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

JJ
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!!!!

Spot on post Monte. It was my pleasure to meet you & chat about our Johnnies. I look forward to many half time exchanges.

That would be a treat for me as well, sitting next to TR Mr.P and Monte - paying homage!

I wonder how posters unknown to each other connect? Do I wear a shirt emblazoned w/ SS&G :)

Great win
Nice posts!!!

Civil War uniform should do it. :)

I'll bring my cadet sabre...
Oh no wait!!!
Metal detectors!
No smoking, no Sabres
How times have changed
:)
 
Doesn't seem like we are getting any offensive rebounds or fast breaks. Seems like we have a lot guys capable of attacking the rim for put backs but not a lot happening. Just an observation and nor sure I'm right.
 
Doesn't seem like we are getting any offensive rebounds or fast breaks. Seems like we have a lot guys capable of attacking the rim for put backs but not a lot happening. Just an observation and nor sure I'm right.

We had a decent amount of break opportunities last night. Didn't do a great job on converting a lot of em, but I think decision making will get better in time. Saw some good glimpses though. Fact of the matter is, this team doesn't have same athleticism we've been used to the last few years so they won't be based around break opportunities.

As for offensive rebounding, that doesn't really concern me. We need to do a much better job on the defensive glass and matching up quicker when teams come down the floor. UMBC got some good looks even off of our made baskets when they pushed the ball hard down the floor and we didn't match up in time.
 
I don't think athleticism is needed for fast break baskets. It can help, but many perceived slow teams make a living on it. I also think the art of the box out is lost. If our players boxed out properly, the number of offensive rebounds that UMBC had would go down.
 
I don't think athleticism is needed for fast break baskets. It can help, but many perceived slow teams make a living on it. I also think the art of the box out is lost. If our players boxed out properly, the number of offensive rebounds that UMBC had would go down.
UMBC actually did a good job of boxing out.
 
This team doesn't have the athleticism to take the ball to the basket on fast break opportunities like the recent SJU teams but I expect to see plenty of penetration and kick out plays for 3 point shots whenever the fast break opportunity arises. The Italian guard fits this style of play perfectly whether he is distributing the ball or taking the shot.
The personnel of this team appear to be better 3 point shooters than the recent teams and this type of offense would probably be right up Mullin's alley.
 
B
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!

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

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.
lol...must have been very tired
 
We got lucky that UMBC didn't press full court. The first time they tried a half court trap, Mvouika got called for traveling. It looks like Mvouika is the 2nd option behind Mussini to bring up the ball. Ball handling is therefore still a great concern, as is playmaking. The ball movement is good, but Lovett would be the one player who could penetrate and dish or finish consistently. Maybe among the thousands of SJU students, there is some former high school point guard that can handle the ball. The old Lavin open tryout trick. Although it's a small sample, I have yet to see who can help Mussini break the press, or who can give Mussini a break now and then.
 
Who is our quickest, most athletic players?

Lovett without question is the quickest guy on the roster. Of the active guys I think Ellison is the best athlete. Once he irons a few things out he is gonna be really good college player.
 
We got lucky that UMBC didn't press full court. The first time they tried a half court trap, Mvouika got called for traveling. It looks like Mvouika is the 2nd option behind Mussini to bring up the ball. Ball handling is therefore still a great concern, as is playmaking. The ball movement is good, but Lovett would be the one player who could penetrate and dish or finish consistently. Maybe among the thousands of SJU students, there is some former high school point guard that can handle the ball. The old Lavin open tryout trick. Although it's a small sample, I have yet to see who can help Mussini break the press, or who can give Mussini a break now and then.

I have to imagine someone capable of breaking a D1 press is already playing somewhere. We're better off inviting a PG from the women's team to travel with the men than we are holding an open tryout.
 
We got lucky that UMBC didn't press full court. The first time they tried a half court trap, Mvouika got called for traveling. It looks like Mvouika is the 2nd option behind Mussini to bring up the ball. Ball handling is therefore still a great concern, as is playmaking. The ball movement is good, but Lovett would be the one player who could penetrate and dish or finish consistently. Maybe among the thousands of SJU students, there is some former high school point guard that can handle the ball. The old Lavin open tryout trick. Although it's a small sample, I have yet to see who can help Mussini break the press, or who can give Mussini a break now and then.

I have to imagine someone capable of breaking a D1 press is already playing somewhere. We're better off inviting a PG from the women's team to travel with the men than we are holding an open tryout.

Don't the women play with smaller balls? :p
 
We got lucky that UMBC didn't press full court. The first time they tried a half court trap, Mvouika got called for traveling. It looks like Mvouika is the 2nd option behind Mussini to bring up the ball. Ball handling is therefore still a great concern, as is playmaking. The ball movement is good, but Lovett would be the one player who could penetrate and dish or finish consistently. Maybe among the thousands of SJU students, there is some former high school point guard that can handle the ball. The old Lavin open tryout trick. Although it's a small sample, I have yet to see who can help Mussini break the press, or who can give Mussini a break now and then.

I have to imagine someone capable of breaking a D1 press is already playing somewhere. We're better off inviting a PG from the women's team to travel with the men than we are holding an open tryout.

Don't the women play with smaller balls? :p

Maybe yours do. :)
 
We got lucky that UMBC didn't press full court. The first time they tried a half court trap, Mvouika got called for traveling. It looks like Mvouika is the 2nd option behind Mussini to bring up the ball. Ball handling is therefore still a great concern, as is playmaking. The ball movement is good, but Lovett would be the one player who could penetrate and dish or finish consistently. Maybe among the thousands of SJU students, there is some former high school point guard that can handle the ball. The old Lavin open tryout trick. Although it's a small sample, I have yet to see who can help Mussini break the press, or who can give Mussini a break now and then.

I have to imagine someone capable of breaking a D1 press is already playing somewhere. We're better off inviting a PG from the women's team to travel with the men than we are holding an open tryout.

Don't the women play with smaller balls? :p

Not in my case, but if they do in yours you should keep that hush hush. :lol:
 
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