the sharing of the ball Like coach has said our Defense has to catch up to our offense Will enjoy this team
 
Johnson is the best distributor on the team.

It's great to see a team that is encouraged to take open threes. I'm not used to seeing that from a St. John's coaching staff
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Understand we now have more than one player who is capable on knocking them down
 
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