stuck in conn
Member
Branch is going to make a big difference just watch how Stith drives and dishes when he is in. Harrison and Greene can't do it as well as Stith and Iam sure Branch is 1000 times better than he is.
USF Game.
- Thread starter usguard
- Start date
Nothing could be further from the truth, you have no idea what you are talking about.
Ray Morgan
Well-known member
Didn't see the game, but judging by the suicidal attitude of some, it must have been especially ugly. It seems like some posters just figured out that this team can't shoot. They can't, but as I mentioned in a previous thread, SJU teams never could shoot. The problem is that the lack of depth forces the team to play right into their own weakness, which is a slow down half court game.
This team was supposed to be built for speed and length. If Pelle and Sampson were here as planned, this team could press and trap a lot, and run, run run. That would help overcome the lack of shooting. Yes, it would be ugly to watch, but not long ago a SJU team without a shooter won a NIT* (forfeited blah blah blah). They went on a nice end season run by bringing everyone down to their level. Teams with more talent in the skills department were, within 5 minutes, hurrying shots and throwing the ball away. They looked as ugly as a Grady Reynolds jump shot.
So instead of being suicidal, understand what's going on here. Lavin is a great recruiter. He has a great staff. He can figure out we are lacking at the skills positions, namely PG and SG. He has addressed one, and will address the others. If three of the four between Obepka, Gathers, Sampson and Wood come, everything will be fine. Or Coach will get others. Look what we have. Harkless will one day be in the NBA. Be thankful he is not a little more advanced than he is, because he would be gone after the season. Who wouldn't want athletes like Pointer and Garrett? Sure they can't shoot at this point past a few feet, but won't have to once the other pieces come. They will be dunking over guys on fast breaks. Harrison is gutsy, and as R. Lee Irmey said to private Joker, "Guts are good enough" Gift can beat most guys his size up and down the court, which will come in handy with a full roster of athletes. Greene I am a little down on, but he's young, so there is still hope. So put away the cyanide and get with the program. Everything will be fine by next season. Or just go and blame NR for everything. That was always the safe fall back position.
This team was supposed to be built for speed and length. If Pelle and Sampson were here as planned, this team could press and trap a lot, and run, run run. That would help overcome the lack of shooting. Yes, it would be ugly to watch, but not long ago a SJU team without a shooter won a NIT* (forfeited blah blah blah). They went on a nice end season run by bringing everyone down to their level. Teams with more talent in the skills department were, within 5 minutes, hurrying shots and throwing the ball away. They looked as ugly as a Grady Reynolds jump shot.
So instead of being suicidal, understand what's going on here. Lavin is a great recruiter. He has a great staff. He can figure out we are lacking at the skills positions, namely PG and SG. He has addressed one, and will address the others. If three of the four between Obepka, Gathers, Sampson and Wood come, everything will be fine. Or Coach will get others. Look what we have. Harkless will one day be in the NBA. Be thankful he is not a little more advanced than he is, because he would be gone after the season. Who wouldn't want athletes like Pointer and Garrett? Sure they can't shoot at this point past a few feet, but won't have to once the other pieces come. They will be dunking over guys on fast breaks. Harrison is gutsy, and as R. Lee Irmey said to private Joker, "Guts are good enough" Gift can beat most guys his size up and down the court, which will come in handy with a full roster of athletes. Greene I am a little down on, but he's young, so there is still hope. So put away the cyanide and get with the program. Everything will be fine by next season. Or just go and blame NR for everything. That was always the safe fall back position.
My main concern is for the mental state of these kids. This is probably the first time they have ever had to go through something like this. Like someone just stated they were in High School a few months ago; and all on wining successful teams. They looked dejected tonight, especially Moe. It has to be tough on them. I hope they can see the forest from the trees. I am sure the coaches are working every day on that.
They did looked dejected tonight. I will say there was certain feel about tonight's game. I'm sure the coaching staff is preaching and preaching about patience. I'm sure they are also telling them about sufficient and adequate help will be on the way next season.
Hopefully, they do see the forest for the trees.
cavalier86
Member
I noticed that too. only USF final posession the team was walking away while they were running out the clock. If he hasn't I think Lavin needs to get these kids focused on getting better.
I dont think we need to have a top 1-2 recruiting class to be an NCAA team. We have good players now who are goping to get better in time. The mistakes that they are making will be eliminated with experience. We need to bring in a solid recruiting class. Having Branch ready come Dec, will be huge. College Basketball is such a point guard driven league. With out a type flight PG, you will struggle. We need rebounders, we give up way to many second chance opportunites, in tonites game USF had a coupletrips where they had 3-4 opportunities. Rebounding leads your offense, it allows for breakout, and easy scores. And shooters, we need another 1-2 guys who can open up the middle by hitting 3's. Teams are packing it in on us, giving us the 3 and denying the lane. And if you are shooting 20% from beyond the arc, not going to win many games.
Hopefully they will keep their heads up, and realize that they are only going to get better.
jrhoops1949
Active member
I did not say a loss. I said the type of play we saw tonight. We fielded a team when we beat Providence. What we saw tonight was horrid hoops. Your calling for a whole new team of players. I get it. We lack size, depth, and experience. When we get that new team you talking of , we will be better. Right now, we going backwards, and that must stop.
Absolutfan
Member
There are no automatics here. For one, Sampson is not that good at this point and Gathers is still goiny to be a freshman so relax on your ridiculous predictions..... We will be middle of the conference at best with the players you mentioned.
Agree. Our play of late has been lackluster. We've had streaks of good play in there, but it has not been sustained. Our defnse has regressed and we are leaving our feet. We were playing much better defense a few games ago. Mno doubt we are playing poorly right now. I don't think it will turn recruits away though. Recruits want to come in and know they will get PT and help the team. As I said before, guys like Gathers, Obekpa etc should be salivating over the opportunity to take over the frontcourt here at the 4/5 spots.
cavalier86
Member
My question is are we really going backwards, or have these guys just hit the wall. How many minutes have they played, guys are averaging 35+ minutes a game. With a hopefully strong recruiting class coming in, it will allow guys to play a more manageable amount of time.
I don't agree. We will also have a solid incoming PG and return arguably the two best freshmen in the league in Harrison and Harkless. Right now we're an incomplete team. Next year we could potentially add several key freshmen at positions where we have almost no contributors this year. If we land some of the guys we are involved wi like Gathers, Obekpa, Sampson, I have no doubt we'll be in the race for top 5 team next year. Double the depth, a year more experience and patch r gaping holes at center, PG an PF with top 100 kids will go a long way.
SJUhoopNUT
Well-known member
Just adding some bigs will improve us. Hopefully Branch can handle the point and also be able to knock down some shots from the outside.
Mo and D'Angelo are good shooters. After that there is a big dropoff. Greene and Dom need to get in the gym and work at it this summer.
If I'm Lavin and staff, I'm looking everywhere for a shooter. We need another 3 point threat to spread the floor.
cavalier86
Member
If anyone doesn't believe that one or two players can make a difference, just take a look at the Clippers and 49ers. Here were bad teams last year and the addition of 1-2 key players and they are title contenders.
If we add players to this years team we will be in the upper half of the league, these guys will get better. I bet if we looked at the HS stats of these kids they will be much better the 2nd year then the 1st. You can not underestimate experience. we are playing competition nite in night ourt that most of these playes have not seen before. A few games in HS against top notch teams is not the same as D1. everygame u are playing against other players that were also high school all americans. If Lavin puts together the type of class that he is trying to, you will see a whole different type team and play next year.
Considering how lackluster the performances have been of late, do you think the staff is fearful of current players abandoning ship? It's easy for us as fans to try and be optimistic about the future. And you're right, maybe if they are able to land four or five solid recruits, they'll have the horses to compete. But trying to convince an eighteen or nineteen year old kid to agree is not always easy.
What also worries me is the players perception about Lavin. There has to be some questioning and resentment over the fact that he has enough energy to hit the recruiting pavement hard, but doesn't to line up on the sideline. These players came to St. John's to play for him and I'm sure they are not in love with the fact they are giving up one year of playing for him.
cavalier86
Member
The team has not played well, the past 3-4 games, but that does not mean that players are going to leave. Yes, they did come to st johns to play for Lavin, but they know what is going on. Lavin is doing what his doctors are advising him to do. and if it is to take time off from coaching this year, then that it what he needs to do. But, he is still out there trying to help this team. And in the long run, isn't having a 100% healthy Lavin for years to come?
These Freshman came to st johns to build a winner and in the end win a championship. They know that it was going to take some time. so if they are true to their word then they will be aroudn next year and the years to come. Lavin wants to make st johns a powerhouse and he is doing all he can top acheive this. I have faith in him as does the rest of the st johns community.
Although, things are not going the way we might want it to now, the future is bright and it is fun to be a st johns fan!